Global student relief initiative

Established through the Global Student Relief Initiative (GSRI), the University of Waterloo invites applications to the Student Relief Fellowship (SRF) for students living in, or who have lived, in the West Bank and Gaza.

Fellowship details

The Student Relief Fellowship is for students living in, or who have lived, in the West Bank and Gaza (see eligibility criteria) and are interested in research-based graduate programs (master’s or doctoral) at the University of Waterloo. Students who receive this fellowship and are admitted to a full-time graduate program at the University of Waterloo will receive an entrance fellowship of at least $10,000 as well as other applicable support from the specific Faculties. This also includes enhanced administrative support for finding a suitable graduate supervisor. 

Eligibility and selection criteria

Students must meet the following eligiblity criteria

  • Must be living in, or have lived in, the West Bank and Gaza between October 2023 and September 2024.
  • Must be applying for and receive an offer of admission into a full-time research-based master’s or doctoral program for fall 2025 term (September 2025 start) or later at the University of Waterloo.
    • Consideration will be limited to students applying to the following:
      • Arts: Master of Arts in Global Governance
      • Engineering: PhD level, all programs
      • Environment: Master's level, all research-based programs
      • Health: Master's level, all research-based programs
      • Math: PhD and Master's level, all research-based programs
      • Science: PhD and Master's level, all research-based programs
  • Must be a graduate from a bachelor’s or master’s program.
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency.
  • Must meet admission requirements of the graduate programs listed above.
  • Selection will be based on academic achievement and demonstrated research potential in the discipline to which they are applying.

How to apply

Eligible students are required to complete two applications

  1. Apply for the Student Relief Fellowship using the Global student relief initiative application form. Please note that applications are currently closed.
  2. After submitting this application, you will receive an email with detailed instructions for the admission application for graduate studies.

For assistance, please contact gradadmissions@uwaterloo.ca

Student Relief Fellowship applications are currently closed.

After you've applied

  • The Student Relief Fellowship committee will assess applications submitted by the deadline to confirm eligibility.
  • The committee will recommend recipients based on academic excellence and demonstrated research potential in the discipline to which they are applying for admission.  
  • The committee will help match the recommended recipients with potential faculty supervisors at the University of Waterloo.
  • Potential supervisors will assess the application packages of the recommended recipients.  
  • Starting December 13, 2024, communications will be sent to applicants regarding decisions for the Student Relief Fellowship.  
  • Students not recommended for the Student Relief Fellowship will still have their application for admission considered through the regular admission review process for graduate studies at the University of Waterloo.

Receipt of the Fellowship is contingent on a successful offer of admission to a full-time graduate program (master’s or doctoral) at the University of Waterloo.