Scholarships allow us to celebrate and recognize your achievements! Entrance scholarships are available if you're starting full-time first-year degree studies and are beginning university or college for the first time.
Scholarships are awarded primarily on academic and personal achievement. Bursaries, another type of assistance, are awarded based on financial need.
Scholarships are normally awarded in mid-May once we receive updated grades from Ontario high schools. Details will be listed in your Waterloo applicant portal starting in mid-May.
President's and Merit Scholarships
To recognize your outstanding academic achievement, you'll automatically be considered for the President's and Merit Scholarships if you're admitted to a full-time, first-year degree program and you're beginning university or college for the first time in September. No application is required.
These scholarships are awarded in early May based on your admission average. This is calculated using the grades in your top six Grade 12 courses or equivalents, including the required courses for the program(s) to which you’ve applied.
You can receive a President's or Merit Scholarship and scholarships offered by your faculty or University College, except for scholarships from St. Jerome’s which are equivalent to the President's or Merit Scholarship (you'll receive one or the other).
President's Scholarship of Distinction (admission average of 95% or higher)
Value
- $2,000 entrance scholarship
- $1,500 International Experience Award* and/or
- $1,500 Research Award*
Criteria
- Your early May admission average, including required courses, must be 95% or higher for the program for which you’ve received and accepted an offer of admission.
- You must accept your Offer of Admission by the date specified on the offer.
- You must be enrolled at Waterloo in full-time degree studies for the entire September to December term.
Details
The $1,500 International Experience Award will be awarded to Distinction Scholars who participate in an international study or work experience.
The $1,500 Research Award will be awarded to Distinction Scholars for an on-campus research position with a Waterloo professor or for a research-based co-op position with the University. You will be invited to find a Waterloo professor to engage you as a full- or part-time research assistant for a term to carry out research under his or her supervision.
Both the International Experience Award and the Research Award are available in your upper years should you choose to claim them. They're subject to the following conditions.
- You must complete your first year with an average of at least 80%.
- You must be in your second year or higher at Waterloo.
- You must claim the award before you complete your undergraduate program.
How you'll be notified
If you qualify, you’ll receive scholarship information with your Offer of Admission in the applicant portal.
- If you receive a scholarship before May, you must meet all the conditions specified above. Once we’ve reviewed your grades available in early May, we’ll confirm your University of Waterloo President’s or Merit Scholarship. You will be able to view the scholarship information in the applicant portal.
- If you receive your scholarship offer in May, we will already have reviewed your grades available in early May. You must still meet all other conditions specified above.
In late July, you’ll receive an email with information about how to use the award to help pay your tuition and fees.
President's Scholarship (admission average of 90 - 94.9%)
If you meet the conditions outlined below, you’ll be awarded a one-time University of Waterloo President’s Scholarship valued at $2,000.
- Your early May admission average, including required courses, must be 90 – 94.9% for the program for which you’ve received and accepted an Offer of Admission.
- You must accept your Offer of Admission by the date specified on the offer.
- You must be enrolled at Waterloo in full-time degree studies for the entire September to December term.
How you'll be notified
If you qualify, you’ll receive scholarship information with your Offer of Admission in the Waterloo applicant portal.
- If you receive a scholarship before May, you must meet all the conditions specified above. Once we’ve reviewed your grades available in early May, we’ll confirm your University of Waterloo President’s or Merit Scholarship. You will be able to view the scholarship information in the applicant portal.
- If you receive your scholarship offer in May, we will already have reviewed your grades available in early May. You must still meet all other conditions specified above.
In late July, you’ll receive an email with information about how to use the award to help pay your tuition and fees.
Merit Scholarship (admission average of 85 - 89.9%)
If you meet the conditions outlined below, you’ll be awarded a one-time University of Waterloo Merit Scholarship valued at $1,000.
- Your early May admission average, including required courses, must be 85 – 89.9% for the program for which you’ve received and accepted an Offer of Admission.
- You must accept your Offer of Admission by the date specified on the offer.
- You must be enrolled at Waterloo in full-time degree studies for the entire September to December term.
How you'll be notified
If you qualify, you’ll receive scholarship information with your Offer of Admission in the Waterloo applicant portal.
- If you receive a scholarship before May, you must meet all the conditions specified above. Once we’ve reviewed your grades available in early May, we’ll confirm your University of Waterloo President’s or Merit Scholarship. You will be able to view the scholarship information in the applicant portal.
- If you receive your scholarship offer in May, we will already have reviewed your grades available in early May. You must still meet all other conditions specified above.
In late July, you’ll receive an email with information about how to use the award to help pay your tuition and fees.
President's and Merit Scholarships – eligibility and conditions
- You must receive an offer of admission to a full-time, first-year degree program and be starting university or college for the first time in September.
- If you receive an offer of admission to more than one program, your admission average may qualify you for a President's or Merit Scholarship in one program but not another because your admission average must include required courses, which vary from program to program.
- If your early May admission average is below 85% but your final admission average in June or July is 85% or higher, you will be awarded the appropriate President’s or Merit Scholarship. You'll be notified after we've received final grades in July.
- To receive the full value of the entrance scholarship, you must remain enrolled in full-time degree studies at Waterloo for the full four-month fall term (September to December).
Note: These scholarships pertain to admission to the University of Waterloo main campus and are not applicable if you choose to register through St. Jerome’s University, one of Waterloo's on-campus University Colleges which offers its own scholarships.
Scholarships for your faculty or program
- You can receive a scholarship(s) from your faculty or program in addition to the President's and Merit Scholarships listed above.
- Not sure which faculty offers your program of interest? View programs listed by faculty →
Faculty of Arts
Programs
- Honours Arts (includes the 28 majors within the Faculty of Arts, e.g., Psychology, English, Sociology, History, etc.)
- Honours Arts and Business (includes the 28 majors within the Faculty of Arts, e.g., Psychology, English, Sociology, History, etc.)
- Global Business and Digital Arts
| Programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Academic performance
An application is not required |
St. Jerome's scholarships
If you’re admitted to the Faculty of Arts and choose St. Jerome’s University as your academic home (by co-registering), any scholarships will be awarded by St. Jerome’s.
Faculty of Engineering, including Architecture
Programs
- all Engineering programs, Software Engineering, and Architecture
| Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Several at $1,000 - $2,500 |
An application is not required. |
| All Engineering programs |
Several at $10,000 to $25,000 over eight academic terms (normally the length of your degree) Several at $1,000 to $5,000 for one year |
An application is not required. |
| Faculty of Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarships | $20,000 (over two years) if you receive an offer of admission to Environmental Engineering or Geological Engineering | Must be a visa student paying international fees. An application is not required. |
| Faculty of Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarships | $10,000 (for first year) if you receive an offer of admission to Architectural, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Management, Nanotechnology, or Systems Design Engineering | Must be a visa student paying international fees. An application is not required. |
| All Engineering programs |
Two at $20,000 |
An application is not required. |
| Software Engineering |
One at $20,000 over eight academic terms (normally the length of your degree) Several at $4,000 for one year |
An application is not required. |
| Black and Indigenous students in any Engineering program | Up to five awards, valued at $5,000 each |
An application is required by April 15. |
Faculty of Environment
Programs
- Climate and Environmental Change
- Environment and Business
- Environment, Resources and Sustainability
- Geography and Aviation
- Geography and Environmental Management
- Geomatics
- Planning
| Scholarship | Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Andrey Environment Leadership Scholarship | All programs (including Sustainability and Financial Management) | One valued at up to $7,500 for one year |
Academic performance (minimum 85% admission average) Demonstrated interest and/or passion for all environmental issues. An application is required by April 1, 2026. |
| Dean of Environment’s Scholarship for Excellence | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | Several at $7,500 for one year |
Academic performance (minimum 85% admission average) Demonstrated interest and/or passion for environmental issues. An application is required by April 1, 2026. |
| Faculty of Environment Entrance Scholarships | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | $4,000 for one year (including a President’s Scholarship of Distinction valued at $2,000) |
Early May admission average of 95.0% or above An application is not required. |
| Faculty of Environment Entrance Scholarships | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | $3,000 for one year (including a President’s Scholarship valued at $2,000) |
Early May admission average of 90.0% to 94.9% An application is not required. |
| Faculty of Environment Student Engagement Award | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | Up to 10 awards valued at $4,000 each for one year |
Academic performance (minimum 85% admission average) Demonstrated interest in sustainability-related activities in your community. An application is required by April 1, 2026. |
| Other entrance scholarships | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | Several from $1,000 to $4,000 |
Academic performance An application is required by April 1, 2026. |
Faculty of Health
Programs
- Health Sciences
- Kinesiology
- Public Health
- Recreation and Leisure Studies majors: Recreation, Leadership and Health; Sport and Recreation Management; and Therapeutic Recreation
The following scholarships require an application. Once you've applied for admission and can access the Waterloo applicant portal, you can apply to these scholarships under the Awards and financial aid tab in the portal. Look for the Faculty of Health Entrance Scholarships form.
| Scholarship | Eligible Programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyle S. Hallman Entrance Scholarship | All Health programs | Three scholarships, valued at up to $2,500 each |
Application deadline: April 15 |
| Recreation and Leisure Studies Founders Entrance Scholarship | Recreation and Leisure Studies majors | One or more scholarships, valued at up to $1,000 each |
Application deadline: April 15 |
| Ronald George, Florence Elizabeth and Ronald Thomas Bolce Scholarship | All Health programs | One scholarship, valued at up to $3,000 |
Application deadline: April 15 |
Faculty of Mathematics, including Computer Science
Programs
- Business Administration (Laurier) and Computer Science (Waterloo)
- Business Administration (Laurier) and Mathematics (Waterloo)
- Computer Science
- Mathematics (which includes 16 Math majors)
- Mathematics/Business Administration
- Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy
- Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management
| Scholarship | Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various entrance scholarships | All Math programs (excluding Computing and Financial Management and Software Engineering) |
|
An application is not required. |
| National and Global Scholarships | All Math programs (excluding Computing and Financial Management and Software Engineering) | Up to 30 awards at $10,000 to $40,000 over eight academic terms (normally the length of your degree) |
An application is not required. |
| CIBC National Scholarship | Computer Science Co-op, Mathematics/ Business Administration | $25,000 over eight academic terms (normally the length of your degree) |
An application is not required. |
The Mathematics scholarships website has additional information on scholarships for
- international students, including scholarships for students from India,
- Black students, and
- Indigenous students.
Faculty of Science
Programs
Environmental Sciences, Honours Science, Medical Sciences, Science and Aviation, Science and Business, Science and Financial Management, and majors within Life Sciences (e.g., Biology, Biochemistry, etc) and Physical Sciences (e.g., Chemistry, Physics, etc).
The scholarships are available to students entering first year of full-time undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Science.
| Scholarship | Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Science Entrance Scholarships | All programs (excluding Aviation, Optometry, Pharmacy) | $500 - $1,000 each for one year |
Early May admission average as follows.
These scholarships are in addition to the President’s Scholarship of Distinction, President’s Scholarship, or Merit Scholarship, as applicable based on admission average. An application is not required. |
| Faculty of Science Contest and Camp Award | All programs (excluding Aviation, Optometry, Pharmacy) | $1,000 |
Available to high school students completing one of the following Waterloo contests in 2026: Sir Isaac Newton Contest, Chem 13 News Exam Contest, or the Euclid math contest. Participation in these contests must be co-ordinated through your school. Students who participated in Waterloo's GeoX Camp in 2025 or 2026 are also eligible for this award. Eligible students may receive one $1,000 award only. |
| Science SHSM Entrance Award | All programs (excluding Aviation, Optometry, Pharmacy) | $1,000 |
Available to students completing any Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) at an Ontario high school. No application is required. |
| Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships | All programs (excluding Medical Sciences, Optometry, Pharmacy) |
$25,000 to $80,000 |
An application is required. Available to international fee-paying students only. |
| Various | All programs (excluding Medical Sciences, Optometry, Pharmacy) | Several at $1,000 - $10,000 for one year | Academic performance
An application is not required. |
| Optometry, Pharmacy | Entrance scholarships are not available. | ||
Accounting and Financial Management, Sustainability and Financial Management
| Value | Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Academic performance An application is required for some. The application is available under the Awards and financial aid tab in the applicant portal. |
Computing and Financial Management
| Value | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Several at $3,000 - $4,000 for one year |
Academic performance An application is not required. |
St. Jerome's University
If you receive an offer of admission to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business, you can choose St. Jerome's University as your academic home base by co-registering.
You can receive a President's or Merit Scholarship from the main University of Waterloo or the equivalent scholarship from St. Jerome's (not both).
| Scholarship | Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board of Governor's Scholarship |
Honours Arts Honours Arts and Business |
Up to $5,000 |
Academic performance
An application is not required. |
| President's Scholarship of Distinction |
Honours Arts Honours Arts and Business |
- $2,000 Entrance Scholarship; -$1,500 International Experience Award and/or; - $1,500 Research Award |
Open to students admitted to full-time first-year degree studies at St. Jerome’s University, who are beginning post-secondary studies for the first time. Early May admission average of 95%+ View the President's Scholarship section for complete eligibility details. An application is not required. |
| President's Scholarship |
Honours Arts Honours Arts and Business |
$2,000 |
Open to students admitted to full-time first-year degree studies at St. Jerome’s University, who are beginning post-secondary studies for the first time. Early May admission average of 90%+ |
| Entrance scholarships |
Honours Arts Honours Arts and Business |
$1,000 | For students with averages between 85% and 89.9%.
An application is not required. |
| Founder's Scholarship |
Honours Arts Honours Arts and Business |
$1,000 |
Awarded to the highest achieving incoming Faculty of Arts student at St. Jerome’s University from each of our partnering Roman Catholic High Schools. Academic performance An application is not required. |
| Application-based awards | All Waterloo programs | $1,000 - $2,500 |
Awarded to one or more students who demonstrate academic achievement and/or financial need and who are co-registered at St. Jerome's University (SJU), living in the SJU residence, or have another connection to the SJU community. |
For a complete list and additional information, visit the St. Jerome’s University scholarships website.
Scholarships which require an application
International students
All international (visa) students
There are scholarships specifically for international students.
Engineering, Math, and Science programs
The faculties of Engineering, Mathematics (which includes Computer Science), and Science offer scholarships of up to $80,000 for international students. Faculty of Science applicants will need to submit an application.
Students from mainland China and Hong Kong (all programs)
- Hong Kong Alumni Association Entrance Award (for students from or previously from Hong Kong, based on academic performance and community involvement)
- Waterloo – China Hong Kong Entrance Scholarship (for students who reside in or who previously resided in Hong Kong or mainland China. Based on academic performance and community involvement)
- Once you've applied and can access the Waterloo applicant portal, you can apply to these scholarships under the Awards and financial aid tab in the portal.
Black students
- If you're of African, African American, Afro-Latine, Black Canadian, Caribbean, or other African descent, you may be eligible for scholarships valued at up to $40,000.
- Once you've applied and can access the Waterloo applicant portal, you can apply to these scholarships under the Awards and financial aid tab in the portal.
Application deadline: April 15
Indigenous students
- If you're a citizen or member of a First Nations community (Status/Non-Status), Inuit, and/or Métis, you may be eligible for scholarships valued at up to $40,000.
- Once you've applied and can access the Waterloo applicant portal, you can apply to these scholarships under the Awards and financial aid tab in the portal.
Application deadline: April 15
Schulich Leader Scholarships in engineering, math, and science
Scholarships of up to $120,000 are awarded annually across 20 universities in Canada.
Eligibility
- For high school students applying to science, technology, engineering, and math programs
- Recipients must be Canadian citizens.
- Must be entrepreneurial-minded (exhibiting leadership, charisma, and creativity).
- Strong consideration is given for financial need.
How to apply
You must be nominated by your high school or CÉGEP by January 28, 2026. Visit the Schulich Leader Scholarships website for details.
Students from Waterloo region
- Deer Ridge Entrance Award (for students from Waterloo Region, based on academic performance, financial need, and community involvement)
- Joyce Scholars Award (for students who face financial barriers and have demonstrated the ability overcome obstacles and adversity, preference to students from Waterloo Region)
- Apply for these awards when you complete the Entrance Bursary form. The bursary application will be available to Ontario students on the Awards and financial aid tab in the Waterloo applicant portal.
You can search our scholarship database to view all entrance scholarships which require an application. There may be some you qualify for – and who doesn't appreciate free money!
Bursaries
A bursary is awarded based on financial need rather than on academic achievement.
Ontario students
- We encourage you to apply for a Waterloo entrance bursary even if you think you won't qualify because a variety of factors are considered.
- Bursary for Ontario students with disabilities
All students
Earn while you learn
If you're in a co-op program, you'll earn money during each of your four to six co-op terms to help pay for school – and students typically earn $9,600 to $22,800 per four-month work term.
Ready to learn more?
- Use our cost calculator to estimate your costs for first year
- Ultimate guide to funding your university education