University of Waterloo Scholarships 2023/2024

University of Waterloo Scholarships 2023/2024: As a prospective student looking to pursue your undergraduate or graduate studies, financing your education is understandably a top priority. The University of Waterloo recognizes this and offers various merit-based scholarships to eligible students.

For the 2023-2024 academic year, Waterloo will award over $30 million in scholarships, fellowships and other forms of financial assistance.

Whether you are a Canadian or international student, and regardless of your field of study, Waterloo aims to reward outstanding achievement and make higher education accessible.

In the following guide, you will find details on the scholarships available for the next application cycle. Waterloo’s generous scholarships, combined with affordable tuition and a high return on investment, make the university an attractive destination for talented scholars around the world.

Overview of Scholarships at the University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo offers various merit-based scholarships, bursaries and student awards for undergraduate studies. These scholarships recognize and reward academic excellence and community involvement.

Entrance Scholarships: For students entering their first year of studies based on final admission averages. Amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000. Some are renewable for additional years of study.
In-course Scholarships: For current students who achieve a minimum term average of 80% or higher. Amounts range from $500 to $5,000 per term. Some are renewable.
Prestige Scholarships: Significant awards up to full tuition for 4 years of study. Based on outstanding admission averages, community involvement and leadership experience.
Needs-based Bursaries: For students demonstrating financial need. Amounts vary depending on individual circumstances.
Student Awards: Recognize achievement and involvement in areas like arts, athletics, community service, entrepreneurship, and research. Amounts range from $500 to $10,000. Some are renewable.

Students are automatically considered for most scholarships and bursaries upon application or registration at the University.

However, some awards require a separate application with references, essays or portfolios. Students should regularly check the University’s scholarship and award listings for options they may be eligible for to finance their education.

Merit-Based Scholarships for Incoming Students

The University of Waterloo offers several merit-based scholarships for incoming students based on your admission average.

1. President’s Scholarships

The President’s Scholarships are the University of Waterloo’s most prestigious entrance scholarships. Valued at $10,000 each, they are awarded to incoming students with an admission average of 95% or higher. To be considered, you must be entering your first year of study in an undergraduate program at Waterloo.

2. Merit Scholarships

Merit Scholarships are awarded to incoming students with high admission averages entering undergraduate studies. The value of the scholarship depends on your admission average:

95-96.99%: $6,000
90-94.99%: $4,000
85-89.99%: $2,000

To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person entering your first year at the University of Waterloo.

3. Entrance Bursaries

If you demonstrate financial need, you may also qualify for an Entrance Bursary in addition to a merit scholarship. Bursary amounts range from $500 to $4,000. You must complete the admission bursary application to determine your eligibility.

By achieving a high admission average and demonstrating financial need, you maximize your opportunities to receive generous support from the University of Waterloo.

These merit-based scholarships and entrance bursaries are just two of the ways Waterloo supports incoming students in pursuing their post-secondary education.

Need-Based Scholarships and Bursaries

The University of Waterloo offers need-based scholarships and bursaries for students demonstrating financial need. To be considered for these awards, you must submit financial information through the Ontario Universities’ Application Center (OUAC) website.

The values and specific eligibility criteria for these scholarships and bursaries vary each year based on available funding.

1. Bursaries

Bursaries are non-repayable awards issued based on financial need and reasonable academic standing. They do not need to be repaid. Bursary amounts vary depending on a student’s assessed financial need and available funding.

You are automatically considered for most bursaries when you apply for admission to Waterloo and submit the necessary financial information through OUAC. Some external organizations also offer bursaries with varying eligibility criteria.

2. Work-Study Program

The work-study program provides part-time jobs on campus for students demonstrating financial need. It gives students valuable work experience and helps pay for their educational expenses.

Students are paid at competitive rates and can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. A separate application for the work-study program is required, which considers financial need and skills for available jobs.

3. Emergency Loans

Short-term emergency loans are available for students facing temporary financial difficulties. You can borrow up to $1,500 interest-free for essential expenses like rent, food, or medical costs. Loans must be repaid within 60 days. You must demonstrate financial need and be in satisfactory academic standing to qualify.

Scholarships for Specific Programs and Departments

The University of Waterloo offers various scholarships for students in specific programs and departments. These are merit-based and need-based awards aimed at recognizing excellence and supporting students in their fields of study.

1. Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering provides several scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in its programs. For example, the Edward S. Rogers Sr. Engineering Scholarships offer renewable funding up to $40,000 per year for students with a high academic standing.

The J.M.M. (Lynn) Law Scholarship supports female students pursuing a degree in Software Engineering or Computer Engineering.

2. School of Accounting and Finance

Students in the School of Accounting and Finance can apply for scholarships such as the BDO Canada LLP Scholarship for first-year Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management students and the Deloitte Scholarship for students entering their final year of the same program. The amounts awarded range from $2,000 to $5,000 per recipient.

3. Additional Programs

Scholarships are also available for students in programs such as Architecture, Optometry, Pharmacy, Social Work and more. For example, the School of Optometry and Vision Science offers ten renewable entrance scholarships of $5,000 each for incoming Doctor of Optometry students. The School of Pharmacy provides renewable scholarships of up to $10,000 per year for students in the PharmD program.

External Scholarships Available to University of Waterloo Students

There are several external scholarships available to students attending the University of Waterloo. These are awarded by private donors, non-profit organizations, and charitable foundations outside of the university. Applying for these scholarships is a great way to help fund your education and reduce student debt.

The Loran Scholars Foundation offers up to 30 four-year undergraduate awards each year to students entering their first year of study at one of their partner universities, including the University of Waterloo. Valued at $100,000 over four years, the award includes tuition waivers, stipends, summer internships and mentorship opportunities. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding character, service and leadership.
The Schulich Leader Scholarships are $80,000 or $100,000 awards distributed over four years of study in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs at 20 partner universities across Canada, including Waterloo. To be eligible you must be entering your first year of university with an admissions average of 90% or higher and intend to pursue a degree in STEM.
The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) provides over $1 million in awards, scholarships and prizes each year, with many designated for students entering their first year of study at a Canadian university or college, including the University of Waterloo. Applicants must have won awards at a regional science fair to advance to the CWSF. Scholarship values range from $1,000 up to $25,000 per year.
Community foundations like the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, the Stratford Perth Community Foundation and the Cambridge Galt Community Foundation offer scholarships for first-year students at the University of Waterloo who are from their local regions. Awards typically range from $500 to $5,000 per year. Check with your local community foundation for application details and deadlines.

Exploring private sector scholarships, non-profit organization awards, and community-based grants and bursaries are worthwhile endeavors for any student to help make their post-secondary education more affordable and attainable. For the most up-to-date listings of external scholarships available to University of Waterloo students, visit the university’s Awards and Financial Aid website.

Deadline: December 1st 2023

Conclusion

As you have seen, the University of Waterloo offers an array of merit-based scholarships, awards and bursaries for both undergraduate and graduate students.With over 200 programs to choose from across six faculties.

Waterloo has a wealth of opportunities for you to explore. Their generous scholarships, especially for high-achieving students in science, technology, engineering and math, can make the school more affordable and help you focus on your studies.

Whether you are interested in co-op programs, research opportunities or entrepreneurship, Waterloo provides a supportive learning environment for you to thrive. If you are looking to start your studies in 2023 or 2024, be sure to apply for admission and the various scholarships by the deadlines to give yourself the best chance of success. The future is yours to shape at the University of Waterloo.