Faculty of Arts Doctoral Thesis Completion Award application

Faculty of Arts Doctoral thesis completion award application (PDF) 

Use this form to:

  • apply for a Faculty of Arts doctoral thesis completion award

One of award is available this academic term to support doctoral students who are within the last two-three terms of program completion (term of award plus two additional terms). This award is made possible with funds provided by the Vice-President, Academic and Provost, and Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA).  The intention is to assist highly qualified, full-time doctoral student to complete their thesis writing and defence. 

Value: $5,000 

Eligibility and Requirements:

Applicants must:

  • be registered in a PhD program
  • be conducting research in a SSHRC-related field
  • be in good academic standing with a realistic plan of completing their degree within 2-3 terms of receiving the award (term of award plus two additional terms)
  • have not received a Faculty of Arts DTCA already

Preference will be given to doctoral students who are no longer receiving minimum funding and/or have experienced research interruptions that were beyond their control and/or started their PhD studies in 2020 or 2021.

A change of enrolment status to inactive, withdrawal or degree completion during the term in which the award is paid will require repayment of all or part of the award. Repayment amounts are recalculated based on the University of Waterloo tuition refund policy. Any inquiries regarding OSAP/provincial student loans should be directed to the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office. However, please note, the three-term limit to degree complete is still applicable regardless of enrolment changes.

Departmental deadlines:

  • Fall 2025 or Winter 2026 – November 3 

Application process and notification:

Applicants will submit their application to their departments for signature and review. Departments are then required to submit the applications to their Faculty where they will be ranked and selections will be made.

The Faculty will contact all applicants regarding the status of their application.

Awards will be applied to the student's account once the Faculty sends the nominations to Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.