The University of Waterloo, a prominent public research university located in Canada, is proud to present the prestigious David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards. This award is designed to support both Canadian and international students who are interested in expanding their academic horizons by participating in international experiences. It is a unique opportunity for students from around the globe to study in undergraduate and graduate programs across all six faculties of the University of Waterloo. Eligible students will be nominated by their respective faculties based on the allocation of awards granted to each faculty. The selection of award recipients will be based primarily on academic excellence, which is demonstrated through the student’s application for admission to the graduate program.
In addition to the David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards, students are encouraged to explore other scholarship opportunities, including the Melbourne Research Scholarship.
The University of Waterloo, known for its outstanding academic and research programs, consistently ranks as one of the most creative universities in Canada. It is particularly renowned for its exceptional cooperative education programs that allow students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their degrees. The university operates across six distinct faculties, and it offers programs administered through ten faculty-based colleges. This diversity of academic offerings and the university’s commitment to providing real-world experiences for its students make it a top choice for learners looking to broaden their academic and professional careers.
One of the major benefits of studying at the University of Waterloo is the opportunity it provides students to enhance their careers through various initiatives. These include management coaching, organizational development courses, and secondment. Through these opportunities, students can develop a wide range of professional skills that are highly sought after in the workforce. Whether students are pursuing an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degree, they will have access to resources that help foster their personal and professional growth.
Scholarship Overview
The David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards and other scholarships offered by the University of Waterloo support students at different levels of their academic careers. This includes undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students. The scholarships are open to students pursuing research-based programs as well as undergraduate studies in a wide range of disciplines available at the university.
The awards are designed to support students who wish to study or gain experience abroad. The scholarships vary in value depending on the type and duration of the experience:
- David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards: The awards offer up to $2,500 for a one-term study experience abroad, and up to $5,000 for a one-term work or volunteer experience. For a two-term work or volunteer experience, the award can provide up to $10,000.
- International Master’s Award of Excellence: This award is valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of six terms. It is designed for international graduate students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
Additionally, students who participate in the co-op programs at the University of Waterloo can benefit from the experience and financial support provided by these scholarships, allowing them to broaden their skills and knowledge while completing their academic studies.
Eligibility Criteria for University of Waterloo Scholarships
To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet a variety of criteria. These criteria are designed to ensure that the most qualified and deserving students receive the support they need to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors.
Academic Requirements: Applicants must maintain good academic standing. For undergraduate students, this typically means achieving a minimum average of 70%. Graduate students are generally required to maintain a minimum average of 75%.
Full-Time Enrollment: To qualify for the scholarships, applicants must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Waterloo. They must also be willing to participate in an international experience related to their academic field of study. This could include a study term, a co-op placement, or a volunteer position abroad.
International Students: International students who hold a valid Canadian study permit are also eligible to apply, provided they are registered full-time and are paying international tuition fees. This ensures that students who come from outside of Canada are equally supported in their academic journeys.
Research-Based Programs: The scholarships are typically awarded to students who are in research-based programs (such as those pursuing a thesis or a major research paper). The emphasis on research ensures that students who are actively contributing to academic knowledge through their studies are supported in their endeavors.
First-Term Students: The awards are generally given to students entering the first term of their program (term 1.0), ensuring that the scholarship supports students early in their academic careers.
Academic Excellence: Students must demonstrate academic excellence as determined by the selection criteria established by their faculty. Faculties may have additional requirements or criteria based on their specific areas of focus, which may include certain achievements or skills relevant to the program.
Exclusions: Students who are already receiving full or partial sponsorship from foreign governments or agencies (such as the China Scholarship Council or Libyan sponsorship) are typically not eligible for these awards. This policy ensures that students who are already receiving significant external funding are not double-dipping into scholarship resources.
Additional Scholarships: Students who receive the David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards may still be eligible for other internal or external scholarships, such as the UW Graduate Scholarship or Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS). However, students who are receiving a full external sponsorship may face restrictions in terms of eligibility for certain awards.
How to Apply for University of Waterloo Scholarships
To apply for the David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Award or any other University of Waterloo scholarships, candidates must follow a series of steps to ensure their application is complete and submitted on time.
Admission: The first step for all applicants is to gain admission to the University of Waterloo in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Once students have been accepted into their program of choice, they can proceed with the scholarship application process.
Application Forms: After receiving admission, candidates can access the application forms for the scholarship. These forms are typically available on the university’s website or through the faculty’s internal scholarship page.
Personal Statement: All applicants are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application. This statement should outline the applicant’s academic background, goals, and reasons for wanting to participate in an international experience. The personal statement provides insight into the applicant’s motivations and can help demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence and global engagement.
English Language Proficiency: As English is the primary language of instruction at the University of Waterloo, all applicants must provide evidence of their proficiency in English. This can typically be demonstrated through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS, or through other recognized qualifications.
Selection Process: After submission, the application will be reviewed by the respective departments and/or faculties. They will evaluate the applicants based on the established eligibility criteria and select the award recipients accordingly.
Conclusion
The David Johnston–Lebovic Foundation International Experience Awards and other scholarships offered by the University of Waterloo are incredible opportunities for students who aspire to expand their academic and professional horizons. With a commitment to academic excellence and global engagement, the University of Waterloo provides a platform for students from around the world to further their education while gaining valuable international experiences. By supporting both Canadian and international students, these scholarships ensure that a diverse and talented group of students can access the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their academic careers.