By participating in one or more contests, students admitted to programs in the Faculty of Mathematics and the Faculty of Science may be eligible for additional scholarships.
How to participate
If you'd like to write a math or science contest, a teacher from an accredited high school (tutoring schools are not eligible) must register for and supervise the test. If your high school doesn't already participate, we suggest asking before the end of January if your high school is willing to participate. Contest order deadlines are in February, March, and April accordingly. Please find the details below.
Math and computing contests
Euclid Mathematics Contest (written in April)
If you’re applying to a program in the Faculty of Mathematics, we strongly encourage you to participate in the Euclid Mathematics Contest and/or the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest. The contest will help develop your problem-solving skills and prepare you for university studies.
While it is not an admission requirement, you are encouraged to write the Euclid and/or the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest to be considered for entrance scholarships in the Faculty of Mathematics and in the Faculty of Science.
Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest (written in November)
If you’re applying to a program in the Faculty of Mathematics, we strongly encourage you to participate in either the Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest (CSMC) and/or the Euclid to enhance your admissions status.
While it is not an admission requirement, you are encouraged to write the CSMC and/or the Euclid to be considered for entrance scholarships in the Faculty of Mathematics.
Canadian Computing Competition (written in February)
The Canadian Computing Competition provides Canadian high school students with an opportunity to test their ability in designing, understanding, and implementing algorithms.
While it is not an admission requirement, we encourage you to participate if you’re interested in programming and problem-solving, and especially if you’ve applied to Computer Science or to Computing and Financial Management.
Euclid preparation webinars
Planning to write the Euclid contest this year? Join the Centre for Education in Mathematics and computing professors for online workshops and webinars to help you prepare for the CSMC and the Euclid contest.
Science competitions
Scholarships
For September 2025, an award valued at $1,000 will be provided to eligible students
- entering their first year of a full-time undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Science at Waterloo (excluding Aviation, Optometry, and Pharmacy) and
- who have completed the Sir Isaac Newton Exam or Chem 13 News Exam in 2025.
The admissions office will send details to students who receive an offer of admission on how to apply for the Faculty of Science Contest Award.
Sir Isaac Newton Physics Exam (written in May)
The Sir Isaac Newton Exam is a test of high school physics offered by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo. The test, although challenging, is meant to be refreshing and fun. Registration must be completed by a teacher on behalf of their students from across Canada, the US, and abroad.
Chem 13 News Exam
If you've applied to Biochemistry, Chemistry, Materials and Nanosciences, or Medicinal Chemistry in the Faculty of Science, you should consider writing the Chem 13 News Exam. This popular exam is an excellent opportunity to test your skills.
Any accredited high school in the world can register eligible grade 12 chemistry students to participate. All participants are eligible for a Certificate of Distinction and/or Participation. Top scoring students from Canada and the United States will receive a recognition from the University of Waterloo. The Chem 13 exam contest date is Thursday May 8, 2025. Registration closes Friday, April 25, 2025.
If you're in Grade 11 and want to practise for the Chem 13 News exam, the Avogadro exam is great preparation.