Minimum funding

• Effective May 1, 2012, Waterloo’s guideline for minimum funding for incoming full-time master’s students in the first year of a non-co-op Master of Arts (MA), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Environmental Studies (MES), Master of Applied Science (MASc), Master of Mathematics (MMATH) (except coursework programs), or Master of Science (MSc) (except coursework programs) is $12,000.
• This commitment applies to the first year of full-time enrolment for students in good academic standing. 

• The minimum funding for doctoral students in good academic standing is $27,130 per year, effective May 1, 2024 ($25,962 per year from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024).
• This commitment applies to the first four years of full-time enrolment in a doctoral program.
• Many of Waterloo’s departments and schools offer minimum funding which exceeds the university’s minimum.
• For international graduate students registered in a full-time doctoral program who are eligible for the International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA), the IDSA is not included in the calculation of minimum funding.
• Any annual increase applies to both new (incoming) and currenteligible doctoral students.

Each year, the Graduate Student Support Advisory Committee reviews changes to students' costs and makes a recommendation for new funding levels. 

Read more about the annual review process. 

Minimum funding for masters and doctoral students is provided through a variety of funding sources, including:

• UWaterloo awards and funding
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (TA) and Graduate Research Assistantships (RA)
• External awards

Note: Minimum funding is inclusive of vacation pay and benefits as well as external awards or sponsorships, if applicable.