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 Quest account starting in mid-May.
President's Scholarships
To recognize your outstanding academic achievement, you'll automatically be awarded one of the following entrance 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.
These scholarships are awarded in early May based on your admission average, which 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.
No application is required. You can receive a President's Scholarship and scholarships offered by your faculty or University College.
Scholarships by faculty/program
You can receive a scholarship(s) from your faculty in addition to the President's Scholarships listed above. Not sure which faculty offers your program of interest? View programs listed by faculty.
International, Black, and Indigenous students as well as students applying to STEM programs are eligible for additional scholarships ranging up to $120,000. These require an application.
You can search our scholarships 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 for students in financial need
A bursary is awarded based on financial need rather than on academic achievement.
Students who are Ontario residents with financial need and who are starting university or college for the first time can apply for a Waterloo entrance bursary.
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.
Students typically earn $9,600 to $22,500 per four-month work term.
- Waterloo students typically have smaller student loans and are more successful at paying them back.
- Use your co-op terms to try different careers. See what you're good at and what you love to do.
Ready to learn more?
- Use our cost calculator to estimate your costs for first year
- Ultimate guide to funding your university education
- Scholarships for international students
From the Missing Manual
Worried about tuition costs? We’ve got you covered! Scholarships are a great way to help pay for your education.