University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) Scholarship 2026 , Canada

The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) is a prestigious merit-based scholarship offered by the University of Waterloo, Canada, to outstanding international students entering research-based master’s programs. Introduced in the Spring 2019 admissions cycle, this scholarship aims to attract high-achieving international students by providing financial support during their graduate studies. The award is granted automatically based on academic excellence and faculty nomination, making it one of the most competitive and sought-after scholarships for international master’s students in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is a leading public research university in Ontario, Canada, best known for its world-renowned co-operative education (co-op) program that integrates academic study with paid work experience. Established in 1957, Waterloo has built a strong global reputation in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and technology-driven research, while also offering diverse programs in science, arts, health, and environment. The university is highly innovation-focused, closely connected with industry, startups, and entrepreneurship, and consistently ranks among Canada’s top universities for research output and employability.

Degree Level

Master’s Degree

Available Subjects

Open to all research-based master’s programs
Applicable to thesis-based or major research paper (MRP) programs
Available across multiple faculties, including:

Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Mathematics
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Health
Faculty of Environment
Conrad Grebel University College
Renison University College
St. Jerome’s University
United College

Benefits

Value: CAD $2,500 per term
Duration: Up to five full-time academic terms
Maximum Total Value: CAD $12,500
Can be held alongside other internal or external scholarships such as:

UW Graduate Scholarship
Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

Helps reduce tuition burden and support research-related expenses

Eligible Nationalities

International students only

Applicants must hold a valid study permit and be assessed international tuition fees

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the IMAE scholarship:

Must be an international student enrolled full-time
Must be entering a research-based master’s program
Normally awarded in the first term of enrollment (Term 1.0)
Demonstrated academic excellence through admission application
Must maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout the program
No outstanding probationary admission requirements
Should not be concurrently funded by foreign government sponsorships (e.g., CSC, Libyan sponsorship)
Students previously “grandparented” under the IMSA program are not eligible
Faculties may apply stricter internal criteria

Application Procedure

No separate application required
Students are automatically considered during the admission process
Selection is made by the Faculty or Department based on academic merit and available al__cpLocation
Award decisions are typically finalized after admission offers are issued
Students should ensure their academic records and research potential are clearly demonstrated in their application

Selection Process

Automatic consideration upon admission
Final selection by Faculty/Department Graduate Committees
Based on academic excellence and faculty-defined criteria

Eligible Terms

Winter
Spring
Fall

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the International Master’s Award of Excellence at the University of Waterloo?

The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) is a merit-based scholarship that provides $2,500 per term to high-achieving international students enrolled in research-based master’s programs at the University of Waterloo.

Do I need to apply separately for the IMAE scholarship?

No, students are automatically considered for the IMAE scholarship based on their application for admission. Faculty or departments nominate eligible students.

Can I hold the IMAE scholarship with other funding awards?

Yes, the IMAE scholarship can be held alongside other internal or external scholarships such as the UW Graduate Scholarship or OGS, provided funding rules are met.