IDEAL Scholar

IDEAL Scholar Program

Graduate with more than a degree, be an IDEAL Scholar!

We know that our students are doing amazing things in and outside the classroom, and we want to reward your hard work. To be a part of the IDEAL Scholar program, undergraduate students participate in activities throughout their time in Science at Waterloo that support Innovation, Discovery, Engagement, Application, and Leadership. Students who have completed activities in two or more of these themes can apply to be an IDEAL Scholar to receive a medallion at graduation to celebrate their achievement.  

Group of award winners posing for a picture with the Dean of Science.
Medals displayed on table.
Group of award winners posing for a picture with the Dean of Science.
Family posing for a picture at IDEAL ceremony.
Group of award winners posing for a picture with the Dean of Science.
Medal winner smiling in front of Science sign.
Group of award winners posing for a picture with the Dean of Science.
Family posing for a picture at IDEAL ceremony.

Medallion Categories

Once you have completed activities in two of the IDEAL themes, you will receive a bronze medallion. Every additional theme achieved heightens the medallion level all the way up to a special cobalt-coloured medallion: 

  • Complete 2/5 themes, they will receive a bronze medallion 

  • Complete 3/5 themes, they will receive a silver medallion  

  • Complete 4/5 themes, they will receive a gold medallion 

  • Complete 5/5 themes, they will receive a cobalt medallion  

Each activity you take part in can only count toward one area of the IDEAL Scholar program.

What are the categories in the IDEAL Scholar program?

IDEAL Scholars are graduating undergraduate students who participated in activities that go above and beyond their course load during their undergraduate degrees. 

The letters in IDEAL Scholar stand for Innovation, Discovery, Engagement, Application, and Leadership. To obtain an IDEAL Scholar Medallion, students must complete activities in at least two of the IDEAL themes. 

Students must participate in each activity for a minimum of one term (4-months) unless specified in the criteria below. A single activity will not be considered for multiple themes. 

Theme Criteria

Innovation

Innovation Theme Criteria

This theme is granted to students who apply scientific principles to create transformative solutions to global challenges, reflecting Waterloo's commitment to fostering a better future through scientific innovation. 

To achieve this theme, students can participate in the following activities: 

Discovery

Discovery Theme Criteria

Asking questions about life’s big questions, working on activities that promote undergraduate research and looking at the world with a critical eye are all ways you can achieve the Discovery theme. 

To achieve this theme, students can participate in the following activities: 

  • Honours Thesis Project (BIOL 499; PHYS 437A; CHEM 494; etc.)
  • Paid Research Position
  • Volunteer Research Position

Engagement

Engagement Theme Criteria

Are you involved in activities around campus that enhance the student experience for all science undergraduate students?

To achieve this theme, students can participate in the following activities: 

Application

Application Theme Criteria

To achieve the Application theme, you will be engaging in activities that promote active learning and mirror learning in the workplace. 

To achieve this theme, students can participate in the following activities: 

Leadership

Leadership Theme Criteria

Leadership takes many forms within our student body and there are many ways to get involved in this capacity. Roles that involve providing direction, enhancing communication skills, and decision-making will help you achieve the Leadership theme.

To achieve this theme, students can participate in the following activities: 

How do I participate in the program?

**Spring IDEAL Scholar Applications will open in January 2026.

If you believe you have achieved at least two of the IDEAL categories, congratulations, you are an IDEAL Scholar! To complete your application, please ensure you have applied to graduate (Go to "Studying" and click on the link "Graduation and convocation"), then fill out the form below. You will be asked for specifics about your activities and proof of completion for verification, so please have those ready.

Applicants are not guaranteed to receive recognition for every theme you fill out. Activities must be verified and associated with the University of Waterloo before the award committee makes their decisions about the relevance of the activity to the theme. Failure to meet the criteria for each theme may result in a different medallion status. A single activity may not be considered for multiple themes.

If you have any questions about the program, please email science.engagement@uwaterloo.ca.