University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) 2026 – Up to $12,500 for High-Achieving International Graduate Students in Canada 

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Overview

The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) is a prestigious merit-based scholarship offered by the University of Waterloo to support international students entering research-based Master’s programmes. The award recognises outstanding academic excellence and is automatically granted to eligible students nominated by their Faculty or Department.

Scholarship Value

• $2,500 per term

• Awarded for up to 5 full-time terms

• Maximum total value: $12,500

• Must be completed within the programme’s allowable time limit (maximum 6 terms)

Level & Programme

• Level: Master’s

• Programme Type:

  • Primarily research-based programmes (thesis or major research paper)

• Fields: Open to all faculties and disciplines at the University of Waterloo

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be an international student paying international tuition fees

• Be registered full-time

• Normally be entering the first term of a Master’s programme

• Be enrolled in a research-based graduate programme

• Demonstrate strong academic excellence

• Meet academic progress requirements with no outstanding probation conditions

• Not be concurrently funded by foreign government sponsorships

• Not be fully or excessively self-funded beyond Faculty minimum support levels

Students previously funded under the IMSA programme for a current degree are not eligible (exceptions apply for previously completed degrees).

Selection Process

• No separate scholarship application required

• Students are automatically considered based on their admission application

• Selection is done by the Faculty or Department

• Faculties may apply stricter internal criteria

Compatibility with Other Funding

• Can be held alongside:

  • UW Graduate Scholarship (UWGS)

  • Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS)

  • Other internal or external awards
    Note: Scholarships differ from sponsorships.

Intake Terms

• Fall

• Winter

• Spring

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) 2026 – Up to $12,500 for High-Achieving International Graduate Students in Canada