Graduate funding can come from several sources, including guaranteed minimum funding, departmental and University of Waterloo awards, teaching assistantships, scholarships, and other awards.
The information below explains how ECE graduate funding works and identifies funding opportunities that students may be eligible for.
What does ECE guarantee me?
Eligible research-based graduate students in Electrical and Computer Engineering receive a guaranteed minimum level of funding, provided they remain within program time limits and in good academic standing.
Important note: MENg students are not eligible for funding.
How is minimum funding provided?
Your funding package may be made up of a Graduate Research Studentship (GRS), scholarships, awards and/or other eligible funding sources.
Additional funding you may receive
In addition to minimum funding, there are a number of departmental and University of Waterloo opportunities that can add to your funding package.
| Opportunity | Who is it for? | Do I apply? | Effect on minimum funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) | Eligible graduate students | Yes (as part of the GTA application process) | Added to funding |
| Entrance Scholarships | Eligible MASc/PhD students | No (automatic consideration) | Added to funding |
| International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA) | Eligible international PhD students | No | Added to funding |
| International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) | Eligible international MASc students | No | Added to funding |
These opportunities supplement your minimum funding and do not replace it. For detailed eligibility criteria and application information, visit the links below or contact the ECE Graduate Funding Coordinator.
Expand your funding opportunities
Graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply for other scholarships and awards. Major awards can form part of a student's overall funding package and may affect the amount of Graduate Research Studentship (GRS) funding provided by their research supervisor.
Other opportunities
- IBET Momentum Fellowship
- Ripple Graduate Fellowship
- Faculty of Engineering Term Activity Report Awards
- Awards Directory
How major awards affect your funding
Some major scholarships and awards(typically over 30,000 per year) replace minimum funding. If you receive one of these awards, your GRS may be adjusted at the discretion of your research supervisor. Receiving a major award does not necessarily mean the full value will be added on top of your existing funding package.
Explore additional resources
For a comprehensive list of awards and funding opportunities, visit the University of Waterloo and Faculty of Engineering resources below.
We’re here to help
Not sure how an award will affect your funding? Before applying for or accepting an award, contact the ECE Graduate Funding Coordinator. The Coordinator can help you understand eligibility, application requirements and how an award may interact with your existing funding package.
ECE Graduate Funding Coordinator
ece.gradfunding@uwaterloo.ca
If you have a question about your teaching assistantship, contact the ECE Graduate Funding Coordinator at: eceta@uwaterloo.ca