The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo offers competitive funding for graduate students. Financial support is available from internal and external sources.Refer to the video above to learn about the types of funding available. Graduate funding sources can include an award, bursary, or scholarship.
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Award: Awards are based on financial need and other criteria such as leadership, community service, and academic excellence.
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Bursary: Bursaries are based on financial need.
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Scholarship: Scholarships are based on academic excellence and academic contributions.
Graduate Funding Resources
How do I get funding support?
Graduate students can get funding support from the Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs Office (GSPA), the Faculty of Engineering, and the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office (SAFA).
- The GSPA office provides support to graduate students, Postdoctoral fellows, and staff across all the faculties at the University of Waterloo. The GSPA office supports the Faculty of Engineering in the development of competitive-based awards and scholarships, in addition to minimum funding for research-based and doctoral programs. The GSPA along with all faculties manages the payment of awards.
- The Faculty of Engineering determines scholarship eligibility and reviews internal awards applications.
- The Student Awards and Financial Aid (SAFA) office supports graduate students with government aid programs such the Ontario Student Assistance program (OSAP) and needs-based awards.
The University of Waterloo has various resources available for graduate students who require assistance with funding applications such as: dedicated webpages on the GSPA awards database, live information sessions, direct feedback on your applications from your department or program coordinator, and peer review sessions with the Writing and Communication Centre (WCC).
Previous live information sessions
Minimum funding (MASc and PhD)
All full-time students (Canadians, permanent residents, and international students) in research-based programs (Master of applied Science - MASc) and PhD programs are guaranteed a minimum level of funding while they are within their program time limits and in good academic standing. All funding is dependent on good academic standing throughout the duration of your program.
Internal Waterloo awards
Internal awards, bursaries, and donor-funded awards are available for graduate students. See in detail if the award you are interested in requires an application or if it is decided by the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo.
External Awards
External funding is comprised of various federal and provincial scholarship competitions. The GSPA manages various scholarship competitions on behalf of government agencies. Federal and provincial scholarship competitions are merit-based and normally occur in the fall term
Bursaries and Loans
Bursaries and loans are available to graduate students who are registered full time and have proven financial need. Students will need to complete a financial needs assessment to prove their level of financial need.
Tuition and Budget
Budgeting is one of the most important factors when it comes to planning your graduate studies. Review your tuition and living costs in detail to ensure that you are able to fund your studies.