University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence 2025/2026: Scholarship for International Students

The University of Waterloo in Canada is offering the prestigious International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) for the 2025/2026 academic year. This merit-based scholarship is designed to support international students pursuing research-focused master’s programs at the university. Valued at $2,500 per term, the IMAE is renewable for up to five full-time terms, providing a total of $12,500 in financial aid.

The main goal of the IMAE is to recognize and reward students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. By offering financial support, this award allows recipients to focus entirely on their research and academic growth. Students beginning their first term in a research-based program, including those pursuing a thesis or a major research paper, will be given priority. The scholarship serves as an important stepping stone for scholars looking to contribute significantly to their respective fields.

Scholarship Details:

• Host University: University of Waterloo
• Host Country: Canada
• Level: Master’s Degree
• Scholarship Type: Partial funding
• Value: $2,500 per term, renewable for up to five terms (total of $12,500)
• Eligible Countries: International students
• Application Deadline: June 1st, 2025
• Subjects Available: All subjects offered by the University of Waterloo

Scholarship Benefits:

The International Master’s Award of Excellence offers a variety of benefits, including:

1. Financial Support
   With a funding value of $2,500 per term for up to five terms, this scholarship helps reduce the financial strain related to tuition fees and living expenses, making a world-class education more accessible for international students.
2. Academic Recognition
   The IMAE is a mark of academic distinction, acknowledging students for their hard work and intellectual capabilities. This recognition serves to motivate students to maintain high academic standards and continue excelling in their research endeavors.
3. Support for Research
   By easing financial concerns, the IMAE enables students to fully dedicate themselves to their research projects, without distractions. This is especially crucial for those working on innovative, time-intensive research that requires substantial commitment.
4. Networking Opportunities
   The scholarship gives recipients access to a global network of scholars and professionals, fostering future collaborations and expanding career opportunities. With the IMAE, students can maximize their time at the University of Waterloo and graduate as highly skilled professionals, ready to tackle global challenges.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the IMAE, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Enrollment in a Research-Based Master’s Program
   Applicants must be enrolled in a research-focused master’s program that includes a thesis or major research paper. Only programs offered at the University of Waterloo are eligible for this scholarship.
2. International Student Status
   Only international students who are registered full-time and paying international tuition fees are eligible. Domestic students are not considered for this award.
3. Demonstrated Academic Excellence
   Applicants must showcase academic excellence through their admission application, including transcripts, research potential, and recommendation letters. The IMAE favors students with a strong academic background and research abilities.
4. Program-Specific Requirements
   Recipients must meet the academic progress requirements for their specific programs throughout their studies. Students with probationary admission conditions are not eligible.
5. Restrictions on Concurrent Funding
   The IMAE cannot be combined with other funding from foreign government sponsorships or the International Master’s Student Award (IMSA) program. However, past IMSA recipients may still be considered if applying for a new master’s program.

Application Process:

The application process for the International Master’s Award of Excellence is straightforward:

1. Apply for Admission
   Prospective students must first apply for admission to a research-based master’s program at the University of Waterloo. The scholarship is automatically considered through the admission application, so no separate application is required.
2. Automatic Consideration
   Eligible candidates are automatically considered for the scholarship based on the strength of their admission application. This ensures that all deserving students are considered without additional paperwork.
3. Internal Evaluation
   Applications are reviewed by the university’s departments and faculties, with a focus on academic excellence and research potential.
4. Notification of Results
   Successful applicants will be notified of their award at the time of admission. They will receive confirmation of their scholarship alongside their program acceptance letter.

This seamless process ensures that the focus remains on academic goals, offering greater accessibility and transparency for all applicants.

For more information, visit the official University of Waterloo website: IMAE Scholarship Information.

With the International Master’s Award of Excellence, the University of Waterloo is committed to supporting international students in their academic and research pursuits, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to their fields.