University of Waterloo Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 in Canada – Up to $80,000 for International Students

 

The University of Waterloo Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 provide an excellent opportunity for international and domestic students seeking financial support to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada.

Located in Waterloo, Ontario, the University of Waterloo is internationally recognized for its strengths in technology, engineering, mathematics, computer science, business, science and innovation. The university welcomes students from more than 120 countries and offers a wide range of scholarships and awards to help eligible students finance their undergraduate education.

For international students beginning full-time undergraduate studies in September 2026, Waterloo has introduced a new $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship. Eligible students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application because they are automatically considered.

In addition to this award, Waterloo offers numerous other entrance scholarships. Some awards are automatic based on academic performance, while others require a separate application. International students applying to Mathematics and Science programmes can also find scholarships worth substantially more, with some awards reaching $80,000.

This makes Waterloo an attractive destination for ambitious students looking for an internationally respected Canadian university with substantial scholarship opportunities.

University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026 Overview

• University: University of Waterloo
• Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
• Study Level: Undergraduate
• Eligible Applicants: Canadian and international students, depending on the scholarship
• Scholarship Type: Entrance scholarships and awards
• International Student Entrance Scholarship: $10,000
• Other International Scholarships: Up to $80,000 for eligible Mathematics and Science programmes
• Study Duration: Depends on the selected degree
• Study Mode: Full-time, on campus
• Application: University admission application plus separate scholarship applications where required
• September 2026 International Entrance Scholarship: Automatic consideration
• Application Deadlines: Vary by programme and scholarship

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About the University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is one of Canada's leading universities for innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and experiential learning.

The university has a particularly strong reputation in fields such as computer science, mathematics and engineering. Its co-operative education system also gives students opportunities to gain practical work experience while completing their degrees.

Waterloo's international community includes more than 25,000 students from approximately 120 countries, providing an environment where students from different backgrounds can study, collaborate and build international networks.

For international students, the combination of academic opportunities, co-op education and scholarship funding makes Waterloo a particularly attractive option.

$10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship

One of the most important scholarships available for students starting at Waterloo in September 2026 is the International Student Entrance Scholarship.

Eligible international fee-paying students admitted to full-time, first-year degree studies beginning in September 2026 will receive $10,000 toward their first-year studies.

The most important point is that no separate scholarship application is required for this award. Eligible students are automatically considered by the university.

The scholarship is available to international fee-paying students entering eligible full-time first-year undergraduate degree programmes.

However, there are exclusions. The university states that the award is not available to students in Medical Sciences, Bachelor of Social Work, Doctor of Optometry or Doctor of Pharmacy, among other specified categories. Transfer students admitted with transfer credits and students who deferred their admission from September 2025 to September 2026 are also excluded.

Applicants should therefore verify their exact eligibility before assuming they qualify.

Scholarships Worth Up to $80,000

The $10,000 international entrance scholarship is not the only financial opportunity available at Waterloo.

The university states that the Faculties of Mathematics and Science offer scholarships of up to $80,000 for international students. Some of these scholarships require an application.

This is particularly significant for international students interested in fields such as:

• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Data Science
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Environmental Science
• Other science-related disciplines

Students interested in these areas should carefully examine the scholarship requirements because some awards require additional applications after students gain access to the Waterloo applicant portal.

President's Scholarship of Distinction

Waterloo also offers the President's Scholarship of Distinction for students with very strong admission averages.

The university lists a $2,000 entrance scholarship for eligible students with an admission average of 95% or higher. Additional opportunities can include a $1,500 International Experience Award and/or a $1,500 Research Award.

The research award can be particularly attractive to students interested in gaining experience working with a Waterloo professor or participating in a research-based co-op position.

To qualify for the additional awards in later years, students must meet the applicable academic and programme conditions.

Merit Scholarships

Students who do not qualify for the President's Scholarship of Distinction may still be considered for other entrance awards.

Waterloo offers Merit Scholarships and other faculty-specific scholarships based on academic achievement and other criteria.

Many entrance scholarships are automatically assessed using students' admission averages, while a smaller number require applications.

This means students should not assume that they need to apply separately for every scholarship.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships

Another important source of funding comes from individual faculties.

For example, the Faculty of Science offers entrance scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 for one year, depending on academic performance and programme eligibility.

There are also specific awards associated with activities such as Waterloo academic contests and certain high-school programmes.

Students should investigate scholarships offered by the faculty responsible for their chosen programme.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility depends on the particular scholarship.

Generally, applicants must first be applying for or admitted to an eligible undergraduate degree programme at Waterloo.

International students must meet the university's admission requirements and hold the appropriate status as international fee-paying students where required.

Academic performance is an important factor for many entrance awards.

Students should also pay attention to additional requirements, which may include:

• Programme-specific academic prerequisites
• Supplementary application forms
• Extracurricular involvement
• Leadership experience
• Research interests
• Community involvement
• Scholarship-specific criteria

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International Students

International students are strongly encouraged to explore Waterloo's scholarship opportunities.

The university specifically provides scholarships for international fee-paying students, including the new $10,000 entrance award for September 2026.

Applicants should understand, however, that receiving a scholarship does not necessarily mean that the entire cost of studying in Canada will be covered.

International tuition and living costs can be substantial, so students should prepare a complete financial plan covering tuition, accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation and other expenses.

Admission Requirements

Scholarship consideration is generally connected to admission to an eligible Waterloo undergraduate programme.

Students must therefore first identify a suitable degree and review its admission requirements.

Depending on the programme, requirements can include specific Grade 12 or equivalent subjects.

Highly competitive programmes may also require supplementary information.

For example, all Waterloo Engineering programmes and programmes in the Faculty of Mathematics require the Admission Information Form (AIF) or other supplementary forms.

The AIF allows applicants to provide information about their interests, experiences and abilities beyond their grades.

Importantly, Waterloo states that information from these forms may also be used in awarding some scholarships.

Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Programme

Start by selecting an undergraduate programme that matches your academic background and career goals.

Step 2: Review Admission Requirements

Check the official Waterloo website for programme-specific requirements.

Step 3: Submit Your Undergraduate Application

Waterloo states that undergraduate applications are submitted through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC).

International students should follow Waterloo's specific instructions for applicants outside Ontario.

Step 4: Complete Supplementary Forms

If your programme requires an AIF, interview or other supplementary materials, complete them before the relevant deadline.

Step 5: Apply for Scholarships That Require Applications

Once you have access to the Waterloo applicant portal, check the Awards and financial aid section.

Some scholarships for international students, particularly certain Mathematics and Science awards, require separate applications.

Step 6: Monitor Your Applicant Portal

Waterloo generally provides scholarship information through the applicant portal and by email.

For international students, details of the International Student Entrance Scholarship are placed in the Awards and financial aid section of the portal.

Application Deadlines

There is no single deadline for all University of Waterloo scholarships.

Deadlines vary according to the programme and scholarship.

For students applying for 2027 entry, Waterloo currently lists supplementary-form deadlines of:

• Engineering: February 1, 2027
• Engineering + Mathematics: February 1, 2027
• Most other programmes requiring supplementary forms: February 15, 2027

These dates apply to the relevant supplementary forms rather than representing a universal scholarship deadline.

Students applying for September 2026 should check their individual application status and offer information because the main admission cycle and scholarship notifications are already underway.

How Scholarships Are Awarded

Waterloo explains that most scholarships and bursaries are awarded around mid-May, after the university receives updated grades.

For automatic scholarships, eligible students generally do not need to submit a separate application.

The university also states that students can receive multiple scholarships in some circumstances. For example, a student may receive a President's Scholarship alongside a faculty scholarship and, where eligible, a bursary.

Is This a Fully Funded Scholarship?

Applicants should be careful with the phrase “fully funded.”

The University of Waterloo offers substantial scholarships, including the $10,000 international entrance scholarship and some awards worth up to $80,000. However, these awards do not mean that every international student will have all tuition and living expenses covered.

The exact amount depends on the scholarship received.

Students should therefore calculate their expected total cost and compare it with their scholarship funding.

Why Study at Waterloo?

There are several reasons students may consider Waterloo.

Strong Academic Reputation

Waterloo is internationally known for innovation, technology and research.

Co-op Opportunities

The university's co-operative education system allows eligible students to gain practical work experience.

International Community

Students join a diverse community representing more than 120 countries.

Scholarship Opportunities

There are numerous entrance awards and additional funding opportunities.

Research Opportunities

Students can potentially gain research experience through university and faculty opportunities.

Important Advice for Applicants

Students should apply directly through official University of Waterloo channels.

The university warns about fraudulent scholarship and admission offers and states that it will never award scholarships before issuing an admission offer. It also warns applicants against people who claim to work with Waterloo and request money to apply on their behalf.

Never pay an unofficial agent for a scholarship application.

Always verify scholarship information using an official uwaterloo.ca webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the new international entrance scholarship?

Eligible international students starting full-time first-year degree studies in September 2026 receive $10,000 for their first year.

Do I need to apply separately for the $10,000 scholarship?

No. Eligible students are automatically considered.

Can international students receive other scholarships?

Yes. Waterloo offers several additional scholarships specifically for international students.

Can scholarships reach $80,000?

Yes. Waterloo states that Mathematics and Science offer some international scholarships worth up to $80,000.

Does every scholarship require an application?

No. Many entrance scholarships are automatic, while some require separate applications.

Can I receive more than one scholarship?

Yes, students may receive multiple eligible scholarships.

Official Application Link

👉 Apply for Undergraduate Admission:
University of Waterloo Undergraduate Admissions

👉 Check International Scholarships:
University of Waterloo Scholarships for International Students

👉 View Entrance Scholarships:
University of Waterloo Entrance Scholarships

Applicants should use the official University of Waterloo website and follow the application instructions for their selected programme.

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Master in-demand skills with expert-led courses on Programming, AI, Data Science, Business, Finance, Marketing, Design and thousands more.

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Conclusion

The University of Waterloo Undergraduate Scholarships 2026 offer valuable financial opportunities for students who want to study in Canada.

The new $10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship is particularly significant because eligible international students starting full-time first-year degree studies in September 2026 are automatically considered without submitting a separate scholarship application.

Beyond this award, Waterloo offers numerous other entrance scholarships, including major opportunities for international students applying to Mathematics and Science programmes, where some scholarships can reach $80,000.

However, applicants should understand that scholarship values and eligibility differ considerably. Some awards are automatic, while others require separate applications through the Waterloo applicant portal.

Students should therefore begin by choosing an appropriate undergraduate programme, reviewing its admission requirements and submitting their application through the correct official channel.

International applicants should also create a realistic financial plan because a scholarship may cover only part of the total cost of studying in Canada.

With its strong academic reputation, international community, research opportunities, co-op education and range of scholarships, the University of Waterloo remains an attractive option for ambitious undergraduate students.

Start your application early, check every scholarship requirement carefully and use only official University of Waterloo application channels.

Good luck with your application!