Starting university is a major milestone—and at the University of Waterloo, your achievements are recognized and rewarded from the very beginning. Waterloo’s Entrance Scholarships are designed to celebrate academic excellence, leadership, and potential, helping students focus on learning rather than financial stress.
Whether you are a domestic or international student, Waterloo offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to support your first-year undergraduate journey.
What Are Entrance Scholarships?
Entrance scholarships are available to students who:
- Are starting full-time, first-year degree studies
- Are beginning university or college for the first time
Scholarships are awarded primarily based on academic and personal achievement, while bursaries are awarded based on financial need.
Most entrance scholarships are assessed automatically, meaning no separate application is required.
President’s and Merit Scholarships (Automatic Consideration)
If you’re admitted to a full-time, first-year degree program at Waterloo and beginning your studies in September, you’ll automatically be considered for the President’s and Merit Scholarships.
How Are These Scholarships Assessed?
- Based on your admission average
- Calculated using your top six Grade 12 courses (or equivalent), including required courses
- Scholarships are awarded in early May
No application required
President’s Scholarship of Distinction (95%+ Admission Average)
This prestigious scholarship recognizes exceptional academic achievement.
Scholarship Value
- $2,000 Entrance Scholarship
- $1,500 International Experience Award and/or*
- $1,500 Research Award*
Eligibility Criteria
- Admission average of 95% or higher
- Acceptance of offer by the specified deadline
- Enrolled full-time at Waterloo from September to December
Additional Opportunities
- International Experience Award: For students who participate in international study or work experiences
- Research Award: For students who take part in on-campus research or research-based co-op roles
These awards can be claimed in upper years, subject to conditions such as maintaining an 80% average after first year.
President’s & Merit Scholarships – Other Categories
- President’s Scholarship: Admission average 90–94.9%
- Merit Scholarship: Admission average 85–89.9%
Students may receive faculty-level scholarships in addition to these awards, offering even greater financial support.
Faculty and Program-Specific Scholarships
Waterloo offers additional scholarships through its faculties, including:
- Arts
- Engineering (including Architecture)
- Environment
- Health
- Mathematics (including Computer Science)
- Science
- Specialized programs such as Accounting & Financial Management and Computing & Financial Management
Students are encouraged to explore scholarships available within their chosen faculty or program.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
You may also qualify for scholarships designed to support equity, diversity, and leadership, including:
- International students
- Black students
- Indigenous students
- Schulich Leader Scholarships (Engineering, Math, Science)
- Students from the Waterloo region
Some scholarships may require a separate application, and students can search the full scholarship database to explore all available options.
Bursaries: Financial Support Based on Need
Bursaries help students who demonstrate financial need rather than academic achievement.
- Ontario students: Eligible to apply for Waterloo entrance bursaries
- Students with disabilities: Dedicated bursary options available
- All students: Additional bursaries with application requirements
Students are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility, as multiple factors are considered.
Earn While You Learn: Co-op at Waterloo 💼
Waterloo’s renowned co-op programs allow students to earn income while studying.
Students typically earn $9,600 to $22,800 per four-month work term, helping offset tuition and living costs while gaining real-world experience.
Ready to Apply?
Explore detailed scholarship information and apply directly through the official University of Waterloo page:
👉 Apply here:
https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/financing/scholarships#presidents
