Scholarship guide

Published 2026-10-22 by Scholarships Central editorial team

University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 CAD 10000

The University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 include a CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship for eligible international students beginning full-time undergraduate studies in September 2027. Unlike many competitive scholarships, this award does not require a separate application. Students who meet the university’s admission and scholarship requirements receive automatic consideration.

However, the CAD 10,000 award covers only part of first-year tuition, not the full cost of studying in Canada. Waterloo also offers additional entrance scholarships, including competitive faculty awards worth up to CAD 80,000.

If you’re planning to apply, the most important things to understand are which scholarships you qualify for, whether an additional application is needed, how much funding you can actually receive, and which deadlines apply to your programme.

This guide brings those answers together using official University of Waterloo information for the September 2027 intake.

University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027: Quick Overview

Scholarship detailInformation
UniversityUniversity of Waterloo
LocationWaterloo, Ontario, Canada
Study levelUndergraduate (Bachelor’s)
IntakeSeptember 2027
Main entrance scholarshipCAD 10,000
Other scholarshipsSelected awards up to CAD 80,000
Funding typePartial tuition support
Eligible applicantsInternational fee-paying students meeting award conditions
Separate application for CAD 10,000 awardNo
Engineering admission deadlineJanuary 15, 2027
Most other undergraduate deadlinesFebruary 1, 2027
English requirementsIELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, Cambridge, or an approved exemption
Official scholarship websiteUniversity of Waterloo International Scholarships

Important: These admission deadlines are not separate deadlines for the automatic CAD 10,000 scholarship. Some faculty-specific awards have additional application requirements and dates.

Types of University of Waterloo Scholarships for International Students

Waterloo offers both automatic entrance scholarships and competitive faculty-specific awards.

Some scholarships are awarded based on admission eligibility or academic results, while others require students to provide additional information. Your chosen programme determines which awards are available.

Waterloo Scholarship Funding Comparison

ScholarshipAmount (CAD)Separate application?
International Student Entrance Scholarship$10,000 for the first yearNo
President’s Scholarship of Distinction$2,000, plus up to $3,000 in conditional experience and research awardsNo
President’s Scholarship$2,000No
Merit Scholarship$1,000No
Faculty of Mathematics Global Scholarships$12,000–$40,000 over eight academic termsNo
Mathematics International Awards for Students from India$20,000–$40,000No
Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships$25,000 or $80,000Yes
Selected Engineering Entrance Scholarships$1,000–$25,000, depending on the awardGenerally no separate scholarship application

The figures represent different scholarship programmes. They are not amounts automatically guaranteed to every student.

1. CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship

This is Waterloo’s main automatic entrance scholarship for eligible international students.

The university confirms that international fee-paying students admitted to an eligible full-time, first-year undergraduate degree programme can receive CAD 10,000 without submitting a separate scholarship application.

The scholarship is distributed as follows:

Academic termScholarship amount
First termCAD 5,000
Second termCAD 5,000
TotalCAD 10,000

The money is applied directly to your tuition bills. It is not transferred to your personal bank account and cannot be spread across subsequent academic years.

Waterloo does not impose a fixed numerical limit on recipients of this particular scholarship. However, students must satisfy its eligibility conditions and obtain admission to an eligible programme.

2. President’s and Merit Scholarships

Waterloo also offers automatic entrance awards based on academic achievement.

Admission averageScholarship
95% or higherPresident’s Scholarship of Distinction — CAD 2,000
90%–94.9%President’s Scholarship — CAD 2,000
85%–89.9%Merit Scholarship — CAD 1,000

The admission average is calculated using relevant high-school courses or their equivalents, including subjects required for the chosen programme.

Students receiving the President’s Scholarship of Distinction may also qualify for a CAD 1,500 International Experience Award and a CAD 1,500 Research Award later in their studies.

Those additional awards have their own conditions and are not automatically included in the initial payment.

3. Faculty of Mathematics Scholarships

International students entering selected Mathematics programmes may qualify for Global Scholarships ranging from CAD 12,000 to CAD 40,000.

Selection considers factors such as:

  • Strong academic performance.
  • Results in mathematics or computing competitions.
  • Participation in relevant clubs, projects, or extracurricular activities.
  • Demonstrated interest in mathematics or computer science.

The awards are normally distributed over eight academic terms.

Waterloo also offers specific Mathematics awards for eligible students from India, valued at CAD 20,000 or CAD 40,000.

The university’s general entrance scholarship listing uses a broader CAD 10,000–40,000 range for combined National and Global Scholarships, while the international scholarship listing gives CAD 12,000–40,000 for Global awards. Applicants should follow the description of the specific award for which they are eligible.

Official Waterloo Entrance Scholarships and Mathematics Awards

4. Faculty of Science Scholarships Worth Up to CAD 80,000

Waterloo offers competitive international student scholarships for selected undergraduate Science programmes.

The advertised awards include:

Scholarship categoryValue
Five Science International Student ScholarshipsCAD 25,000 each
Ten renewable Science International Student ScholarshipsCAD 80,000 each

The CAD 80,000 award is distributed as CAD 20,000 annually over four years.

To maintain the renewable scholarship, recipients must meet the university’s academic conditions, including an overall cumulative average of at least 80% each term.

Selection considers academic achievement, motivation to study science, and the expected impact of the scholarship on the applicant’s education.

A separate application is required for these competitive Science awards.

The official Science scholarship page still displays a February 13, 2026 application deadline. That date belongs to the previous cycle. A confirmed 2027 deadline should be obtained from Waterloo before submitting a new application.

Can You Receive More Than One Waterloo Scholarship?

Yes. Waterloo confirms that its CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship can be combined with other entrance scholarships.

For example, an eligible applicant could receive:

AwardAmount
International Student Entrance ScholarshipCAD 10,000
President’s ScholarshipCAD 2,000
Combined first-year supportCAD 12,000

Other faculty-specific scholarships have individual conditions. Students should check whether their particular awards can be combined before calculating total funding.

University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 Eligibility Requirements

Scholarship eligibility depends on the student’s admission category, tuition status, and chosen undergraduate programme.

Who Qualifies for the CAD 10,000 Entrance Scholarship?

Applicants must:

  1. Be classified as international fee-paying students.
  2. Receive admission to an eligible first-year undergraduate degree programme.
  3. Enrol full-time, taking at least three courses in each of their first two terms.
  4. Maintain international fee-paying status while receiving the scholarship.
  5. Meet all conditions listed in their admission offer.

Students applying from Pakistan, India, Nigeria, the United States, and other countries may qualify if they meet these requirements.

International students already attending high school in Canada can also qualify. Eligibility depends on their tuition status and admission circumstances, rather than simply where they attended school.

Who Is Not Eligible?

Waterloo specifically excludes the following categories from the CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship.

Applicant categoryEligibility
Eligible international first-year undergraduate studentEligible
International fee-paying student from a Canadian high schoolEligible
Eligible student entering from CEGEPEligible
Transfer student admitted with transfer creditsNot eligible
Student entering through a 2+2 or similar arrangementNot eligible
Bachelor of Social Work studentNot eligible
Doctor of Pharmacy or Doctor of Optometry studentNot eligible
Waterloo Medical Sciences/St. George’s University Doctor of Medicine pathway studentNot eligible

The scholarship page also lists students entering after a previous-year deferral among its exclusions. However, Waterloo’s deferral guidance allows some recipients to retain the award after an approved deferral. Applicants in this situation should obtain confirmation from Student Awards and Financial Aid.

What Grades Are Required?

There is no separate fixed 85%, 90%, or 95% scholarship-average threshold for the automatic CAD 10,000 award.

Instead, students must qualify for admission to their chosen programme and satisfy their admission-offer conditions.

The 85%, 90%, and 95% thresholds belong to the separate Merit and President’s scholarships.

For example, a student with an admission average below 85% might still receive the CAD 10,000 scholarship if Waterloo admits them to an eligible programme and they satisfy the award requirements.

Competitive faculties may impose higher academic standards for admission or additional scholarship consideration.

Check Waterloo’s undergraduate admission requirements.

University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 Application Deadlines

One of the most important distinctions for applicants is the difference between the university application deadline, supporting-document deadline, and separate faculty scholarship deadline.

September 2027 Admission and Document Deadlines

ProgrammeAdmission deadlineDocument deadline
Engineering, excluding ArchitectureJanuary 15, 2027February 1, 2027
Computer Science and MathematicsFebruary 1, 2027February 15, 2027
ScienceFebruary 1, 2027February 15, 2027
Arts, Environment and HealthFebruary 1, 2027February 15, 2027
ArchitectureFebruary 1, 2027February 15, 2027

These are the general full-time undergraduate admission deadlines published by Waterloo. Professional programmes, including Pharmacy and Optometry, follow separate schedules.

International applicants follow the same published deadlines.

Admission deadline: The last day to submit the university application.

Document deadline: The date by which Waterloo must receive required transcripts, supplementary forms, interviews, or English-language results.

For Engineering applicants, the Admission Information Form (AIF), required interview, and supporting documents are generally due February 1, 2027.

Applicants seeking both Engineering and Mathematics admission must follow Waterloo’s earlier Engineering deadline for the relevant supplementary requirements.

Do Scholarships Have Separate Application Deadlines?

The answer depends on the award.

The CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship and President’s/Merit scholarships do not require additional applications.

Some Mathematics awards, such as the Olympiad Scholarship, require separate applications. Waterloo lists March 5, 2027 for the Olympiad application. Its main deadline calendar also mentions National and Global Scholarships, although the detailed scholarship listing describes those awards as automatic. Students should follow the instructions for their specific award in the applicant portal.

The Science International Student Scholarships require separate applications, but their detailed 2027 deadline had not been confirmed on the official page as of October 22, 2026.

Verify current University of Waterloo admission deadlines.

How to Apply for University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027

The application process begins with university admission.

For the automatic CAD 10,000 scholarship, students do not fill out a separate scholarship application. Completing the relevant admission requirements is the essential first step.

Step 1: Select an Undergraduate Programme

Choose a programme that matches your academic qualifications and future plans.

Check the required subjects, academic grades, English-language requirements, and available admission routes.

Waterloo offers programmes in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Science, Arts, Environment, and Health.

Applicants can generally select up to three programmes, subject to Waterloo’s restrictions on Engineering choices.

Step 2: Apply Through OUAC

Full-time undergraduate applicants submit their applications through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.

Visit the official OUAC website and:

  1. Create an applicant account.
  2. Select the University of Waterloo.
  3. Choose your preferred undergraduate programme.
  4. Select the September 2027 intake.
  5. Enter your personal and academic information.
  6. Review programme selections and co-op options.
  7. Pay the applicable OUAC application fees.
  8. Submit your application before the admission deadline.

The ordinary university application fee is separate from scholarship consideration. Waterloo does not charge an additional application fee for its automatic CAD 10,000 award.

Step 3: Activate Your Waterloo Applicant Portal

After Waterloo receives your OUAC application, the university sends instructions for creating your applicant portal account.

The portal allows you to review application requirements, upload documents, complete supplementary forms, and check admission or scholarship decisions.

Keep your applicant email address accessible because the university uses it to communicate important updates.

Waterloo Applicant Portal Instructions

Step 4: Complete the Declaration of Academic Experience

The Declaration of Academic Experience (DAE) is mandatory for undergraduate admission.

It collects information about your previous academic experience and helps Waterloo determine which supporting documents you need to provide.

The university recommends completing it within two weeks of receiving your portal login instructions.

After submission, your personalized checklist will show the remaining requirements.

Step 5: Upload Your Documents and Complete Supplementary Requirements

Follow the checklist in your applicant portal.

Engineering and Mathematics applicants should pay particular attention to the Admission Information Form and any additional programme-specific requirements.

Engineering applicants, excluding Architecture, must also complete the required online interview.

Some competitive faculty scholarships have additional application forms. Applying for university admission alone does not complete those separate applications.

Step 6: Check Your Admission and Scholarship Status

After submitting the required materials, monitor your applicant portal.

Automatic scholarships appear under the Awards and financial aid section.

Waterloo currently states that eligible students begin seeing the CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship from mid-April.

President’s and Merit scholarship notifications generally appear around May, with some awards reassessed when final results become available.

Step 7: Accept Your Offer

If you receive admission, review the requirements and accept the offer by the deadline shown in your official admission letter.

You must continue meeting the conditions of your offer to retain admission and the associated scholarship eligibility.

After accepting, follow Waterloo’s tuition, residence, and international student instructions.

Official University of Waterloo Application Guide

Required Documents for Waterloo Undergraduate Admission

Waterloo does not require every applicant to submit the same documents.

Your personalized checklist depends on your educational background and selected programme.

Document or requirementWhen needed
Secondary-school transcriptsAs specified in the applicant checklist
Final or predicted examination resultsDepending on academic system and application stage
Declaration of Academic ExperienceMandatory
English-language test resultsWhen required
Admission Information FormRequired for Engineering and Mathematics applicants
Supplementary formsFor applicable programmes
Online interviewEngineering applicants, excluding Architecture
Separate scholarship applicationOnly for scholarships that require one

Requirements for International School Systems

Applicants following the Indian school system may need Class X board results, Class XI transcripts, and available Class XII grades.

Applicants following A-Level or IGCSE qualifications may need secondary-school transcripts, predicted A2 results, and relevant examination certificates.

International Baccalaureate students may need school transcripts and predicted IB results.

Students from Pakistan and other educational systems should follow the qualifications and document requirements displayed in their applicant portal.

Applicants awaiting final examinations may be able to submit available transcripts and predicted grades for the initial admission assessment.

Waterloo can use unofficial transcripts during initial assessment. If an applicant receives an offer, official final documents must be submitted through the university’s approved process.

Recommendation letters and unrelated achievement certificates are generally not reviewed as ordinary undergraduate admission documents. Relevant academic and extracurricular achievements should be included in the AIF where appropriate.

Official Documents and Transcript Requirements

Can You Apply to the University of Waterloo Without IELTS?

Yes. IELTS is not mandatory for every international applicant.

Waterloo accepts several English-language tests and provides exemptions for students who meet particular educational requirements.

Who May Qualify for an English-Language Exemption?

Waterloo generally requires test results if an applicant’s four most recent years of full-time education were not completed in an English-language school system, unless another published exemption applies.

Students educated entirely in English for the required period may qualify for an exemption, including students who attended eligible schools outside Canada.

However, simply studying English as one subject is insufficient.

Depending on the exemption, Waterloo may require:

  • Official transcripts confirming the language of instruction.
  • An official letter from the previous school’s principal confirming the relevant years of study and that subjects were taught in English.

Where a principal’s letter is used, Waterloo requires it to be sent directly by the school in the prescribed form. Emailed letters are not accepted for that exemption.

Students should not assume that an ordinary medium-of-instruction certificate automatically removes the English-test requirement.

Waterloo IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo Requirements

The university currently publishes these minimum scores for direct undergraduate admission.

English-language testMinimum requirement
IELTS Academic6.5 overall; 6.5 writing, 6.5 speaking, 6.0 reading, 6.0 listening
IELTS Academic alternative7.0 overall, with at least 6.0 in every component
TOEFL iBT — before January 21, 202690 overall; 25 in writing and speaking
TOEFL iBT — from January 21, 20264.5 overall; 5 in writing and speaking on the revised scale
Duolingo English Test120 overall; 125 in Literacy and Production
PTE Academic63 overall; 65 in writing and speaking
Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency180 overall; at least 176 in each component

Waterloo accepts IELTS One Skill Retake results.

For the September 2027 admission cycle, the university accepts qualifying English-language test results completed on or after May 1, 2025.

TOEFL MyBest Scores and TOEFL Essentials are not accepted to satisfy Waterloo’s undergraduate English-language requirements.

How to Send Official English Test Results

Students must arrange for their testing organization to send official results to Waterloo.

For TOEFL, Waterloo’s institution code is 0996, with department code 00.

IELTS applicants can select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate or University of Waterloo Admissions as the electronic recipient.

Duolingo applicants should select University of Waterloo – Undergraduate through their test account.

Your personal information on test records should match your OUAC application. Differences can delay the matching of official results.

What If Your English Score Is Below the Requirement?

Waterloo may consider academically eligible students for its Bridge to Academic Success in English (BASE) programme.

BASE provides additional English-language preparation while supporting a pathway into eligible Waterloo degree studies.

Admission through BASE is not automatic, and students should not assume it guarantees admission or funding.

Check the University of Waterloo’s English-Language Requirements.

University of Waterloo Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Before accepting a scholarship, international students should understand how much they may still need to pay.

The CAD 10,000 entrance scholarship reduces first-year tuition, but Waterloo’s international tuition fees are considerably higher.

The university’s available international fee estimates are based on students beginning in September 2026. These figures can help students budget for 2027, but they are not confirmed September 2027 tuition rates.

International Undergraduate Tuition Estimates

ProgrammeTuition and incidental fees for 8 months (CAD)After CAD 10,000 award
Computer Science$73,000$63,000
Engineering / Software Engineering$75,000$65,000
Mathematics$62,000$52,000
Science$54,000$44,000
Arts$58,000$48,000
Environment$51,000$41,000
Health$54,000$44,000
Architecture$75,000$65,000

Figures are based on Waterloo’s published September 2026 first-year international tuition and incidental fee estimates for two academic terms. Books, accommodation, food, and other expenses are excluded.

Waterloo Official First-Year Tuition Fees

Estimated Living Expenses

Waterloo provides the following first-year living expense estimates.

ExpenseEstimated amount for 8 months (CAD)
University residence$8,250–$10,980
Meal plan$4,400–$9,200
Personal expenses$4,300
Estimated living expenses$16,950–$24,480

These are planning estimates. Actual costs depend on accommodation, meal-plan selection, and personal circumstances.

Traditional university residences generally require a meal plan. Students living in suite-style accommodation may prepare their own food, but still need to budget for groceries.

Books, supplies, flights, and other individual expenses may add to the total.

How Much Would a Computer Science Student Pay?

Consider an international student entering Computer Science with the CAD 10,000 scholarship.

ExpenseEstimated amount (CAD)
Tuition and incidental fees$73,000
Books and supplies$1,500
Living expenses$16,950–$24,480
Total before scholarship$91,450–$98,980
International Student Entrance Scholarship−$10,000
Estimated remaining cost$81,450–$88,980

This example covers approximately eight months and excludes additional expenses such as international travel and immigration-related costs.

It demonstrates why students should not interpret a CAD 10,000 scholarship as full financial support.

For a personalized estimate, use the University of Waterloo Cost Calculator.

Is the University of Waterloo Scholarship Fully Funded?

No. The CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship is partially funded.

It provides tuition assistance for the first year only.

Some faculty scholarships offer significantly larger support, including renewable awards worth up to CAD 80,000 over four years. However, those awards also do not automatically guarantee full coverage of tuition and living expenses.

Can Co-op Jobs Help Cover Costs?

Waterloo offers co-operative education programmes that combine academic study with paid work placements.

The university reports potential earnings of approximately CAD 9,600–23,400 during a four-month co-op work term in Canada.

Actual earnings depend on the position and individual circumstances. Students should not treat co-op employment or a specific salary as guaranteed.

Co-op income may help finance later studies, but applicants still need a realistic plan for their initial tuition and living expenses.

University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the CAD 10,000 Waterloo scholarship guaranteed?

It is automatically awarded to students who satisfy its published requirements. However, admission to Waterloo is not guaranteed, and applicants in excluded programmes or admission categories are not eligible.

2. Do I need a separate application for the International Student Entrance Scholarship?

No. The CAD 10,000 award is considered through the undergraduate admission process. Competitive faculty scholarships may require additional applications.

3. Can students apply without IELTS?

Yes, if they qualify for an English-language exemption or meet the requirement through another accepted test. There is no universal IELTS exemption for students of any particular nationality.

4. Will my scholarship be cancelled if my grades drop?

For the automatic CAD 10,000 scholarship, a reduction in grades does not automatically cancel the award if you continue meeting all conditions of your admission offer.

President’s and Merit scholarships have separate grade-based conditions.

5. Can international students studying at Canadian high schools receive the award?

Yes. Eligible international fee-paying students may qualify regardless of whether their previous school was in Canada or another country.

6. What happens if I defer my admission?

Waterloo’s deferral guidance says an eligible recipient with an approved deferral can retain the International Student Entrance Scholarship when beginning the deferred programme, provided the scholarship conditions remain satisfied.

However, the main scholarship page also lists certain previous-year deferrals as exclusions. Request written confirmation from Waterloo before relying on deferred funding.

Official Deferral Policy

7. Will I still receive the scholarship if my residency status changes?

The award requires international fee-paying status. If your immigration or tuition classification changes and you no longer pay international tuition fees, scholarship eligibility may change.

Contact Waterloo before relying on the award under a different status.

8. What if I receive admission but cannot see my scholarship?

Waterloo states that eligible students begin seeing scholarship information in the applicant portal from April.

Check the Awards and financial aid section. If the expected notification period has passed and you believe you qualify, contact Student Awards and Financial Aid.

9. Can students in the BASE English programme receive the scholarship?

Yes, provided they meet the award’s eligibility conditions. Waterloo states that the scholarship becomes available when eligible BASE students begin their degree programme rather than during the English preparation period.

10. What if someone asks me to pay a scholarship processing fee?

The automatic CAD 10,000 award has no separate scholarship application fee.

Applicants should use official university systems and verify suspicious requests. Paying an individual or organization does not guarantee scholarship selection.

The ordinary OUAC university application fee is separate from scholarship consideration.

Common Waterloo Scholarship Application Mistakes

Applicants can avoid unnecessary problems by checking the following points.

MistakeBetter approach
Assuming all Waterloo scholarships are automaticCheck whether the specific award requires an application
Confusing university and scholarship deadlinesFollow the relevant deadline for each stage
Assuming CAD 10,000 covers full tuition and living expensesPrepare a complete first-year budget
Ignoring the Declaration of Academic ExperienceComplete it promptly in the applicant portal
Submitting unofficial documents when official versions are requiredFollow the university’s document instructions
Assuming every English-medium applicant is IELTS-exemptConfirm the published exemption conditions
Paying an unofficial scholarship agentApply through official university systems

Final Application Checklist

Before submitting your Waterloo application:

  • Choose an eligible undergraduate programme.
  • Check your country’s academic admission requirements.
  • Confirm whether you need an English-language test.
  • Prepare transcripts and available examination results.
  • Apply through OUAC before your programme deadline.
  • Activate your Waterloo Applicant Portal.
  • Complete the mandatory Declaration of Academic Experience.
  • Submit the required academic documents and supplementary forms.
  • Apply separately for competitive faculty scholarships where required.
  • Check the Awards and financial aid section for scholarship results.
  • Review your admission conditions and funding before accepting your offer.

Use these verified university resources when preparing your application.

PurposeOfficial resource
Submit undergraduate applicationOntario Universities’ Application Centre
Review admission instructionsWaterloo How to Apply
Check CAD 10,000 scholarship eligibilityInternational Student Scholarships
Compare other entrance awardsWaterloo Entrance Scholarships
Verify admissions datesApplication and Document Deadlines
Understand English requirementsWaterloo English Language Requirements
Estimate studying costsUndergraduate Cost Calculator

Other Canadian Scholarships Worth Comparing

If Waterloo’s funding is insufficient for your circumstances, other Canadian universities offer undergraduate scholarships with different award amounts and selection criteria.

These scholarships have different eligibility requirements, deadlines, and funding conditions. Always check the relevant application cycle before applying.

Final Thoughts

The University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 provide international students with several ways to reduce the cost of undergraduate education in Canada.

The automatic CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship is useful because eligible applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. Students with strong academic records may also qualify for President’s, Merit, or faculty-specific awards.

However, Waterloo’s international tuition and living expenses remain substantial. A scholarship should therefore be assessed alongside the total cost of studying, rather than by its advertised amount alone.

Start by checking your programme’s admission requirements, calculate your remaining expenses, and submit your application through OUAC before the relevant deadline.

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