Home Canada Scholarships University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

The University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026-2027 present an excellent opportunity for international students aiming to pursue fully funded undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies in Canada. These competitive Canadian scholarships are designed to attract academically outstanding students from around the world and support their education through generous funding packages. Among the top scholarship programs available are the David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards, which offer up to $10,000 CAD for eligible students participating in international study, co-op work placements, or volunteer programs. Additionally, the prestigious International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) provides $2,500 per term for up to six terms to international master’s students enrolled in research-based programs. Applicants are assessed automatically during the admission process, with no separate application required for most scholarships. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time, demonstrate academic excellence (minimum 70% for undergraduate and 75% for graduate programs), and meet the English language requirements of the University of Waterloo. These scholarships not only reduce the financial burden of studying abroad but also encourage global experience, leadership development, and advanced research. As one of Canada’s leading public research universities, the University of Waterloo is renowned for its cooperative education (co-op) model, innovation, and high-impact research, making it an ideal destination for ambitious international students seeking world-class education and global career opportunities. With multiple application deadlines throughout the year, this is a must-apply scholarship opportunity for anyone looking to study in Canada on a scholarship.

Summary of the University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026:

Feature	Details
Scholarship Name	University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026
Host Institution	University of Waterloo
Study Levels	Undergraduate, Master's (research-based), PhD
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded / Partially Funded
Major Awards	- David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation Award - International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)
Award Value	- Up to $10,000 (David Johnston–Lebovic) - $2,500 per term for up to 6 terms (IMAE)
Fields of Study	All faculties and programs (esp. research-based for grad students)
Eligibility	International students with strong academics (UG: 70%+, PG: 75%+)
Language Requirement	English (as per admission criteria)
Application Requirement	Automatic consideration via admission (no separate application for IMAE)
Application Deadlines	- UG: April 15, July 15, November 15 - Grad: Varies by program
Selection Criteria	Academic excellence, full-time enrollment, English proficiency
Location	Canada
Additional Notes	Can be combined with other awards; some restrictions on external sponsorships

Scholarship Coverage – University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026

The University of Waterloo offers a range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships to international students, providing substantial financial assistance to support their academic journey in Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the coverage provided by the key scholarship programs:

1. David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards

This award encourages international engagement and experiential learning opportunities. It provides financial support for students participating in study, work, or volunteer placements abroad as part of their academic program.

Up to $2,500 CAD for a one-term study abroad experience
$2,500 to $5,000 CAD for a one-term international work or volunteer placement
Up to $10,000 CAD for a two-term international work or volunteer placement
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students from any faculty
Funding can be used for travel, accommodation, insurance, and related international experience expenses

2. International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)

This award is specifically designed to support international students enrolled in research-based master's programs at the University of Waterloo.

$2,500 CAD per term, awarded for up to six academic terms (maximum total of $15,000 CAD)
Automatically awarded based on academic excellence – no separate application required
Applied directly toward tuition or living expenses
Renewable each term, contingent on maintaining full-time enrollment and academic progress
May be held in conjunction with other scholarships such as the Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) or the UW Graduate Scholarship

Additional Financial Benefits & Notes

Combined Awards: Students may hold these awards in combination with other internal scholarships, provided eligibility criteria are met.
No Double Funding: Students receiving full sponsorship from foreign governments or agencies (e.g., China Scholarship Council, Libyan government) are generally not eligible for these awards.
Automatic Consideration: Most scholarships, especially IMAE, do not require a separate application and are awarded based on admission and faculty nomination.
Flexible Use: Funds can typically be used toward tuition, books, travel, housing, and general living expenses, depending on the scholarship and award guidelines.
Co-op Education Support: The David Johnston–Lebovic Award also supports international cooperative work placements, helping students gain global professional experience.

Together, these scholarships significantly reduce the financial burden on international students and provide them with enriching academic and cross-cultural experiences, making the University of Waterloo an ideal destination for world-class education and research.

Eligibility Criteria – University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026

To qualify for the University of Waterloo Scholarships (including the David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards and the International Master’s Award of Excellence – IMAE), applicants must meet a comprehensive set of academic, enrollment, and citizenship requirements. Below are the detailed criteria for each major scholarship program:

General Eligibility (Applies to All Scholarships)

Nationality:
Open to international students from all countries.
Language Proficiency:
Applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements of the University of Waterloo (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent tests).
Enrollment Status:
Must be enrolled or intending to enroll as a full-time student at the University of Waterloo in an eligible program.

Eligibility for David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards

Academic Level:
Available to both undergraduate and graduate students from any faculty.
Academic Performance:
Must demonstrate strong academic standing:
- Undergraduate students: Minimum 70% average
- Graduate students: Minimum 75% average
Program Requirement:
Students must be involved in or planning to participate in an international experience related to their academic program, such as:
- Academic exchange
- International study term
- Minimally-paid or volunteer co-op work placement
- Volunteer placement abroad
Admission Status:
Must be admitted to a full-time degree program at the University of Waterloo.
Award Selection:
Students must be nominated by their faculty, based on academic merit and program relevance.

Eligibility for International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)

Level of Study:
Open only to international students entering a research-based master’s program (i.e., programs requiring a thesis or major research paper).
Enrollment & Status:
- Must have a valid Canadian study permit
- Must be registered full-time
- Must be assessed international tuition fees
Academic Achievement:
- Minimum 75% average at the graduate level
- Must demonstrate academic excellence through transcripts, recommendation letters, and program admission documents
Program Requirements:
- Must be starting the first term (Term 1.0) of a master’s program
- Should not be under academic probation or have outstanding admission conditions
Automatic Consideration:
- Students are automatically considered for this scholarship when applying to a qualifying program
- No separate application is required
Restrictions:
- Students sponsored by foreign governments or agencies (e.g., China Scholarship Council, Libyan government) are not eligible
- Students grand-parented under the old IMSA program cannot be nominated for IMAE
- Students must not be fully or partially self-funded beyond faculty-defined financial thresholds

Faculty-Specific Requirements

Each faculty or department may set additional internal selection criteria, such as:
- Higher minimum GPA
- Research proposal quality
- Alignment of study plan with faculty goals
- Priority to students participating in international initiatives

Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee a scholarship. Final selections are made by faculties and departments based on available funding, academic excellence, and program fit.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure – University of Waterloo Scholarships 2026

A. For David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards

This scholarship requires an application after admission and supports international study, work, or volunteer experiences.

Step 1: Apply for Admission

Choose your desired undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Waterloo.
Submit a complete application through the official Waterloo admissions portal.
Ensure you meet the program's academic and English language requirements.

Step 2: Secure Admission

Once admitted, you must be enrolled full-time in an eligible program.

Step 3: Access the Scholarship Form

After admission, access the application form for the David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Award through your student portal or forms page.
Your faculty or department may provide additional guidance.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Personal Statement: Describe your planned international experience, its relevance to your academic goals, and how it will impact your personal development.
Supporting Documents: Include proof of the international opportunity (e.g., exchange offer letter, co-op confirmation).
Academic Transcripts: Provide official transcripts reflecting your academic standing.
Reference Letter (if required): Some faculties may ask for a faculty endorsement or recommendation.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Submit the complete scholarship application by the deadline specified by your faculty.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Step 6: Wait for Selection & Notification

Faculties review applications and nominate students based on merit and available funding.
Successful applicants will be notified via email or through their student account.

B. For International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)

This scholarship does not require a separate application. It is awarded automatically based on your admission application.

Step 1: Choose a Research-Based Master’s Program

Select an eligible research-based master’s program (i.e., one that requires a thesis or major research paper).

Step 2: Apply for Admission to the Program

Complete and submit your application for the chosen master’s program via the University of Waterloo application portal.
Upload required documents, including academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, research proposal (if applicable), and letters of recommendation.

Step 3: Automatic Scholarship Consideration

Upon successful application, your department or faculty will automatically review your admission profile for scholarship eligibility.
There is no separate form or essay required for the IMAE.

Step 4: Departmental Nomination

If eligible, your faculty/department will nominate you for the International Master’s Award of Excellence.

Step 5: Receive Notification

If selected, you’ll be notified by the faculty or graduate studies office.
The scholarship amount will be credited to your student financial account each term.

Important Notes

Always check your program-specific deadlines well in advance.
Make sure your contact details and email address are accurate when applying.
Scholarships may be renewable per term (e.g., IMAE) based on maintaining full-time status and academic progress.
Additional internal awards may have their own separate applications.