The University of Waterloo, located in Ontario, Canada, is one of the top-ranked universities globally, renowned for its co-op programs, STEM excellence, and strong industry connections. However, attending Waterloo can be profligate, especially for international students. Furthermore, the university provides plenty scholarships, awards, and financial support opportunities to help students upgird their education.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best strategies to secure a scholarship at the University of Waterloo, including:
✅ Types of scholarships available
✅ Eligibility criteria & application tips
✅ How to maximize your chances
✅ External funding options
1.Scholarships Available at the University of Waterloo
A. Entrance Scholarships (Automatic Consideration)
Waterloo provides automatic entrance scholarships for high-achieving students. No separate application is required—your admission application is enough.
- President’s Scholarship of Distinction ($10,000) – For students with 95%+ average and leadership involvement.
- President’s Scholarship ($2,000) – For students with 90-94.9% average.
- Merit Scholarship ($1,000) – For students with 85-89.9% average.
Pro Tip: If you’re an Ontario student, Waterloo also considers your top 6 U/M courses for scholarship eligibility.
B. Faculty-Specific Scholarships
Many faculties offer additional scholarships based on academic excellence, extracurriculars, or financial need.
- Engineering: 5,000–5,000–20,000 (e.g., Waterloo Engineering Scholarships)
- Mathematics: 5,000–5,000–12,000 (e.g., Faculty of Math Entrance Awards)
- Computer Science: 5,000–5,000–15,000 (e.g., David R. Cheriton Scholarship)
Check your faculty’s website for exclusive awards!
C. International Student Scholarships
Waterloo offers limited but substantial scholarships for international students:
- International Student Entrance Scholarships (10,000–10,000–25,000, renewable)
- President’s International Scholarship ($50,000 over 4 years) – Highly competitive.
Deadline: Apply by February 1 (for May consideration).
D. Need-Based Awards & Bursaries
If you demonstrate financial need, you can apply for:
- Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
- Waterloo Bursaries (up to $5,000/year)
Apply through Waterloo’s Student Financial Aid portal.
2. How to Maximize Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
📌 Tip #1: Apply on Time
Many scholarships have early deadlines (e.g., February 1 for major entrance awards).
📌 Tip #2: Maintain a Good Academic Record
- Aim for a 90%+ average (or equivalent in your country).
- Take challenging courses (AP, IB, A-levels) if possible.
📌 Tip #3: Vitrine Leadership & Extracurriculars
Waterloo values well-rounded students. Highlight:
- Volunteer work
- Clubs & competitions (e.g., hackathons, math contests)
- Part-time jobs or entrepreneurial projects
📌 Tip #4: Write a Compelling Scholarship Essay
Some awards (like the President’s Scholarship of Distinction) require an application essay. Focus on:
- Your achievements
- Future goals (how Waterloo fits in)
- Community impact
📌 Tip #5: Apply for External Scholarships:
- Schulich Leader Scholarships ($100,000 for STEM students)
- Loran Scholarship ($100,000 for leadership)
- Government & private awards
- Explore Other Scholarship Opportunities
3. Key Deadlines & Next Steps
| Scholarship Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Entrance Scholarships (Automatic) | No separate application |
| Faculty-Specific Awards | Varies (check faculty site) |
| International Student Awards | February 1 |
| Need-Based Bursaries | Open year-round |
Next Steps:
- Check Waterloo’s Scholarship Hub (https://uwaterloo.ca/scholarships)
- Apply early & meet all deadlines
- Follow up if required
Final Thoughts
Securing a scholarship at the University of Waterloo requires strong grades, leadership, and strategic planning. By applying early, showcasing your strengths, and exploring all funding options, you can significantly reduce your tuition costs.
