Wilfrid Laurier University

What Wilfrid Laurier University does

Wilfrid Laurier University is a Canadian public, not-for-profit university founded in 1911, headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, with additional campuses in Brantford, Milton, and Kitchener, plus a Toronto MBA delivery point. The institution serves prospective undergraduate and graduate students, international students, continuing education learners, and community partners through degree programs (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, MBA, MFin, MMT) across arts, sciences, business, music, social work, education, and applied computing. Notable differentiators include Ontario's only undergraduate Music Therapy program, a newly launching Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering (fall 2026), co-op and experiential learning across programs, and dual-degree pathways with international partners including the University of Sussex, Cardiff University, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, and Griffith University.

The university operates a tuition-regulated revenue model complemented by research grants, continuing education fees, alumni donations, and athletics/community programming revenue. Its technology and research portfolio includes the BioAdaptive Interface Lab's VR exergames with adaptive biofeedback for seniors and people with dementia, and a Canada Research Chair-led AI-driven program developing tools for educational equity in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Education and Ontario school boards. Distribution occurs through on-campus instruction across four locations, online degree and certificate programs, international partnership channels, and dedicated undergraduate/graduate recruitment and admissions teams. Notable named partnerships include the Adult Recreation Therapy Centre, Alzheimer Society (Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton), Elocity (HIEV-AI platform), and the Stratford Festival. The institution reports a $65M annual economic impact in Brantford alone, 200,000+ alumni worldwide, and approved a $21-22M operating budget surplus in May 2026.

Name

Wilfrid Laurier University

Legal name

Wilfrid Laurier University

Website

https://wlu.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1911

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Wilfrid Laurier University is a Canadian public, not-for-profit university founded in 1911 operating four Ontario campuses (Waterloo, Brantford, Milton, Kitchener) and serving undergraduate, graduate, international, and continuing education students through degree programs in arts, sciences, business, music, and applied fields, with research activity in VR exergames for seniors and AI-driven educational equity.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Online Graduate Schools (Master’s & Doctoral Programs) (EDAHALAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)

Keywords

• Higher education programs
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Graduate and doctoral studies
• Continuing education certificates
• University research partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Waterloo

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Undergraduate and Graduate Tuition: Revenue from tuition fees for undergraduate degree programs (Bachelor's degrees in Arts, Science, Business, Music, etc.) and graduate programs (Master's, PhD, professional degrees like MBA, MFin). Tuition varies by program and student residency status.
2. Continuing Education and Professional Development: Revenue from continuing education programs, online certificates, diplomas, and professional development offerings including public safety programs and business administration diplomas.
3. Research Grants and Funding: Funding from government agencies including the Canada Research Chairs program, Alzheimer Society grants, and Ontario Ministry of Education partnerships for specific research initiatives.
4. Donations and Alumni Giving: Charitable donations from alumni and supporters including major gifts like the $1M donation from Stephen Dent for experiential learning and annual giving programs.
5. Athletics and Recreation Programs: Revenue from varsity athletics including ticket sales, merchandise, and sponsorships. Laurier Golden Hawks football and other sports generate revenue through competitive events and media exposure.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Wilfrid Laurier University is a public Canadian university that delivers in-person and online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs across its Waterloo, Brantford, Milton, Kitchener, and Toronto campuses, including specialized offerings such as the BMT (Ontario's only undergraduate Music Therapy program), MBA, Master of Applied Computing, and a new Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering launching fall 2026. The university also offers continuing-education certificates and diplomas, co-op and experiential-learning pathways, and conducts applied research including VR exergames with adaptive biofeedback for seniors with dementia and AI-driven tools for educational equity.

Product overview

Wilfrid Laurier University offers a comprehensive portfolio of academic programs across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, along with research products and online offerings. The portfolio includes degree programs (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) in fields including Business Administration (MBA), Music Therapy (BMT - Ontario's only undergraduate program), Applied Computing (MAC), and a new Software Engineering degree launching in 2026. Research products include VR Exergames developed at the BioAdaptive Interface Lab for seniors with dementia. The university also offers online programs, co-op options, and various certificates and diplomas. Programs are delivered across Waterloo, Brantford, Milton, Kitchener, Toronto campuses and online.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor of Music Therapy (BMT) Ontario's only undergraduate music therapy program, combining hands-on clinical placements with advanced training in musicianship, psychology and therapeutic techniques.
• Master of Applied Computing (MAC) Graduate program providing advanced computing knowledge in mobile computing, enterprise computing, data mining and machine learning. Available at Waterloo or Brantford campuses, in person or online.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) Graduate business degree at the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, available at Waterloo or Toronto campuses. Develops leadership ability to turn concepts into reality with interpersonal skills for collaborative teamwork.
• Bachelor of Engineering in Software Engineering Laurier's first engineering degree, launching fall 2026 at the Milton campus. Includes concentrations in Biology or Psychology/Cognitive Science with optional co-op in the final year.
• Online Programs (Public Safety BA/MPS/Graduate Diploma, Computer Science certificate, Navigate the Music Industry Ecosystem certificate) Fully online degree and certificate programs including Public Safety (BA, MPS, Graduate Diploma), Computer Science certificate, and Navigate the Music Industry Ecosystem certificate.
• Co-op Programs Co-operative education options integrated into various degree programs, providing students with valuable workplace experience during their degree.
• VR Exergames for Seniors Virtual reality exergames developed at the BioAdaptive Interface Lab to help seniors and people with dementia stay physically active. Features adaptive biofeedback systems that respond to users' physiological data.

Quantifiable outcome

• Top 12% ranking in Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability6 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ontario Ministry of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Partner in Ardavan Eizadirad's Canada Research Chair program focused on addressing systemic inequities in education for racialized and low-income communities. The research aims to develop community-based, trauma-informed interventions and AI-driven tools to inform equitable educational policies and practices.
• Ontario School BoardscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Partner in research program developing community-based, trauma-informed interventions for educational equity. School boards collaborate with Laurier researchers to implement and evaluate interventions addressing systemic inequities in education.
• Community OrganizationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Community organizations partner with Laurier researchers for the Canada Research Chair program focused on educational equity. These organizations work with school boards and the Ontario Ministry of Education to address systemic inequities for racialized and low-income communities.
• Adult Recreation Therapy CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 April 2026Researchers from Wilfrid Laurier University in Brantford partnered with the Adult Recreation Therapy Centre to trial VR exergames designed for older adults with dementia. The study involves a 10-week program where participants play VR games twice weekly while researchers collect data on reaction time and memory. The Adult Recreation Therapy Centre is a community support agency providing day programming for adults with cognitive and physical impairments.
• Alzheimer Society: Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton HaltoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 April 2026Funding partner for VR exergames research helping older adults with dementia stay physically active. The study at Laurier's BioAdaptive Interface Lab is funded by the Alzheimer Society and involves collaboration with the Adult Recreation Therapy Centre for participant recruitment and program delivery.
• Stratford FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 2025Laurier's Faculty of Music partnering with the Stratford Festival on a new course, providing students with exposure to professional theatre and performing arts opportunities.
• Higher Education Strategy AssociatesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Led the Social and Economic Impact Report quantifying Laurier's far-reaching impact on communities, local economies, and the lives of alumni. The report demonstrates Laurier's role as a driver of economic growth and social wellbeing in Southwestern Ontario.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• University of Waterloo: Same-city Ontario public research university with overlapping program portfolios (business, science, music) and a strong co-op culture. Direct competitor for student recruitment, faculty talent, and research grants in the Waterloo Region.
• McMaster University: Ontario public research university of similar scale with comparable faculties (business, engineering, health sciences) and comparable reliance on government funding. Competes directly with Laurier for Ontario high-school graduates and research funding.
• Western University (University of Western Ontario): Ontario public university with comparable undergraduate enrolment scale, broad program mix, and U Sports athletics programs (Western Mustangs). Directly competes for student recruitment, donor support, and athletics rivalry with Laurier Golden Hawks.
• University of Guelph: Ontario public university of similar mid-size scale with comparable program breadth (arts, sciences, business) and similar tuition/governance structure. Direct competitor for Ontario high-school applicants and government funding.
• Queen's University: Ontario public university with comparable program mix (business, arts, sciences) and similar not-for-profit governance. Competes with Laurier for Ontario students, faculty, and graduate program enrolment, particularly in business (Smith School vs Lazaridis).
• York University: Large Ontario public university with similar multi-faculty structure including a business school (Schulich) that competes with Lazaridis. Comparable tuition-regulated funding model and GTA/Ontario student base.
• Brock University: Ontario regional public university in the Niagara region with comparable program mix (business, arts, sciences) and similar scale. Direct competitor for Ontario undergraduate enrolment and provincial funding pool.
• Trent University: Ontario regional public university with comparable undergraduate focus and arts/sciences/social work offerings (Trent has a renowned social work program, mirroring Laurier's Faculty of Social Work in Kitchener).
• Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson): Ontario public university with comparable professional/applied program orientation (business, engineering, science) and similar urban multi-campus structure. Competes directly for GTA and Ontario students.
• University of Ottawa: Major Canadian public research university with comparable scale, business school (Telfer), and broad program offerings. Competes with Laurier for graduate students, research funding, and bilingual Canadian university positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Laurier
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/LaurierVideo
• Facebookfacebook.com/WilfridLaurierUniversity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/14259
• Instagraminstagram.com/wilfridlaurieruni

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Wilfrid Laurier University