Awards and Financial Aid

The University aspires to identify students in need and ensure that all eligible students admitted to full-time undergraduate programs have the financial assistance necessary to complete their studies (Note 2).

Students are required to seek financial support from all sources, including family, employment, government support programs, and loans.

Who is eligible?

University of Waterloo undergraduate students who have applied for and are eligible for OSAP or other provincial government student assistance programs are eligible. This means:

• Canadian citizens or permanent residents and
• Those studying on a full-time basis (i.e., 1.5 or more units per term or 1.00 or more units per term for those with a permanent disability) and
• Those studying in a program leading to a degree or diploma and
• Those with demonstrated financial need

Who is not eligible?

• International students admitted to Canada on a study permit
• Students who do not apply for OSAP or other provincial student aid programs (Note 3)
• Part-time students (Note 4)
• Students enrolled in a full cost-recovery program

Notes:

1. This guarantee is based on OSAP policy. It will be reviewed from time to time by the Board of Governors taking into account changes in OSAP policy and the University's financial situation. The University determines provincial unmet need (as defined by OSAP) by using OSAP allowable costs minus the student's expected resources. Where other provincial jurisdictions use institutional bursaries as a resource, the University is not in a position to provide further bursary assistance to replace/repay loan overpayments.
2. The University's criteria for determining unmet need is based on "real" expenses, including, but not limited to: higher tuition in deregulated programs, acceptable expenses associated with co-operative education, and additional expenses in some programs related to equipment and instruments.
3. Those who have not applied for or are not eligible for OSAP or other provincial assistance programs but who have documented financial difficulty will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students whose credit history or academic standing make them ineligible for OSAP or other provincial assistance programs will be considered on a case-by-case basis as well.
4. Part-time students experiencing financial hardship are expected to apply for the government student aid programs available to them. The University has limited funds to assist students studying on a part-time basis.   

What does it mean?

A student's parents/spouse are expected to provide a contribution to their costs based on their family income. They are not able to waive this expected contribution unless there are extenuating circumstances that may preclude them from making a contribution. Students in this situation should make an appointment with Student Awards & Financial Aid prior to the bursary deadline. 

Students must explore all sources of funding including government student aid programs, working full-time during non-study periods, working part-time during your study period, and liquidating assets.

Students should confirm their OSAP or other government financial aid assessment is accurate. Students may be eligible for further funding either due to an error/omission or by providing additional documentation to appeal the value of their assessment. Students should review the OSAP website for guidelines on appeals and, if applicable, make an appointment with Student Awards & Financial Aid.  Students who receive assistance from another provincial student aid program should contact their provincial authority regarding the possibility of an appeal.

Our Commitment

In accordance with Ontario's Student Access Guarantee, the University ensures that Ontario students in need have access to the resources they need for their tuition, books, and mandatory fees.

Full eligibility details are available on the Student Awards & Financial Aid website.