What options does Waterloo offer for scholarships for international students?

I've been looking into applying to the University of Waterloo and I'm curious about what scholarships are available for international students like me. Can anyone share insights on the types of scholarships they offer and how competitive they are?

The University of Waterloo offers a number of scholarships specifically for international students. Here are a few examples:

1. The International Student Entrance Scholarships: These scholarships are automatically awarded to international students who are admitted to a full-time undergraduate degree program. There's no additional application required for these. The scholarships can be worth from $10,000 up to $20,000 depending on your academic standing. Keep in mind, these scholarships are only for your first year and are not renewable.

2. The President's Scholarship of Distinction: Another automatically awarded scholarship at Waterloo for incoming students who have achieved an admission average of 95% or higher. In addition to a $2,000 award, recipients are also offered an opportunity for a $1,500 International Experience Award or a $1,500 Research Award, both of which provide experience-based learning opportunities.

The competitive nature of these scholarships typically depends on the number and quality of applicants in a given year, however, they are targeted at high-achieving students. Therefore, having a strong academic record can increase your chances of securing these scholarships.

Additionally, Waterloo also offers certain scholarships and funding opportunities at the faculty level depending on your program of study, so be sure to check those out as well. Remember that scholarships are just one way to fund your studies; you may also consider work-study opportunities, internships, and part-time jobs on campus.

I'd encourage you to check out the University of Waterloo's official website or contact their financial aid office for the most up-to-date and detailed information. Be aware of all the deadlines and criteria for applying to these scholarships. Best of luck with the process!