The University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 provide a range of financial support opportunities for students planning to study in Canada. Rather than being one single scholarship, Waterloo’s funding system includes university awards, external scholarships, research-based graduate funding, international student awards and program-specific financial support.

Waterloo currently offers graduate programs across areas including arts, engineering, environment, health, mathematics and science. The university’s graduate-program directory states that programs are currently accepting applications for Fall 2027, although individual admission deadlines vary by program.

Scholarship Quick Facts

About University of Waterloo Scholarships

The University of Waterloo provides financial support through a variety of scholarships, awards and funding packages. The amount and type of support depend on whether the student is enrolled in an undergraduate program, a research-based graduate program or a course-based graduate program.

Waterloo states that research-based graduate programs include PhD programs and master’s programs with a thesis or major research paper option. Both domestic and international students in these programs are eligible for minimum funding when they remain within their program time limits and maintain good academic standing.

For full-time research-based master’s students, Waterloo currently lists a typical minimum funding level of $12,000 for one year. For full-time doctoral students, the current minimum is $29,145 per year for up to four years, effective May 1, 2026. Waterloo reviews these minimum funding amounts annually, so future rates may change for the 2027 academic year.

International students in research-based graduate programs may receive additional support. Eligible international master’s students may be considered for the International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE), while full-time international PhD students receive the International Doctoral Student Award (IDSA), subject to the applicable requirements.

Major Funding Opportunities

• 🎓 International Master’s Award of Excellence: Eligible international students entering normally research-based master’s programs may receive $2,500 per term for a maximum of five terms, with recipients selected by their faculties based on academic excellence and other criteria.
• 🎓 International Doctoral Student Award: Eligible full-time international PhD students receive an award designed to help offset the difference between domestic and international doctoral tuition.
• 🎓 President’s Graduate Scholarship: Outstanding graduate students holding certain major federally or provincially funded competition-based scholarships may receive up to $10,000 through Waterloo’s PGS.
• 🎓 Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards: Waterloo participates in the new Canada Impact+ program, which provides doctoral awards valued at $40,000 per year for up to three years to eligible international researchers and Canadian students studying abroad and returning to Canada.
• 🎓 Other Waterloo Awards: Students may also access internal awards, external scholarships, bursaries, teaching assistantships and research assistantships depending on their program and circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

• ✅ Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their selected University of Waterloo program.
• ✅ Eligibility for individual scholarships depends on the specific award, program, faculty and student status.
• ✅ International students may qualify for specific Waterloo awards and minimum funding opportunities, subject to the applicable requirements.
• ✅ Research-based master’s and PhD students must normally remain in good academic standing and within their program time limits to receive minimum funding.
• ✅ Some awards require academic excellence, research achievement, citizenship or other specific conditions.
• ✅ Some scholarships are automatically considered through the admission process, while others require a separate application or nomination.

Scholarship Benefits

• 🏆 Full-time research-based PhD students currently receive a minimum of $29,145 per year for up to four years.
• 🏆 Full-time research-based master’s students often receive minimum funding of $12,000 for one year.
• 🏆 Eligible international master’s students may receive the International Master’s Award of Excellence valued at $2,500 per term for up to five terms.
• 🏆 Eligible international PhD students receive the International Doctoral Student Award to help offset the international tuition difference.
• 🏆 Outstanding graduate students with qualifying major external scholarships may receive the President’s Graduate Scholarship worth up to $10,000.
• 🏆 Additional support may be available through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, bursaries and external awards.

Required Documents

• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English-language proficiency where required
• Statement of interest or personal statement, where required
• Letters of recommendation, where required
• Curriculum Vitae or résumé, where required
• Research proposal or statement of research interest for applicable research programs
• Additional program-specific documents listed on the selected Waterloo program page
• Scholarship or award documents where a separate application is required

Document requirements vary by program and award. Applicants should always check the official University of Waterloo program page before submitting an application.

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the University of Waterloo graduate programs directory and select the degree program that matches your academic and research interests.

Step 2: Review the program’s admission requirements, funding information and application deadline. Waterloo confirms that Fall 2027 graduate applications are currently being accepted, but deadlines vary by program.

Step 3: Prepare your academic documents, references, statement, résumé/CV and any research materials required by your selected program.

Step 4: Submit your University of Waterloo admission application through the official application system before your program’s deadline.

Step 5: Check the funding information for your program. Many Waterloo internal graduate awards do not require a separate application and eligible students are automatically considered based on the applicable selection criteria.

Step 6: For awards that require separate applications, nominations or external scholarship applications, follow the specific instructions and deadlines listed by Waterloo.

Step 7: Monitor your application and email for admission decisions, funding information and any additional requests from the university.

Frequently Asked Questions