Willow River Biology Contest
Launched in 2027, the Willow River Biology Contest celebrates the curiosity and talent of Grade 11 and 12 biology students worldwide. Inspired by Willow River (O:se Kenhionhata:tie), the Mohawk name for the Grand River and a setting for much of our research, the international contest highlights a variety of biological themes, covering several major areas of biology, including general, medical, and environmental biology.
The online contest takes place over 75 minutes, in a multiple-choice format. Teachers may register eligible students from accredited high schools beginning in mid‑February.
Exam date: Thursday, April 22, 2027
Registration deadline: Friday, April 9, 2027
Cost: $4 per contest
Science Contest Scholarship
Students entering their first year of a full‑time undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Science (excluding Aviation, Optometry, and Pharmacy) are eligible to receive a $1,000 Faculty of Science Contest Award by completing the Willow River Biology Contest in May. Applicants to Biology, Biomedical Science, Biochemistry, or Environmental Sciences are especially encouraged to participate.
Please note: Contest results are not used as a criterion for admission to university studies. We do not share results with any admission committee. A Faculty of Science Contest Award is based on participation only. The University of Waterloo's Admissions Office will send details to students who receive an offer of admission on how to apply.
Important links
Contest results
Teachers can access their students' contest results by visiting Waterloo’s Online Testing Platform: SciOn. Here, teachers can configure distinctions for their own students to see how students’ achievements ranked compared to peers in their school, country, and around the world, then generate student certificates.
Please note: Exam results are not used as a criterion for admission to university studies. We do not share results with any admission committee. The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science Contest Award is based on participation only. The Admissions Office will send details to students who receive an offer of admission on how to apply for a Faculty of Science Contest Award.
Questions
If you have any questions, please email us at sci.contests@uwaterloo.ca.