You've accepted your offer to graduate studies at Laurier, here are some next steps you can take to continue on your graduate student journey. If you are an incoming international student, make sure you check out the International Student Support office for immigration assistance and travel information.
Graduate course registration is now open.
There are some things that you'll need to consider before course registration opens. Whether you're writing a thesis or doing the coursework options for your grad studies, preparation is key:
Next step: Register for your courses on LORIS, Laurier's information system for all things registration and finances.
Whether you're pursuing a master's or PhD, navigating tuition payment can be overwhelming. That's why we've gathered some tips on how you can explore scholarships, bursaries and awards, and the steps you can take to apply for the awards.
For students with a funding offer, view and accept your funding on LORIS.
Pay your upcoming term invoice (tuition fees) by the due date to avoid late fees. Invoices are issued and can be found on LORIS once tuition fees have been assessed. Fees are assessed one month before the start of each semester.
In this 2-minute video, learn how Accessible Learning provides academic accommodations for students with temporary, suspected, or permanent disabilities – and how to register.
In this 3-minute video, the Financial Support team explains budgeting tools, financial aid options, and strategies for managing tuition and expenses during university.
In this 2-minute video, discover how International Student Support helps international students adjust to life at Laurier.
The Laurier Crash Course is your introduction to all things grad school. It is a series of webinars and workshops designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to thrive in your graduate studies.
To register for and attend the sessions, make sure you set up your Laurier Zoom account. These sessions are intended for students starting Fall 2026.
*Laurier Crash Course sessions for students starting their graduate program in Fall 2026 will be made available in May 2026.*
Want a jump start on your preparations for graduate school? This 'Crash Course' delivers key information and checklists to get an early start on feeling prepared. You’ll learn what you can do now, from getting familiar with Laurier's learning platform (MyLS), understanding GenAI in academia, to ensuring your technology and accounts are ready to go. We’ll also introduce key academic supports available even before classes start. By the end, you’ll have a clear plan and know where to turn for support as a Laurier graduate student.
Tuesday, Jun. 16, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Looking for a place to live off campus? This 'Crash Course' covers essential housing terms, leases and legal documents, sublets, and where to search for student housing in Waterloo, Brantford, and Milton. You’ll also learn how to spot rental scams so you can house‑hunt with confidence.
Thursday, Jun. 18, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Wondering how to make your finances work during grad school? This 'Crash Course' breaks down key funding options like OSAP, bursaries, and flexible payment plans. Join us to get practical tips to help you plan ahead and manage your money with confidence.
Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Are you a student with a documented or suspected disability? Did you use academic accommodations in undergrad? Will you require academic accommodations at Laurier? If so, please join us for a live info session hosted by Accessible Learning.
Gain insights into how to register with Accessible Learning and what documentation you’ll need, and answers to lots of popular questions covering topics like funding, privacy, and Laurier's approach to individualized accommodation planning.
Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2026
6 to 7 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
In this webinar, we’ll cover important study permit information, what you need to know about arriving in Canada, budgeting for life in Ontario, and more! We will also save time to hear from two current international students about their transition to university and experience at Laurier!
**This session is intended for incoming International students**
Wednesday, Jul. 8, 2026
10 to 11 a.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Received a funding offer? This 'Crash Course' is designed to show you where to find your funding details, review the different types of funding available to you, and understand how and when you’ll receive your payments. We’ll also break down key components of your funding package, including Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs), Research Assistantships (RAs), and studentships, so you know what to expect in terms of timelines and compensation.
**This session is intended for incoming graduate students who have received a funding offer**
Wednesday, Jul. 15, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Returning to studies after time away? Looking to upgrade your study skills for graduate-level learning?
This 'Crash Course' helps you refresh the skills you need to succeed as a graduate student. Join us to learn practical note-taking and reading strategies, explore effective study habits, and get advice for staying organized and focused so you can step into graduate-level learning with confidence.
Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Big funding opportunities don’t have to feel overwhelming. This 'Crash Course' guides incoming PhD students through major external scholarship applications, including key timelines and application tips. Join us to feel confident and prepared to tackle these prestigious awards.
**This session is intended for incoming graduate students starting a doctoral program (PhD)**
Wednesday, Jul. 29, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Graduate writing isn’t just “more” of what you did as an undergraduate; it involves a shift in how you think, communicate, and participate in your field. Together, in this 'Crash Course', we’ll explore what distinguishes graduate‑level writing from undergraduate work, including expectations for argumentation, evidence, and scholarly voice. You’ll learn strategies for positioning your research within ongoing academic conversations and for using common writing frameworks to communicate your ideas clearly. By demystifying the purposes and expectations of graduate writing, this session will support your development as an emerging scholar.
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
This 'Crash Course ' is designed to help you start strong during your first semester at Laurier. We’ll walk through Laurier’s learning platform, MyLearningSpace (MyLS), share a practical pre-term checklist, and offer helpful time management strategies for graduate studies. You’ll leave feeling prepared, organized, and ready for your first day of classes. Bring any burning final questions for a closing Q&A (Question and Answer).
Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026
7 to 8 p.m.
Zoom | Registration Required
Graduate Student Orientation is a chance for graduate students beginning their studies to engage with the graduate student community at Laurier. You'll have the opportunity to discover key strategies for success, learn about campus resources, and connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty.
Only register for the campus you will be attending in the Fall 2026 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.
*Graduate Student Orientation dates for students starting their graduate program in Fall 2026 will be made available in May 2026.*
Only register for the campus you will be attending in the Fall 2026 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.
Date to be announced.
Date to be announced.
Date to be announced.
Take a peek at the upcoming events during your fall graduate orientation.
*NOTE: Orientation schedules will be made available in early July*
The Laurier Crash Course is your introduction to all things grad school. It is a series of webinars and workshops designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to thrive in your graduate studies.
To register for and attend the sessions, make sure you set up your Laurier Zoom account.
These sessions are intended for students starting their graduate program in the Winter 2027 term.
**Winter 2027 'Crash Course' Sessions will be posted at the beginning of the Fall Semester**
Graduate Student Orientation is a chance for graduate students beginning their studies to engage with the graduate student community at Laurier. You'll have the opportunity to discover key strategies for success, learn about campus resources, and connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty.
Only register for the campus you will be attending in the Winter 2027 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.
**Winter 2027 Graduate Student Orientation dates will be announced at the start of the Fall semester**
Only register for the campus you will be attending in the Fall 2026 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.
Date to be announced.
Date to be announced.
Date to be announced.
Take a peek at upcoming events during your winter graduate orientation.
The Laurier Crash Course is your introduction to all things grad school. It is a series of webinars and workshops designed to equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to thrive in your graduate studies.
To register for and attend the sessions, make sure you set up your Laurier Zoom account. These sessions are intended for students starting their graduate studies in Spring 2026.
Ready to kick off your Laurier graduate school adventure? Join us for a fun and informative webinar where you'll get the inside scoop on your next steps, meet fellow graduate students, and get those burning questions answered. It’s your first step into graduate life at Laurier. Celebrate with us.
Got questions about starting graduate school at Laurier? We’ve got you covered. Join this interactive question-and-answer (Q&A) session designed to help you feel confident and ready to start graduate school in May. Whether you’re wondering about academic expectations, navigating university processes, settling into graduate life at Laurier, or anything else on your mind, this is your space to ask. No question is too big or too small; we're here to help you start strong!
This session was not recorded. If you have questions, please email aspire@wlu.ca.
Join the GSA (Graduate Students’ Association) for an overview of the benefits available to you as a graduate student. In this session, we’ll walk through the essentials of the Health & Dental Plan—including change-of-coverage information and how to use it. We’ll also highlight additional perks, services, and resources available to you as a GSA member, followed by time to answer any questions you may have.
Graduate writing isn’t just “more” of what you did as an undergraduate—it's a shift in how you think, communicate, and participate in your scholarly field. This session will help you navigate that transition with confidence. Together, we’ll explore what distinguishes graduate‑level writing from undergraduate work, including expectations for argumentation, evidence, and scholarly voice.
You’ll learn strategies for positioning your research within ongoing academic conversations and for using common writing frameworks that make your contributions clear to other scholars in your field. By demystifying the purposes and expectations of graduate writing, this session will support you as you move from student to emerging scholar.
Ideal for new and early‑stage graduate students in any discipline.
Preparing to Start Strong is all about helping you feel ready and confident as you head into the final two weeks before your graduate program at Laurier begins. We’ll talk through the key things you can do now, like getting comfortable with MyLearningSpace, organizing your schedule, and making sure your tech and accounts are set up. You’ll also get a quick intro to the academic supports available before classes start, including writing and research help, library tools, and ways to connect with advisors or faculty. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to focus so you can start your first week feeling prepared and supported!
Only register for the campus you will be attending in the Spring 2026 term, since each orientation is customized for the campus/programs offered.
This Orientation is intended for students in programs offered in person on the Brantford campus.
Tuesday, May 5
10 a.m. to Noon
Zoom | Registration Required
This Orientation is intended for students in fully online or remote programs.
NOTE: If you are in a hyflex program but intend to complete it entirely virtually, you can attend this Orientation. This Orientation took place on Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026.
This Orientation is intended for students in programs offered in person at the Waterloo campus, the Kitchener location, or at the Balsillie School. This Orientation took place on Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026.
If you were unable to attend this in-person Orientation and would like to learn about the content that was covered, please reach out to us at aspire@wlu.ca.
Check out the full agenda for your Spring Graduate Orientation.
Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Join us for opening remarks and a welcome from the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Dr. Brent Wolfe, to kick off the day.
10 to 10:15 a.m.
Join us for an icebreaker to help kick-start connections with other graduate students. It’s a great way to start forming your graduate community from day one..
10:15 to 10:30 a.m.
Start your graduate journey with a warm welcome from Usama Mir, Program Coordinator for the Master of Applied Computing (MAC) program. This session will cover essential program details, academic expectations, and other helpful information to support your success as you begin your studies.
10:30 to 11 a.m.
Hear from current graduate students in your program as they share their experiences, insights, and the strategies they have used for success throughout their studies.
11 to 11:30 a.m.
Explore key services designed to support your graduate journey. Get a brief overview of different support resources and how to access them. Use this session to identify the supports that matter most to you!
11:30 to 11:50 a.m.
Still have a question? Use this time to ask any remaining questions you might have. MAC staff and faculty, alongside the ASPIRE team, will be happy to help answer them!
11:50 a.m. to Noon
Date: Thursday, Apr. 30, 2026
Watch the Recording!
Join us for opening remarks and a welcome from the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Dr. Brent Wolfe.
7 to 7:10 p.m.
Join us for a welcome from the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) President, who will share greetings and introduce you to the support and community available through the GSA.
7:10 to 7:15 p.m.
Join us for an icebreaker to help kick-start connections with other graduate students. It’s a great way to start forming your graduate community from day one.
7:15 to 7:25 p.m.
Get an overview of key resources and departments for graduate students that you can access remotely.
7:25 to 7:35 p.m.
Build your virtual learning skills with essential strategies for succeeding online, then learn what to expect in your first few weeks as a new student. You’ll also get a quick overview of the key tools and campus systems that support your coursework and communication.
7:35 to 8 p.m.
Meet your classmates, program staff, and faculty, and learn about your program and supports available to you.
8 to 9 p.m.
Date: Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026
Location: 2nd floor Peters Building | Room P224 (Waterloo Campus)
If you were unable to attend this in-person Orientation and would like to learn about the content that was covered, please reach out to us at aspire@wlu.ca.Check-in, pick up your welcome pack, connect with your peers, and prepare for Orientation.
5:30 to 6 p.m.
2nd Floor Peters Building - Room P224 (Waterloo Campus)
Join us for opening remarks and a welcome from the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, Dr. Lisa Keeping, to kick off Orientation.
6 to 6:10 p.m.
2nd Floor Peters Building - Room P224 (Waterloo Campus)
Join us for a welcome from the Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) President, who will share greetings and introduce you to the support and community available through the GSA.
6:10 to 6:15 p.m.
2nd Floor Peters Building - Room P224 (Waterloo Campus)
Explore key services designed to support your graduate journey. Campus partners will share brief overviews of their areas and how to access their resources. Use this session to identify the supports that matter most to you, then connect with those campus partners to ask questions.
6:15 to 6:50 p.m.
2nd Floor Peters Building - Room P224 (Waterloo Campus)
Hear from current graduate students as they share their experiences, insights, and strategies they have used for success throughout their studies.
6:50 to 7:10 p.m.
2nd Floor Peters Building - Room P224 (Waterloo Campus)
Meet your classmates, program staff, and faculty, and learn about your program and supports available to you.
7:10 to 8:00 p.m.
2nd Floor Peters Building - Room P224 (Waterloo Campus)
Explore campus with a guided tour showcasing classroom locations, key resources, important buildings, and hidden gems. Get familiar with the spaces that will support your success as a graduate student.
7:15 to 8 p.m.
Departing from 2nd Floor Peters Building - Room P224 (Waterloo Campus)
All MBA students are required to attend a mandatory Program Orientation session. This is your first chance to meet your fellow MBA candidates and professors, as well as learn about what the program has in store for you. If you have questions, please contact Annmarie White, Admissions and Student Success Officer.
Tuesday, May 5
6 to 7 p.m.
Lazaridis Hall | LH4114
For questions about Graduate Student Orientation or your transition to graduate studies, you can connect with us at aspire@wlu.ca.
Be sure to follow @lauriergradstudents on Instagram, too, and share your graduate student journey with us!
