Waterloo University Best Scholarships Students, As an international student looking to study in Canada, you understand that tuition and living costs can be substantial. However, a top-ranked institution located in Ontario, offers a variety of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically for international students to help make your educational dreams a reality. Whether you are an undergraduate, master’s or PhD student, Waterloo has programs to assist you financially during your studies.
Some options provide a one-time award while others offer renewable support for multiple years of your degree. With a strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship and technology, Waterloo attracts high-achieving students from around the globe. A Waterloo education can open doors to exciting careers worldwide. By exploring the scholarship options available for international students, you’ll find opportunities at Waterloo that fit your interests and help fund your future.
1. Waterloo University Best Scholarships
The University offers several competitive scholarships for international students. These merit-based scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement and community involvement.
To qualify for most undergraduate scholarships, students must demonstrate a minimum admission average of 80% or higher. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $100,000 for a 4-year degree. The scholarships available include:
- President’s Scholarships: Covers tuition, books, and living expenses for 4 years. Candidates must have a minimum 95% admission average.
- Schulich Leader Scholarships: Covers tuition, books, and living expenses for 4 years in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields. Candidates must have a minimum 90% admission average.
- Entrance Bursaries: Provides $3,000 for the first year of study. Candidates must have an admission average of at least 85%.
- Entrance Scholarships: Awards $1,000 to $5,000 in the first year. Candidates must have an admission average of at least 80%.
Application for most undergraduate scholarships is made through the Ontario Universities’ Application Center website. Check the admission scholarship page on the University of Waterloo website for additional details and deadlines. By researching and applying for the many scholarships, grants, bursaries and student awards available, you can substantially offset the cost of your education at this world-class Canadian university.
2. Merit-Based Scholarships
The University offers merit-based scholarships for international students based on outstanding academic achievement. To be considered, you must meet the admission requirements for your program of study and maintain a minimum admission average of 85% or equivalent.
Entrance Scholarships
Entrance scholarships are awarded to incoming international undergraduate students in their first year of study based on final secondary school grades. Amounts range from $1,000 to $10,000. Entrance scholarships are awarded automatically; no application is required.
In-Course Scholarships
In-course scholarships are awarded to current international undergraduate and graduate students who achieve a minimum average of 85% or equivalent in their first or upper years of study at Waterloo. In-course scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 per term. You must apply for in-course scholarships through your Faculty’s scholarship application process. Applications open in the Spring term for the upcoming Fall term.
To retain your merit-based scholarship, you must maintain a minimum average of 85% in at least 4 courses over two consecutive terms of full-time study. Scholarships are not automatically renewed; you must re-apply each year to be reconsidered.
By achieving and maintaining a high academic standard, international students have the opportunity to earn renewable merit-based scholarships at the University of Waterloo. With hard work and perseverance, you can fund your Canadian education and achieve your goal of studying at one of the world’s top post-secondary institutions.
Read also:Top Canada Scholarships
3. Need-Based Scholarships
The University offers need-based scholarships and bursaries for international students to assist with tuition and living expenses. To be considered for need-based funding, you must submit a Financial Need Assessment Form. Awards are based on your financial need as demonstrated through your budget and expenses.
Entrance Bursaries
Entrance bursaries are available to incoming first-year international students. They are awarded based on financial need and strong academics. Entrance bursaries range from $500 to $20,000 and are renewable for up to 4 years of undergraduate study. You are automatically considered for an entrance bursary when you apply for admission. No separate application is required.
In-Course Bursaries
In-course bursaries are available to continuing international students beyond first year. They are awarded based on financial need and strong academics. In-course bursaries range from $500 to $5,000 per term. You must submit a Financial Need Assessment Form to be considered for an in-course bursary.
International Student Work Opportunities
International students may be eligible for on-campus work opportunities up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Campus jobs provide a source of income and Canadian work experience. Jobs are posted on WaterlooWorks, Waterloo’s job board for students and recent graduates.
To summarize, the need-based funding options for international students at the University of Waterloo include entrance bursaries, in-course bursaries, and on-campus work opportunities. By submitting the necessary financial information and forms, international students have the opportunity to receive funding and gain valuable work experience during their studies.
4. Athletic Scholarships
The University offers athletic scholarships for international students in many sports. To be considered for an athletic scholarship as an international student, you must:
Meet the admission requirements
for your chosen program of study. In addition to meeting the general admission requirements for international students, you must also meet any program-specific requirements.
Be an elite athlete
in your sport. Athletic scholarships are very competitive, so you must demonstrate a high level of skill and experience in your sport. Provide details of your athletic achievements, awards, and accomplishments.
Be nominated by a coach
Coaches nominate student athletes for athletic scholarships. Contact the coaches for the sports teams at Waterloo that you are interested in to express your interest in being considered for a scholarship. Provide video footage of your skills and experience. The coach will evaluate your abilities and potential fit for the team to determine if they will nominate you for a scholarship.
Apply for admission
to the University of Waterloo. You must submit an application for admission as an international student. Your scholarship application will be considered along with your application for admission.
Meet English language requirements
In addition to any program-specific English language requirements, athletic scholarship recipients must meet the University’s English Language Proficiency Test minimum requirements.
Athletic scholarships cover partial to full tuition for the duration of your studies at Waterloo. The level of funding depends on factors like your skill level, the sport, availability of scholarships for that sport, and other criteria. Additional funding may be available for living expenses.
To maximize your chances of receiving an athletic scholarship as an international student, start the process early, build a strong athletic profile, get nominated by a coach, and submit a stellar application. With talent, persistence, and the support of the athletic department, you can realize your dream of studying in Canada with the help of an athletic scholarship.
5. External Scholarships
As an international student, you should explore all opportunities for funding your studies, including external scholarships. Some options to consider include:
Rotary Foundation Scholarships
The Rotary Foundation offers scholarships for international undergraduate and graduate students to study in a new country. Scholarships include funding for tuition, travel, living expenses, and enrichment activities. Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership abilities and a commitment to community service.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan offers funding for citizens of Commonwealth countries to pursue Master’s, PhD, and post-doctoral study in other Commonwealth countries. Scholarships include tuition, travel, and living stipends. Applicants are evaluated based on academic merit and potential for impact and leadership.
HEC Montréal Scholarships
HEC Montréal, an internationally renowned business school, provides scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and Master’s degrees in business administration and management. Funding covers partial or full tuition for the duration of the program. Applicants are assessed based on outstanding academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership potential.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships provide funding for international students to pursue research at public universities, universities of applied sciences, and universities of teacher education in Switzerland. Scholarships cover living costs, health insurance, travel expenses, and tuition. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic merit and potential for leadership or research careers.
Exploring external scholarships, in addition to university and private funding, can help make your educational goals financially feasible. Do thorough research on eligibility criteria and application processes for various scholarships to maximize your chances of success. With diligent work, you may find funding to cover a sizable portion of costs associated with your studies at the University of Waterloo.
6. How to apply
To apply for University of Waterloo scholarships for international students, you will need to submit a general scholarship application along with the necessary supporting documents.
Gather the required documents
You will need to provide evidence of your grades, English language proficiency scores, and other achievements. This includes:
- Your high school transcripts or university transcripts if transferring from another post-secondary institution. Transcripts must show all courses taken and grades obtained.
- Proof of English language proficiency such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo English Test scores.
- A statement of interest or personal essay outlining your goals and reasons for studying at Waterloo.
- Reference letters from teachers who can evaluate your potential for success.
- A curriculum vitae or resume summarizing your accomplishments, work experience, volunteer work and extracurricular activities.
Complete the online application
The general scholarship application is submitted through Waterloo’s Scholarships and Student Finance website. You will need to create an account and provide the necessary personal and biographical details including your citizenship and study permit status if already in Canada. Upload all supporting documents and submit your application before the deadline.
Application timeline
Scholarship applications open in the fall and close in January for study beginning the following September. Early application is recommended as some scholarships have additional deadlines. Successful applicants are notified between March and May. Make sure to apply to as many scholarships as possible to increase your chances of receiving an award.