In 2022, the University of Waterloo Games Institute secured $50,000 of funding over two years from the Ontario government to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in the gaming and esports industries. Following a successful first round of scholarships awarded to thirteen students (two graduate and eleven undergraduate) earlier this year, the second round is now open for applications.
The Games Institute is an interdisciplinary research network hub that seeks to advance the study, design and purpose of interactive, immersive technologies and experiences. It is a key part of the Waterloo tech ecosystem for its role in research, education, knowledge dissemination, outreach and collaboration.
The scholarship program is an interdisciplinary collaborative effort between the Games Institute and the faculties of Arts, Health, Math, Engineering and Science, part of an Ontario-wide allocation of one million dollars over two years across 18 institutions.
The scholarships are valued at $2,500 to $5000 each and will support high-achieving graduate and undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and are pursuing careers in the gaming and esports industries.
Interested students are invited to apply for the second round of scholarships.