Entrance Bursary (Ontario Students)

What you will need

• ✓ Complete the entrance bursary application in the Waterloo applicant portal under the Awards and financial aid tab by April 15
• ✓ Submit an application for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program — the provincial government's financial aid system) by June 15
• ✓ Report your income and assets and your parents' income accurately — Waterloo verifies them using your OSAP application

About this award

Normally, the maximum combined value of your Waterloo entrance scholarship (Year One value) and this entrance bursary is $7,000, though some donor-funded bursaries have a higher value. As a bursary, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. The funds are paid in two equal instalments: one in the Fall term and one in either the Winter or Spring term, depending on your enrolment. This is for you if you are a student from Ontario who needs financial help to afford your first year of university. You must apply by April 15 through the Waterloo applicant portal. You will be notified by email starting in mid-May if you are selected to receive the award. Every offer is conditional on a detailed verification of your entrance bursary application together with your OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program — the provincial government's financial aid system) application. Selection criteria aren't published — ask University of Waterloo how winners are chosen and roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask University of Waterloo during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. To keep this award, you must remain enrolled full-time in degree studies. Be aware that the amount may be adjusted if you change your program, your plan, your course load, or if you withdraw from your studies. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with University of Waterloo whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To be considered, you must be an Ontario resident (as defined by OSAP) and have lived in Ontario for at least 12 months before starting your post-secondary education. You must apply as a full-time student, and the upcoming fall term must be your first term of post-secondary studies. You must demonstrate financial need during your first year, and your parents' combined income must be less than $120,000. Note that a parental income below $120,000 does not mean you will automatically get a bursary, as other criteria are also used for assessment.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Resident of Ontario

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Deadline: April 15

   April 15 has already passed this year. The award's official page gives the date without a year, so check there when the next round closes before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• Financial NeedAvoid providing vague descriptions of your situation. Instead, ensure your OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program — the provincial government's financial aid system) application is completely accurate, as University of Waterloo uses it to verify your income and assets. Double-check your parents' income figures before submitting.
• SupportAvoid waiting until the last minute to gather your documents. Instead, prepare your OSAP application well before the June 15 deadline. Set a calendar reminder for early June to ensure everything is submitted.
• StrategyAvoid ignoring the portal after you apply. Instead, monitor your email closely starting in mid-May for your notification. Check your spam folder daily during that window so you don't miss the announcement.
• RealismAvoid counting on the full $7,000. Instead, remember that this is a combined limit with other entrance scholarships and may be reduced based on other awards you win. Plan your budget based on a conservative estimate until you receive your official offer.

Questions students ask

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