Are you an international student looking to pursue your Master’s or PhD at the University of Waterloo? If so, you’re in luck – Waterloo offers a wide range of prestigious scholarships and awards specifically aimed at top international graduate students.
These financial awards can provide thousands of dollars to supplement your studies and living costs as you embark on an advanced research degree at one of Canada’s most innovative universities.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about University of Waterloo international awards, including:
- A breakdown of the main master’s and doctoral awards for international students
- Eligibility criteria and application process
- Key application tips and strategies
- Deadlines for upcoming intakes
- Answers to frequently asked questions
Let’s get started!
An Overview of Waterloo International Graduate Awards
The University of Waterloo offers merit-based financial awards aimed at recruiting top-tier international master’s and PhD students to its research-intensive programs.
These awards help offset the cost of international tuition and living expenses so you can focus on your academics. The main awards include:
Graduate Studies Endowment Fund (GSEF) Awards
The GSEF awards are Waterloo’s most prestigious awards for international master’s and PhD students, providing substantial funding of up to $50,000 for your entire degree. All faculties and departments offer GSEF awards.
President’s Graduate Scholarship
This prestigious scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year to an incoming PhD student who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement and research potential.
Faculty Graduate Awards
Individual faculties at Waterloo offer scholarships and awards ranging from $500 to $10,000 per year to attract top international master’s and PhD applicants.
David Johnston International Experience Awards
These awards provide up to $6,500 in funding to incoming international graduate students to gain global experience during their degree through exchanges, internships, or research.
Thousands of international students receive funding through these awards each year. So if you meet the eligibility criteria, you have an excellent chance at scholarship funding to offset the cost of your Waterloo graduate degree.
Am I Eligible for Waterloo International Awards?
To qualify for most Waterloo international master’s and PhD awards, you must:
- Be an international student entering or enrolled in a research-based master’s or PhD program
- Have a minimum admission average of 80% or higher
- Demonstrate academic excellence and research potential
Some additional eligibility factors may apply for specific awards, such as:
- Being nominated by your department
- Requiring reference letters highlighting your research abilities
- Having publications and presentations to your name
- Showing interest in collaborating with Waterloo faculty
Meeting the basic eligibility criteria is essential. But remember these awards are highly competitive, so having a stand-out academic and research profile will help give you an edge.
How Do I Apply for International Graduate Awards?
Applying for most Waterloo international awards is straightforward, as no separate application is required.
When you apply for graduate admission through your department, or when you’re enrolled in your program, you’re automatically considered for scholarships and awards you qualify for.
However, for some awards you may need to provide additional application materials to be considered, such as:
- Reference letters from professors highlighting your research potential
- An academic CV summarizing your scholarly achievements
- A statement of research interests aligned with Waterloo faculty
- Transcripts showing your academic excellence
Thoroughly review award requirements and touch base with your department to determine if extra application steps are needed.
Put your best foot forward with letters and statements demonstrating why you’re a promising researcher and worthy investment for Waterloo.
Crafting a Strong International Award Application: 5 Key Tips
With thousands of international applicants vying for graduate awards each year, you need to make your application stand out.
Follow these tips to craft a compelling case for scholarship funding:
1. Showcase your academic excellence
Grades are important – maintain a minimum 80% average and highlight programs or courses where you excelled. Prove you can thrive in Waterloo’s rigorous programs.
2. Demonstrate relevant research experience
Experience through papers, theses, lab work, RA roles, or collaborations is key. Show how this experience fuels your research potential.
3. Align your interests with Waterloo faculty
Tailor your application to complement current Waterloo research. Refer to professors whose labs you’d want to contribute to.
4. Get stellar reference letters
Secure references from professors or mentors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. Strong letters can make a difference.
5. Convey your passion for research
Communicate genuine excitement for your field of study and contributing new knowledge through your research. Enthusiasm goes a long way.
Follow these tips and leverage your strengths to convince Waterloo you have what it takes to become a research leader in your field.
When Are International Graduate Award Deadlines?
Application deadlines for Waterloo international awards closely align with graduate program application deadlines. Key dates include:
Master’s Programs:
- December to March – Application deadlines for September master’s program start
- May – Award decisions normally made for incoming students
PhD Programs:
- December to February – Application deadlines for September PhD start
- May – Award decisions for incoming PhD students
In-Program Master’s and PhD:
- September, January, May – Award application/decision deadlines for continuing students, aligned with academic terms
Application timing varies across Waterloo departments, so connect with your department to confirm timelines for applying to programs and awards.
Aim to submit your scholarship application materials (such as CV, statements, references) alongside your program application before these key deadlines.
Waterloo International Awards: Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding do Waterloo international awards provide?
- Awards range from $500 to over $50,000 depending on type of award and duration of your degree
- Larger awards like GSEF can fund most/all tuition and expenses for 2+ years
- Smaller awards provide one-time supplement of $500-$5,000
What factors determine award selection?
- Academic achievement, grades, awards, and distinctions
- Research excellence like publications, presentations, lab experience
- Fit and interest in Waterloo faculty research
- References and nominations supporting research potential
- Communication skills and enthusiasm conveyed in statements
How competitive is award selection?
- Awards are highly competitive – only top students are selected
- Meeting the minimum 80% average and other eligibility criteria does not guarantee funding
- Have an outstanding application and focus on communicating your research abilities
Can I defer an award offer?
- Most awards cannot be deferred and are valid for the intake you applied for only
- Discuss any extenuating circumstances with your departmental graduate coordinator
Can awards be renewed?
- Master’s awards are generally one-time non-renewable awards
- Doctoral awards may be renewable annually, contingent on academic performance
I was not selected – can I reapply?
- Yes, you can and should reapply for future terms if you meet eligibility criteria
- Strengthen your application package and focus on your research profile
- Follow up with your department for feedback to improve future applications
Start Your Application for Waterloo International Awards
Waterloo offers a fantastic opportunity to fund your graduate studies while conducting innovative research at a world-class Canadian university.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss out on applying for international master’s and PhD awards as you embark on the competitive application process.
Pull together your strongest application package highlighting your academic and research excellence – and make your case for why Waterloo should invest in your graduate education and research potential.
Review award deadlines, and connect with the graduate studies department early so you have the best shot at scholarship funding.
We wish you the very best as you take the first steps toward launching your international graduate career at the University of Waterloo!