Discover Funding Opportunities

Order of the White Rose Scholarship

The Order of the White Rose is evolving and, in 2025, becomes an annual Canada-wide scholarship program with a leadership development support. Initiated by Polytechnique Montréal, this program is made possible thanks to the support of the Philanthropic Circle of the Order of the White Rose. These non-renewable $50,000 scholarships will be awarded to Canadian female engineering students who wish to pursue graduate studies (master's or PhD) in engineering at the institution of their choice, in Canada or abroad. The scholarship recognizes outstanding merit in three key areas: academic record (30%), technical achievements (30%), and social commitments (40%). Recipients can pursue their graduate studies at any institution in Canada or internationally.

OAA Guild Master's Award

One award, valued at $1,000, will be provided annually to a full-time graduate student registered in any year of the Master of Architecture program in the School of Architecture. Selection will be based on a thesis that best demonstrates an exemplary response to the climate crisis. Students will be invited to apply through the School of Architecture during the Spring term. This fund is made possible by a donation from the Ontario Association of Architecture (OAA). The award is designed to recognize and support graduate students in architecture who are addressing environmental challenges through their thesis work.

Mrs. Samia Barakat and Dr. Soliman Abdelfattah Soliman Graduate Scholarship in Engineering

Three scholarships valued at $10,000 each will be provided annually to international graduate students who are or will be registered full time in a research-based master's or doctoral program in the Faculty of Engineering. Selection will be based on academic excellence with a minimum 80% cumulative average or equivalent required. Preference will be given to students who graduated from an accredited University in Egypt. If a suitable candidate cannot be found, then the scholarship will be awarded to any international student in a research-based graduate program in Engineering. The Faculty of Engineering will identify candidates based on their application for admission. This fund is made possible by a donation from the Soliman family, in honour of their parents, Mrs. Samia Barakat and Dr. Soliman Abdelfattah Soliman's 50th anniversary of making Canada their home.

Mehta-Jenner Climate Change Mitigation Graduate Scholarships

Two scholarships, valued at $10,000 each, will be awarded annually to graduate students who identify as women who are registered full-time in a Master's or Doctoral program in the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of Waterloo, wherein women are underrepresented. Students must be conducting research on assessment and/or mitigation of climate change. Preference will be given to international students. This scholarship is in addition to any funding indicated in the offer of admission and will be paid in equal instalments across two or three academic terms. Selection will be based on a demonstrated passion for the environment and climate change, and will be made by a committee led by the Office of the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Mathematics. This fund is made possible by a donation from Adarsh Mehta, BMath'98, Applied Mathematics, and Jeffrey Jenner, BMath'84, Math Accounting.

Master of Environment and Business Award

The Master of Environment and Business (MEB) Awards are available annually to eligible MEB students who are currently registered or will be registered in the MEB program and who are not receiving full tuition funding from their employer or another source. Selection will be based on diversity of sector involvement in a specific cohort as well as financial need. Financial need will be based on personal/household income. Students may apply annually if their individual income is less than $50,000/year, or in the case of married students, less than $100,000/year. The award provides $500 to $2,000 per course to support students enrolled in the Master of Environment and Business program at the University of Waterloo. Interested applicants must complete and submit the application form to the Graduate Program Administrator by May 31.

Master of Engineering Award

An award valued at $500 will be awarded annually to a graduate student in the Master of Engineering (MEng) program who has demonstrated academic excellence. This award will be given in addition to any assistance from the Faculty or Department. The award is made possible by a donation from Annette Dietrich and is automatically awarded to eligible students registered full-time in a Master's of Engineering (MEng) program in the Faculty of Engineering. Recipients are selected by the Faculty of Engineering each Spring term based on academic merit, requiring a minimum cumulative average of 80% or equivalent based on previous fall and winter term grades.

Marzieh (Mari) Foroutan Memorial Graduate Scholarship

A scholarship, valued at up to $2,000, awarded annually to a full-time international graduate student enrolled in any program in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. Selection is based on scholastic excellence with a minimum cumulative average of 80%. Preference is given to students who demonstrate leadership and community engagement. This fund was established in honour of Mari Foroutan who lost her life on January 8, 2020 aboard Ukraine International Flight PS752. The scholarship can be held in addition to minimum funding and in conjunction with other major awards.

Major Graduate Award for Innovation in Science

An award valued at $7,500 will be awarded annually to a full-time graduate student enrolled in the master's or doctoral program in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo who is conducting research that overlaps in the area of life sciences or biology with preference to those whose research is interdisciplinary. Selection is based on academic achievement with a minimum 75% cumulative average or equivalent over the last two years of full-time study. The award is available from 2025 to 2029, with selections made each Winter term. This fund is made possible by a donation from David Major (BSc'81, MSc'84, PhD'87 Biology) to support the continuing education of promising graduate students. Examples of interdisciplinary research could include microbiology/oil & gas, microbiology & agriculture, or biomedical application and technology. Applicants must submit a personal statement by February 15, describing how they have demonstrated dedication to the pursuit of their postgraduate degree and what receiving this award would mean to that goal. The award can be held in conjunction with any other funding the recipient may be receiving.

Lynn Cope Conroy Graduate Scholarship for Women in Science

The Lynn Cope Conroy Graduate Scholarship for Women in Science is awarded annually to full-time domestic graduate students who identify as women and are registered in research-based Master's or Doctoral programs where women are underrepresented in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo. Selection is based on academic excellence (minimum cumulative average of 80% or equivalent) and research excellence, with preference given to students who do not concurrently hold a major scholarship at the time of admission. This fund was established through a donation from David Gerard Conroy (BASc '77) and Lynn Cope Conroy (BSC '77) to empower the next generation of women in science to achieve academic and professional success. A committee comprised of representatives from the Faculty of Science selects recipients annually, normally each winter term. The scholarship value varies and is awarded in addition to the minimum funding the student may already be receiving.

Lorne H. Russwurm Memorial Award

This award has been established in memory of Lorne Russwurm, an internationally known researcher and Professor of Geography from 1967-1987. Professor Russwurm was highly regarded by students for his excellence as a teacher and advisor until his death in January 1987. One or more awards valued at a minimum of $600 will be made to recipients who will normally be undergraduate Geography and Environmental Management students entering second, third, or fourth year who began studies as a mature student, have a good academic average (minimum 70%), and who have demonstrated a need for financial assistance. Consideration may also be given to mature graduate students and to undergraduate Geography and Environmental Management students in general. Preference will be given to persons who have actively participated in student, community, or other organizations. The award is available to both Masters and Doctoral students in the Faculty of Environment's Geography and Environmental Management program.

Lemay Change Maker Award

An award, valued at $5,000, will be presented annually to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in any year of the undergraduate or master's program in the School of Architecture in the Faculty of Engineering. Selection is based on excellence in design and/or design initiative with distinctively actionable potential to positively impact Canadian communities with architecture that is thought-provoking, collaborative, and sustainable. Selection will consider all or some of the following categories: sustainability; transdisciplinary thinking; social value; and design excellence. This fund is made possible by a donation from Lemay Architects. Students interested in applying must submit an application form that can be found on the School of Architecture website, by the deadline advertised, normally each spring.

Laurence Hamlin Memorial Award

This annual award has been established in memory of Laurence Hamlin, BASc 94, MASc 96 (Civil), in recognition of the significant contributions to classroom teaching being made by graduate students within the Faculty of Engineering's Civil Engineering program and specifically the environmental and water resources area. The awards, consisting of a cash prize and a citation, are open to individuals who are currently involved, or have recently been involved, in teaching University of Waterloo undergraduate students in the Environmental Engineering (Civil) program while pursuing a course of study leading to a graduate degree within the Faculty of Engineering. Selection is made annually by the Civil Engineering Undergraduate Chair. This scholarship recognizes teaching excellence by graduate students in the civil and environmental engineering program at the master's and doctoral levels.

Kris Bajaj Memorial Scholarship

An award, valued at $1,500, will be awarded annually to a graduate student registered full-time in the first year of a master's program in the Faculty of Engineering. Candidates must be in good academic standing and be conducting research on sustainability. Preference will be given to international students. This Scholarship has been established by a donation from Sandeep and Anuja Bajaj in memory of their father and recognized engineer Krishan K. Bajaj "Kris". Kris Bajaj was a recognized industry leader in his field as a Professional Engineer in Canada for over 30 years. He dedicated himself to helping new immigrants in his community integrate into Canada and become productive citizens through his positive guidance and support. The award is available to students in various engineering programs including Architecture, Biomedical Engineering, MBET, Chemical Engineering, Civil & Environmental Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Management Sciences, Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering, Quantum Computing, and Systems Design Engineering.

Keith William Hipel Engineering Graduate Scholarship

A scholarship, valued at $1,500, will be provided annually to a graduate student registered full-time in a doctoral program in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Selection will be based on academic excellence with a minimum 80% cumulative average or equivalent. Preference will be given to students conducting research in the area of Environmental Systems in Engineering with applications including but not limited to water resources management, hydrology, environmental engineering, and energy and sustainability. The scholarship emphasizes high quality research from a systems thinking perspective involving the societal and/or environmental (or physical) systems aspects of the problem. Selection considers academic excellence as well as the publication of high-quality journal and conference papers. This fund is made possible by a donation from Dr. Keith Hipel, a Waterloo Engineering alumnus who pursued MASc'72 in Systems Design Engineering and Ph.D'75 in Civil Engineering.

KEEN Graduate Entrance Scholarship

Two entrance scholarships valued at $5,000 each, will be awarded annually to graduate students registered full time in the first term of either the Master of Climate Change (MCC), Master of Development Practice (MDP) or the Master of Economic Development and Innovation (MEDI) programs in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo. Selection will be based on scholastic excellence with a minimum cumulative average of 80% or equivalent. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate leadership and community engagement. The Associate Dean of Graduate Studies along with recommendations from the Department of Geography and School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, in the Faculty of Environment will select recipients by March. This fund is made possible by donations from KEEN.

John Parish Memorial Graduate Scholarship

The John Parish Memorial Graduate Scholarship is an annual award valued at $5,000 for full-time graduate students conducting research in the fields of fluvial geomorphology, river and stream processes, or river and aquatic habitat protection and restoration. The scholarship recognizes students' anticipated research contribution and academic excellence in water-related research programs. Preference is given to applicants conducting research within Ontario. This memorial scholarship was established by friends and family in memory of John Parish and is administered by The Water Institute at the University of Waterloo. The application and selection process takes place during the Fall academic term. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative average of 80% or equivalent in their last two years of full-time academic study to be eligible.

James and Nora Nelson Bursary in Environmental Planning

This bursary is in memory of James and Nora Nelson and is awarded to a graduate student with proven financial need whose program of study or research is in Environmental Planning including land use, ecological, institutional, or other approaches to planning for the environment. The bursary supports graduate students at the master's or doctoral level enrolled in Environment programs at the University of Waterloo, specifically in Environment, Enterprise & Development, Environment, Resources & Sustainability, Geography & Environmental Management, or Planning. Eligible students must have resided in Ontario for twelve months prior to beginning their post-secondary education and must demonstrate financial need through their current term budget where expenses exceed income. Applications must include a proposal outlining a program of study or research in Environmental Planning. Applicants must apply to OSAP for the term in which the award is due and provide documentation of their OSAP funding summary or proof of restriction from OSAP.

Jack Rosen Memorial Award for Environmental Innovation

This award will be provided annually to full-time undergraduate or graduate students. The successful students or student teams (up to three individuals) will have demonstrated an innovative idea aimed at solving environmental challenges or issues. Interested student(s) will design a digital poster that describes their environmental idea. The best 10 posters, as selected by judges, will be put on display for one week in March where students or visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite concept. One grand prize, valued at $2,000, will be awarded for the best idea as determined by an independent panel of judges. The winning student(s) of the Grand Prize may also receive a consultation with an industry or business expert. At the discretion of the judging panel, up to two Honourable Mentions of $500 each may be awarded. This award is sponsored by the Jack and Honey Rosen Charitable Foundation in recognition of Jack Rosen's extraordinary vision and commitment to environmental issues in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and across the country.

Iron Ring Graduate Scholarship

The Iron Ring Graduate Scholarship is awarded to Master's students undertaking research in one of the University of Waterloo's Engineering departments. The scholarship is open to graduates of the University of Waterloo Faculty of Engineering or Conestoga College undergraduate programs. The award is granted in the first year of the Master's program and is paid over three academic terms. Applicants are evaluated based on academic excellence and leadership qualities. Recipients must maintain full-time status throughout the tenure of the scholarship in one of Waterloo's Engineering departments.

Iranian Student Memorial Engineering Graduate Scholarship

A scholarship valued at up to $1,700 awarded annually to a full-time international graduate student enrolled in the doctoral program in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Selection is based on academic excellence with a minimum 80% cumulative average in their current program and an assessment of the student's Fall term activity report. Each department in the Faculty of Engineering will nominate students annually for this award. This fund is made possible by a donation from several donors in honour of Waterloo Engineering students and alumni who lost their lives in the Ukraine International Flight PS752 plane crash. The award can be held in addition to minimum funding and in conjunction with other major awards. Recipients are only eligible to receive the award once over the course of their program. Each department in the Faculty of Engineering identifies and nominates their top two candidates based on term activity report submissions, and the Faculty of Engineering's Graduate Studies Office selects recipients normally each Winter. The award is distributed as a one-time payment.

Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) Momentum Fellowship

The Indigenous and Black Engineering and Technology (IBET) Momentum Fellowship is a doctoral scholarship program designed to support Indigenous and Black students pursuing full-time doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo. The fellowship recognizes and provides financial support to exceptional students who meet the academic requirements and identify as Indigenous or Black. Valued at $30,000 per year, the fellowship includes $25,000 from the university plus an additional $5,000 contribution from the supervisor. This award aims to promote diversity and inclusion in engineering and technology graduate programs while supporting the research and academic development of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. The fellowship is available for students admitted to PhD programs in Spring 2021 or later, and students transferring from eligible incomplete Master's programs to PhD may also be considered. Eligibility requires Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, a cumulative average of at least 80%, and verification of Indigenous identity through the Office of Indigenous Relations where applicable.

Inch Engineering Research Award

An award valued at $6,000 will be awarded annually to a female graduate student registered full-time in a master's or doctoral program in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo. The student must be conducting research in the areas of clean energy technology or other technology for climate change mitigation or adaptation. Selection will be based on academic achievement (minimum 80% cumulative average) and demonstrated financial need. This fund is made possible by a donation from the Inch family. The value of the award will be determined by the income generated by the Fund each year, with a goal to provide at least one award valued at $6,000 annually. The value and/or number of awards may change from year to year. Preference will be given to female candidates pursuing research on campus in clean energy technology or climate change mitigation or adaptation technologies.