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Study in Canada | University of Waterloo’s IMAE Scholarship 2026

January 8, 2026 8:15 am

Study in Canada | University of Waterloo’s IMAE Scholarship 2026

For international students planning a research-focused Master’s degree in Canada, a valuable merit-based award can significantly support your studies. The University of Waterloo has officially opened admissions for its prestigious International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) for the 2026 intake. This faculty-nominated scholarship is designed to attract outstanding global researchers by providing substantial term-by-term financial support during the critical early stages of a graduate program.

A Substantial and Consistent Financial Award

The IMAE offers a predictable stream of funding to help you focus on your research. The award provides:

CAD $2,500 per academic term, paid directly to the student.
Support for up to five full-time terms, with a maximum total value of CAD $12,500.
Term-by-term disbursement, ensuring consistent financial support as you progress through your master’s programme, provided you maintain excellent academic standing.

Who Is Automatically Eligible?

A key feature of the IMAE is that there is no separate application. Eligibility is assessed automatically during the university’s standard graduate admissions process. You will be considered for the award if you meet all the following criteria:

Are an international student requiring a valid study permit and paying international tuition fees.
Are entering the first term of a research-based master’s programme (thesis or major research paper track) at the University of Waterloo.
Are registered as a full-time student.
Demonstrate exceptional academic excellence, as determined by the admitting faculty during your programme application review.
Have no outstanding probationary conditions on your admission offer.

The award is available for students starting in any major intake term—Winter, Spring, or Fall 2026—offering flexibility for your preferred start date.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

How the Selection Process Works

Since the IMAE is a faculty-nominated award, the selection is integrated with your programme application. Your academic credentials, research potential, and overall application strength are evaluated by the specific faculty or department to which you apply. Consequently, the most competitive candidates with the strongest profiles are nominated for the award as part of their admission offer. Each faculty may apply its own internal criteria based on funding availability, so presenting a stellar application is paramount.

How to Position Yourself for the IMAE

To maximize your chances of receiving this automatic award, you must build an exceptionally strong application for your chosen research master’s programme. First and foremost, ensure your academic transcripts showcase an outstanding record. Furthermore, your statement of purpose should powerfully articulate your research interests, clearly demonstrate your preparedness for graduate-level inquiry, and explain how your goals align with the expertise of faculty at the University of Waterloo. Securing strong letters of recommendation from academics who can vouch for your research capabilities and intellectual curiosity is also crucial.

Why This Award is a Smart Choice for Researchers

The IMAE is specifically designed for students pursuing a research path, making it an ideal fit for future academics and innovators. The term-by-term funding structure provides reliable support, allowing you to dedicate more energy to your thesis or major research project. Moreover, being nominated for this merit-based award serves as a significant academic endorsement from your faculty, recognizing your potential as a researcher from the very start of your studies.

The University of Waterloo’s International Master’s Award of Excellence represents an excellent opportunity to fund your research journey at a top Canadian university. By submitting a compelling, top-tier application for your master’s programme, you automatically enter consideration for this valuable financial award. For a list of eligible research-based programmes and detailed admission requirements, visit the official University of Waterloo Graduate Studies website.