University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)
Canada remains one of the most popular and welcoming study destinations worldwide, offering world-class universities, inclusive campuses, strong research opportunities, generous post-study work permits (up to 3 years), and clear pathways to permanent residency. The University of Waterloo (UWaterloo), consistently ranked among Canada’s top universities and a global leader in innovation, co-op education, and technology, provides a wide range of fully funded and merit-based scholarships for international students in 2026.
These scholarships support outstanding applicants across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs, with some awards covering full tuition, living stipends, research expenses, and more. Many are automatically considered during admission — no separate application required for most.
Also apply for DAAD MIDE Scholarship 2026 in Germany
Why Study at University of Waterloo?
- World-leading co-op program (paid work experience integrated into degrees)
- Top-ranked in Canada for innovation, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and research impact
- Highly international campus (students from 120+ countries)
- Strong industry partnerships (Google, Microsoft, Shopify, BlackBerry, etc.)
- Safe, multicultural cities (Waterloo & Toronto region) with excellent quality of life
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility — up to 3 years
Main Scholarships 2026 – Overview
- International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)
- Value: $2,500 CAD per term (up to 6 terms = $15,000 CAD total)
- For: Research-based master’s programs
- Automatic nomination by faculty/department
- Merit-based (academic excellence)
- David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards
- Value: Up to $2,500 CAD (one-term study/volunteer) or $5,000–$10,000 CAD (two-term work/volunteer)
- For: Undergraduate & graduate students participating in international co-op, exchange, study term, or volunteer experience
- Automatic consideration for eligible applicants
- President’s Scholarship of Distinction
- Value: $2,000–$10,000 CAD (one-time or renewable)
- For: Outstanding incoming international undergraduates
- Automatic based on admission average (90%+ equivalent)
- International Student Entrance Scholarships
- Value: $10,000–$20,000 CAD over 4 years (renewable)
- For: High-achieving international undergraduates
- Automatic consideration
- Faculty & Departmental Scholarships
- Value: Varies ($1,000–$10,000+ CAD)
- For: Specific faculties (Engineering, Math, Science, Arts, etc.)
- Often automatic or nomination-based
- PhD & Research Scholarships
- Value: Full funding (tuition + stipend ≈ CAD 20,000–35,000/year)
- For: PhD and research master’s students
- Often tied to supervisor funding, NSERC, OGS, or university awards
More Opportunities:
- Budapest Metropolitan University Scholarships 2026 in Hungary
- ETH Zurich Scholarship 2026 in Switzerland
Eligibility Criteria
Common requirements:
- International student (non-Canadian citizen/PR)
- Admitted to full-time program at University of Waterloo
- Strong academic record (minimum 80–90% equivalent depending on award)
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5–7.0 / TOEFL iBT 90+ or MOI certificate (accepted for many programs)
Undergraduate awards:
- High school average 85–95%+ (varies by scholarship)
- SAT/ACT optional but strengthens merit awards
Graduate awards:
- Bachelor’s GPA 3.5–4.0/4.0 (or equivalent) for master’s
- Master’s degree + research proposal for PhD
- GRE/GMAT required for some programs
Scholarship Benefits
Coverage varies by award:
- Tuition reduction: $2,000–$20,000+ CAD
- Living stipend (research/PhD): CAD 20,000–35,000/year
- Travel/research grants (some awards)
- Renewable (most require minimum GPA 80%+)
- No full living stipend for coursework master’s (research degrees include stipend)
Table: Typical Award Examples (2026 estimates)
| Scholarship Type | Annual Value (CAD) | Renewal Requirement | Target Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Entrance | $10,000–$20,000 | Maintain 80%+ GPA | Undergraduate |
| President’s Scholarship | $2,000–$10,000 | Maintain 80%+ GPA | Undergraduate |
| IMAE (Master’s) | $2,500/term | Satisfactory progress | Research Master’s |
| David Johnston–Lebovic | $2,500–$10,000 | One-time or term-based | International experience |
| PhD Funding (various) | Tuition + stipend | Satisfactory progress | PhD |
Annual tuition (without scholarship): CAD 25,000–50,000 depending on program.
Programs You Can Pick
UWaterloo offers English-taught programs across all levels:
Undergraduate:
- Computer Science
- Engineering (all disciplines)
- Mathematics & Actuarial Science
- Business & Accounting
- Biotechnology & Biomedical Sciences
- Data Science & AI
- Psychology
- International Development
Master’s & PhD:
- Computer Science & AI
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)
- Data Science & Analytics
- Public Health
- Economics & Finance
- Environmental Studies
- Psychology & Neuroscience
- Nanotechnology
- Quantum Information
Full list: uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs
Required Documents
For admission + scholarship consideration:
- Passport copy
- High school diploma/transcripts (undergraduate)
- Bachelor’s degree/transcripts (master’s/PhD)
- English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or MOI certificate)
- SAT/ACT (undergraduate – optional)
- GRE/GMAT (some graduate programs)
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose / motivation letter
- Recommendation letters (graduate/PhD)
- Research proposal (PhD)
How to Apply
- Choose program on uwaterloo.ca/future-students/programs
- Apply online via OUAC (undergraduate) or university portal (graduate)
- Upload all required documents
- Automatic scholarship assessment for most merit awards
- Deadlines (2026 intake):
- Undergraduate: November 2025 – April 2026 (varies by program)
- Graduate: December 2025 – February 2026 (program-specific)
- Results: Scholarship offers included with admission letters
Tip: Apply early — scholarships are limited and awarded to top applicants first. MOI certificate often replaces IELTS.
- International Master’s Award of Excellence scholarship
- David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Award
Why Study at University of Waterloo?
World-leading co-op program (paid work terms). Top-ranked in computer science, engineering, math, and research. Strong industry ties. Diverse international community.
Waterloo region offers affordable living, tech hub environment, and proximity to Toronto.
Contrarian: Competitive admission and cold winters. But co-op earnings (often CAD 20,000–50,000/year) offset costs. Reviews: “Best co-op experience in Canada.”
Living Costs in Waterloo Region
Single CAD 1,200–2,000/month (Numbeo Jan 2026) Rent CAD 600–1,000 shared Food CAD 300–500 Transport CAD 80–150
Scholarships reduce tuition burden significantly.
Application Checklist
- Choose program and intake
- Prepare transcripts & English proof/MOI
- Take SAT/ACT/GRE if required
- Write strong statement of purpose
- Apply online early
- Track application status
- Prepare visa documents if accepted
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Late application. Applying to ineligible programs. Not submitting English proof/MOI. Weak test scores. Missing renewal GPA.