General InformationInformation regarding graduate fellowships and scholarships is posted on the graduate studies bulletin board in the Concourse of the Dr. Alvin Woods Building and at the Careers Information Centre at 232 King Street North, Waterloo. Information is published in For Your Information, a publication of the Careers Information Centre, and in The Cord, the weekly student newspaper. Further information, application forms and advice may be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office.
The success of a scholarship application depends on more than high marks, although an A standing is usually required. Letters of recommendation are extremely important. They should be written by faculty who have taught and know the student's plans, ability and potential. It is necessary that applications be complete in every detail and that the supporting documentation be forwarded by the stated deadline.
Students should apply early in the fall for external scholarships which are tenable in the following year. Most deadlines are in October or November, with notification in April and awards commencing in September.
For a listing of bursaries which are awarded based on need, please refer to the section on financial assistance.Awards Policy
Since there may be a maximum amount of funds that can be awarded and held by a student, full-time graduate students who accept an award that is not directly administered by WLU must immediately inform their department chairperson and the dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, in writing. This requirement applies to any awards or assistance offered by any agency or institution.
To be eligible for WLU Graduate Scholarships and Teaching Assistantships, which are awarded on a competitive basis, students must be full-time graduate students in good standing who are taking a normal full-time course load as defined by the requirements of their program. If, following admission, students are placed on academic probation, they may, on the recommendation of the department or faculty, be deemed ineligible to receive these awards.Teaching Assistantships
Teaching Assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis to qualified full-time graduate students. Teaching assistants are expected to serve the university in teaching and/or research for an average of 10 hours per week for 13 weeks (130 hours per term). The details of the assignment are specified by the department or faculty to which the assistant is assigned.Guidelines for Teaching Assistantship Responsibilities
A teaching assistantship is awarded from university operating funds to enable departments with graduate programs to provide (a) assistance to faculty with their teaching or research responsibilities, and (b) graduate students with teaching or research experience. As a result, TAs might be expected to provide informal and formal advice to students; assist in the grading of tests, papers, lab reports and final exams; conduct tutorial or lab sessions; and assist with ongoing research projects. Teaching assistant functions shall not include clerical, technical or administrative work not related to teaching or research.
A teaching assistant cannot work more than an average of 10 hours per week for a maximum of 13 weeks (i.e., 130 hours per term). To ensure that there is a fair, equitable and consistent interpretation of this regulation, the following guidelines are to be employed:The definition of the number of hours per week includes: attendance at lectures, preparation time if a teaching assignment (e.g., tutorial, lab, lecture, seminar); travel time if engaged in off-campus research; meeting time with the instructor; formal office hours. Voluntary attendance at professional development workshops or seminars does not count toward the maximum number of hours per week or term. Given variations in course requirements--in some weeks an instructor may require a TA to work more or less than 10 hours per week because of the scheduling of such course requirements as mid-term exams, term papers, lab reports or final exams. Faculty must recognize that graduate students also have graduate course requirements which must be met, and these may be due at about the same time as they are carrying out their TA duties (especially in mid-term or at the end of term). Thus, a TA cannot be required to work more than 15 hours in any one week, or more than 10 hours per three-day period, regardless of the urgency of the task. Any exceptions to this maximum must be agreed to, in writing, by the TA at least three weeks in advance of the particular week in which the 10- or 15-hour limits are to be exceeded. All TA responsibilities should be completed within 13 weeks, beginning from the official first day of classes. Any work beyond the 13-week deadline as required by an instructor (e.g., the final exam is scheduled late in the exam schedule), must be agreed to by the TA in writing, by the end of the sixth week of classes. The time required beyond the normal 13-week deadline must be compensated by a comparable reduced load (in hours) prior to the beginning of the exam schedule so that no student works more than 130 hours per term. Hours not required in one term cannot be carried forward to a subsequent term.
Where disputes arise, the student shall consult with the immediate supervisor and the graduate officer in an attempt to resolve the matter. Should this process fail to resolve the dispute, written correspondence on the matter should be addressed to the department chairperson by both faculty and student. If the above consultations should fail to resolve the dispute, a ruling will be sought from the dean of Graduate Studies and Research.Information about fellowships and scholarships, and applications where required, may be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office.
WLU Graduate Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to full-time entering or continuing graduate students who achieve high academic standing in their program. All qualified students meeting the current "scholarship" standard for the academic unit are automatically considered. Application is not required. A scholarship is awarded on academic merit, not financial need. WLU Graduate Scholarships have a minimum value of $1,000 and are tenable for study at WLU while enrolled as a full-time student completing coursework and/or research. Normally, scholarships are paid in two equal instalments over two terms. Students awarded a WLU scholarship must sign and agree to abide by the terms indicated on the Graduate Scholarship Contract form.WLU Graduate Incentive Scholarships
Wilfrid Laurier University offers Graduate Incentive Scholarships to students entering graduate studies who are successful in major external scholarship competitions (e.g., OGS, NSERC, SSHRC). No application is required. These incentive scholarships are guaranteed and range in total value from $1,000 to $9,000 over a period of one to three years.Faculty of Graduate Studies International Student Scholarship
Established by the university in 1994 to encourage and support the continuing achievement of excellence by international students in a second or subsequent year of graduate study, this scholarship is awarded to one or more continuing full-time international graduate student(s) who have successfully completed all course work, and who will be attending Laurier for the next two terms while completing an approved thesis or dissertation. Selection will be made by the Graduate Scholarship and Awards Committee from among nominees (maximum of one per academic unit offering graduate programs) submitted by September 15 each year. Value and number: To be determined annually. May not be awarded every year.The President's Scholarship
This scholarship was created by the university in memory of Dr. Neale H. Tayler, president of Wilfrid Laurier University from 1978 to 1983. The President's Scholarship, with a value of $1,500, tenable for one year, is awarded to an outstanding full-time student entering any of the WLU doctoral programs who has contributed to the community as a volunteer or to the discipline as a scholar. The award is not necessarily granted every year. All first-year doctoral students are eligible to apply for this award by October 1.Ontario Graduate Scholarships
The Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program assists approximately 2,000 students of outstanding academic ability to pursue graduate studies at Ontario universities. Scholarships are tenable at any provincially supported university in Ontario.
Students may receive a maximum of two Ontario Graduate Scholarships while enrolled in a master's program in Ontario. A doctoral candidate may receive a maximum of four Ontario Graduate Scholarships, i.e., two as a master's student, and two as a doctoral candidate.
Undergraduate students proceeding to a graduate program may apply during the last year of undergraduate studies prior to entering the graduate program.
International students wishing to apply for these scholarships must have been admitted to Canada with a student authorization at the time of application.
The scholarship value will be to a maximum of $15,000 annually, or $5,000 per term, from which the student must pay tuition. Consistent with the 2:1 ratio of government funding to institutional funding for this program, the Ontario government portion of the award will be to a maximum of $10,000 and the university portion to a maximum of $5,000, The tenure of the award is either two or three consecutive terms.
There is one competition per year. The deadline for applications is late October (to the Graduate Studies Office). Application forms are available in the Graduate Studies Office beginning in early September each year. Notification occurs in April and the tenure of the award may commence in May or the following September.Ross and Doris Dixon Ontario Graduate Scholarship
A matching scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded annually to a full-time student who has been awarded an Ontario Graduate Scholarship. The recipient will be enrolled in one of the following graduate degree programs at Laurier: Community Psychology, Social Work or Music Therapy. Preference will be given to students in the Community Psychology program.Ontario Graduate Scholarships in Science and Technology
In the 1998 Ontario budget, the minister of finance announced that the government, in partnership with the private sector, will reward excellence in graduate studies in science and technology through new graduate scholarships. Seventy-five million dollars will be awarded to students over a 10-year period through this initiative. The program is in addition to the existing Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) program.
The scholarship value will be to a maximum of $15,000 annually, or $5,000 per term. Consistent with the 2:1 ratio of government funding to institutional funding for this program, the Ontario government portion of the award will be to a maximum of $10,000 and the university portion to a maximum of $5,000.
The scholarships will be awarded to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who exhibit overall academic excellence (minimum A- in the last two years of full-time study) and who are enrolled full-time in approved research master’s or doctoral programs in science and technology at an Ontario university. At Laurier, students studying some aspect of physical geography at the master’s or doctoral level are eligible for this award.Ontario-Quebec Exchange Fellowship
Ten fellowships with a value of $10,000 and $12,000 are offered to students entering master's and doctoral programs in the province who intend to study in the language in which they did not receive their previous degrees. Deadline: January.Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Doctoral Fellowships
Approximately 1,300 of these fellowships, which are worth up to $17,700, are offered each year to Canadian citizens or persons who have obtained landed immigrant status in Canada by December 1. The fellowships are tenable at any recognized university in Canada or abroad. Deadline: October.Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Postgraduate Scholarships
NSERC postgraduate scholarships, valued at up to $19,100, are available for students who will be entering the first, second, third or fourth year of a graduate science program. Third-year scholarships may only be accepted by students entering a PhD program.
Awards may be held outside Canada provided the candidate can show that facilities in Canada are not adequate. WLU graduate students in the fields of experimental psychology, physical geography, and some fields of business and economics are eligible. Deadline: October.Canadian Federation of University Women Professional Fellowship
An award of $4,000 will be made to one or two women scholars who wish to pursue graduate work. Deadline: November 15.The Margaret Dale Philip Award
The Canadian Federation of University Women offers $1,000 to a woman Canadian resident beginning or continuing graduate studies in the humanities or social sciences with special consideration given to study in Canadian history. Deadline: December.TransCanada PipeLines Graduate Award
Determined on a competitive basis, this award is designed to provide financial assistance to full-time graduate students who are engaged in field or library research which is required to complete a graduate degree in economics, business administration and/or environmental studies. The applicant must have an approved research proposal and submit a budget for living, travel and research expenses associated with the thesis or dissertation. The number and value of the awards may vary annually. Deadline: April 1.Viessmann Travel Scholarship
This scholarship is available to one Laurier exchange student going to Marburg, Germany, for a year. The selection is based on academic excellence and personal engagement as determined by the WLU faculty exchange selection committee. The value of the award is DM 1,500 and is paid to the student on arrival in Germany.President Marsden Scholarship
One scholarship, valued at $2,000, to be awarded to a strong student who best exemplifies the mission of Laurier. The award is renewable if academic standing and commitment to the Laurier community is demonstrated each year. Contact the Student Awards Office for details. Deadline: September 30.Scholarships – Faculty of Arts
Information about scholarships for students registered in a graduate program in the Faculty of Arts, and applications where required, may be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office.Dean of Graduate Studies PhD Dissertation Award
Established in 1995 as a donation to Campaign Laurier, this award recognizes the need for financial assistance at the dissertation stage because of costs associated with research. Doctoral students who are registered full time in the Faculty of Arts at Wilfrid Laurier University at the time of receiving the award and who have had their PhD dissertation proposal approved by their supervisory committee are eligible to apply to the Graduate Awards Committee of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Each application must include a copy of the approved dissertation proposal, and a budget and rationale for the proposed expenditures.
The minimum value of the award per student is $300, and the number and value of awards, per annum, will depend on the interest earned by the capital accruing for this endowed award. Deadline: July 31.The Barry Gough Fellowship in Naval and Military History
This fellowship will be awarded to an incoming or continuing Master of Arts student in naval and military history. Normally, the fellowship will be awarded for a one-year period, although under special circumstances it may be renewed for a second year. The fellowship will be granted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies based on a recommendation by Professor Barry Gough, in consultation with the Department of History.The Lenia Chamberlain Memorial Scholarship
Given in memory of Lenia Chamberlain, '86 Gold Medal Winner.
The Canadian Federation of University Women, Kitchener-Waterloo Charitable Fund offers $3,000 to a woman full-time graduate student who has demonstrated merit and excellent academic credentials. She is admitted to the Master of Arts program at WLU in the Department of Religion and Culture, with preference given to a student who is examining archaeological dimensions and/or historical artifacts, or using these as sources of data in developing her studies or thesis.The George P. Grant Memorial Award
With monies recently made available through the "Outstanding Teacher Award" and additional donations, an award has been established in honour of George P. Grant, the eminent Canadian philosopher, social theorist and pioneer in religious studies in Canada. To be called The George P. Grant Memorial Award, it is to be offered annually for the best graduate and/or the best undergraduate paper submitted in any religion and culture course during the previous year as nominated by course instructors. Instructors in other university departments who receive papers which treat any aspect of the inter-relationship between religion and culture are also requested to nominate these for consideration and to submit copies of papers to the chair of Religion and Culture. The award is to be offered only to outstanding candidates whose work serves as a suitable memorial to Grant, and therefore need not be offered every year.The Tri-University Doctoral Program Conference Travel Award
Two annual competitions will be held for students in the Tri-University Doctoral Program in History. The application deadlines are November 1 and March 1, and two awards of $150 each will be given to graduate students to assist with conference travel. These awards will be administered by the Tri-University Doctoral Program in History and awarded by a committee established for this purpose. Contact the director of the Tri-University Doctoral Program in History for further information.The Elizabeth Tschirhart Award
This award will be given to a fourth-year or graduate student in environmental studies or physical geography to support his or her thesis or major research paper. Preference will be given to a student who demonstrates financial need, academic excellence and a commitment to the field. Awarded by the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies.Geography Thesis Research Support Fund
Students in the process of completing a thesis are eligible to apply for financial support to the following maximums: MA/MES, $200; PhD, $300. Funds are for direct expenses only and receipts must either accompany the application or be provided prior to receipt of funds. Support is only available once during a program and only for an approved project. Applications are evaluated by the Chair's Advisory Committee on the basis of financial need, other monies received and academic merit of the project. Applications are available from the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies and should be submitted to the Department by April 1.Scholarships – Business and Economics
Information about scholarships for business and economics students, and applications where required, may be obtained from the MBA Programs Office or from the Department of Economics, as indicated.The Ross V. Dixon Scholarship
Ross V. Dixon, who served for many years as a member of WLU's Board of Governors, has established scholarships in the amount of $1,000 that are awarded annually to students entering the full-time MBA program. The recipients will have demonstrated high scholastic ability in undergraduate studies, have a high GMAT score and excellent evaluations for their work term reports.The Ross V. Dixon Scholarship for Part-time MBA Students
Ross V. Dixon has established two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 for part-time students who have completed a minimum of six courses with a consistently high grade point average and who are not financed by their employer to cover the tuition fees.The Roger Larsen Memorial Award
Ross V. Dixon has graciously established two scholarships in memory of Roger Larsen, 1983 MBA graduate, who was committed to lifelong learning, the University and the community. These scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, are awarded to part-time MBA students who have completed a minimum of six courses with a consistently high grade point average.Shell Canada Limited Scholarship Fund
Shell Canada Limited has established scholarships that are awarded annually to two students enrolled in the full-time MBA program. The Awards Committee will judge the credentials of applicants, based on academic excellence, and select the recipients during the fall term of each year. Each scholarship is valued at approximately $2,000.Warner-Lambert Award
Warner-Lambert Canada Inc. provides a $500 award to a student entering the full-time MBA program with a marketing concentration. The recipient is selected each year on the basis of academic excellence and demonstrated extracurricular leadership and activity. The selection is made by the School of Business and Economics.J. C. Phillips Awards
Two scholarships of $2,000 each, established in the memory of J. C. Phillips (LLD) through the generosity of Gulf Canada Ltd., are tenable at Wilfrid Laurier University by outstanding scholars entering the full-time MBA program. Credentials are judged by the School of Business and Economics and successful applicants are notified prior to the winter term each year.The Canadian Hardware and Building Materials Show MBA Scholarship
An endowed entrance scholarship for an outstanding student in the Master of Business Administration program has been established by the Canadian Hardware/Houseware/Home Improvement Show in honour of Walter Hachborn, president of Home Hardware Stores Ltd.
This award is given to a student who exhibits skill and aptitude in merchandising, marketing or retailing, as well as a talent for innovation. Inquiries are to be addressed to the MBA program director. Value: $750 to $1,000.Co-Steel Inc. Technology MBA Award
An endowed entrance scholarship has been established by Co-Steel Inc. for a student in the full-time MBA program. The recipient will demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, as well as an aptitude towards high-technology engineering. Value: $1,750.The McNeil Consumer Products Scholarship
The McNeil Consumer Products Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student entering the full-time Master of Business Administration program. Value: $1,500.Robert Breadner Entrepreneurial Fund
One award will be given to a promising student entering the MBA program, who has an undergraduate degree average of at least 9.0. Robert Breadner or his designate will be invited to be part of the selection process. The recipient must have proven financial need and be a resident of Ontario. Value: $2,000.Linda and K. C. Mack Part-time SBE Award
The purpose of this award is to provide an annual scholarship to a student who is studying part time in the MBA program at Laurier. Awarded to an entering mature student with 10+ years of work experience and a high academic standing, this award will be offered to a student who does not receive financing of the tuition fees from his or her employer.MBA General Bursary
The MBA General Bursary was established to assist full-time Laurier MBA students who have proven financial need. This bursary will be awarded annually.The Maureen Scully Memorial Scholarship Fund
One MBA scholarship will be awarded to a mature (35 or older) student who takes no less than two marketing electives or has a career in marketing and who has a minimum GPA of A- in the first term of a three-term program. Value: $1,000.The Andrew Berczi Graduate Scholarship
This scholarship is open to full-time graduate students entering the second trimester of the Master of Business Administration program, who have shown outstanding academic performance both during their last year of undergraduate studies and the first trimester of their MBA studies at WLU, and whose concentration of elective courses within the MBA program is in the operations and decision sciences area.John and Ann Weir Masters in Economics Scholarship
This $2,750 scholarship is awarded annually, by the Department of Economics in consultation with the Office of Student Awards, to an Ontario student entering the MA in business economics program. The recipient will have high scholastic standing in undergraduate studies and demonstrated financial need. This scholarship has been established by Dr. John A. Weir (president emeritus, WLU; and chair of the Department of Economics, 1968 - 1978), his wife Ann, and their family. Students should address questions about this scholarship to the Department of Economics.John R. Finlay Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of John Finlay, a member of the Department of Economics from 1969 to 1992. Among his accomplishments, his work as chair of the department was instrumental in the department developing well-respected academic and research programs. The award is made to the master's candidate in business economics who achieves the highest overall grade point average exceeding 10.0 at the end of the second semester of the normal program. Students should address questions about this scholarship to the Department of Economics. Value: $1,500.
Scholarships – Social Work
Information about scholarships for social work students, and applications where required, may be obtained from the Faculty of Social Work.Shankar A. Yelaja Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Yelaja, who served as dean of the Faculty of Social Work from 1984 to 1992, and who was a distinguished scholar and professional in the social work community throughout Canada and abroad. Among his many research and active interests, Dr. Yelaja was a particularly strong advocate for multiculturalism, for ethical behaviour in research and practice, for the elderly and for social work in developing countries.
Normally this award is given to a full-time doctoral candidate who has completed all pre-candidacy requirements, and who is engaged in a dissertation which focuses on one of the following topics: multiculturalism, ethical behaviour in research and practice, the elderly, or social work in developing countries.
Applicants should obtain a reference from their dissertation supervisor in support of their application, indicating that the applicant is likely to complete all requirements for the degree in the time frame required by the university. Applicants must submit a brief (1-2 pages) statement relating their work to the criteria for the award. Applications should be submitted to the PhD co-ordinator. Value: $500.Bettina Russell Memorial Fund
Research proposals which promote the study of social injustice, or in particular, women's issues, are invited in November each year. Funding up to $1,000 is awarded on a competitive basis. Preference is given to submissions from faculty, staff and students in the Faculty of Social Work. Contact the dean of the Faculty of Social Work for further information.Margaret M. McMillan Scholarship
A one-term scholarship for the second year of the MSW at Laurier is awarded each year to a student selected on the basis of the following criteria: completion of the first year of the Laurier MSW program in good standing in all course work and in the field placement, and demonstration of financial need. Each applicant must submit a brief essay commenting on some aspect of the practicum and its relationship to course work. This scholarship is awarded through the generosity of the late Stewart Z. McMillan, who established the scholarship in memory of his wife, Margaret M. McMillan. The value and number of awards may vary from year to year. Deadline: June.Don Dodsworth Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to the most promising student (not necessarily the student with the highest grade level) in the second year of the MSW program. It was established by the late Professor Don Dodsworth, who came to WLU in 1974. The award is valued at $500. May not be awarded every year.Joseph Wasswa Memorial Scholarship
This award was established in memory of Joseph Wasswa, MSW ’91. The recipient will be selected by the dean of the Faculty of Social Work in consultation with Ms. Susan Maciaczyk, the FSW co-ordinator of admissions, the MSW co-ordinator and the executive assistant to the dean.
Priority will be given to a full-time MSW student with refugee status who is in financial need. Consideration may also be given to:Academic Medals
- a full-time MSW student enrolled at Laurier on an international student visa in financial need or
- a full-time MSW student undertaking an international placement, in financial need.
Governor General's Academic Medal
This medal is awarded at the fall convocation to the graduate student who achieves the highest academic standing in a master's degree program at either the spring or fall convocation.Medals for Academic Excellence at the Graduate Level
At each of the spring and fall convocations up to eight medals for outstanding graduate work may be awarded, as follows:
Award for Excellence in Social Work Research
- At the master's level, one medal, if merited, in each of the five major graduate divisions, namely, Faculty of Social Work, Faculty of Music, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, School of Business and Economics and the Seminary.
- At the doctoral level, one medal, if merited, in the Faculty of Social Work, and one medal, if merited, in the Faculty of Arts.
- Awards may be granted only when candidates' records meet the following criteria:
- normally a minimum overall GPA of at least 10.5 in course work;
- normally a minimum of A- in any course;
- at the master's level, the examination committee considers the thesis work or research paper (where applicable) to be outstanding;
- at the doctoral level, the examination committee considers the dissertation to be outstanding, and the external examiner attests to the outstanding nature of the dissertation in a letter to the dean of Graduate Studies and Research;
- at the master's level, practicum work (where applicable) is categorized as outstanding by the practicum supervisor.
- Twice a year (in April and September) a candidate may be recommended by each of the major divisions to the Graduate Awards Committee. Procedurally, in the case of the MMT, MSW, PhD (Social Work), MBA and MDiv/MTh/MTS programs, the respective graduate advisory committees select the candidate; in the case of the MA/MES/PhD programs in the faculties of Arts and Science, the program directors/graduate officers nominate up to one candidate from their department. With regard to the MA/MES/PhD programs in the faculties of Arts and Science, a recommended candidate from among the nominations will be selected by the Graduate Awards Committee. In each of these cases, the name of the recommended candidate and a brief explanation of the choice is forwarded by the Graduate Awards Committee to the dean of Graduate Studies and Research. The names of the winners are printed in the convocation program.
An annual Award for Excellence in Social Work Research has been established by an alumnus of the Faculty of Social Work in order to promote excellence in social work research and to encourage Social Work students to undertake and publish research of significant benefit to the professional community. This award is granted on the basis of the following criteria and procedures:Application information is available from the dean of the Faculty of Social Work.
- Faculty members will select theses prepared by students as being representative of the excellence and significance required, and recommend to the dean of Social Work that the student be considered for the award;
- The adjudication committee reviews the theses recommended by the faculty and selects the recipient of the award;
- The recipient receives a letter of recognition from the dean and the thesis advisor. The letter encourages the student to submit the thesis for publication in an appropriate refereed journal;
- When the article based on the thesis has been published in a refereed journal, an award of $500 is provided to the student.
Ontario Association of Social Workers-Sheldon Rahn Award for Ethics
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (Midwestern Branch), strives to promote and maintain standards for professional competence and ethical practice. In an effort to encourage these standards, the midwestern branch wishes to recognize the efforts of Wilfrid Laurier University social work students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and excellence in these areas. Upon graduation, two successful candidates will receive a new graduate membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers.