Tips for Funding Your University Studies

Everything you need to know about financing your post-secondary education.

Attending university is a big investment, and it’s important to know the options available to you to help cover the cost. So, here are some of our best tips for funding your university studies.

Apply for scholarships and bursaries

It can be stressful trying to figure out how you’re going to pay for school. Bursaries and scholarships are some ways to offset the cost. Scholarships are awarded primarily based on academic and personal achievement, and bursaries are given to students based on financial need. Many universities offer bursaries and scholarships specifically for international students!

At the University of Waterloo, we offer more than 170 scholarships for international students ranging from $1,000 to $40,000. You’ll also be automatically considered for many other scholarships including our Merit and President’s scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

Aside from scholarships offered from the university you’ll attend, scholarship websites are also a great asset when it comes to helping ease financial stress. Websites like yconic.com and scholarshipscanada.com are just a few you should check out.

Explore part-time jobs

Getting a part-time job through the school term is a great way to earn some extra money. Whether it’s to help fund your social activities or pay for your textbooks, a little goes a long way.

If getting a job while studying is something that interests you, then your university of choice is a great place to start your search!

At Waterloo, we offer hundreds of jobs with flexible hours that can fit your busy schedule. Becoming a student ambassador and working at one of our libraries are some of the many jobs available. If working on campus is not something that appeals to you, the surrounding Waterloo area is home to hundreds of businesses, all with unique job opportunities of their own.

Take advantage of a co-op (paid internship) program

Co-op is a big help in paying for the cost of your schooling. By giving you the ability to both gain experience and earn money, co-op is known for setting students up for future success.

It not only helps alleviate financial stress, but it provides you with invaluable work experience that can’t be learned in the classroom. Prospective students all over choose the University of Waterloo for the co-op program we offer and our reputation for excellence in this area. Co-op is a great experience, with students making from $9,000 to $21,500+ per work term.

Create a budget

Managing money can be difficult, especially with a sum as large as this. Keeping an on-going budget is a great way to stay on top of your spending.

You don’t need to keep track of every dollar you’ve ever spent, but an overall budget can help make sure you don’t run out of money.

Monitoring your finances can be difficult regardless of the university you choose, so check out our tips on budgeting your first year to ensure your set up for success anywhere you go.

Learning how you’re going to pay for university is hard to figure out on your own. But I hope that these tips helped give you an idea of what your options are as you enter this new and exciting chapter of your academic journey.