With the support of the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, Brae uses his chemistry knowledge to focus on indigenizing beauty. As part of that work, he plans and facilitates workshops that integrate Indigenous medicines and remedies with skincare products.
Boozhoo, shé:kon, waachjiiye, tansi, aanii, tungasugiit, sago, tawnshi, greetings!
At Waterloo, you’ll find resources and opportunities for Indigenous students, from weekly meetups to scholarships to an on-campus living community.
Scholarships, awards, and bursaries
In addition to the thousands of scholarships available to all students, Waterloo offers scholarships and bursaries specifically for Indigenous students. Entrance scholarships, awarded to new Waterloo students, are based primarily on academic and personal achievement while bursaries are based on financial need. As well, you can earn thousands of dollars each year through Waterloo's co-op progam.
Entrance scholarships and bursaries for new Indigenous students →
Scholarships and bursaries available once you're at Waterloo →
Tuition waivers for First Nations communities
Waterloo is committed to addressing the goals of truth and reconciliation and removing or reducing the financial barriers of attending university. We are waiving the application fee for Indigenous applicants. We also waive tuition fees for students who are members of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation or Six Nations of the Grand River (on whose traditional territory the University of Waterloo is situated).
As well, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students from Canadian provinces and territories outside Ontario can pay the lower tuition rate for Ontario students. Native American students from the continental U.S. recognized by the Jay Treaty are also eligible for Ontario tuition rates instead of international student tuition.
More about the tuition waiver →
Life at Waterloo
Reflect
The Ceremonial Fire Grounds and Medicine Garden facilitate community building and offer a sacred space for individual use, ceremonies, education, and other gatherings.
Celebrate
The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) hosts an annual Pow Wow to honour traditional teachings through drumming, dancing, food, and crafts.
Feel at home
Be part of our close-knit residence community that supports Indigenous first-year students, located on campus at United College and supported by WISC.
Waterloo's Indigenous campus community (photo gallery) →
Resources and supports
Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC)
WISC offers holistic support for Waterloo's Indigenous community. Through cultural gatherings, elder teachings, workshops, and other activities, WISC creates a space for community, connection, and friendship among students, staff, and professors.
Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR)
OIR is a central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, researchers, professors, staff, and allies within the Waterloo campus community. OIR provides guidance, support, and resources to strengthen our shared vision of reconciliation.
Indigenous student support counsellor
An Indigenous counsellor is available to students facing challenges relating to school, family or relationships, or mental health. Counselling Services also provides one-on-one counselling, group therapy, and skills seminars. There are also community resources you can access.
New residence prioritizes Indigenous design principles
A new 500-bed residence projected to open in 2026 will prioritize Indigenous design principles. Waterloo's Office of Indigenous Relations and the Indigenous-owned architecture firm Two Row will collaborate on the building’s design, which will feature a community healing garden, gathering spaces equipped for smudging, and areas for live-in Elders to meet with students.
Learn more about the services to help you succeed at Waterloo →
Indigenous programs
Indigenous Studies minor: Deepen your understanding of Indigenous culture, history, languages, and contemporary challenges. Sample courses include the Indigenous Experience in Canada and Indigenous Rights in Global Context. Any Waterloo student can include this as part of their degree.
Indigenous Entrepreneurship minor: Learn from Indigenous instructors with deeply-held expertise in entrepreneurship and social justice. Available as a minor for students in any program at Waterloo or as a stand-alone diploma for students who have successfully completed at least one year of college or university.
Learn Mohawk language (Kanien’kéha): Offered in collaboration with the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre at United College, these courses are available to any Waterloo students in any program with minimal to no knowledge of Kanien’kéha.
Activities and societies
- Connect with other Indigenous students on campus through the Indigenous Student Association (ISA).
- Build meaningful relationships with students, professors, and staff in STEM in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).
- Meet and connect with the Indigenous community at Soup and Bannock Days held weekly!
Explore more of our 200+ on-campus clubs and activities →
Ready to learn more?
Request a brochure
Want to learn more about our programs and the Indigenous student experience? Request our viewbook and Indigenous brochure to learn more.
Join us for a tour or event
Explore what the Waterloo campus has to offer!
Connect with us
No matter your question – from scholarships to programs to student life – our Indigenous Recruitment and Partnerships Specialist, Alex DeGagne, is here to support you.
Student-written articles
Discover more about Indigenous support and initiatives in these student-written articles.
