Funding for domestic doctoral students

Minimum funding

All full-time doctoral students in good academic standing are guaranteed a set amount per year. This amount is provided through a variety of sources including Waterloo awards, employment, and external awards. Effective May 1, 2024, the minimum funding for doctoral students in good academic standing is $27,130 per year. More information about minimum funding is listed on the GSPA website.

In some cases, research supervisors will provide additional funding.


2025 Doctoral funding packages

In addition to minimum funding, the Faculty of Environment offers five $10,000 entrance awards to top applicants.

  • Awarded based on eligibility and merit.
  • Entrance award is paid in two instalments in the first year. 

Eligibility: Open to Canadian citizens (living in or outside of Canada) or Permanent Residents of Canada who have a completed application by February 1, 2025. Must be enrolled in a doctoral program full-time (Geography, Sustainability Management, Planning, Social and Ecological Sustainability).

Funding questions

Questions regarding funding can be directed to:

Cynthiya Subramaniam
Administrator, Graduate Studies
519-888-4567 x42784
c3subramaniam@uwaterloo.ca

Waterloo awards and scholarships

The University of Waterloo has over 100 awards and funding opportunities for students in the Faculty of Environment. Some awards require an application, while others are awarded through Faculty/Department selection. The full database of awards and scholarships can be found on the GSPA webpage.

Notable awards that you may be eligible for are listed on the current graduate student funding webpage.

External funding

External awards are offered by federal and provincial agencies, foundations or private companies. Full details about external funding are available here.

If you are successful in being awarded an eligible scholarship (including CIHR CGS-D, NSERC CGS-D, and others) Waterloo will award you the President’s Graduate Scholarship (PGS). Full details on the PGS are available here.

Other useful links