African students applying to study in Canada in 2027 can access several scholarships at the University of Waterloo, including a new automatic CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship for eligible first-year international students.
The opportunity is particularly attractive because eligible students do not need to complete a separate application for the CAD 10,000 award. Waterloo automatically considers international fee-paying students admitted to qualifying full-time first-year degree programmes, according to the university’s official international scholarship information.
Students can also receive other Waterloo scholarships on top of the CAD 10,000 award.
For example, international students entering the Faculty of Mathematics can compete for Global Scholarships worth CAD 12,000 to CAD 40,000, while international students entering the Faculty of Science can compete for scholarships worth CAD 25,000 to CAD 80,000.
Waterloo also gives African applicants an additional opportunity in Mathematics. The Faculty of Mathematics scholarship programme states that it will award at least one Mathematics Global Scholarship to a student from Africa.
Applications for September 2027 admission are already open.
Students applying to Engineering, excluding Architecture, must apply by January 15, 2027. Most other undergraduate applicants have until February 1, 2027.
University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 at a Glance
University: University of Waterloo
Country: Canada
Study Level: Undergraduate
African Students: Eligible
International Student Entrance Scholarship: CAD 10,000
Separate Application for CAD 10,000 Award: No
Mathematics Global Scholarships: CAD 12,000 to CAD 40,000
Science International Student Scholarships: CAD 25,000 to CAD 80,000
Black Student Scholarships: Up to CAD 40,000 for applicable awards
President’s Scholarship of Distinction: CAD 2,000 plus access to eligible upper-year awards
President’s Scholarship: CAD 2,000
Merit Scholarship: CAD 1,000
Engineering Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
Most Other Programmes: February 1, 2027
Engineering Documents Deadline: February 1, 2027
Most Other Documents Deadline: February 15, 2027
Study Begins: September 2027
Last Updated: October 2026
Is the University of Waterloo Offering Scholarships for 2027?
Yes.
The University of Waterloo is accepting applications for undergraduate study beginning in September 2027.
According to Waterloo’s official 2027 admissions timeline, undergraduate applications opened through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre in September 2026.
Students should pay close attention to their programme because Waterloo does not use one deadline for every course.
For Engineering programmes other than Architecture, the application deadline is:
January 15, 2027
The deadline to submit the Engineering Admission Information Form, online interview and other required documents is:
February 1, 2027
For most other programmes, the application deadline is:
February 1, 2027
and the document deadline is:
February 15, 2027.
Waterloo lists these dates on its official undergraduate application deadlines page.
CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship
The International Student Entrance Scholarship is one of Waterloo’s easiest awards for an African international student to understand.
Eligible international fee-paying students admitted to full-time first-year degree studies receive:
CAD 10,000 for their first year.
No separate scholarship application is required.
Waterloo automatically grants the scholarship to eligible students. The award later appears in the Awards and Financial Aid section of the Waterloo applicant portal. Waterloo’s international scholarship page explains the eligibility and payment process.
Who Qualifies for the CAD 10,000 Scholarship?
You generally need to:
- Be an international fee-paying student
- Receive admission to a qualifying full-time first-year degree programme
- Remain an international fee-paying student
- Enrol full-time during your first year
Waterloo excludes some programmes and applicant categories from this particular award.
These currently include:
- Medical Sciences combined with the St. George’s University Doctor of Medicine pathway
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Doctor of Optometry
- Doctor of Pharmacy
- Transfer students admitted with transfer credits
- Students in certain 2+2 or similar programmes
Students should confirm their programme on the official International Student Entrance Scholarship page.
Do You Need to Apply Separately for the CAD 10,000 Scholarship?
No.
This is an automatic entrance award.
You only need to submit a strong University of Waterloo admission application and receive admission to an eligible programme.
You do not need to submit bank statements or a separate scholarship essay for the CAD 10,000 award.
Can You Combine the CAD 10,000 Scholarship With Other Awards?
Yes.
This is one of the strongest features of Waterloo’s international scholarship system.
The university says the CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship does not replace or reduce other Waterloo entrance scholarships.
Therefore, an eligible student can potentially receive the CAD 10,000 award alongside:
- President’s Scholarship
- Merit Scholarship
- Mathematics scholarships
- Science scholarships
- Programme-specific awards
- Other faculty scholarships.
A strong African applicant could therefore receive considerably more than CAD 10,000.
How Is the CAD 10,000 Scholarship Paid?
Waterloo divides the scholarship across the student’s first year.
The university makes the first CAD 5,000 available before the first academic term to help reduce tuition costs.
The remaining amount supports the student’s second term, subject to the scholarship conditions. Waterloo explains the payment structure here.
Is the CAD 10,000 Scholarship Renewable?
No.
The CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship supports the student’s first year.
It does not automatically provide another CAD 10,000 in each of the following three years.
However, Waterloo offers hundreds of scholarships and financial awards to continuing students after first year.
Can Nigerian Students Receive the Waterloo Scholarship?
Yes.
Nigerian students can receive the CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements and gain admission to an eligible full-time first-year programme.
The award applies based on international fee-paying status rather than nationality.
Therefore, eligible applicants from Nigeria receive the same automatic consideration as international students from other regions.
Can Ghanaian Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ghanaian students admitted to qualifying first-year undergraduate programmes can receive the automatic international entrance scholarship.
Can Kenyan Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Kenyan students can receive Waterloo international entrance scholarships.
Can Ugandan Students Apply?
Yes.
Ugandan students can receive the CAD 10,000 award if they meet Waterloo’s eligibility requirements.
Can South African Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible South African international students can receive the scholarship.
Can Students From Other African Countries Apply?
Yes.
The International Student Entrance Scholarship is not limited to a small list of countries.
Eligible students can apply from countries including:
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Sierra Leone
- Liberia
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Senegal
- The Gambia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Benin
- Togo
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Algeria
and other African countries.
Waterloo Mathematics Global Scholarships for African Students
African students interested in Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science or related programmes should pay special attention to Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics.
The Faculty offers Mathematics Global Scholarships to international students studying on a Canadian study permit.
Awards range from:
CAD 12,000 to CAD 40,000
and Waterloo can award up to ten of these Global Scholarships.
Most importantly for African applicants, the Faculty states that at least one Global Scholarship will go to a student from Africa. The Faculty of Mathematics publishes the full scholarship details here.
Which Mathematics Programmes Qualify?
The Mathematics Global Scholarships cover most Faculty of Mathematics programmes.
Eligible options can include:
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Mathematics/Business Administration
- Mathematics/Chartered Professional Accountancy
- Mathematics/Financial Analysis and Risk Management
- Other eligible Mathematics programmes
However, Waterloo currently excludes:
- Software Engineering
- Computing and Financial Management
from the Mathematics Global Scholarship programme.
Always confirm your programme before applying.
Do You Need to Apply for Mathematics Global Scholarships?
No separate scholarship application is required for the Mathematics Global Scholarships.
Eligible applicants receive automatic consideration.
Waterloo considers factors including:
- Admission average
- Admission Information Form
- Country where the student last attended school
- Citizenship
- Mathematics or Computer Science activities and achievements.
That makes your Admission Information Form, commonly called the AIF, important.
Do not rush it.
How Long Can the Mathematics Global Scholarship Last?
The CAD 12,000 to CAD 40,000 awards can be spread across up to eight academic terms.
Students must maintain the required academic performance and full course load to continue receiving payments after first year.
The Faculty currently requires scholarship recipients to maintain at least an 80% average and take the required full course load for continued payments.
Black International Student Scholarships at Waterloo
Black African students can also access scholarship opportunities designed for students of African descent.
Waterloo’s general scholarship information states that incoming students who identify as African, African American, Afro-Latine, Black Canadian, Caribbean or another Black identity may qualify for scholarships worth up to:
CAD 40,000.
Students can access application-based scholarships after applying to Waterloo through the Awards and Financial Aid section of their applicant portal. Waterloo’s Black student scholarship information is available here.
Faculty of Mathematics Entrance Scholarship for Black International Students
Black international students entering Waterloo Mathematics can compete for an additional scholarship worth:
CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000.
Several awards are available.
Eligible applicants must enter full-time first-year study within the Faculty of Mathematics, excluding Software Engineering.
Payments can continue across eight academic terms if the recipient maintains the required academic conditions. Waterloo Mathematics provides the full eligibility information here.
This award is separate from the Mathematics Global Scholarship.
Therefore, a Black African Mathematics applicant should review every scholarship for which they qualify.
University of Waterloo Science Scholarships for International Students
Waterloo’s Faculty of Science provides some of the university’s largest undergraduate international student scholarships.
The Faculty currently offers up to CAD 1.3 million in international Science scholarships.
The major awards include:
10 scholarships worth CAD 80,000 each
and
5 scholarships worth CAD 25,000 each.
The CAD 80,000 awards are renewable at:
CAD 20,000 per year for four years.
Recipients need to maintain an 80% overall cumulative average each term to keep the renewable award. The Faculty of Science publishes the current scholarship structure here.
Who Can Receive a Waterloo Science International Scholarship?
Applicants must be international fee-paying students entering an eligible undergraduate programme in Waterloo’s Faculty of Science.
Selection considers:
- Academic achievement
- The financial impact the scholarship would have on the student’s studies
- The applicant’s motivation to become a scientist.
This means your grades matter, but Waterloo also wants to understand your academic direction.
Do Science Scholarships Require an Application?
Yes.
The major Faculty of Science International Student Scholarships require a separate application.
As of October 2026, Waterloo’s dedicated Science scholarship page still displays the previous cycle’s application deadline rather than a confirmed 2027 deadline.
Therefore, 2027 applicants should monitor the official Science scholarship page and their Waterloo applicant portal rather than copying an old deadline from another scholarship website.
Which Science Programmes Can Qualify?
The Faculty of Science includes programmes in areas such as:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Environmental Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Honours Science
- Science and Business
- Science and Financial Management
Specific exclusions apply to programmes such as Medical Sciences, Optometry and Pharmacy for certain awards.
President’s Scholarship of Distinction
Waterloo automatically considers students for university-wide President’s and Merit Scholarships.
Students with an admission average of:
95% or higher
can receive the President’s Scholarship of Distinction.
The award includes:
CAD 2,000 entrance scholarship
plus eligibility to claim:
CAD 1,500 International Experience Award
and/or
CAD 1,500 Research Award
during later years, subject to the conditions. Waterloo explains the President’s Scholarship of Distinction here.
No separate application is required.
President’s Scholarship
Students with an admission average between:
90% and 94.9%
can receive a:
CAD 2,000 President’s Scholarship.
Waterloo automatically considers eligible students.
Merit Scholarship
Students with an admission average between:
85% and 89.9%
can receive a:
CAD 1,000 Merit Scholarship.
Again, no separate scholarship application is normally required.
Can an African Student Receive Several Waterloo Scholarships?
Yes.
Waterloo allows eligible students to receive multiple awards.
For example, an international student could potentially combine:
- CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship
- President’s Scholarship
- Mathematics Global Scholarship
- Another qualifying faculty scholarship
depending on the conditions attached to each award.
Waterloo confirms that students can receive university, faculty and international scholarships together when the award rules allow it.
Are University of Waterloo Scholarships Fully Funded?
Most Waterloo international entrance scholarships are not full-ride scholarships.
The automatic international award provides CAD 10,000 during first year.
However, some faculty awards provide much larger amounts.
For example:
Mathematics Global Scholarships: up to CAD 40,000
Black International Mathematics Scholarships: up to CAD 40,000
Science International Scholarships: up to CAD 80,000
These awards can significantly reduce the cost of studying in Canada but may not automatically cover every tuition, accommodation, food, visa and travel expense.
Students should calculate the remaining cost before accepting an offer.
University of Waterloo 2027 Application Deadlines
The deadline depends on your programme.
Engineering
Students applying to Engineering, excluding Architecture, must submit their university application by:
January 15, 2027
The Engineering AIF, online interview and required documents are due:
February 1, 2027.
Waterloo confirms these dates on its 2027 Engineering admissions information.
Most Other Programmes
The application deadline for most other undergraduate programmes is:
February 1, 2027
The supporting document deadline is:
February 15, 2027.
Computer Science Application Deadline
Computer Science sits within Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics.
Applicants should apply by:
February 1, 2027
and complete required documents, including the Admission Information Form where applicable, by:
February 15, 2027.
Mathematics Scholarship Deadlines
Students targeting Waterloo Mathematics should also pay attention to scholarship and contest dates.
The current 2027 Waterloo schedule includes:
March 5, 2027: Olympiad, Global and National scholarship application-related deadline
and separate registration dates for competitions such as the Canadian Computing Competition and Euclid Mathematics Contest.
However, Mathematics Global Scholarships themselves normally provide automatic consideration to eligible applicants.
Applicants should follow any additional instructions that appear in their Waterloo applicant portal.
Do You Need School Nomination?
Not for the standard CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship.
You also do not need school nomination for the automatic President’s, Merit or Mathematics Global Scholarships.
This makes Waterloo different from major Canadian scholarships such as the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship, which requires a school nomination.
Do You Need IELTS?
International students must satisfy Waterloo’s English-language admission requirements.
However, IELTS is not automatically required for every African student.
Your requirements depend on:
- Your previous education
- Language of instruction
- Programme
- Other English qualifications
Therefore, check Waterloo’s official English-language requirements after choosing your programme.
Do not take IELTS simply because a scholarship blog tells every African applicant to take it.
At the same time, do not assume your nationality automatically creates an exemption.
Can Final-Year Secondary School Students Apply?
Yes.
Waterloo’s first-year undergraduate admission process targets students completing secondary school and other applicants entering university for the first time.
Students can apply before receiving their final secondary school results.
Waterloo later uses updated grades in its admission and scholarship decisions.
Can Gap-Year Students Apply?
Potentially, yes.
A student can still enter first-year studies after completing secondary school.
However, eligibility for specific awards depends on the scholarship conditions.
The automatic CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship excludes transfer students admitted with transfer credits.
Therefore, taking a gap year without starting university is different from attending another university and transferring credits to Waterloo.
Can Transfer Students Receive the CAD 10,000 Scholarship?
No.
Students admitted with transfer credits are excluded from the International Student Entrance Scholarship.
Transfer students can search Waterloo’s other award opportunities after admission.
Do You Need Work Experience?
No.
These are undergraduate entrance scholarships.
Professional employment is not required.
However, relevant employment, entrepreneurship or volunteering can strengthen supplementary applications where Waterloo asks about your experiences.
How to Apply to the University of Waterloo From Africa
Step 1: Choose Your Programme
Start by deciding what you actually want to study.
Waterloo offers programmes in areas such as:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Data Science
- Accounting
- Business
- Environmental Studies
- Health
- Science
- Arts
Check the admission requirements for your secondary school curriculum.
Step 2: Check the Correct Deadline
Engineering students need to apply earlier.
Use:
January 15, 2027 for Engineering
and
February 1, 2027 for most other programmes.
Step 3: Apply Through OUAC
Undergraduate students begin their application through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre.
Waterloo then provides access to its applicant portal.
Use the portal to monitor:
- Admission requirements
- Documents
- Supplementary applications
- Scholarship information
- Admission decisions
Step 4: Complete Your Supplementary Forms
Some programmes require additional forms.
Waterloo Mathematics applicants commonly use the Admission Information Form, while Engineering applicants complete the required supplementary information and online interview.
Do not treat these as formalities.
Scholarship committees may use your supplementary information when selecting recipients.
How to Strengthen Your Waterloo Scholarship Application
Keep Your Grades Strong
Many Waterloo awards rely heavily on academic performance.
Continue working after you submit your application.
President’s and Merit Scholarships use admission averages calculated from your senior secondary courses or equivalents.
Show Your Interest in Your Subject
If you apply for Computer Science, include relevant experiences such as:
- Coding projects
- Programming competitions
- Technology clubs
- Mathematics activities
- Independent projects
If you apply for Science, show what motivates you to become a scientist.
Use Real Examples
Avoid:
“I am passionate about technology and innovation.”
Instead:
“I developed a simple inventory system for my mother’s small business after noticing that stock records were kept manually.”
The second statement shows initiative.
Use Numbers When Useful
Instead of:
“I taught students coding.”
write:
“I organised four weekend coding sessions for 32 secondary school students.”
Numbers help the assessor understand the scale of your activity.
Do Not Invent Leadership
Leadership does not have to mean becoming school president.
You can show leadership through:
- Projects
- Sports
- Community service
- Businesses
- Student clubs
- Family responsibilities
- Volunteer work
Explain your actions rather than giving yourself labels.
Waterloo Co-op and International Students
One reason many international students choose Waterloo is its co-operative education system.
Students in eligible co-op programmes alternate academic terms with paid work terms.
Waterloo currently says students can earn approximately CAD 9,600 to CAD 23,400 during a four-month co-op work term in Canada, although earnings depend on the job and individual circumstances. Waterloo provides current co-op earning information on its international funding page.
This income is not scholarship money.
However, it can help students gain professional experience and contribute toward future education and living expenses.
Can International Students Work on Campus?
Waterloo also operates an international work-study programme.
Eligible students can earn up to CAD 2,000 during a four-month academic term through qualifying on-campus employment.
Again, this is employment rather than guaranteed scholarship funding.
University of Waterloo vs Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto provides a more comprehensive defined funding package.
Pearson covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
Waterloo’s scholarships work differently.
Its CAD 10,000 international award applies automatically to eligible first-year international students, while applicants can receive additional university and faculty scholarships.
African students who want to compare both opportunities can read our Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 for African Students: Fully Funded University of Toronto Scholarship.
University of Waterloo vs UBC International Scholars Program
The UBC International Scholars Program focuses heavily on outstanding students who also demonstrate significant financial need.
UBC determines financial support through a detailed assessment of the student’s circumstances.
Waterloo, meanwhile, automatically gives eligible first-year international students CAD 10,000 and provides additional merit and faculty awards.
Students who require substantial need-based support can also read our UBC International Scholars Program 2027 for African Students: Fully Funded University of British Columbia Scholarship.
University of Waterloo vs University of Alberta Scholarships
Both universities provide strong entrance awards for international students.
Waterloo’s automatic international award provides CAD 10,000 in first year, while its Science scholarships can reach CAD 80,000.
The University of Alberta offers competitive international scholarships worth as much as CAD 120,000 over four years.
African students can compare the options in our University of Alberta Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Study in Canada.
Applying to several suitable Canadian universities can increase the number of scholarship opportunities available to you.
Common University of Waterloo Scholarship Mistakes
Assuming CAD 10,000 Covers Your Entire Degree
It does not.
The International Student Entrance Scholarship applies to first-year studies.
Missing the Engineering Deadline
Engineering closes earlier than most Waterloo programmes.
Apply by January 15, 2027.
Ignoring Faculty Scholarships
The biggest scholarship available to you may come from your faculty rather than the automatic international award.
Assuming Every Scholarship Is Automatic
The CAD 10,000 entrance award is automatic.
Mathematics Global Scholarships are also automatically considered.
However, major Science scholarships and several Black student scholarships require applications.
Ignoring Your AIF
The Admission Information Form matters for competitive programmes and scholarships.
Use it carefully.
Choosing a Programme Only Because of Scholarship Money
Choose a degree that fits your actual academic interests.
A scholarship does not make the wrong programme a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027
Is the University of Waterloo offering scholarships for 2027?
Yes.
Applications for September 2027 admission are open, and Waterloo currently offers several scholarships for incoming international students.
How much is the automatic Waterloo international scholarship?
Eligible students receive:
CAD 10,000
for their first year.
Do I need to apply for the CAD 10,000 scholarship?
No.
Eligible international students receive automatic consideration and are granted the scholarship after admission.
Can African students receive the scholarship?
Yes.
The scholarship is available to eligible international fee-paying students regardless of their African country of citizenship.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes.
Can Ghanaian students apply?
Yes.
Can Kenyan students apply?
Yes.
Can Ugandan students apply?
Yes.
Can South African students apply?
Yes.
Can Rwandan students apply?
Yes.
Does Waterloo offer a scholarship specifically relevant to African students?
Yes.
The Faculty of Mathematics states that at least one Mathematics Global Scholarship will be offered to a student from Africa.
How much are Waterloo Mathematics Global Scholarships worth?
They range from:
CAD 12,000 to CAD 40,000.
How much are Waterloo Science scholarships worth?
International Faculty of Science scholarships currently range from:
CAD 25,000 to CAD 80,000.
Are there scholarships for Black African students?
Yes.
Waterloo offers several scholarships for incoming Black students, with some worth up to CAD 40,000.
What is the Waterloo Engineering deadline?
January 15, 2027.
What is the deadline for most other programmes?
February 1, 2027.
Can Computer Science students receive Waterloo scholarships?
Yes.
Computer Science sits within the Faculty of Mathematics, where international students can qualify for several awards.
Do I need work experience?
No.
These are undergraduate entrance scholarships.
Can gap-year students apply?
Potentially, yes.
However, applicants entering with transfer credits do not qualify for the CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship.
Do I need IELTS?
Not necessarily.
You need to meet Waterloo’s English-language admission requirements, but the acceptable method depends on your educational background and programme.
Is University of Waterloo fully funded for international students?
Waterloo offers substantial international scholarships, but its standard undergraduate scholarship package is not a universal full-ride programme.
Can I receive more than one Waterloo scholarship?
Yes.
Waterloo allows eligible students to combine the CAD 10,000 international entrance award with other qualifying scholarships.
When will I see my scholarship?
International students who qualify for the CAD 10,000 award should see scholarship details in the Awards and Financial Aid section of the applicant portal by around mid-May. (Waterloo explains scholarship notifications here).
Final Advice for African Students
The University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 give African students several opportunities to reduce the cost of undergraduate study in Canada.
The easiest award to access is the new CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship.
Eligible international fee-paying students entering full-time first-year study receive it automatically. No separate application is required.
However, strong African applicants should look beyond the automatic award.
Students interested in Mathematics and Computer Science can compete for Global Scholarships worth up to CAD 40,000, and Waterloo guarantees that at least one Global Scholarship will go to a student from Africa.
Science applicants can compete for even larger awards worth CAD 25,000 to CAD 80,000.
The first step is choosing your programme.
If you are applying for Engineering, submit your application by January 15, 2027.
For most other programmes, including Computer Science and Mathematics, apply by February 1, 2027.
After applying, complete every required supplementary form carefully and monitor the Awards and Financial Aid section of your Waterloo applicant portal.
Do not stop after receiving the automatic CAD 10,000 scholarship.
Check your faculty awards as well.
For a strong African student, combining Waterloo’s automatic international scholarship with a Mathematics, Science, Black student or other entrance award can make studying in Canada significantly more affordable.