University of Waterloo Scholarships for International Students

Dreaming of studying at the University of Waterloo but concerned about the costs? No worries! Waterloo offers a variety of scholarships for international students that can make your dream a reality. Let’s dive into the details and find out how you can benefit from these opportunities.

Scholarships for International Students

Waterloo has a generous selection of over 170 scholarships available for international students. These scholarships range from $1,000 to $40,000. The best part? You’ll be automatically considered for most of them, including the Merit and President’s scholarships, which range from $1,000 to $5,000. These scholarships are a great way to help offset the cost of tuition, living expenses, and other fees associated with studying abroad.

However, some scholarships do require an application, and we’ll cover those next. It’s important to be aware of which scholarships require additional steps so you can maximize your opportunities for financial aid.

Top Scholarships at a Glance

International Student Entrance Scholarship

Programs or Eligibility: All programs
Value: 20 scholarships valued at $10,000 each
Application Required?: No

The International Student Entrance Scholarship is a fantastic option if you’re looking to study in any program at Waterloo. With 20 scholarships available, each valued at $10,000, this scholarship provides significant financial support without the need for a separate application. This means you can focus on your studies and other preparations for your move to Canada.

Faculty of Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarships

Programs or Eligibility: All Engineering programs except Architecture
Value: Up to 20 scholarships valued at $10,000 each
Application Required?: No

For those interested in Engineering (excluding Architecture), the Faculty of Engineering International Student Entrance Scholarships are an excellent choice. These scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, help ease the financial burden of pursuing a degree in one of Waterloo’s renowned engineering programs. The best part? No application is required – you’ll be automatically considered.

Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships

Programs or Eligibility: Most programs in the Faculty of Mathematics
Value: Up to 10 scholarships valued at $12,000 to $40,000
Application Required?: Yes

Mathematics enthusiasts, this one’s for you. The Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships offer up to 10 scholarships, each ranging from $12,000 to $40,000. These scholarships are highly competitive and require an application, so make sure to prepare a strong application that highlights your academic achievements and passion for mathematics.

Faculty of Mathematics International Awards: India

Programs or Eligibility: Most programs in the Faculty of Mathematics
Value: Up to 15 scholarships valued at $20,000 to $40,000
Application Required?: Yes

Specifically targeting students from India, the Faculty of Mathematics International Awards provide substantial financial support. With up to 15 scholarships available, each ranging from $20,000 to $40,000, these awards are designed to attract top talent from India to Waterloo’s math programs. An application is required, so make sure to showcase your academic excellence and potential.

Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships

Programs or Eligibility: Most programs in the Faculty of Science
Value: 55 scholarships valued at $15,000 to $40,000
Application Required?: Yes

The Faculty of Science offers a whopping 55 scholarships, each valued between $15,000 and $40,000. These scholarships are available to students enrolling in most science programs and require an application. Given the high number of scholarships, this is a great opportunity for science students to secure significant financial support.

Scholarships for Black Students

Eligibility: Students of African, African American, Afro-Latine, Black Canadian, Caribbean, or other African descent
Value: $1,200 to $40,000
Application Required?: Yes (application form normally opens in January)

Waterloo is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. Scholarships for Black students are available for those of African descent and offer a wide range of financial support, from $1,200 to $40,000. Applications usually open in January, so keep an eye out and prepare your application in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity.

Earn While You Learn

One of the perks of studying at Waterloo is the opportunity to participate in co-op work terms. You can earn between $9,000 and $21,500 per four-month co-op work term in Canada. Most students have five or six co-op work terms, providing substantial financial support. This hands-on experience not only helps pay for your education but also enhances your resume with practical work experience.

Additionally, there are hundreds of part-time jobs available on campus. Through Waterloo’s international work-study program, you can earn up to $2,000 each four-month school term.

This is a great way to manage your finances while gaining valuable work experience. Whether you’re working in a lab, assisting a professor, or working in one of the many campus facilities, these opportunities can help you build a strong professional network and gain relevant skills.

Additional Scholarships for Your Faculty or Program

You’ll be automatically considered for most scholarships. To see what’s available, check the scholarships offered by your faculty. Not sure which faculty your program falls under? You can view programs listed by faculty to find out.

Faculty of Arts

The Faculty of Arts offers a variety of scholarships to support students pursuing degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and creative arts. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

Faculty of Engineering

In addition to the entrance scholarships mentioned earlier, the Faculty of Engineering provides numerous awards and scholarships to support students throughout their studies. These awards are often based on academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities, and contributions to the engineering community.

Faculty of Environment

The Faculty of Environment offers scholarships to students committed to sustainability, environmental science, and resource management. These scholarships aim to support future leaders in environmental fields.

Faculty of Health

For students pursuing degrees in health sciences, the Faculty of Health provides scholarships that recognize academic achievement and potential in health-related fields. These awards support students in programs such as kinesiology, public health, and health studies.

Faculty of Mathematics (Including Computer Science)

In addition to the global scholarships, the Faculty of Mathematics offers numerous awards for students in various math-related programs, including computer science. These scholarships reward academic excellence and innovation in mathematical and computational fields.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science provides additional scholarships beyond the entrance awards, supporting students in a wide range of scientific disciplines. These scholarships recognize academic achievement and research potential in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and more.

Tips for Applying

To maximize your chances of securing a scholarship, follow these tips:

Start Early

Give yourself plenty of time to gather documents and write a strong application. Don’t wait until the last minute! Starting early allows you to prepare a comprehensive and compelling application that highlights your strengths.

Highlight Your Strengths

Emphasize your achievements, skills, and any relevant experience. Whether it’s your academic performance, leadership roles, or community involvement, make sure to showcase what makes you stand out.

Follow Instructions Carefully

Read the application requirements thoroughly and ensure you meet all criteria. Missing a single detail can disqualify your application, so double-check everything before submitting.

Seek Recommendations

Strong references can significantly boost your application. Ask teachers, employers, or community leaders who know you well to provide a recommendation. Make sure to give them plenty of time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter.

Proofread Your Application

Make sure there are no errors and that your application is polished and professional. A well-prepared application shows that you are serious and detail-oriented, which can make a big impression on scholarship committees.

Support Throughout Your Degree

Waterloo offers bursaries of up to $2,000 based on financial need, available to full-time international students after their first year. These bursaries provide additional financial support to help you manage the costs of your education. Plus, there are hundreds of additional scholarships available once you’re a Waterloo student, providing continuous support throughout your academic journey.

Conclusion

The University of Waterloo is committed to supporting international students through a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. By taking advantage of these resources, you can focus on your studies and make the most of your time at one of Canada’s top universities.

Ready to take the next step? Start researching the scholarships that fit you best, prepare your applications, and get ready to embark on an exciting educational journey at Waterloo! Good luck!