International students planning to pursue a research-based master’s degree in Canada in 2026 should take note—University of Waterloo continues to offer its prestigious International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE), a merit-based funding opportunity designed to reward outstanding academic performance at the graduate level.
This article serves as an early alert for foreign applicants preparing their 2026 intake applications, explaining what the IMAE is, who it is for, how selection works, and why this award can significantly reduce the cost of studying at one of Canada’s top research universities.
What Is the International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE)?
The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) is a faculty-nominated, merit-based scholarship for international students entering research-based master’s programs (thesis or major research paper) at the University of Waterloo.
The award is intended to attract high-calibre international researchers by providing term-by-term financial support during the early and most critical stages of a master’s program.
Scholarship Value and Duration
The IMAE provides consistent funding support across multiple academic terms:
- Award value: CAD $2,500 per academic term
- Maximum duration: Up to five full-time terms
- Maximum total value: CAD $12,500
- Program time limit: Within the standard 6-term master’s program duration
The award is applied per term and is designed to support students who maintain strong academic progress throughout their program.
Who Is Eligible for the IMAE?
The International Master’s Award of Excellence is not application-based; instead, eligibility is assessed automatically through the admission process. Key eligibility conditions include:
- You must be an international student
- You must be registered full-time
- Your program must be research-based (thesis or major research paper)
- You are normally entering the first term (Term 1.0) of your master’s program
- You demonstrate academic excellence as assessed by the admitting Faculty
- You meet ongoing academic progress requirements
- You have no outstanding probationary admission conditions
Faculties may apply stricter internal criteria depending on funding allocations and program competitiveness.
Programs and Intake Terms Covered
The International Master’s Award of Excellence (IMAE) at the University of Waterloo is available exclusively for master’s-level applicants, with eligibility extending to any research-based master’s program, including thesis and major research paper tracks across all faculties.
The award is open to international students holding a valid study permit and assessed international tuition fees, making it a dedicated funding opportunity for foreign applicants. For the 2026 cohort, the scholarship supports all major intake terms—Winter, Spring, and Fall— allowing eligible students flexibility in choosing their preferred start term while remaining fully considered for this merit-based award.