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
President's Scholarship of Distinction (average of 95% or higher)
Value
- $2,000 entrance scholarship
- $1,500 International Experience Award* and/or
- $1,500 Research Award*
Criteria
- Your early May admission average, including required courses, must be 95% or higher for the program for which you’ve received and accepted an offer of admission.
- You must accept your Offer of Admission by the date specified on the offer.
- You must be enrolled at Waterloo in full-time degree studies for the entire September to December term.
Details
The $1,500 International Experience Award will be awarded to Distinction Scholars who participate in an international study or work experience.
The $1,500 Research Award will be awarded to Distinction Scholars for an on-campus research position with a Waterloo professor or for a research-based co-op position with the University. You will be invited to find a Waterloo professor to engage you as a full- or part-time research assistant for a term to carry out research under his or her supervision.
Both the International Experience Award and the Research Award are available in your upper years should you choose to claim them. They're subject to the following conditions.
- You must complete your first year with an average of at least 80%.
- You must be in your second year or higher at Waterloo.
- You must claim the award before you complete your undergraduate program.
How you'll be notified
If you qualify, you’ll receive scholarship information with your Offer of Admission in Quest.
- If you receive a scholarship before May, you must meet all the conditions specified above. Once we’ve reviewed your grades available in early May, we’ll confirm your University of Waterloo President’s or Merit Scholarship. You will be able to view the scholarship information in Quest.
- If you receive your scholarship offer in May, we will already have reviewed your grades available in early May. You must still meet all other conditions specified above.
In late July, you’ll receive an email with information about how to use the award to help pay your tuition and fees.
President's Scholarship (average of 90 - 94.9%)
If you meet the conditions outlined below, you’ll be awarded a one-time University of Waterloo President’s Scholarship valued at $2,000.
- Your early May admission average, including required courses, must be 90 - 94.9% for the program for which you’ve received and accepted an Offer of Admission.
- You must accept your Offer of Admission by the date specified on the offer.
- You must be enrolled at Waterloo in full-time degree studies for the entire September to December term.
How you'll be notified
If you qualify, you’ll receive scholarship information with your Offer of Admission in Quest.
- If you receive a scholarship before May, you must meet all the conditions specified above. Once we’ve reviewed your grades available in early May, we’ll confirm your University of Waterloo President’s or Merit Scholarship. You will be able to view the scholarship information in Quest.
- If you receive your scholarship offer in May, we will already have reviewed your grades available in early May. You must still meet all other conditions specified above.
In late July, you’ll receive an email with information about how to use the award to help pay your tuition and fees.
Merit Scholarship (average of 85 - 89.9%)
If you meet the conditions outlined below, you’ll be awarded a one-time University of Waterloo Merit Scholarship valued at $1,000.
- Your early May admission average, including required courses, must be 85 - 89.9% for the program for which you’ve received and accepted an Offer of Admission.
- You must accept your Offer of Admission by the date specified on the offer.
- You must be enrolled at Waterloo in full-time degree studies for the entire September to December term.
How you'll be notified
If you qualify, you’ll receive scholarship information with your Offer of Admission in Quest.
- If you receive a scholarship before May, you must meet all the conditions specified above. Once we’ve reviewed your grades available in early May, we’ll confirm your University of Waterloo President’s or Merit Scholarship. You will be able to view the scholarship information in Quest.
- If you receive your scholarship offer in May, we will already have reviewed your grades available in early May. You must still meet all other conditions specified above.
In late July, you’ll receive an email with information about how to use the award to help pay your tuition and fees.
President's and Merit Scholarships – eligibility and conditions
- Your admission average will be calculated based on grades available in early May using your top 6 Grade 12 courses or equivalents, including each of the required courses for the program(s) to which you’ve applied.
- If you receive an Offer of Admission to more than one program, your admission average may qualify you for a President's or Merit Scholarship in one program but not another because your admission average must include required courses, which vary from program to program.
- If your early May admission average is below 85% but your final admission average is 85% or higher, you will be awarded the appropriate President’s or Merit Scholarship. You'll be notified after we've received final grades in July.
- To receive the full value of the entrance scholarship, you must remain enrolled in full-time degree studies at Waterloo for the full 4-month fall term (September to December).
Note: This scholarship program pertains to admission to the University of Waterloo only and is not applicable at Renison University College or St. Jerome’s University, who offer their own scholarships.
Other scholarships you're automatically considered for
| Scholarship | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Faculty of Environment ($4,000 to $7,500)
Application deadline: mid-April
Faculty of Mathematics ($10,000 to $50,000)
- National and Global Scholarships (All Math programs, excluding Computing and Financial Management and Software Engineering)
- CIBC National Scholarship (Computer Science Co-op, Mathematics/Business Administration)
Application deadline: February 16, 2024
Faculty of Science ($15,000 to $40,000; for international students)
An application is required. Available to international (visa) students.
Application deadline: April 15
Schulich Leader Scholarships in engineering, math, and science (up to $120,000)
Up to 100 scholarships are awarded annually across 20 partner universities in Canada.
Eligibility
- For students admitted to programs in science, technology, engineering, and math who intend to pursue a career in technology, engineering, entrepreneurship/business enterprise, and/or applied scientific research.
- Recipients must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada.
- Based on academic excellence, STEM innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership.
- Financial need may also be considered.
How to apply
You must be nominated by your high school or CÉGEP by January 30, 2024. Visit the Schulich Leader Scholarships website for details.
Black students (up to $40,000)
If you're of African, African American, Afro-Latine, Black Canadian, Caribbean, or other African descent, you can use one application to apply for multiple scholarships valued at up to $40,000.
Application deadline: April 15
Indigenous students (up to $40,000)
If you're a citizen or member of a First Nations community (Status/Non-Status), Inuit, and/or Métis, you can use one application to apply to multiple Indigenous student scholarships.
Application deadline: April 15
Students from Waterloo region
- 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)
Students from Hong Kong or mainland China
- 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)
Contributions to Serbian culture
Serbian Education Fund Entrance Award (for students who demonstrate significant cultural contributions to Serbian community)
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 earn $9,600-$22,500 per four-month work term.
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.
Faculty of Arts
| Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
Honours Arts* Honours Arts and *Business Global Business and Digital Arts |
|
Academic performance
An application is not required |
*Includes the 28 majors within the Faculty of Arts.
If you’re admitted to the Faculty of Arts and choose Renison University College or St. Jerome’s University as your academic home (by co-registering), any scholarships will be awarded by Renison or St. Jerome’s.
Accounting and Financial Management, Sustainability and Financial Management
| Value | Criteria |
|---|---|
|
An application is not required. |
Faculty of Engineering
Programs: all Engineering programs, Software Engineering, and Architecture
| Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Several at $1,000 - $2,500 |
An application is not required. |
| All Engineering programs |
Several at $10,000 over eight academic terms (normally the length of your degree) Several at $1,000 to $5,000 for one year |
An application is not required. |
| International students in all Engineering programs |
Several at $10,000 for one year |
International students admitted to full-time, first-year studies in Architecture, Engineering, or Software Engineering who are studying on an international study permit. An application is not required. |
| All Engineering programs |
One at $18,250 |
An application is not required. |
| Software Engineering |
One at $15,000 over eight academic terms (normally the length of your degree) Several at $4,000 for one year |
An application is not required. |
| Black and Indigenous Students in any all Engineering programs | Up to five awards, valued at $5,000 each |
An application is required by April 15. |
Faculty of Environment
Programs
- Climate and Environmental Change
- Environment and Business
- Environment, Resources and Sustainability
- Geography and Aviation
- Geography and Environmental Management
- Geomatics
- Knowledge Integration
- Planning
| Scholarship | Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Andrey Environment Leadership Scholarship | All programs (including Sustainability and Financial Management) | One valued at up to $7,500 for one year |
Academic performance (minimum 85% admission average) Demonstrated interest and/or passion for all environmental issues. An application is required by mid-April. |
| Dean of Environment’s Scholarship for Excellence | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | Several at $7,500 for one year |
Academic performance (minimum 85% admission average) Demonstrated interest and/or passion for environmental issues. An application is required by mid-April. |
| Faculty of Environment Entrance Scholarships | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | $2,000 for one year plus President’s Scholarship of Distinction valued at $2,000 | Early May admission average of 95.0% or above
An application is not required. |
| Faculty of Environment Entrance Scholarships | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | $1,000 for one year plus President’s Scholarship valued at $2,000 | Early May admission average of 90.0% to 94.9%
An application is not required. |
| Faculty of Environment Student Engagement Award | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | Up to 10 awards valued at $4,000 each for one year |
Academic performance (minimum 85% admission average) Demonstrated interest in sustainability-related activities in your community. An application is required by mid-April. |
| Other entrance scholarships | All programs (excluding Sustainability and Financial Management) | Several from $500 to $4,000 |
Academic performance |
Faculty of Health
Programs
- Health Sciences
- Kinesiology
- Public Health
- Recreation and Leisure Studies (for the Recreation, Leadership and Health; Sport and Recreation Management; and Therapeutic Recreation majors)
| Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| All Health programs | Several ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for one year |
Academic performance Community leadership and good citizenship as indicated on the Admission Information Form. An application is not required. |
| All Health programs | $500 | Early May admission average of 80.0% to 84.9%. An application is not required. |
Faculty of Mathematics
Programs
- Business Administration (Laurier) and Computer Science (Waterloo)
- Business Administration (Laurier) and Mathematics (Waterloo)
- Computer Science
- Mathematics (which includes 14 Math majors)
- Mathematics/Business Administration
- Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy
- Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management
| Scholarship | Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various entrance scholarships | All Math programs (excluding Computing and Financial Management and Software Engineering) |
|
An application is not required. |
| National and Global Scholarships | All Math programs (excluding Computing and Financial Management and Software Engineering) | Up to 30 awards at $10,000 to $50,000 over eight academic terms (normally the length of your degree) |
An application is required by February 16, 2024. |
| CIBC National Scholarship | Computer Science Co-op, Mathematics/ Business Administration | $25,000 over eight academic terms (normally the length of your degree) |
An application is required by February 16, 2024. |
Note: For more information visit the Mathematics Scholarships website.
Faculty of Science
Programs: Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy, Environmental Sciences, Honours Science, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Science and Aviation, Science and Business, and all majors within the Faculty of Science
| Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| All Science programs | Several at $1,000 - $10,000 for one year | Academic performance
An application is not required. |
| Science program leading to a Physics major | Several at up to $5,000 for one year |
An application is not required. |
| Optometry, Pharmacy | Entrance scholarships are not available. | |
Computing and Financial Management
| Value | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Several at $3,000 - $4,000 for one year |
An application is not required. |
Renison University College
Entrance scholarships
If you receive an offer of admission to Honours Arts, Honours Arts and Business, or Social Development Studies, you can choose Renison University College as your academic home base by co-registering. You would then be eligible for the following scholarships.
| Scholarship | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Renison President’s Scholarship of Distinction | $2,000 | Students with an admission of average of 95% or higher. The two highest achieving students will receive an additional $2,000 (President's Scholarship for Excellence). |
| Renison President's Scholarship | $2,000 | Students with an admission average of 90% - 94.9%. |
| Renison Merit Scholarship | $1,000 | Students with an admission average of 85% - 89.9%. |
An application is not required for these scholarships. For more information, visit the Renison University College scholarships website.
Social Development Studies Equity and Diversity Entrance Scholarship
Availability: Two scholarships valued at up to $6,000 ($3,000 in first year and $1,000 in second, third, and fourth year).
While studying Social Development Studies (SDS) at Renison University College, students explore how human interactions are influenced by individual, collective, and structural forces including mental health, social relationships, economic conditions, education and politics, and movements for social justice and social change. The common aim of those who study SDS is to help people, communities, and nations flourish. Renison values diversity and equity and has designed this scholarship to address historical and contemporary injustices that have created barriers to higher education for members of marginalized groups (with priority going to self-identified Indigenous students; Black students; students of colour; LGBTQ+, queer, trans*, and/or Two-Spirit students; and students with disabilities).
An application is required for this scholarship. For more information, visit the Renison University College scholarships website.
Town and Gown Society Entrance Scholarships
Two scholarships valued at $1,000 each are available to students starting in September. These awards are offered by the Renison Town and Gown Society, a network of active and involved women from the local community, to encourage transfer students embarking upon their degrees in Social Development Studies.
An application is required for this scholarship. For more information, visit the Renison University College scholarships website.
St. Jerome's University
If you receive an offer of admission to Honours Arts or Honours Arts and Business, you can choose St. Jerome's University as your academic home base by co-registering.
| Scholarship | Eligible programs | Value | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board of Governor's Scholarship |
- Honours Arts - Honours Arts and Business |
- $3,000 in first year - $2,000 available in upper years |
Academic performance
An application is not required. |
| President's Scholarship of Distinction |
- Honours Arts - Honours Arts and Business |
- $2,000 Entrance Scholarship; -$1,500 International Experience Award and/or; - $1,500 Research Award |
- Open to students admitted to full-time first-year degree studies at St. Jerome’s University, who are beginning post-secondary studies for the first time. - Early May admission average of 95%+ - View the President's Scholarship web page for complete eligibility details. - An application is not required. |
| President's Scholarship |
- Honours Arts - Honours Arts and Business |
$2,000 |
- Open to students admitted to full-time first-year degree studies at St. Jerome’s University, who are beginning post-secondary studies for the first time. - Early May admission average of 90%+ |
| Entrance scholarships |
- Honours Arts - Honours Arts and Business |
$1,000 | For students with averages between 85% and 89.9%.
An application is not required. |
| Founder's Scholarship |
- Honours Arts - Honours Arts and Business |
$1,000 |
- One student each from selected Catholic schools in Brantford, Cambridge, Kitchener-Waterloo, and North Bay. This may be awarded in addition to a St. Jerome's entrance scholarship. - Academic performance - An application is not required. |
| Application-based awards | All Waterloo programs | $1,000 - $2,500 | Awarded to one or more students who demonstrate academic achievement and/or financial need and who are co-registered at St. Jerome's University (SJU), living in the SJU residence, or have another connection to the SJU community. |
Note: For more information and conditions, visit the St. Jerome’s University scholarships website.
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.
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