The University of Waterloo is organized by academic units which offer a variety of academic plans leading to degrees and diplomas at undergraduate and graduate levels. These units, or Faculties, include: Applied Health Sciences, Arts, Engineering, Environment, Mathematics, and Science.

Within the faculty framework are various academic departments and schools. The broader University community includes the federated university – St. Jerome's University and three affiliated colleges – Renison University College, Conrad Grebel University College, and St. Paul's University College which share in the delivery and administration of academic programs and offer student residence facilities.