Awards and Financial Aid

Abbott Medical Optics Award for Research in Contact Lens Care

Abbott Medical Optics has established this award to provide financial assistance to an optometry student who wishes to undertake a summer research project in contact lens care.

Abbott Medical Optics General Proficiency Prizes

The gifts of Abbott Medical Optics are awarded to the final-year students in the School of Optometry who rank first and second in general proficiency.

Abbott Medical Optics Prize - Excellence in Anatomy of the Eye and Visual System

This award, valued at $500, is presented to a second-year student in the Optometry program on the basis of performance in first-year anatomy courses.

Alcon Award in Ocular Physiology and Pharmacology

This award, valued at $1,000, is presented to an Optometry student at the beginning of the fourth professional year who has demonstrated excellence in the study of ocular physiology and pharmacology.

Alcon Scholarship for Research in Contact Lens Care

This scholarship, valued at $1,000, is awarded to an Optometry student who is carrying out a research project related to contact lens solutions.

Dr. W. Ross Andrews Prize for Clinical Proficiency

This $500 award was established by Dr. W. Bruce Andrews in memory of his father who practised optometry in St. Mary's, Ontario and was a part-time clinical supervisor at the School of Optometry from 1967 to 1992. The prize is presented to the student with the highest standing in general clinical proficiency in Optometry 348A/B.

Dr. Howard A. Backman Scholarship

The Dr. Howard A. Backman Scholarship for vision science is awarded to a student in the optometry program who has demonstrated academic excellence in vision science and who has engaged in summer research.

A.H. Basman O.D. Scholarships

A.H. Basman O.D. Scholarships, in the amount of $1,000 for each optometric year, are awarded by the Manitoba Association of Optometrists to Manitoba residents in optometric programs. The selection for scholarships is based on academic performance as well as extracurricular or community participation.

T.T. Beattie Medal

The bequest of T.T. Beattie is awarded to the final-year student in the School of Optometry ranking highest in Orthoptics or Visual Training. The award is made as funds permit.

J.P. Bickell Foundation Mining Awards

Several awards, valued at a minimum of $2,000 each, are provided to undergraduate students in mining related programs, including environmental geosciences, geological sciences, earth sciences, and mining engineering. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in second year or above, have an overall average of 75% or above, and must demonstrate their interest in the mining industry. Interested students should submit an application by October 15th.

Brantford Lapidary and Mineral Society Inc. Awards

Four awards, valued at $1,000 each, are provided annually to undergraduate students enrolled in an Earth Sciences program in the Faculty of Science who have achieved a minimum overall average of 75%; two for second-year students and two for third-year students.  Preference will be given to students enrolled in mineralogy courses.  Award recipients will be encouraged to attend a meeting of the Brantford Lapidary and Mineral Society Inc., and provide a brief presentation.  This fund is made possible through the generosity of The Brantford Lapidary and Mineral Society, a long time partner and friend of the Faculty of Science.

Don E. Brodie Scholarship In Science

This scholarship is awarded to the full-time first-year Science student who earns the highest weighted average in the Fall Term Year One Honours Physics course and laboratory. The award honours the Dean of Science at the time of the creation of the Faculty of Science Foundation.

J. Frank Brookfield Scholarships of Excellence in Biology

Several scholarships, valued at a minimum of $1,000 each, are awarded annually to outstanding undergraduate students enrolled in Year Two of a Biology program in the Faculty of Science. Selection is based on academic achievement in Year One.  This fund is made possible by a donation from retired Biology instructor J. Frank Brookfield to support exceptional students studying Biology.

Canadian Association of Optometrists Award of Merit

This award recognizes a fourth-year Optometry student for professionalism and effective leadership in student organizations.

Canadian Contact Lens Society Prize

The proceeds of a fund invested on behalf of the Canadian Contact Lens Society are awarded to a final-year student in the School of Optometry who shows the greatest proficiency in the theoretical and clinical application of contact lenses.

Canadian Society for Chemistry Prize

The Canadian Society for Chemistry provides an annual award to an outstanding Chemistry student. The award, consisting of an engraved medal and a Certificate of Merit, is given to the student with the highest academic standing in the penultimate year of her/his course.

John Carter Memorial Award

An award, valued at $300, was established by Dr. Carter's friends and colleagues in recognition of his contributions to the Department of Biology from 1965 to 1987. The award, to help perpetuate his spirit and enthusiasm for field studies, will be given once a year to assist an undergraduate student, enrolled in the Faculty of Science, attending a field course. Applications should be made to the field course coordinator in the Department of Biology in January each year.

Centennial Optical Scholarships

The Centennial Optical Company offers two scholarships to students admitted to the first professional year of the School of Optometry. These awards, valued at $250 each, are made on the basis of academic achievement.

Central Optical Award for Excellence in Special Studies

An award, valued at $500, is given to a final-year Optometry student who has achieved excellence in her/his special area of independent study.

Chemistry Scholarships

Upper-year scholarships are offered to students on the basis of performance at the University of Waterloo.

CHEM 13 NEWS Research Assistantships

The Department of Chemistry offers CHEM 13 NEWS Research Assistantships to recognize academic excellence in students proceeding to a degree in Chemistry. The awards are made for one year at a time and are valued at $1,000 for one year. Award holders are required to work with a professor or her/his research group within the Department. Awards to students entering upper-years are based on the previous year's academic performance.

Chinese Canadian Pharmacists Association (Ontario) Award

An award, valued at $1,000, is awarded annually to an undergraduate student enrolled in Year Two of Pharmacy in the Faculty of Science. Students must have a minimum overall average of 75% and have demonstrated their involvement in pharmacy and/or community related service.  This fund is made possible by a donation from the Chinese Canadian Pharmacists Association (Ontario).

E.J. Chisholm Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship, valued at $200, is awarded annually to the third-year student who demonstrates highest academic and clinical proficiency in Paediatric Optometry. This fund was established in memory of the late E.J. Chisholm.

A.W. Cole Prize

This prize, is a gift of the Cole family and is donated in honour of their father A.W. Cole. It is awarded to the final-year Optometry student ranking highest in Clinical Proficiency.

College of Optometrists of Ontario General Proficiency Medal

The gift of the Council, College of Optometrists of Ontario is awarded to the final-year student in the School of Optometry with the highest academic standing.

CooperVision Contact Lens Award

One award, valued at $500, is presented by CooperVision, Canada, Inc. to a fourth-year Optometry student in recognition of excellence in contact lens care.

J.A. Cowan Book Prize for Optics

This book prize will be presented each year in September to the student entering the third year of Physics who has the highest grade in either the course PHYS 256 or the courses PHYS 226/ 246 (Geometrical Optics/Physical Optics [weighted equally]), provided that this grade is greater than 80%.

I.R. Dagg Memorial Scholarship

Dr. Ian Ralph Dagg (1928-1993) came to the University of Waterloo in 1959 and served the University and the Physics Department for thirty-four years, finally as Chair of the Department from 1988 until his death in 1993. An endowment fund has been established to provide two scholarships, valued at $1,000 each. These scholarships will be awarded to full-time students (one female and one male) who have completed the third year of an Honours Physics degree program with cumulative and Year Three averages of at least 85%. The recipients of these scholarships will also have demonstrated leadership qualities through participation in extracurricular activities.

Earth and Environmental Sciences Scholarships

Upper-year scholarships are offered annually on the basis of academic standing in the previous year. 

William Elsdon Thermodynamics Award

One award, valued at $400, is presented annually to the highest ranking Science student in second-year thermodynamics courses offered by the Chemistry Department.

Eschenbach Low Vision Student Award

This award of equipment is presented by Eschenbach Optik Canada to recognize the skills and achievements of a student who has shown an aptitude and interest in the field of low vision.

Essilor Award for Academic and Clinical Excellence in Optics

The Essilor Optical Company presents this award of equipment to a final-year Optometry student with excellent academic standing in the areas of Geometric and Clinical Optics.

Faculty of Science Foundation G.F. Atkinson Citizenship Award

The Faculty of Science Foundation provides this award for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science who have made contributions that enhance the quality of life for students in Science within the University of Waterloo or the Waterloo community. Two awards of $250 are granted in each of the Fall and Winter terms. Application forms are available in the Faculty of Science Office, ESC 253.

Faculty of Science Foundation Educational Travel Award

The Faculty of Science Foundation offers awards to undergraduate students in Science who participate in International Exchange Programs. Up to four of these awards of $500 each are available every academic year. Application forms are available in the Science Undergraduate Office, ESC 253, and are due by March 15th.

Faculty of Science Upper-Year Scholarships

A limited number of upper-year scholarships in varying amounts are made available each year. Scholarships are based on academic achievement in the previous year. These scholarships are supported through donations from faculty, staff, and retirees to the Senate Scholarship Fund.

William Feinbloom Low Vision Award

The William Feinbloom Low Vision Award was established by Designs for Vision, Inc. in honour of Dr. William Feinbloom. A Low Vision Trial Set is awarded to the final-year Optometry student who has shown excellence in both the didactic and the clinical aspects of Low Vision care.

David M. Forget Memorial Award

Established in memory of David M. Forget, an award valued at up to $1,200, will be made annually to a student enrolled in Year Two of Earth Sciences, Geological Engineering, or other Earth major program. Students who can demonstrate an interest in the geosciences combined with a love and respect for nature, a good ability and interest in writing, and a dedication to their studies are invited to write a short essay (four pages maximum) explaining their eligibility for this award and addressing the criteria as stated above. Application essays should be submitted to the Scholarship and Awards Chair, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, by January 31st.

Allan Freeze Prize

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers an annual award to the first- or second-year student who obtains the highest mark in Earth 123 Introductory Hydrology. The amount of the award is $250, which will be in the form of a Bookstore voucher.

GPLI Clinical Excellence Award

This award of equipment is presented to a fourth-year optometry student in recognition of outstanding knowledge regarding GP contact lenses.

Dr. Michael Gutwein Memorial Award

An award, valued at up to $1,000 and a plaque, has been made possible by contributions from classmates and friends in memory of Dr. Michael Gutwein. This award, will be given to a final-year Optometry student who actively encourages fellow students to participate in athletic and social affairs. The student is selected by the class. Selection is not based on academic criteria.

Helen Sawyer Hogg Scholarship in Astronomy

A scholarship, valued at $500, is awarded annually in honour of Professor Helen Sawyer Hogg, a pre-eminent Canadian astronomer and inaugural chair of the Faculty of Science Foundation. Third- or fourth-year honours students enrolled in the Faculty of Science in a program leading to graduate work in Astronomy who have achieved an overall average of 80% are eligible. Candidates are nominated by the Faculty and interviewed by a selection committee.

Don E. Irish Scholarship in Science

One scholarship, valued at $300, is awarded to each full-time first-year student, in Honours Chemistry and in Honours Biochemistry, who earns the highest weighted average in the Fall Term, Year One, Honours Chemistry course and laboratory. The scholarship honours the Executive Director of the Faculty of Science Foundation during its formative years.

William F. James Sr. Debate Awards

The Faculty of Science Foundation has established the William F. James Sr. Debates competition in order to encourage the art of debate among Science undergraduates. Awards of $100 are made to each member of the winning team and $50 to each member of the runner-up team.

Vinko and Iva Juricic Award for Perseverance

An award, valued at $200 and a plaque, honours a fourth-year Optometry student who has been faced with challenges (medical and/or personal) during their Optometry studies.

Bruce Wyler Kelly Memorial Prizes

Two prizes, valued at $150 each, are awarded to the two Science students with the highest standing at the end of Year Two. One prize is to be awarded to a student in Regular or Co-op Honours Biochemistry and one prize to a student in Regular or Co-op Honours Biology.

Mike Lazaridis Scholarship in Theoretical Physics

A scholarship has been established to honour Mike Lazaridis, in recognition of his leadership as Chancellor of the University of Waterloo from 2003 to 2009.  It will be awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy who demonstrates an interest in conducting theoretical research in Physics and/or Astrophysics.  The recipient will receive fully-paid tuition in 4A and 4B study terms and a paid one-term internship following 3B at Perimeter Institute in Waterloo.  Interested students should submit an application by January 15^th.

David J. Kerko Low Vision Award

This award of equipment is provided by Winchester Optical to a graduating Optometry student who has demonstrated excellence in low-vision care.

Lyle/Fisher/Bobier Prize

This prize is awarded annually to a student in Optometry who has demonstrated academic excellence and is engaged in Summer research at the School of Optometry. It was established to honour the contributions of Professors Lyle, Fisher, and Bobier to optometric research.

J.R. Matthews Memorial Prize in Biology

The colleagues, friends, and relatives of the late Dr. Jonathan R. Matthews offer an annual $400 prize to the student who graduates from Honours Biology or Biochemistry with the highest overall average in third- and fourth-year courses.

W.A.E. (Peter) McBryde Memorial Scholarship in Chemistry

One scholarship, valued at $1,000, will be awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate second- or third-year student who has achieved academic excellence and who is enrolled in a Chemistry program in the Faculty of Science.  This fund has been established by the estate of Peter McBryde and his family, and has been named in his memory.  No application is required.

Harry McLeod Co-op Chemistry Scholarships

One scholarship, valued at up to $2,000 or two scholarships valued at up to $1,000 each, are awarded annually to upper year undergraduate students in the Department of Chemistry. The scholarship(s) will be given to full-time student(s) entering Year Three or Year Four of the Honours Chemistry Co-op program in the Faculty of Science in recognition of their academic achievements. These scholarships are made possible through the support of faculty members and friends in the Faculty of Science as well as through the generosity of Kay and the late Harry McLeod. The McLeods had a long standing relationship with the Department of Chemistry, where Dr. Harry McLeod was a former Chair of the department, a respected faculty member, and one of the founders of the Faculty of Science and Chemistry co-operative education programs.

Jerome T. Miller Memorial Prize

A $50 prize was established in 1968 by relatives and friends in memory of the late Jerome Thomas Miller, BSc, MSc U66 (Honours Chemistry and Physics). The prize is awarded each year, on the basis of marks, to the student in third year of a program which combines studies in Chemistry and Physics.

Monahan Memorial Scholarship

A scholarship, valued at up to $2,000, is awarded to a student admitted to the first year of Optometry on the basis of academic achievement. Candidates must be Ontario residents whose birthplace is within 50 kilometres of Listowel, Ontario.

Gretchen E. Mueller Memorial Biochemistry Scholarship

A scholarship, valued at up to $2,000, is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate student enrolled in Year Three of the Honours Biochemistry programs, Regular or Co-operative in the Faculty of Science. Recipients must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents who do not simultaneously hold any other major internal or external scholarships. This fund was established in memory of Gretchen Mueller through donations by family and friends. No application is required.

New Brunswick Association of Optometrists Scholarship

The New Brunswick Association of Optometrists presents a scholarship in the amount of $500 to a resident of New Brunswick who is entering the first professional year of Optometry.

L.M. Newell Clinical Optometry Prize

The prize, valued at $500, is awarded to an Optometry student on the basis of clinical proficiency demonstrated in Optometry 348A/B.  This award was established by Dr. Janis Newell (UW Class of 1982) to honour her father on his retirement from optometric practice after 43 years.

Sir Isaac Newton Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded annually to the top four or five students entering each of second, third, and fourth year of Honours Physics, both regular and co-op. Awards are valued at $1,000, $800, $600, and $400.

Ontario Association of Optometrists Award for Excellence in Patient Management

This award recognizes a fourth-year Optometry student for excellence in patient care.

OSI Award for Excellence in Practice Management

Optometric Services Inc., the national optometric services group, presents annually an award valued at $250 to a final-year student in the School of Optometry. The award is given in recognition of demonstrated leadership in the areas of professionalism and communication skills, as well as excellent academic standing.

Optometry Faculty Summer Research Scholarships

The faculty of the School of Optometry provide funds for these scholarships to support Summer research by Optometry students.

Pharmasave Business Case Award

An award, valued at $5,000, is provided annually to the team that wins the Business Case Study in the third year course, PHARM360 Fundamental Principles of Management, in the School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science.  The prize money will be divided equally among the winning team members.  This fund is made possible by a generous donation from Pharmasave.

Pfizer Interprofessional Health Care Award

An award, valued at $2,500, is presented annually to an undergraduate student enrolled in Year Three or Four of the Pharmacy program who has completed a co-op work term in an interprofessional environment.  To be considered, students must submit an application outlining the interprofessional experience and its impact on them, along with a letter of support from the co-op employer by May 31.  The recipient will be invited to attend the Pfizer Pan-Canadian Student Awards event.  This award has been established by Pfizer Canada to support and encourage interprofessional collaboration among health care professionals.

Prize for Academic Excellence in Ocular Pharmacology

A cash prize of $150 is awarded to an outstanding Optometry student for performance in the Ocular Pharmacology course.

“Proudly She Marched” – Jocelyn Cowan Scholarship

A scholarship, valued at $1,000, is provided annually to an outstanding student enrolled in third- or fourth-year of the Health Studies program in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences or the Biomedical Sciences program in the Faculty of Science who intends to pursue a career in medicine.  Preference will be given to candidates who have a record of health-care related extracurricular or volunteer involvement.  Preference will also be given to female candidates.  Interested students are to submit an application by October 1^st.  This scholarship is funded by the Canadian Federation of University Women Kitchener-Waterloo Charitable Fund (CFUW K-W Charitable Fund) from the proceeds of the sale of the two-volume “Proudly She Marched:  Training Canada’s World War II Women in Waterloo County” which was written and published by CFUW K-W to raise awareness of the significant contributions of women veterans to the history of Canada, and through a bequest from the late Jocelyn Cowan’s family.  As a young woman, Jocelyn attended medical school in Manitoba before moving to Waterloo.  Over the years she was an active and strong supporter of CFUW K-W as well as one of the founding members of the CFUW K-W Charitable Fund.

Glyn Reesor Prize

In honour of Dr. Reesor, a prize, valued at up to $400, is awarded annually to the Physics student who obtains the highest marks in the third-year electronics courses.

Saskatchewan Optometric Association Scholarships

The Saskatchewan Optometric Association presents two scholarships of $500 to each of two students admitted to the first professional year of the School of Optometry. These awards are made to students who are residents of Saskatchewan. They are awarded on the basis of academic achievement.

School of Optometry Memorial Scholarship

These awards honour deceased students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University of Waterloo's School of Optometry. Awards are made, as funds permit, to students at the third- or fourth-year level in the Doctor of Optometry program on the basis of strong academic achievement and/or clinical excellence. Donations have been received in memory of:

Dr. Maurice Belanger

Dr. Aurore Lising

Dr. Michael Wong

Science Memorial Scholarships

These scholarships honour deceased students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the Faculty of Science. Awards are made, as funds permit, to undergraduate students at any level in the Faculty on the basis of academic achievement. Contributions have been received in memory of:  

Barbara Sivak Memorial Award

An award, valued at up to $1,600, is presented annually to an outstanding undergraduate student enrolled in Year Two of the Optometry program, who has achieved an overall average of 80% or greater and who has exhibited excellence in first-year biomedical courses.  This fund is made possible by donations from family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Barbara Sivak, to honour and remember her dedication and compassion as an educator and friend.  Having taught 35 years in the Optometry program, Dr. Sivak touched the lives of many in the optometric community.

Society of Chemical Industry Awards

An engraved plaque is awarded by the Society to the student with the highest standing in the final year of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering.

H.A. Stein Scholarship

A scholarship, valued at $500, is awarded to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence in Optometry and who has been accepted to spend a summer as an Optometric Research Assistant.

Stern Cohen Accountancy Studies Scholarship

One scholarship, valued at $500, is awarded annually to an outstanding student enrolled in Accounting and Financial Management or Mathematics/Chartered Accountancy or Biotechnology/Chartered Accountancy. The scholarship is based on performance in AFM 101 and an overall average of 80% or better.  This fund was established by Stern Cohen, Chartered Accountants, in recognition of their 30th Anniversary.

Jake J. Thiessen Scholarship in Entrepreneurial Business

A scholarship, valued at $1,000, is awarded annually to an outstanding undergraduate student enrolled in Year Three of the School of Pharmacy.  The scholarship is awarded to the student with the highest academic achievement in PHARM 360 - Fundamentals of Business Administration.  Established by Dr. Jake J. Thiessen, the founding Hallman Director of the School of Pharmacy, this scholarship celebrates the unique nature and scope of Waterloo’s Pharmacy program, and recognizes the need to encourage leaders and entrepreneurs in the Pharmacy profession.

J.C. Thompson Memorial Prize

The $125 award is made by the College of Optometry of Ontario Alumni Association in memory of the late Dean J.C. Thompson. It is made to the final-year student in the School of Optometry who has ranked highest in clinical Optometry.

Dr. Karen Tompa Nowy Memorial Award

An award, valued at up to $4,000, is presented annually to an outstanding student enrolled in Year Three or Four of the School of Optometry.  The recipient will have shown exceptional care and concern for patients, have advocated for advanced eye care treatments and/or have taken steps to improve the overall health and well being of patient(s) during the clinical education portion of the program.  This fund is made possible through her parents, Frank and Helen Tompa, with additional support from Dr. Karen Tompa Nowy’s classmates, friends and colleagues, to honour her dedication and compassion as a clinician, educator, daughter and friend.

Vistakon Award for Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care

This award, presented by Johnson and Johnson Vision Products, Inc. is provided to a fourth-year Optometry student in recognition of excellence in contact lens patient care. The award is comprised of $1,000 and a plaque.

WestJet Aviation Awards

Five to ten awards, valued at up to $2,000 each, are awarded annually to undergraduate students entering second year of the Aviation program in the Faculties of Science and Environment. This fund is made possible by a donation from WestJet Airlines Limited.

Waterloo-Wellington Chartered Accountants Association Scholarships

Two scholarships, valued at $2,000 each, are presented annually to outstanding full-time undergraduate students from Waterloo Region or Wellington County who are entering Year Two in Accounting and Financial Management, or Mathematics/Chartered Accountancy, or Biotechnology/Chartered Accountancy. Selection is based upon academic achievement during Year One. No application is required.

Reginald Williams Memorial Scholarship

An award, valued at $250, donated by Dr. L. Williams of Trinidad, is presented to an outstanding student in the second professional year in the School of Optometry.