The University of Waterloo stands out among Canadian universities for its strong support of international students through a mix of automatic entrance awards, high-value faculty scholarships, and robust graduate funding packages. Combined with its world-leading co-operative education program, these opportunities make high-quality education more accessible. International tuition for first-year full-time study (two academic terms) typically ranges from roughly $51,000 to $75,000 CAD depending on the faculty, so strategic scholarship stacking and co-op earnings can significantly reduce the net cost.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Canada
- Host University: University of Waterloo
- Scholarship Type: Undergraduate Scholarships/MSC Scholarships/PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All countries (international fee-paying/visa students)
- Scholarship Benefits: Automatic $10,000 first-year tuition support; stackable President’s/Merit awards; faculty scholarships of $12,000–$80,000 (some renewable); PhD minimum funding of approximately $29,145 per year plus International Doctoral Student Award covering tuition differential; Master’s minimum funding around $12,000 (first year) plus possible International Master’s Award of Excellence; co-op earnings of $9,600–$23,400 per four-month work term
- Application Deadline: Varies by program and award (admission applications generally due January 15 or February 1, 2027 for September intake; some scholarship applications due as early as mid-February; automatic awards require no separate application)
Why University of Waterloo Appeals to International Students
Located in Waterloo, Ontario, the university is renowned for engineering, computer science, mathematics, science, and its co-op model that integrates paid work terms. More than 170 entrance scholarships are available to international students entering full-time first-year undergraduate studies, with values from $1,000 to $80,000 CAD. Many are awarded automatically based on admission averages and program of interest, removing the need for extra essays in numerous cases.
This approach helps high-achieving students from around the world access Waterloo’s rigorous programs while building Canadian work experience. For graduate research-based degrees, minimum funding levels plus targeted international awards often create packages that cover a large portion of tuition and living costs.
The Flagship Award: $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship
Eligible international fee-paying students admitted to full-time first-year degree studies receive $10,000 for their first year. No separate application is required—the award appears automatically in the applicant portal (typically starting mid-April). It is applied as $5,000 toward the first-term tuition bill (late July) and $5,000 toward the second-term bill (late November). It cannot be spread across later years or paid directly to the student.
Key eligibility points:
- Must be an international fee-paying student admitted to a full-time first-year program (including those applying from CEGEP).
- Must remain enrolled full-time (three or more courses) in the first and second terms and continue paying international tuition rates.
- Available regardless of where the student attended high school, as long as they pay international fees.
Exclusions include:
See More Posts in Jobs, Scholarships, Technology, Career/Motivations, Football News Feeds
Join Job Whatsapp Channel, Scholarship Whatsapp Channel, Tech Whatsapp Channel, Follow Our Twitter (X) Channel.
- Certain professional programs such as Medical Sciences (Waterloo), Doctor of Medicine (St. George’s University), Bachelor of Social Work, Doctor of Optometry, and Doctor of Pharmacy.
- Transfer students admitted with transfer credits.
- Students who deferred admission from a previous year.
- Students in 2+2 or similar pathway programs.
The scholarship stacks with other Waterloo awards and does not reduce them. Students must meet the conditions of their Offer of Admission.
See Also:
- University of Guelph Scholarship in Canada: Secure Up to $42,500 and Fully Supported Graduate Paths for International Students
- University of Waterloo Scholarships for International Students 2026: Fully Funded
- How to Secure Strong Graduate Funding at Trent University in Canada (Master’s and PhD Opportunities for 2026-2027)
Stackable Merit Awards and Faculty-Specific Scholarships
All admitted first-year students are automatically considered for President’s and Merit scholarships based on early-May admission averages (top six Grade 12 or equivalent courses, including required subjects):
- President’s Scholarship of Distinction (95% or higher): $2,000 plus potential later International Experience or Research Awards.
- President’s Scholarship (90–94.9%): $2,000 one-time.
- Merit Scholarships: lower amounts based on average.
High-value faculty awards significantly increase support:
- Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships: Up to 10 awards of $12,000–$40,000 paid over eight academic terms for most Mathematics programs (exclusions apply for Software Engineering and Computing and Financial Management). Automatic consideration; continuation requires an 80% average and full course load. Selection considers academics, the Admission Information Form, and related achievements.
- Faculty of Mathematics International Awards (India): Up to 15 awards of $20,000–$40,000 for students from India in select Mathematics programs. Automatic.
- Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships: Up to 15 awards of $25,000–$80,000 (some renewable at roughly $20,000 per year for four years, contingent on maintaining an 80% average). Separate application required (typically due mid-February). Awarded based on academic achievement, motivation to become a scientist, and the impact of the scholarship. Must first receive an offer of admission to an eligible Science program.
- Other options include scholarships for Black students ($1,200–$40,000, application required) and various program- or faculty-specific awards.
These can often be combined with the $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship and merit awards, creating packages that cover a substantial share of first-year costs and, in renewable cases, later years.
Graduate Funding: Master’s and PhD Opportunities
Research-based graduate programs offer structured funding:
- Full-time research-based master’s students (domestic and international) in good standing typically receive minimum funding of $12,000 for the first year.
- Full-time PhD students receive minimum funding of $29,145 per year (effective May 2026) for up to four years. Many departments exceed this average.
International-specific support:
- International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA): Automatically provided to eligible full-time PhD students. It approximates the difference between domestic and international tuition, significantly reducing the net cost.
- International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE): $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms for selected international students entering research-based master’s programs. Faculties nominate based on academic excellence shown in the admission application.
External competitions such as the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (up to $40,000 per year for three years) and limited Ontario Graduate Scholarships are also available to international students. Successful holders of major external awards may additionally receive the President’s Graduate Scholarship.
These packages, especially at the PhD level with the IDSA, often function as fully or substantially funded opportunities when combined with research assistantships or teaching assistantships.
Co-op Earnings as a Powerful Funding Complement
Waterloo’s co-op program is one of the largest of its kind. Students in co-op programs complete multiple paid work terms (typically four to six) with access to thousands of employers. Average Canadian work-term earnings range from approximately $9,600 to $23,400 per four-month term, and total earnings over a degree can reach well over $100,000 CAD depending on the program and performance. International students are eligible for co-op programs. This practical income helps cover living costs and remaining tuition while building valuable Canadian experience.
Eligibility, Application Process, and Key Deadlines
Most automatic awards require only a strong application for admission and meeting the Offer of Admission conditions. For awards that need a separate application (such as Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships), complete the form through the applicant portal after applying for admission.
Typical undergraduate admission deadlines for September entry (confirm annually):
- Engineering programs: Application by mid-January; documents shortly after.
- Most other programs: Application by early February; documents mid-February.
Scholarship-specific deadlines can be earlier (for example, mid-February for certain Science awards). Check the official undergraduate entrance awards database and international scholarships page for the latest details.
General tips for success:
- Maintain a strong academic average, especially in prerequisite subjects.
- Complete the Admission Information Form thoughtfully for Mathematics and other competitive programs.
- Apply early and track portal notifications.
- Research faculty-specific awards aligned with your intended program.
- For graduate applicants, contact potential supervisors early and highlight research fit.
- Explore external scholarships and bursaries for additional support.
Click Here to See other Scholarships.
Get Standard CV and Scholarship Essay/Statement of Purpose/Motivation Letter from a Professional.
- Join this Whatsapp Channel to Get More Infos and Tips
- Join Telegram Channel for Daily Jobs, Scholarships, Business and Career Updates
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
University of Waterloo scholarships for international students combine accessibility (automatic $10,000 awards) with high-value opportunities up to $80,000 in key faculties. While pure full-tuition coverage is more common at the funded PhD level, undergraduate students can meaningfully reduce costs through stacking, renewable awards, and co-op earnings. Always verify the latest details, as award values, deadlines, and eligibility can be updated.
Official resources:
- International scholarships page: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/financing/international-scholarships
- General entrance scholarships: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/financing/scholarships
- Graduate funding overview: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-graduate-students/funding/funding-research-based-graduate-programs
- International graduate student funding: https://uwaterloo.ca/current-graduate-students/awards-and-funding/international-student-funding
- Admission deadlines: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/deadlines
Start by reviewing program requirements and the awards database, then submit a strong admission application. With preparation, international students can position themselves for substantial financial support at one of Canada’s most innovative universities.