Undergraduate student funding and fee information

The University of Waterloo has funding support available for both domestic and international students. Please refer to the resources below for up-to-date information on available funding and fees.

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Academic Readiness Bursary (ARB)

The Academic Readiness Bursary provides assistance for students who are or will be registered in the Winter 2021 term and who may incur costs related to studying remotely in the Winter term as a result of COVID-19. 

We are accepting applications up until January 31, 2021 for expenses incurred from November 1 until January 31, 2021. Please note that funding is limited, so in order to assist as many students as possible, this bursary will not exceed $500 per student (additional support may be considered if you have dependents). 

This bursary has been created with significant support from the University of Waterloo as well as the support of many donors who have contributed to the COVID Student Emergency Support Fund.

Eligibility

  • Available one time to all registered students - whether you are full time or part time, undergraduate or graduate, domestic or international - who are or will be registered in the Winter 2021 term. Students who previously received a Student Emergency Support Bursary (SESB) and who have new/ongoing expenses under the parameters of this Academic Readiness Bursary may apply. Students who previously received the Academic Readiness Bursary of any value are not eligible to apply again. 
  • Full-time and part-time domestic students (undergraduate and graduate) need to first apply for and qualify for OSAP or Out-of-Province Assistance for the Winter 2021 term.

All applicants will be considered based on a calculation of their financial need as determined through the assessment of a complete application.

Note: if you are not intending to register in the winter 2021 term, you are not eligible to apply for the ARB.

What will the fund cover?

Expenses that will be considered for this bursary will be those that are particularly related to studying remotely in the Winter term as a result of COVID-19. These types of expenses could include: 

  • computer upgrades, e.g., monitor, webcam, headset 
  • quarantine-related expenses (considered on a case by case basis)
  • internet access/upgrade

Students may also seek support for unanticipated expenses directly related to advancing their academic readiness and ability to engage meaningfully with the University remotely as a result of COVID-19. These expenses may include such things as study space set-up or childcare costs.

This bursary is not expected to support expenses related to existing debt or outstanding tuition and fees. Students are expected to have explored all support options (below) before applying.

How to apply

Students are required to complete the appropriate application form and provide a detailed written statement explaining the expenses, along with any receipts (or estimates).

Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2021. 

Timing and payment of funds

Please allow for a processing time of up to six weeks. Any funding awarded will be applied to your student account in Quest.

Domestic student resources

International student resources