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.
Scholarships you'll automatically be considered for
The "admission average" we use to award scholarships generally consists of your top six grades, including the courses required for admission to your program(s) of interest.
| Scholarship | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
President’s Scholarship of Distinction (admission average of 95%+) |
$2,000 entrance scholarship $1,500 International Experience Award* |
Visit the President's Scholarship web page for full details. *Note: The International Experience Award and/or Research Award are available after first year if you choose to claim them and if you complete your first year with at least an 80% average. |
| President’s Scholarship (admission average of 90% to 94.9%) | $2,000 |
Visit the President's Scholarship web page for full details. |
| Merit Scholarship (admission average of 85% to 89.9%) | $1,000 |
Visit the President's Scholarship web page for full details. |
| Faculty- or program-specific scholarships | $1,000 to $57,000 | See below for details. |
| International student scholarships | $1,000 to $40,000 | Waterloo offers more than 170 scholarships for international students. You'll automatically be considered for most scholarships although there are some which require an application. |
Scholarships which require an application
Not sure which programs are in the faculties of Environment, Math, or Science? View programs by faculty.
| Scholarship | Value | Criteria / details | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty of Environment scholarships | $4,000 to $7,500 | mid-April 2024 | |
| Faculty of Mathematics scholarships | $10,000 to $50,000 |
|
February 16, 2024 |
| Faculty of Science scholarships for international students | $15,000 to $40,000 | An application is required. Available to international (visa) students. | April 15 |
| Schulich Leader Scholarships in engineering, math, and science Up to 100 scholarships are awarded annually across 20 partner universities in Canada. |
up to $120,000 |
Visit the Schulich Leader Scholarships website for details. |
Students must be nominated by their high school or CÉGEP by January 30, 2024. |
| Scholarships for Black students | $1,200 to $40,000 | Eligible students include those of African, African American, Afro-Latine, Black Canadian, Caribbean, or other African descent. The application form normally opens in January. | April 15, 2024 |
| Scholarships for Indigenous students | $1,200 to $40,000 | Eligible students include citizens or members of a First Nations community (Status/Non-Status), Inuit, and/or Métis. The application form normally opens in January. | April 15, 2024 |
Other awards (up to $20,000)
Several at $1,000 – $20,000. The application deadline for these scholarships is April 15, 2024.
- 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)
- Serbian Education Fund Entrance Award (for students who demonstrate significant cultural contributions to Serbian community)
- 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)
Did you know? 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.
Additional scholarships awarded by faculty/program
You'll be automatically considered for the following scholarships along with those listed in the available to any student section above.
Not sure which faculty offers your program of interest? View programs listed by faculty.
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.
Ready to learn more?
- Use our student budget calculator to estimate your costs and resources for first year.
- Discover our ultimate guide to funding your university education.
