You might be wondering about the next big step of how you're going to fund your education. It's a common question for students planning their university journey, and the good news is that you have options.

Start with scholarships

Most universities will offer scholarships for new students. At the University of Waterloo, we offer more than 170 entrance scholarships for international students starting their first year of full-time studies with us — ranging from $1,000 to $80,000 CAD.

The best part? Many of them don't require an application.

At Waterloo, you'll be automatically considered for most of our entrance scholarships, including our President's and Merit scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.

There are also several awards that require an application and now is a great time to start exploring the details!

Important deadlines

While most Waterloo scholarship applications are due April 15, 2026, a few have earlier deadlines — the Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships, for example, is due February 13, 2026, which is coming up quickly!

Examples of scholarships with upcoming deadlines

• Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships — $25,000 to $80,000
• Faculty of Environment Dean's Scholarship for Excellence — $7,500
• Scholarships for Black students — $1,200 to $40,000
• Hong Kong Alumni Association Entrance Award — $2,000
• China Hong Kong Entrance Scholarship — $2,000

These are just a few examples! Be sure to check out our undergraduate entrance awards database where you can find more details and scholarships available to you.

This is the perfect time to explore your funding options and get a head start on any applications you may need to submit. It's also a good time to look into how to find and apply for scholarships more effectively!