Boozhoo, shé:kon, waachjiiye, tansi, aanii, tungasugiit, tawnshi, greetings!
At Waterloo, you’ll find resources and opportunities, from weekly meetups and scholarships to an on-campus living community for Indigenous students.
Scholarships and bursaries
Entrance scholarships, awarded to new Waterloo students, are based primarily on academic and personal achievement while bursaries are based on financial need.
- Entrance scholarships and bursaries for Indigenous students →
- Entrance scholarships available to all students →
- Earn money and experience through Waterloo's co-op program →
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 waive tuition fees for Waterloo 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).
- Students will need to still pay incidental fees (e.g., health plan, student government, athletics and recreation, student support services) which can range from $900 to $2,000 per term, depending on your program and whether you're in co-op.
- 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. as recognized by the Jay Treaty are also eligible for Ontario tuition rates instead of international student tuition.
Life at Waterloo
Feel at home
Be part of our close-knit Indigenous residence community, located at United College on Waterloo's campus.
Celebrate
The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC) hosts an annual Pow Wow and weekly Soup and Bannock Days.
Reflect
The Ceremonial Fire Grounds and Medicine Garden offer a sacred space for individual use, ceremonies, education, and other gatherings.
Supporting your success
In addition to the resources for all Waterloo students, Indigenous students have access to a range of services. From weekly soup and bannock lunches to an Indigenous counsellor and support for students interested in entrepreneurship, there are staff and resources dedicated to supporting your time at Waterloo.
Resources and supports for Indigenous students
Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre (WISC)
Through cultural gatherings, elder teachings, and workshops, WISC creates a space for community, connection, and friendship among students, staff, and professors.
Student associations
Connect with other Indigenous students through the Indigenous Student Association or the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.
Flint Hub incubator
Flint Hub is a community-driven space where Indigenous students can explore their entrepreneurial aspirations and contribute to the growth of Indigenous economies.
Indigenous Speakers Series
An annual lecture is organized by Indigenous and settler professors, staff, and students.
Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR)
OIR is a central hub for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students, researchers, professors, staff, and allies. OIR provides guidance, support, and resources to strengthen our shared vision of reconciliation.
Outdoor gathering space
A new outdoor space will be available for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit events, celebrations, and teachings starting this fall. The design and central location highlights the Indigenous presence on campus, including histories tied to the area as well as contemporary Indigenous diversity.
Finding community as an Indigenous student at Waterloo
Adjusting to university can be difficult but with the right support, the transition can become easier. Chemistry student Brae can attest to that.
Devon, an Environment, Resources and Sustainability student, adds that "the Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre created a space for me to be comfortable in."
Read about Devon's and Brae's experiences and how they've become connected to the campus.
Enhance your learning
Many of Waterloo's programs allow you to include a specialization or a minor, which consists of 8 to 10 courses. These minors are available to all Waterloo students. The minors and language courses listed here are taught at United College, which is part of the University of Waterloo and located on our main campus.
Ready to learn more?
Request a brochure
Request the Indigenous brochure and Waterloo viewbook to learn more about Indigenous student experience.
Join us for a tour or event
Explore what the Waterloo campus has to offer!
Connect with us
No matter your question, 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.