Paying for school

No question, university is a big investment in your future. The money that you – and possibly your family members – contribute is the foundation for your financial plan, but you may need more to cover all of your university costs. Waterloo's tuition fees vary by program and by what type of student you are.

Co-op

Without a doubt, Waterloo’s co-operative-study program (co-op) is the single biggest contributor to our students’ financial well-being. At Waterloo, Engineering students alternate study terms with work terms and graduate with two years of relevant, paid work experience. On average, engineering students earn $20-$30 an hour domestically per 4-month co-op term, helping to pay for tuition, books and living expenses.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

All incoming first-year students are automatically considered for several financial awards, and no separate applications are required. Please note that Engineering entrance scholarships that do not require separate applications are based upon admission averages, the Admission Information Form and in some cases the online video interview.

Entrance awards that may require further application

Entrance awards for Women, Black and Indigenous students in Engineering

Women in Engineering

There are several entrance awards for women entering Waterloo Engineering. Some examples include:

For a complete list of available awards, visit the undergraduate entrance awards database.

Black students in Engineering

There are several entrance awards for Black students entering Waterloo Engineering. Some examples include:

For a complete list of available awards, visit the undergraduate entrance awards database.

Indigenous students in Engineering

There are several entrance awards for Indigenous students entering Waterloo Engineering. Some examples include:


For a complete list of entrance awards, visit the undergraduate entrance awards database.

The University of Waterloo also offers tuition waivers for eligible Indigenous students. For more information, please visit the Office of Indigenous Relations.

Entrance bursaries for students in Engineering with financial need

Entrance awards for International students in Engineering

Funding programs for American students in Engineering

American students in Engineering

There are a variety of U.S. funding programs that you may be eligible for. If you have dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship, you may be eligible for Canadian government aid through the province/territory in which you and/or your parents last resided.

Funding beyond first year

Upper year funding

You can continue to use government assistance, bursaries, scholarships, part-time jobs, RESPs, and any personal savings to pay for your upper years. There are also new sources of funding after first year. View our undergraduate awards database for a list of upper year scholarships and awards.

Other resources