University of Waterloo Scholarship 2027 | Application Process

The University of Waterloo Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in Canada. This partially funded scholarship is available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes. The University of Waterloo Scholarship 2027 covers up to $2,500 for a one-term study experience, $2,500 to $5,000 for a one-term work or volunteer experience, and up to $10,000 for a two-term work or volunteer experience. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the University of Waterloo Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

The University of Waterloo is offering the David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards to outstanding candidates, supporting both Canadian and international students. This full-time programme is open to students from around the world who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate degree programmes in any of the Waterloo faculties. Faculties will nominate eligible students based on their allocated award quota, and selections will be made according to academic excellence as demonstrated in the student’s application for admission to the graduate programme.

The University of Waterloo, a leading public research university in Canada, is consistently recognised as the country’s most innovative institution and is highly regarded for its cooperative education programmes. The university is home to six faculties and ten faculty-based colleges that deliver a wide range of academic programmes.

Why choose the University of Waterloo? It offers an excellent opportunity for students to advance their academic and professional development. Through management training, organisational development courses, and secondment opportunities, students can benefit from valuable experiences that help grow their careers.

University of Waterloo Scholarship Highlights

Degree ProgrammesUndergraduate / Master’s / PhD
Scholarship ProviderUniversity of Waterloo
Study DestinationCanada
Fields of StudyAll degree programmes are available
Programme DurationUndergraduate: 4 years; Master’s: 2 years; PhD: 4 years
FundingPartially Funded

University of Waterloo Scholarship Benefits

The University of Waterloo Scholarship will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

  • The David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards will be awarded, with values ranging from $2,500 for a one-term study experience to $5,000 for a one-term work or volunteer experience, and up to $10,000 for a two-term work or volunteer experience.
  • The International Master’s Award of Excellence is valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of 6 terms.

Eligibility Requirements for the University of Waterloo Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the University of Waterloo Scholarship:

  • English is the required language.
  • Students from all countries are eligible to apply.
  • Candidates who have good academic standing (normally a minimum 70% average at the undergraduate level and normally a minimum 75% average at the graduate level) are eligible to apply for these scholarships.
  • The applicants must be full-time undergraduate and graduate students in any faculty who wish to participate in an international experience in Israel, including a minimally paid or volunteer international co-op work placement, a volunteer placement, an academic exchange or a study term related to academic requirements.
  • International students with a valid Canadian study permit who are registered full-time and assessed international tuition fees.
  • Normally given to students in research-based programmes (thesis or major research paper).
  • Will normally only be given to students entering the first term of their programme (term 1.0).
  • Students must demonstrate academic excellence through criteria established by the Faculty.
  • Students must meet the academic progress requirements of their programme and not have outstanding probationary admission requirements.
  • This award could be in addition to other internal or external scholarships (e.g., UW Graduate Scholarship, OGS, etc.).  Note: scholarships are different from sponsorships – see the next bullet.
  • Normally, students should not be concurrently receiving foreign government or agency sponsorship (e.g., China Scholarship Council, Libyan sponsorship, etc.) or be fully or partially self-funded in excess of the faculty minimum levels of support.
  • Students grandparented under the existing IMSA programme cannot be nominated for an IMAE; however, a student previously awarded an IMSA for a previously completed master’s degree can be nominated for an IMAE.
  • Students will be automatically considered for this award based on their application for admission. Departments and/or faculty will define their own internal process by which they select recipients based on the eligibility criteria and allocation.
  • Faculties may impose stricter eligibility criteria as appropriate.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the University of Waterloo Scholarship 2027

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: Candidates need to take admission at the university in undergraduate and graduate degree programmes. After taking admission, candidates can access the application on their forms pages.

Step 2: Applicants need to attach a personal statement, which will refer to the application form.  All applicants must provide evidence of their English language ability to meet the minimum requirements for admission.

Please follow the application instructions below to apply for the International Master’s Award of Excellence scholarship:

  1. Students will be automatically considered for this award based on their application for admission; hence, no separate scholarship application is required.
  2. Departments and/or faculties will select the students and nominate them for the scholarship.
  3. See the official website (link found below) for the application deadlines specific to each master’s degree programme.

University of Waterloo Scholarship Application Deadline

The application deadlines for the University of Waterloo Scholarship 2027 are 15 April, 15 July, and 15 November for undergraduate programmes, and 1 February, 1 June, and 1 October for master’s and PhD programmes. Click here to view the programme-specific deadline.

For further information about the University of Waterloo Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official websites below:

  • International Master’s Award of Excellence scholarship: Official Website
  • David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Award: Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there one “University of Waterloo Scholarship”, or many different scholarships?

Waterloo has many scholarships and awards. The term “University of Waterloo Scholarship” is often used broadly, but in practice scholarships differ by level (undergraduate/graduate), faculty, and whether an application is required.

Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application after applying for admission?

Often, no. Waterloo states that applicants are automatically considered for most scholarships, while some specific awards do require an application through the applicant portal or an awards database listing.

As an international undergraduate applicant, am I automatically considered for scholarships?

Yes. Waterloo notes that international students are automatically considered for most scholarships. Some larger awards may still require an application, depending on the faculty and scholarship type.

Do I need to apply for the $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship?

No. Waterloo states eligible international fee-paying students don’t need to apply. It should appear in the Waterloo applicant portal (Awards and financial aid tab) once posted for the cycle.

Will the $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship reduce my other entrance scholarships?

No. Waterloo states you can receive this scholarship in addition to other entrance scholarships you may be awarded.

I was admitted to a master’s program. Why didn’t I receive the International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)?

IMAE is not guaranteed. Waterloo explains that faculties nominate eligible students based on their allocation, and selection is based on academic excellence shown in the admission application.

Is IMAE available for course-based master’s programs, or only thesis/research programs?

IMAE is described as being normally given to research-based master’s programs (e.g., thesis or major research paper). Course-based programs are typically not the primary target for this award.

How are graduate scholarships paid at Waterloo?

Waterloo pays graduate awards through Quest. A disbursement process runs weekly (Wednesdays). Awards are applied to outstanding fees first if your status is fees arranged.

My scholarship shows on Quest, but I didn’t receive money. What should I check?

Common reasons include: you are not fees arranged, there is a hold on your account, or your direct deposit (Canadian bank account in Quest) is not set up in time for disbursement. If it still doesn’t appear, Waterloo advises contacting your department graduate coordinator.

Are scholarships paid monthly like a salary?

Waterloo notes scholarships are typically applied term-by-term as a lump sum, while earnings such as TA/RA pay are generally paid monthly.

Can my scholarship be reduced or require repayment if I change my enrollment status?

Yes. Waterloo notes that changing to part-time, becoming inactive, completing, or withdrawing can affect awards and may require repayment depending on the timing and refund rules.

Will I receive a tax document for scholarship payments?

Waterloo states recipients will be issued the appropriate T4A forms in February each year.