MastersCAD $2,500 award

University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence for Study in Canada

Last verified 15 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

University of Waterloo welcomes interested applicants for the International Master’s Award of Excellence, which offers financial rewards to students who need help funding their study in Canada., Post a Comment

Provider: Various
Host country: Canada
Deadline: Annual – check official site
Region: Americas

Official source

Topics

Master's scholarships

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence for Study in Canada is open to African students applying to study in Canada at the Masters level, with cad $2,500 award funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters · applicants for Canada
Funding: CAD $2,500 award
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Annual – check official site

Key eligibility criteria

International Master's students admitted to the University of Waterloo

About the University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence for Study in Canada (2026)

##### Through the International Master’s Award of Excellence, international students are given the chance to receive $2,500 per term. Find out below if you qualify for the award. The University of Waterloo welcomes interested applicants for the International Master’s Award of Excellence, which offers financial rewards to students who need help funding their study in Canada. Applications for the said opportunity are currently ongoing. ### Table of contents - [Benefits Included in the International Master’s Award of Excellence](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/#h-benefits-included-in-the-international-master-s-award-of-excellence) - [University of Waterloo’s IMAE Details](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/#h-university-of-waterloo-s-imae-details) - [Eligibility Criteria from Waterloo](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/#h-eligibility-criteria-from-waterloo) - [How to Apply for Study in Canada](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/#h-how-to-apply-for-study-in-canada) ## Benefits Included in the International Master’s Award of Excellence The International Master’s Award of Excellence is valued at $2,500 per term, for a maximum of five terms. Open to international students of all countries, the master’s award also has no restrictions in terms of fields of study and programs. Consequently, students will be selected based on academic excellence as demonstrated through their application for admission to the graduate program. ## University of Waterloo’s IMAE Details Effective since May 1, 2019 (spring 2019 admissions cycle), the International Master’s Award of Excellence will be awarded to eligible international master’s students normally entering a research-based graduate program at the University of Waterloo. Furthermore, faculties will nominate eligible students based on the faculty’s award allocation. Today, with more than 42,000+ students attending annually, Waterloo is #1 in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections. **Watch the video below to get a glimpse of how the University of Waterloo spurs innovation on a global scale.** You+Waterloo: Our greatest impact happens together - YouTube Tap to unmute 1x [You+Waterloo: Our greatest impact happens together](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxyoe6XfwnU) [uwaterloo](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX70KmT8XPnFbSXOP6tz0Vw) ![thumbnail-image](https://yt3.ggpht.com/ytc/AIdro_nzwRkt4e16fNeYgT9nhQ40TUSzTVNQdEp11aVGTeTb3A=s68-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj) uwaterloo33K subscribers [Watch on](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxyoe6XfwnU) ## Eligibility Criteria from Waterloo In order to qualify for the International Master’s Award for Excellence, international students looking to study in Canada must meet the following criteria: - International students with a valid Canadian study permit who are registered full time and assessed international tuition fees. - Normally given to students in research-based programs (thesis or major research paper). - Will normally only be given to students entering the first term of their program (term 1.0). - Students must demonstrate academic excellence through criteria established by the faculty. - Students must meet the academic progress requirements of their program and not have outstanding probationary admission requirements. - This award could be in addition to other internal or external scholarships (e.g., UW Graduate Scholarship, OGS, etc). _Note: scholarships are different than sponsorships – see next bullet._ - Normally, students should not be concurrently receiving foreign government or agency sponsorship (e.g., China Scholarship Council, Libyan sponsorship, etc) or be fully or partially self-funded in excess of the Faculty minimum levels of support. - Students grandparented under the existing IMSA program cannot be nominated for an IMAE; however, a student previously awarded an IMSA for a previously completed master’s degree can be nominated for an IMAE. - Students will be automatically considered for this award based on their application for admission. Departments and/or faculty will define their own internal process by which they select recipients based on the eligibility criteria and allocation. - Faculties may impose stricter eligibility criteria as appropriate. ![](https://i0.wp.com/scholarshipsforafricans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/waterloo.jpg?resize=1024%2C269&ssl=1) ## How to Apply for Study in Canada Interested international students can apply to study in Canada from one year before the start date. Ideally, candidates should apply by March at the latest for the Fall intake or September for the Spring intake. Although, if students are applying for a popular course, it is recommended to finish applications earlier to optimize chances of success. There are two important requirements for international students applying to study in Canada: language proficiency and sufficient finances. Both English and French are spoken in Canada, with the latter being the official language throughout the Québec province, and Canadian universities offer courses in both tongues. If the interested parties are not native speakers, they may need to submit proof of proficiency in the language they intend to study in. Hence, applicants may be required to submit necessary documents like: - A certified copy of diploma or certificate; - A complete application form for their course; - An updated CV (if needed); - Letter of Intent (This states the intention to enroll in the college or university and any education course aspiring scholars wish to apply for); - Language results that are no more than one year old for English or French: - **English tests** that are generally accepted: IELTS, TOEFL and C1 Advanced - **French tests** that are mainly accepted in Canada are: TEF, TCF, DALF and DELF - Proof of funds to show that applicants can support themselves and anyone who immigrates with them during your studies; - If someone is applying for a PhD or Masters program, they will need to have two letters of Academic Reference, along with previous Letters of Employment; and - If the student did not study in Canada, they will also need to have their education assessed with an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment). For further information about this award please contact the University of Waterloo’s [Department Graduate Co-ordinator](https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-postdoctoral-affairs/about/departmentprogram-graduate-co-ordinators). On the other hand, information regarding international funding programs should be directed towards the Graduate Studies [International Funding webpage](https://uwaterloo.ca/graduate-studies-postdoctoral-affairs/current-students/international-student-funding). * * * _brought to you by Scholarships for Africans_ [**Scholarships for Africans**](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/) is a premier scholarship information blog committed to bringing more opportunities for Africans globally. They are part of the African Scholar Initiative, powered by Scholarship Hippo. Be a part of our growing community! **JOIN:** [Scholarships for Africans Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScholarshipsforAfricans) **LIKE:** [African Scholar Initiative Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/AfricanScholarInitiative) ### Share this: - [Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/?share=facebook&nb=1) - [Share on X (Opens in new window)X](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/?share=twitter&nb=1) - [Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)WhatsApp](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/?share=jetpack-whatsapp&nb=1) - [Share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)LinkedIn](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/?share=linkedin&nb=1) - [Share on Telegram (Opens in new window)Telegram](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/?share=telegram&nb=1) - [More](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/#) - [Print (Opens in new window)Print](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/#print?share=print&nb=1) - [Share on Reddit (Opens in new window)Reddit](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/?share=reddit&nb=1) - [Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)Tumblr](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/?share=tumblr&nb=1) - [Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Pinterest](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/university-of-waterloo-international-masters-award-of-excellence-for-study-in-canada/?share=pinterest&nb=1) ### Like this: LikeLoading… ### _Related_ In[awards](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/awards/), [international awards](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/international-awards/), [masters degree](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/masters-degree/), [study in Canada](https://scholarshipsforafricans.com/tag/study-in-canada/)

University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence for Study in Canada eligibility for Canada applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

International Master's students admitted to the University of Waterloo

Documents required for the University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence for Study in Canada application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence for Study in Canada 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://yt3.ggpht.com/ytc/AIdro_nzwRkt4e16fNeYgT9nhQ40TUSzTVNQdEp11aVGTeTb3A=s68-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "International Master's students admitted to the University of Waterloo". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://yt3.ggpht.com/ytc/AIdro_nzwRkt4e16fNeYgT9nhQ40TUSzTVNQdEp11aVGTeTb3A=s68-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Annual – check official site (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Various will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence for Study in Canada deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence for Study in Canada?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Various, and be able to relocate to Canada for the duration of the programme.

Is the University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence for Study in Canada fully funded?+

Funding model: CAD $2,500 award. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Annual – check official site. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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