The University of Waterloo (UWaterloo) is a global leader in innovation and research, offering a robust financial support system for international students in 2026. For the 2026 academic cycle, the University of Waterloo provides a range of funding opportunities including entrance scholarships up to $10,000 for undergraduates and guaranteed minimum funding of $28,351 per year for PhD students. To qualify for merit-based awards, students typically need a minimum admission average of 90% for undergraduates and 75% for graduates. Furthermore, programs like the International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) and the International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA) offer automatic consideration, ensuring that top-tier international talent can access world-class education with significant financial relief.
UWaterloo offers diverse scholarship packages. International students receive automatic entrance awards. PhD candidates access guaranteed minimum funding. Selection committees prioritize academic excellence.
I am writing this guide on the University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026 because the university has increased its minimum doctoral funding to over $28,000 to better support researchers in the current economic climate. Whether you are pursuing a Master’s scholarship or an undergraduate scholarship, Waterloo’s unique co-op model also allows students to earn significant income while studying, often making the degree effectively “fully funded”. Use the following factual data to meet eligibility criteria and secure your spot at one of Canada’s top research institutions.
About the University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo, located in Ontario, Canada, was established in 1957 and has grown into a global leader in education and research. With a strong emphasis on cooperative education (co-op). Waterloo allows students to integrate academic learning with practical work experience. That’s making it one of the most innovative universities in the world. It is particularly well-known for its programs in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and health sciences.
Waterloo’s reputation for cutting edge research and strong industry connections has attracted students and faculty from around the world. The university partnerships with global tech giants and research institutions make it a hub for students looking to engage in groundbreaking research. Furthermore, the diverse and inclusive environment at the University of Waterloo ensures that students from different backgrounds feel supported as they pursue their academic goals.
1. Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships (2026)
UWaterloo rewards high-achieving first-year students through automatic and application-based awards.
- International Student Entrance Scholarship:
- Value: $10,000.
- Criteria: Admitted to full-time, Year One studies with a 90% average or higher.
- Application: Automatic consideration; no separate form required.
- President’s Scholarship of Distinction:
- Value: $2,000 entrance award + $1,500 International Experience Award or $1,500 Research Award.
- Criteria: Admission average of 95% or higher.
- Faculty-Specific Awards:
- Mathematics Global Scholarships: Valued between $12,000 and $40,000.
- Science International Scholarships: 15 awards valued between $25,000 and $80,000. Requires a separate application by February 13, 2026.
2. International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)
The International Master’s Award of Excellence is designed to attract high-caliber researchers to Waterloo.
- Award Value: $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms (Total: $12,500).
- Eligibility: Full-time international students in research-based (thesis or major research paper) programs.
- Selection: Students are automatically considered based on their admission application.
3. Funding for International Doctoral Students
PhD funding at Waterloo is a “funding package” rather than a single scholarship, often resulting in a fully funded experience.
- Minimum Funding Guarantee: Full-time PhD students in good standing are guaranteed a minimum of $28,351 per year (as of May 2025) for four years.
- International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA): * Provided automatically to eligible international PhD students.
- Valued at approximately $5,140 per term to help offset international tuition fees.
- Components of Funding: Minimum funding is usually met through a combination of Research Assistantships (RA), Teaching Assistantships (TA), and university awards.
4. Eligibility and Application Process
To successfully apply for UWaterloo funding, you must follow the university’s strict timelines.
- Submit Admission Application: Apply via the OUAC portal by January 30, 2026 (Early deadlines for Engineering: Jan 15).
- Complete the AIF: The Admission Information Form (AIF) is mandatory for scholarship consideration in many faculties.
- Language Proficiency: You must meet the English requirements (IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 90+).
- Supporting Documents: Submit all transcripts and test scores by February 13, 2026.
- Track Award Status: Merit awards are typically announced in the applicant portal starting in mid-April 2026.
5. Strategic Resources for Global Seekers
Planning your international education requires looking beyond just one institution. For comparative data, you might explore US university scholarship requirements or look into CSC scholarship opportunities in China. If you are a student from Pakistan, consult the Dubai scholarships for Pakistani students guide for regional alternatives. For those pursuing advanced research, the Museums Victoria PhD scholarship offers unique collections-based funding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Do I need a separate scholarship application? For most awards (90%+), no. Admission triggers automatic consideration. Only specific faculty awards (like Science) require a separate form.
- Can I receive more than one scholarship? Yes, UWaterloo allows students to hold multiple entrance awards concurrently.
- How much can I earn through Co-op? Waterloo co-op students earn an average of $42,000 to $90,000 over the course of their degree, which significantly offsets tuition.
