Scholarships at University of Waterloo

Eligible University of Waterloo graduate students who take a parental leave (including adoption) may apply for the Graduate Student Parental Leave Bursary. Limited funding is available for up to eight months (two terms). Together with any other continuing support, the bursary is intended to maintain income at about 95% of the average income received during the three previous academic terms, less tuition. The maximum value is $5,000 for the first term and $3,000 for the second term. Students should apply through the Graduate Student Parental Leave Bursary process on Waterloo's graduate funding site.

Full-time University of Waterloo graduate students in the Faculty of Mathematics or Faculty of Arts with a demonstrated interest in computational rhetoric, computational analysis, and/or generation of rhetoric and persuasive text may apply. Selection is based on academic achievement (minimum A- cumulative average in the current program) and that interest as shown in the application. One award of $2,500 is awarded annually. Apply with a CV, unofficial transcript, two reference letters, and a written statement of up to 1,000 words by October 15, 2026. The fund was donated by Sam Pasupalak in honour of Professor Chrysanne DiMarco's teaching and mentorship in computational rhetoric.

Indigenous undergraduate or graduate University of Waterloo students affiliated with Renison University College (enrolled in a Renison degree program or living in Renison residence) who demonstrate financial need may apply. Applicants must complete the University of Waterloo Indigenous Verification process confirming First Nations (status or non-status), Métis, or Inuit citizenship or membership. Self-identification alone is not sufficient. Preference is given to students in Renison's Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, or Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies. Three awards of $2,000 are available. Apply through the common application. Established by Renison's Truth and Reconciliation Committee, the award recognizes the often unseen labour Indigenous students undertake in campus and community life.

Full-time Faculty of Arts undergraduate students at the University of Waterloo who wish to participate in an extracurricular or course-tied experiential activity not covered by tuition, with a minimum 70% cumulative average, may apply. Awards of varying size up to $1,500 are available. Selection is based on academic achievement and how the activity will benefit knowledge acquisition, professional development, or in-class learning. Submit an application form to the Arts Undergraduate Office. Applications are accepted throughout the year. The fund was established by Professor Emeritus Peter Woolstencroft.

University of Waterloo third- or fourth-year Civil Engineering students with academic standing and financial need may receive one of several bursaries. Each bursary is $500. Fall-term co-op students apply by October 31; regular students apply for fall and winter terms through the Student Awards portal.

Full-time second-, third-, or fourth-year students in a regular or co-op actuarial science program with good academic standing may apply for the Franklin B. Dana Memorial Bursary. Bursaries range from $500 to $1,200. Submit a bursary application form by the end of the first month of registration for each term. Eligible students must have lived in Ontario for 12 months before starting post-secondary study.

Third- or fourth-year Kinesiology students at the University of Waterloo who have achieved a minimum 75% average, participated in varsity athletics, shown a high level of involvement in the athletics program, and contributed to the Kinesiology program (such as through the Kinesiology Student Association or other activities) may apply. One award valued at up to $500 is presented annually. The fund was established by friends, relatives, and classmates of Mark Cameron Forster, BSc, in recognition of his contributions to Kinesiology and Athletics at Waterloo.

Research-based Faculty of Environment graduate students, including course-based students with a research component, may apply before presenting their own research at an in-person academic conference.

University of Waterloo Systems Design Engineering undergraduates in third or fourth year with proven financial need may apply. Eligible students must have resided in Ontario for 12 months before starting post-secondary education and hold a minimum overall average of 75%. Bursary value varies. Applications are due October 31.

Full-time University of Waterloo undergraduate or graduate students in the School of Planning with demonstrated financial need and a minimum 70% major average may be considered for this bursary. The amount varies. A portion of the fund is restricted to students who lived in Ontario for 12 months before starting post-secondary education. Apply through Quest. The bursary honours Jack Young, the first Chair of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.