Scholarships for international students

Who is eligible for the International Student Entrance Scholarship?

International fee-paying students admitted to a full-time, first-year degree program at Waterloo starting in September 2026. This includes students applying from CEGEP.

The scholarship is not available to the following students.

• Medical Sciences (Waterloo) and Doctor of Medicine (St. George's University) students
• Bachelor of Social Work, Doctor of Optometry, Doctor of Pharmacy students
• Transfer students admitted with transfer credits.
• Students who deferred their admission from September 2025 to September 2026.
• Students enrolled in a 2+2 and other similar x+y programs.

Do I need to apply for this scholarship?

No, you don't need to apply. Students who are eligible will be automatically granted the scholarship. It will appear on the Awards and financial aid tab in the Waterloo applicant portal starting in mid-April.

Do I need to submit any documents or bank information to receive the scholarship?

No.

Does the International Student Entrance Scholarship replace or reduce other entry scholarships from Waterloo?

No, you can receive this scholarship as well as any other entrance scholarship you may be awarded. Your scholarships will appear on the Awards and financial aid tab in the Waterloo applicant portal. 

When will I know if I've been awarded the International Student Entrance Scholarship?

Eligible students will see this appear on the Awards and financial aid tab in the Waterloo applicant portal beginning in April.

When will I receive the scholarship?

The first installment ($5,000) will be available in late July to help pay your first-term tuition. The second installment ($5,000) will be available to help pay your second-term tuition in late November.

Can the International Student Entrance Scholarship be applied to multiple years?

No, the scholarship is available only in your first year.

Can the scholarship be spread out over multiple years?

No, the scholarship can only be applied to your first and second term tuition fee bill.

I've received more than one offer of admission to Waterloo. Does it matter which offer I accept? 

Generally, no. The scholarship is available in most undergraduate programs (with some exceptions, listed above). You can accept the offer of admission to your preferred program to receive the $10,000.

If my grade average decreases, but I still meet the conditions of my admission to Waterloo, am I still eligible for the scholarship?

Yes, as long as you meet the conditions of your Offer of Admission, you'll still be awarded the scholarship.

I attend high school in Ontario/Canada. Am I eligible for the scholarship?

Yes, if you're an international fee-paying student in an eligible program, you're eligible for the scholarship (regardless of where you live).

If I defer my Offer of Admission, am I still eligible for the International Student Entrance Scholarship?

Yes, the scholarship will be available to help pay your first and second term tuition fees when you start at Waterloo as long as you still meet eligibility requirements.

Are there any conditions I need to meet in order to receive the scholarship?

Yes, there are two conditions.

1. You need to be enrolled full-time (three or more courses) in your first and second terms at Waterloo.
2. You need to continue to be an international fee-paying student. If your residency status changes either before or during the term, and/or if you're no longer required to pay the higher international study permit tuition fees, you'll no longer be eligible to receive the scholarship.

If I receive an Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loan, am I still eligible for the International Student Entrance Scholarship?

In most circumstances, students who receive OSAP are Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents, or a Protected Person and thus would not be eligible for the International Student Entrance Scholarship.

Can the scholarship funding be transferred to me directly instead of being applied to my first-year tuition?

No, the scholarship can only be applied to your first term and second term tuition fee bills ($5,000 each term).

Are there limits on how many students can receive the scholarship each year? Is it highly competitive?

There are no limits on the number of students who receive the scholarship, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Do I need to maintain a specific grade average to maintain eligibility for the scholarship?

As long as you continue to meet the minimum requirements outlined on your Offer of Admission, there is no specific grade-point average associated with the scholarship.

Is the International Student Entrance Scholarship available to students admitted to the BASE program (either one or two years)?

Yes, if you are admitted to BASE, you qualify for the scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded when you start your degree program. You must still meet the eligibility criteria when you start in first year.