The following awards are for undergraduate students who plan to participate in an international study, work, or volunteer experience. Selection may be based on academic achievement, leadership, and/or financial need. Specific criteria are noted in each award description along with any Faculty or program restrictions. These awards are intended to assist students with the higher costs associated with travel, living, or educational expenses while participating in the international experience. Conversely, some awards are intended to provide support during or following an international volunteer experience. Students should consult the Undergraduate Awards Database on the Student Awards & Financial Aid website for current deadlines and application forms.
Arts International Experience Award
One award, valued at a minimum of $1,000, will be provided annually to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Waterloo who is planning to travel abroad to enhance their learning experience. Eligible international experiences include a minimally-paid or volunteer international co-op work term, a volunteer placement, an academic exchange, or a study term related to academic requirements. Selection will be based on academic achievement (minimum 75% overall average), the nature of the experience, and a personal letter describing planned outcomes. Preference will be given to students who will be travelling to an unfamiliar country where they will experience a different culture in a new learning environment. Interested students should submit an application by November 15. This fund is made possible by donations from various donors.
Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University Travel Award
The Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has established a fund to assist University of Waterloo students who are approved to participate in a study abroad program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem or the Rothberg International School and who have demonstrated financial need. Undergraduate and graduate students in all faculties and programs, who are in good academic standing, are invited to apply. Candidates must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and have lived in Ontario for the entire 12-month period prior to beginning their post-secondary education. Awards range in value from $1,000 - $15,000, depending on the length of the experience and the level of financial need. Interested students should apply in the term prior to departure.
M. Chandrashekar Memorial Fellowship for Pacific Rim Exchange Students
This fellowship has been established in memory of the late M. Chandrashekar, who had an abiding interest in co-operation between the University of Waterloo and countries in Asia. Undergraduate Engineering students who participate in one of the active exchange programs between the University of Waterloo and overseas engineering schools in countries of the Pacific Rim region (including Australia and New Zealand) are eligible for the fellowship. Recipients must be on the Dean's Honours list prior to the exchange and before receiving the fellowship. The value of the award is $2,000. At most, one fellowship will be awarded each year. Applications are due on September 15 each year.
J.R. Coutts International Experience Awards
Several awards, valued at up to $2,500 each, are available each year to undergraduate students in any Faculty who wish to participate in an international experience including an academic exchange, a study term related to academic requirements, or a minimally-paid or volunteer work placement. These awards are intended to support students who are travelling to a country that they are not familiar with, thereby broadening their international experience. Selection is based on strong academic achievement (minimum 75% overall average) and on the nature and location of the experience. These awards are selected only once per year. Interested students planning an international experience during the upcoming spring, fall, or winter terms, are invited to submit an application by March 15.
Drysdale Beyond Borders Travel Bursary
Bursaries, totaling up to $2,000, are awarded annually to undergraduate students participating in the Beyond Borders Program at St. Jerome’s University. Based upon demonstrated financial need and satisfactory academic standing, one or more students can benefit from this bursary fund. Eligible students registered at the University of Waterloo or any of its affiliated University Colleges may submit an international experience award application by March 15. Details about the Beyond Borders program can be found at https://www.sju.ca/beyond-borders. This fund is made possible by a donation from the Drysdale Family in reflection of their commitment to ongoing experiential learning and their interest in international learning opportunities.
Drysdale International Experience Award
One award, valued up to $2,500, is available annually to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in Year Two, Three, or Four and who is embarking on an international work, volunteer, or study experience related to academic requirements. Selection is on the basis of academic achievement (minimum 75%) and the location, duration, and type of international experience. Preference will be given to students with financial need who will be travelling to an unfamiliar country where they will experience a different culture in a new learning environment. Interested students should submit an application by November 15. This award is made possible by a generous donation from the Drysdale Family in recognition of their commitment to ongoing experiential education, international learning opportunities, and active global citizenship.
Ron Eydt Travel Award
Undergraduate students who participate in one of the approved full-time exchange programs between the University of Waterloo and other universities may be eligible for financial assistance through the Ron Eydt Travel Award. Two or three awards ranging from $500 to $2,500 are available. Students must have demonstrated University of Waterloo student leadership and campus involvement, have maintained a minimum 75% overall average, and must demonstrate financial need. A portion of the funds is restricted to students who have resided in Ontario for 12 months prior to the beginning of their post-secondary education. Interested students should apply in the term prior to departure.
Faculty of Science Foundation Educational Travel Award
The Faculty of Science Foundation offers awards to undergraduate students in Science who participate in a public service program or an international exchange program. Up to four awards, valued at $500 each, are available every academic year. Application forms are available through the Faculty of Science website and are due by November 15 and March 15 each year.
Sandford Fleming Foundation Exchange Scholarships
Up to six scholarships, valued at $800 each, are awarded each fall to undergraduate Engineering students who participate in one of the exchange programs between the University of Waterloo and overseas engineering schools. Recipients must be on the Dean's Honours list or have other high academic standing prior to the exchange and before receiving the scholarship. Applications are due on September 15 each year and will be awarded through the Student Awards and Financial Aid Office.
Rick Haldenby Rome Award
An award, valued at approximately $1,000, is provided annually to a full-time undergraduate student in the School of Architecture in the Faculty of Engineering who is participating in the Rome program in their fall 4A term. Candidates must be in good academic standing and have a demonstrated financial need as determined by Waterloo. To be considered, students must complete the general UW International Experience Award application by July 15.
Harrison International Experience Award
One award, valued at up to $2,000, has been established by University of Waterloo alumna Judith Harrison and her husband Gary. Full-time students in any program who are qualified to participate in one of the University of Waterloo's approved international exchange or study abroad programs are eligible to apply. Selection will be based on demonstrated financial need and leadership ability as evidenced by involvement in on-campus and community extracurricular activities. Candidates must be Canadian citizens who have lived in Ontario during the entire 12-month period prior to beginning their post-secondary education. An application is required by July 15.
Dr. F. Hecker Exchange Scholarship
The Dr. F. Hecker Exchange Scholarship is an annual award given by the Sandford Fleming Foundation to an outstanding undergraduate Engineering student at the University of Waterloo, who is participating in one of the Faculty's student exchange programs. It honours the contribution of Dr. Hecker of Technische Universtat Braunschweig, who distinguished himself by his dedication to the exchange program, and in the particular care he took of Waterloo participants. The value of the award is $1,000. Applications are due on September 15 each year.
Winifred Hewetson Awards in Community and World Service
One or more awards, valued at up to $1,500, have been established by the Carold Institute in honour of Winifred Hewetson, to assist undergraduate students in second, third, or fourth year of the Faculties of Arts or Environment who participate in a work term or field placement with not-for-profit organizations providing social services locally, nationally, or abroad with little or no remuneration. Selection will be based on academic achievement (minimum 75% overall average) and the nature of the work/volunteer experience. Preference will be given to students who have been involved in extracurricular or volunteer activities in the service of others. Recipients will be asked to write a letter (1-2 pages maximum), upon return to Waterloo, describing how their experience benefitted them and the organization or employer. Interested students are to apply by March 15.
Patrick Hofmann International Experience Award
Up to five awards, normally valued at $1,000 each, are provided to full-time students enrolled in any year in the Faculty of Arts (excluding Accounting and Financial Management) who are participating in an eligible exchange/study abroad program, or an eligible international co-op work term outside of Canada. Preference will be given to students with financial need for the term(s) abroad. Students should apply as soon as they are able to confirm the details of their intended experience by one of the following deadlines: July 15, November 15, or March 15. This fund is made possible by a donation from Patrick Hofmann in support of Waterloo's efforts to educate globally literate and world-ready graduates.
C.D. Howe Memorial Foundation Bursary for International Trade
Bursaries, valued at up to $2,500 each, are awarded annually to undergraduate students enrolled in Year Three or Four of the International Trade Minor in the Faculty of Arts who are interested in participating in an international work or study experience. Candidates must be in good academic standing and have a demonstrated financial need. Interested students should apply in the term prior to departure. This fund is made possible by a donation from the C.D. Howe Memorial Foundation to recognize Mr. Howe's significant contributions to Canada's economic prosperity.
International Experience Bursary
A bursary fund has been established honouring Peter Hopkins, former Associate Provost, Student Affairs, upon his retirement from the University of Waterloo. The bursary will provide financial assistance to full-time students who are academically qualified for participation in one of the University of Waterloo's approved international exchange or study abroad programs, and who have demonstrated financial need. Candidates must have lived in Ontario during the entire 12-month period prior to beginning their post-secondary education. Interested students should apply in the term prior to departure.
Ronald C. Johnson International Experience Award
Up to five awards, normally valued at $1,000 each, are provided annually to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time in any year in any faculty. Students must be participating in an eligible exchange/study abroad program, an eligible international co-op work term, an international internship opportunity, or be conducting research relevant to their program outside of Canada. Preference will be given to students with financial need for the term(s) abroad. Students should apply as soon as they are able to confirm the details of their intended experience by one of the following deadlines: July 15, November 15, or March 15. This fund is made possible by a donation from Catherine and Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo, in support of Waterloo's efforts to educate globally literate and world-ready graduates and in memory of Catherine’s father, Ronald C. Johnson.
David Johnston International Experience Awards
Several awards will be provided annually to full-time undergraduate and graduate students in any Faculty who wish to participate in an international experience, including a minimally-paid or volunteer international co-op work placement, a volunteer placement, an academic exchange, or a study term related to academic requirements. Awards are valued at up to $2,500 - $5,000 and will be given on the basis of academic achievement and the location and duration of the international experience. Students in any Faculty, in good academic standing (minimum 75% average), who are planning to participate in an international experience are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students who will be travelling to an unfamiliar country where they will experience a different culture in a new learning environment. Award selection will take place once per term. Students should apply as soon as they are able to confirm the details of their intended experience by one of the following deadlines: July 15, November 15, or March 15. These awards were established through the generous support of donors in honour of former Waterloo President David Johnston as a lasting tribute to his 11-year service to this University and in recognition of his passion for international opportunities for students.
David Johnston – Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards
Several awards are provided annually to full-time undergraduate students in any Faculty who participate in an international experience in Israel, including a minimally-paid or volunteer co-op work placement, a volunteer placement, or a study term related to academic requirements. Awards are valued at up to $2,500 - $5,000 each, and will be given on the basis of academic achievement, as well as the type and duration of the experience. Interested students, in good academic standing (normally a minimum 70% average at the undergraduate level; normally a minimum 75% average at the graduate level), who are planning to participate in an international experience in Israel are eligible to apply. Award selection will take place once per term. Students should apply as soon as they are able to confirm the details of their intended experience by one of the following deadlines: July 15, November 15, or March 15. These awards were established through the generous support of the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Foundation in honour of former Waterloo President David Johnston, as a lasting tribute to his 11-year service to this University and in recognition of his passion for international opportunities for students.
W.W. King Exchange Fellowships
Undergraduate Engineering students who participate in one of the active exchange programs between the University of Waterloo and overseas engineering schools are eligible for financial assistance through the W.W. King Exchange Fellowship. Recipients must be on the Dean's Honours list prior to the exchange and before receiving the fellowship. The maximum amount per student is $500. Applications are due on September 15 each year.
Kothari Family International Experience Award
One award, valued at up to $2,000, is awarded annually to an undergraduate student enrolled in Year Two, Three, or Four in the Faculty of Engineering who is participating in an international study or work experience, who has achieved a minimum overall average of 75%, and who has a demonstrated financial need. Interested students should submit an application by November 15.
Ellsworth and Karen LeDrew International Experience Award
Up to five awards, normally valued at $1,000 each, are provided annually to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled full-time in any year in the Faculty of Environment. Students must be participating in an eligible exchange/study abroad program, an eligible international co-op work term, an international internship opportunity, or be conducting research relevant to their program outside of Canada. Preference will be given to students with financial need for the term(s) abroad. Students should apply as soon as they are able to confirm the details of their intended experience by one of the following deadlines: July 15, November 15, or March 15. This fund is made possible by a donation from Ellsworth and Karen LeDrew in support of Waterloo's efforts to educate globally literate and world-ready graduates.
Manulife Financial Community and World Service Awards
Several awards, valued at up to $1,500 each, are available to assist undergraduate students in second, third, or fourth year in the Faculty of Arts who spend a voluntary unpaid or minimally paid work term with a not-for-profit organization in the community, in Canada, or abroad. Preference will be given for placements in the social service sector. Selection will be based on academic achievement (minimum 75% overall average) and the nature of the work/volunteer experience. Preference will also be given to students who have been involved in extracurricular or volunteer activities in the service of others. Recipients will be asked to write a letter (1-2 pages maximum), upon return to Waterloo, describing how their experience benefitted them and the organization or employer. Interested students are to apply prior to the work/volunteer term by March 15, July 15, or November 15 for upcoming Spring, Fall, or Winter experiences. Students are required to provide a letter from the organization to verify remuneration they will be receiving for the work/volunteer experience. This fund was established in 1993 by a generous donation from Manulife Financial.
McLenaghan International Study Abroad Award
One award, valued at up to $1,200, will be provided annually to a full-time undergraduate student who participates in an approved academic exchange or study-abroad term. Eligible candidates include: third-year students enrolled in a French Studies program travelling to France to study at the University of Nantes or other approved school; or third- and fourth-year students enrolled in a program in the Faculty of Mathematics, with preference to students in Applied Mathematics, studying at an approved school in the United Kingdom, Europe, or the United States. Selection will be based on academic achievement (minimum 75% overall average) and a personal letter describing planned learning outcomes. Financial need may also be considered. Preference will be given to students who will be travelling to an unfamiliar country where they will experience a different culture in a new learning environment. Interested students should submit an application by July 15. This award is made possible by a donation from Dr. Helene McLenaghan (Language Instructor, French Studies) and Dr. Ray McLenaghan (Professor Emeritus, Applied Math), to encourage students to enhance their Waterloo studies with an international study experience.
NA Engineering Associates Inc. Research Travel Award in Hellenistic Studies
One award, valued at up to $1,500, is provided annually to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student who is enrolled in a program in the Department of Classical Studies. Candidates must write a 500-word letter to prove a need to travel to Greece in order to enhance their research in the study of Greece and Classical Greek heritage. Candidates must also be Canadian citizens/permanent residents, residents of Ontario, and be able to demonstrate financial need. Interested students are asked to complete the Undergraduate International Experience Award Application or Graduate Student Award Application available from the Student Awards & Financial Aid and Graduate Studies Office websites. Applications are due November 1. This fund is made possible by a donation from NA Engineering Associates Inc. in support of the Waterloo Institute for Hellenistic Studies.
Nantes/Chicoutimi Celebration Awards
Two awards valued at $1,000 each for Nantes exchange students, and one award valued at approximately $500 for Chicoutimi exchange students, are awarded annually to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in Year Three in the Department of French Studies in the Faculty of Arts who are in good academic standing and who have a demonstrated financial need as determined by Waterloo. To be considered, students must submit an application by July 15.
Neufeld-Oberle Memorial Award
This fund has been established in memory of Henry Neufeld and Thomas Oberle by their children to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students who participate in an international exchange program and have demonstrated financial need. Awards vary in value from $500 to $2,500. To be considered, students must submit an application by July 15.
School of Accounting and Finance China Co-op Awards
Two awards, valued at $5,000 each, are provided annually to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in Year Two, Three, or Four of any program in the School of Accounting and Finance. Eligible candidates must be matched with an employer in China for an approved work term, be in good academic standing (minimum 70% overall average) and be involved in extracurricular activities. Interested students may submit an application to Student Awards & Financial Aid by November 15 for a winter work term or July 15 for a fall work term. This fund is made possible by a donation from an alumnus who has passion for the benefits of an international work experience.
School of Accounting and Finance International Experience Award
One award, valued at up to $1,500 or more, will be provided annually to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in third or fourth year in the Accounting and Financial Management, Computing and Financial Management, Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy, or Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy program who is participating in an international work or study experience. Selection will be based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and financial need. Preference will be given to students who are travelling to an unfamiliar country where they will experience a different culture in a new learning environment. Interested students should submit an application by November 15. This fund is made possible by donations from alumni and friends who share a passion for the benefits of an international experience.
Scotiabank International Development Placement Award
Awards, valued at up to $2,000 each, are granted annually to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in fourth year of the International Development program in the Faculty of the Environment to assist with the costs associated with a mandatory, eight-month overseas placement. Selection will be based on academic achievement and financial need. Preference will be given to students completing a placement in countries where Scotiabank does business. Through this generous donation, Scotiabank is making a highly visible and strategically significant investment in a sustainable future for Canada and the world. An application is required by July 15.
Universal Electronics International Trade Travel Award
One annual award, valued at $500, is presented to a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in the Arts and Business Co-op program, with the International Trade minor, on the basis of academic achievement.
University of Waterloo Community and World Service Award
Several awards, valued at up to $1,500 each, are available to assist undergraduate students in second, third or fourth year in the Faculty of Arts who spend a voluntary unpaid or minimally paid work term with a not-for-profit organization in the community, in Canada, or abroad. Candidates must have a minimum 70% overall average and demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given for placements in the social service sector. Preference will also be given to students who have been involved in extracurricular or volunteer activities in the service of others. Recipients will be asked to write a letter (1-2 pages maximum), upon return to Waterloo, describing how their experience benefitted them and the organization or employer. Interested students are to apply prior to the work/volunteer term by March 15, July 15, or November 15 for upcoming Spring, Fall, or Winter experiences. Students are required to provide a letter from the organization to verify remuneration they will be receiving for the work/volunteer experience.
University of Waterloo International Experience Awards
Several awards, valued at up to $2,500 each, are available annually to full-time undergraduate and graduate students who participate in an international experience, including a minimally-paid or volunteer international co-op work placement, a volunteer placement, an academic exchange, or a study term related to academic requirements. Students in any Faculty, in satisfactory academic standing, who are planning to participate in an international experience are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to students with financial need who will be travelling to an unfamiliar country where they will experience a different culture in a new learning environment. Award selection will take place once per term. Students should apply as soon as they are able to confirm the details of their intended experience by one of the following deadlines: July 15, November 15, or March 15.
WCGS International Opportunities Travel Grant
Several grants, valued from $500 to $1,500 each, are provided annually to full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled within the first four years of their program and registered in at least one Germanic and Slavic Studies course at the University of Waterloo. Selection will be based on participation in a recognized institutional Canadian-organized German language or cultural studies program abroad. Further information regarding the application process can be found at the Waterloo Centre for German Studies (WCGS) website. Applications are due February 1.
Douglas T. Wright Award
This award program was established in 1993 by members of the University community to honour Douglas T. Wright upon his retirement as President of the University and to recognize his contribution to the University's international reputation. Three awards, valued at up to $1,500 each, are available annually to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in second-, third-, or fourth-year of any program who have participated in a University of Waterloo international co-op work placement. Candidates must have distinguished themselves during the international placement by achieving a work-term evaluation of "outstanding”, and may have demonstrated leadership qualities through extracurricular activities. A minimum overall average of 75% is required. Interested students are to apply in the term they return to full-time study at the University of Waterloo. Application deadlines are February 15, June 15, and October 15 each year.
Note
Provincial and federal aid policies state that scholarships, awards, and bursaries provided to students receiving provincial and/or federal student aid could reduce funding entitlements. Please contact Student Awards & Financial Aid if further clarification is required.