Looking to finance your work abroad adventure? There are scholarships, grants, financial aid and other funding opportunities that may be able to assist you. In addition to the lists below, we recommend doing your own research to see if any funding opportunities exist for your work abroad field or location.
Financial opportunities
The University of Waterloo offers a variety of awards, scholarships and bursaries that may apply to working abroad:
President’s International Experience Award
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Students admitted to Waterloo with a President's Scholarship with distinction and with an 80 average after 1B are eligible for 2 separate awards of $1,500 toward an international experience.
International Experience Awards
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Numerous International Experience Award funds are available to University of Waterloo undergraduate students who participate in an international study, work or volunteer experience. Award selection and values are based on a variety of factors such as type of experience, destination, financial need, academic success, extracurricular/volunteer involvement, motivation for the experience, etc.
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This database is provided to assist current undergraduate students to explore award and funding opportunities at Waterloo.
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You may be eligible for awards based on your program, faculty or citizenship. You can also use key words like “co-op” to search for co-op specific awards.
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For eligible Waterloo co-op students arranging their own international research internship either through a Waterloo professor, or with a professor at an international university.
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The RISE Germany database offers a wide range of internships for eligible students studying biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, earth sciences or engineering.
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Find international scholarship opportunities available for Canadian and international students, researchers and postsecondary institutions.
Opportunities through the Global Engagement Office
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Waterloo is committed to the internationalization of scholarship, research and service throughout the campus community. There are various international funding opportunities available for students who want to gain experience abroad.
Funded jobs
In WaterlooWorks, you can find work abroad opportunities that have funding set up as part of an award program. Before you apply, review the job description carefully to determine if you are eligible. Some of the funded programs include:
Co-op for good: Systems Design Engineering
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This $12,000 award is available to Systems Design students only and is assigned to specific posted jobs on WaterlooWorks.
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Some international research internships at partner universities in Europe offer an ERASMUS scholarship for the posted opportunity. Typically, this funding will cover international airfare and provide a monthly stipend to successful students.
Flood impacts, carbon pricing and ecosystem sustainability (FINCAPES)
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The FINCAPES project is a 5.5-year initiative in Indonesia funded by the Government of Canada, aimed at addressing climate change, flood risks and biodiversity conservation.
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From Winter 2026 to Winter 2028, each term there are up to 4 co-op opportunities posted on WaterlooWorks related to these 3 projects in Indonesia. Successful candidates will have the following costs covered: international airfare, housing, visa, local transportation and receive a daily stipend to cover in-country costs.