The University of Waterloo Games Institute has secured $25,000 of funding per year over two years from the Ontario government to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in the gaming and esports industries. The successful application was an interdisciplinary collaborative effort between the Games Institute (GI) and the faculties of Arts, Health, Math, Engineering, and Science.
This scholarship funding is part of an Ontario-wide allocation of one million dollars over two years across eighteen institutions. The scholarships are valued at $2,500-$5000 each and will support high-achieving graduate and undergraduate students who can demonstrate financial need and are pursuing careers in the gaming and esports industries.
GI Executive Director Neil Randall comments, “Given the continual growth of the esports phenomenon worldwide, it's fantastic to see the Ontario government supporting students who want to be part of this emerging profession through these scholarships. UW students are perfect for this initiative, and I'm excited about where the support will lead them.”
Successful applicants will be welcomed to join the University of Waterloo Games Institute as members of the community and research ecosystem to help further and support their work in gaming, esports, and interactive technologies.
- Applicants must be domestic students enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year who can demonstrate an interest in the games and esports industry via participation in an esports league, developing games or games-related products, working or volunteering in the games or esports industry, conducting research on the topic, etc.
- In support of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and supporting Indigenous initiatives (EDII), Waterloo encourages applicants from equity-deserving groups to apply.
- Candidates must demonstrate financial need, as determined by the University of Waterloo through a review of OSAP, out-of-province government assistance, and/or the Waterloo bursary program.
- Upon determination of financial need, applications will be assessed based on merit, as determined by academic achievement (minimum 80% cumulative average) and demonstrated interest in the video-gaming and/or esports industry.
- Applicants will demonstrate their merit through a mandatory personal statement following the application guidelines.
- Applications are due on February 10th, 2023.
- More information for prospective students is included in the application form.
