The University of Waterloo is one of the best schools in Canada and is known for its innovative cooperative education programs . It offers a wide range of financial aid alternatives for overseas students . To pay for your education you need to know about the different types of scholarships available .

This complete guide brings together all the important information which has been checked against official sources to help you find your way around the University of Waterloos scholarship opportunities

Financial Support Overview

Every year the University of Waterloo gives out millions of dollars in scholarships and prizes For international undergraduate students most of their money comes from entrance scholarships that are automatically given to them when they are accepted faculty specific rewards and outside sources of support

Different Kinds of Scholarships for Students from Other Countries

1. Automatically Considered for Entrance Scholarships
   • International Student Entrance Scholarships worth $10000 are given to outstanding international students who are starting any first year program Selection is based on how well you do in school You dont need to fill out a separate application
   • Distinguished Presidents Scholarships Worth 2000 plus an extra 1500 for an experiential learning opportunity such a research trip abroad or a study abroad trip Given to students with excellent entrance averages usually 95 or above You dont need to fill out a separate application
   • Merit Scholarships Students with strong admission averages can get merit scholarships worth between $1000 and $2000 There is no need for a separate application
2. Scholarships for Specific Faculty Members
   • Different faculties give out their own entry honors For instance the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Mathematics offer outstanding scholarships to the best applicants When you apply for admission you are immediately considered for these
3. Scholarships for Sponsored Students
   • If a students home government or group pays for their education the institution will match that money The value changes

Main Financial Benefits

The University of Waterloo scholarships provide significant financial support though most are partial rather than full ride awards

Eligibility Criteria

Most admission scholarships are open to anyone who meets the following requirements

• As an international student you need a study permit
• Applying for a full time undergraduate program for the first time
• Showing outstanding academic success in your last years of high school The average for competitive events is usually 90 or above
• Meeting the English language competency requirements for admission such as IELTS or TOEFL

Documents Needed

Most entrance scholarships are automatic therefore the only criteria is that you apply to the school This usually comprises

• Academic Transcripts Your secondary schools official records
• Results of English language tests like the IELTS or TOEFL if appropriate
• Admission Information Form AIF For many programs and scholarships this is an important paper It lets you talk about your interests and accomplishments outside of school and why you want to go to Waterloo
• Interviews and Contests Some programs notably in math and engineering may require you to take part in optional math contests These can help your application for admission and scholarships

Step by Step Application Process

Most admission scholarships are easy to apply for because they are automatic

1. Apply for Admission The Ontario Universities Application Centre OUAC is where you can send in your application for an undergraduate program at the University of Waterloo The deadline for most programs is usually February 1 2025
2. Finish the requirements for admission By the deadlines given send in all the papers you need such as your transcripts and the Admission Information Form AIF A strong AIF can help you get a scholarship
3. Automatic Thought Most admission scholarships will immediately consider you There is no separate application form for the Presidents Scholarships the International Student Entrance Scholarships or the Merit Scholarships
4. Notice If you get a scholarship you will be told about it when you get your admission offer or soon after Your formal Offer of Admission letter will give you all the information you need about the award

Key Dates

Important deadlines for the 2025 application cycle include

• Deadline for Applications February 1 2025 is a frequent deadline for many programs but it depends on the program
• Deadline for submitting documents Important dates for sending in transcripts AIF and other materials are usually due in the middle of February 2025 For particular dates look in your applicant site
• Consideration for a scholarship You must meet all of the admission and document deadlines in order to be considered for entrance scholarships

How to Apply Successfully

Excel in School The most crucial thing for automatic admittance scholarships is a strong academic average

Finish the AIF Completely Think of the Admission Information Form as a scholarship application Talk about your leadership skills community service and accomplishments outside of school

Apply as soon as possible If you send in your application and paperwork long before the deadline you will be evaluated for all available money

Look into scholarships from other countries To help pay for college look for scholarships from private organizations in your native country and foreign organizations

Official Contact Information and Resources

For the most accurate and official information please check the University of Waterloos official scholarship page at https://uwaterloo.ca/find-out-more/financing/scholarships

International Students Website 

For specific questions the best place to get in touch with the University is the Student Awards and Financial Aid office at safa@uwaterloo.ca

Disclaimer

Types of scholarships and their values and criteria might fluctuate

 The official University of Waterloo website is always the last and most reliable source of information 

The numbers given are for the 2024 2025 cycle and they should be around the same for the 2025 2026 period