University of Waterloo Merit Scholarship

The Merit Scholarship is the entry-level tier of Waterloo's three-tier President's and Merit Scholarship program (alongside the President's Scholarship for 90–94.9% and the President's Scholarship of Distinction for 95%+). All applicants admitted to a full-time, first-year degree program who are starting post-secondary studies for the first time in September are automatically considered — no separate application is required. The award is based on an admission average calculated using the grades in the top six Grade 12 courses (or equivalents), including the courses required for the applicant's program.

One-time award valued at $1,000 (CAD)

Can be combined with scholarships offered by the student's faculty or University College (except St. Jerome's equivalents — you receive one or the other, not both)

Applied toward tuition and fees; details on how to use the award are sent by email in late July

Admission average (early-May, including required program courses) between 85% and 89.9% for the program you've received and accepted an offer for

Must accept the Offer of Admission by the date specified on the offer

Must be enrolled at Waterloo in full-time degree studies for the entire September–December term to receive the full value

Must be admitted to a full-time, first-year degree program and starting university or college for the first time

Not applicable if registering through St. Jerome's University (which offers its own equivalent award instead)

If early-May average is below 85% but the final June/July average reaches 85% or higher, the student will still be awarded the appropriate scholarship and notified after final grades are received