The University of Waterloo has funding support available for both domestic and international students. Please refer to the resources below for up-to-date information on available funding and fees.

On this page:

Academic Readiness Bursary

The Academic Readiness Bursary provides assistance for students who are or will be registered in the fall 2020 term and who may incur costs related to studying remotely in the fall term, as a result of COVID-19.

We are accepting applications up until September 30, 2020 for expenses incurred from July 1 until September 30, 2020. Please note that funding is limited, so in order to assist as many students as possible, this bursary will not exceed $500 per student (additional support may be considered if you have dependents).

This bursary has been created with significant support from the University of Waterloo as well as the support of many donors who have contributed to the COVID Student Emergency Support Fund.

Eligibility

Available one time to all registered students - whether you are full time or part time, undergraduate or graduate, domestic or international - who are or will be registered in the fall 2020 term. Students who previously received a Student Emergency Support Bursary (SESB) and who have new/ongoing expenses under the parameters of this Academic Readiness Bursary may apply.

Full-time and part-time domestic students (undergraduate and graduate) need to first apply for OSAP or Out-of-Province Assistance for the Fall 2020 term.

What will the fund cover?

Expenses that will be considered for this bursary will be those that are particularly related to studying remotely in the fall term, as a result of COVID-19. These types of expenses could include:

computer upgrades, e.g., monitor, webcam, headset

quarantine-related expenses (considered on a case by case basis)

internet access

Students may also seek support for unanticipated expenses directly related to advancing their academic readiness and ability to engage meaningfully with the University remotely as a result of COVID-19. These expenses may include such things as study space set-up or childcare costs.

This bursary is not expected to support expenses related to existing debt or outstanding tuition and fees. Students are expected to have explored all support options before applying.

How to apply

Students are required to complete the appropriate application form and provide a detailed written statement explaining the expenses, along with any receipts (or estimates).

Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2020.

Domestic student resources

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) To support borrowers during this difficult period, student loan repayment will be suspended until September 30th, 2020. Interest will not accrue on OSAP loans during this time. Full information can be found on the Ministry of Colleges and Universities news release.

Out-of-province government loans To support borrowers during this difficult period, student loan repayment will be suspended until September 30th, 2020 on out-of-province student aid funding. Please refer to the National Student Loan Service Centre (NSLSC) announcement for more information.

University scholarships, bursaries, loans and awards The University of Waterloo offers students a number of scholarships, bursaries and awards. Please review the resources below to learn more about funding that may be available to domestic students. Undergraduate students Waterloo bursaries

Undergraduate awards database

Undergraduate student emergency loan

Entrance awards database for future undergraduate students (or our Future Student website)

Government benefit programs The Government of Canada has announced two programs to provide temporary income support for individuals who have lost income due to COVID-19 and are unable to work. If you receive OSAP funding, any additional funding you receive from these benefit programs during your study period must be reported. You can update your OSAP application using the OSAP application update form. Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) The CERB is available to support students who made at least $5,000 (before taxes) in the last year, but only if they had been working and lost their source of income when the pandemic struck. To be eligible for the CERB, you must reside in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number. For more information on eligibility requirements and instructions on how to submit an application, visit the Government of Canada's CERB webpage. The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) The CESB provides emergency financial relief to students and recent grads who are unable to work, or unable to find work, due to COVID-19. It is also available for those who are working but not making more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period for which they are applying. Students, including those studying abroad, are eligible for the CESB if they are a Canadian citizen, a registered Indian under the Indian Act, a permanent resident or a protected person. For more information on eligibility requirements and instructions on how to submit an application, visit the Government of Canada’s CESB webpage.

International student resources

Government benefit programs Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) The CERB is available to support students who made at least $5,000 (before taxes) in the last year, but only if they had been working and lost their source of income when the pandemic struck. To be eligible for the CERB, you must reside in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number. For more information on eligibility requirements and instructions on how to submit an application, visit the Government of Canada's CERB webpage.

Fall 2020 tuition and fees

Tuition Transitioning to remote delivery does not change the amount we will invest in order to ensure academic integrity and quality for our students. We know that the world has changed in the last few months. We remain committed to bringing students the quality learning experience you expect from Waterloo by the faculty members you know. Tuition supports this commitment, and the University’s commitment to maintain the academic infrastructure and expertise our students rely on. The decision to move to alternative learning for everyone as a result of the spread of COVID-19 was difficult and done in the interest in public safety. And while that decision affects the way in which education is delivered, it does not affect the standard to which that education is held. We will continue to invest in the infrastructure and supports you value. The University is committed to continuing to support its core services to students that are funded through tuition and other revenue sources. Beyond your learning from instructors — through course materials, assignments and office hours — we will continue to provide financial aid advice, support services and academic guidance through undergraduate advisors and graduate supervisors. We would like to thank you for your patience during these extraordinary times, and can confirm for you our commitment to delivering a quality education through alternative means as well as ongoing efforts to upkeep infrastructure such as labs to ensure you can seamlessly return to campus as soon as public health advises it is safe to do so. If you have questions about tuition, please contact:

The Centre at askthecentre@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567 ext. 42268.



Fall 2020 student fee bills are now available in Quest. The Promissory Note or payment in full for fall term is now due August 25, 2020.