Hira and Kamal Ahuja Award in Engineering
Study in Canada with Full Financial Support
Country Focussed
Canada
Scholarship Type
Merit Based
Organising Entity
University of Waterloo
Scholarship Coverage
Partly Funded
Hira and Kamal Ahuja Award in Engineering
The Hira and Kamal Ahuja Award in Engineering at the University of Waterloo is a prestigious merit-based scholarship designed to encourage excellence in graduate engineering studies. Aimed at international students and Canadian permanent residents with exceptional academic achievements, the award fosters diversity and inclusivity, particularly encouraging women in engineering. It provides substantial financial assistance while promoting research-driven education in Canada.
Link: Hira and Kamal Ahuja Award in Engineering – University of Waterloo
Why Study in Canada
Studying in Canada offers world-class education, affordable tuition, and globally recognized degrees. With safe cities, multicultural communities, and post-study work opportunities, Canada is a top choice for international students. Its universities emphasize research, innovation, and practical learning. Moreover, students enjoy high living standards, part-time job options, and an easy path to permanent residency, making Canada ideal for academic and professional growth.
Everything You need to Know about the Hira and Kamal Ahuja Award
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify for this award. The criteria ensure that only deserving and academically strong students benefit:
1. Enrollment Requirement
- Must be registered full-time in a Master’s or Doctoral program in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo.
2. Academic Performance
- Must have achieved a minimum 80% aggregate in prior academic studies.
3. Institutional Background
- Open to international students who graduated from select Indian institutions:
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs): Delhi, Mumbai, Ropar, Roorkee, Kanpur, and Kharagpur.
- If no eligible IIT candidate is available, graduates of National Institutes of Technology (NIITs) in India will be considered.
- Canadian permanent residents who graduated from IITs or NIITs are also eligible.
4. Preference Criteria
- Preference is given to female candidates, particularly in areas where women are underrepresented in engineering.
5. Award Distribution
- If no eligible student is identified in a given year, funds are carried forward, allowing for multiple awards in future years.
6. Selection Process
- The Engineering Graduate Office, in consultation with Professor Sanjeev Bedi, identifies and selects recipients.
Organising Entity
University of Waterloo
Is it Country Focused?
Yes. The award is open to – International students from India (graduates of IITs and NIITs). Permanent residents of Canada with IIT or NIIT backgrounds.
Is it University Focused?
Yes. The award is exclusively for graduate students at the University of Waterloo, specifically within the Faculty of Engineering.
Type of Scholarship
Merit-Based
Awarded to students demonstrating outstanding academic performance and leadership potential.
Number of Students Selected
Varies annually, depending on fund income and candidate eligibility. At least one recipient is expected each year. In some years, multiple awards may be distributed if funds allow.
What are the Benefits Available
The Hira and Kamal Ahuja Award in Engineering provides financial support in addition to guaranteed funding offered in admission packages. Benefits include:
Monetary Value
- At least one award valued up to $10,000 CAD annually (depending on fund income).
- Value and/or number of awards may vary each year.
Additional Support
- Award is in addition to guaranteed funding already outlined in the student’s offer letter.
- Provides extra financial relief to encourage academic and research excellence.
Tenure of Award
- Master’s students: Renewable for up to two years.
- Doctoral students: Renewable for up to four years.
Inclusivity Focus
- Special preference for female candidates, promoting gender balance in engineering research.
Why Apply for the Hira and Kamal Ahuja Award?
Promotes Academic Excellence
With a minimum 80% academic requirement, it attracts the brightest minds in engineering.
Supports International Collaboration
By focusing on graduates from IITs and NIITs, it creates a strong bridge between India and Canada in engineering education.
Encourages Diversity
Prioritizing women in engineering helps break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Flexible Awarding System
With rollover funds and the possibility of multiple recipients, the award adapts to varying candidate pools each year.
Sustained Student Support
Renewable for multiple years, it ensures long-term financial aid and academic stability.
Planning to Study in Canada?
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Final Thoughts
The Hira and Kamal Ahuja Award in Engineering reflects the University of Waterloo’s commitment to fostering academic brilliance, global collaboration, and diversity in engineering. With its focus on IIT and NIIT graduates, preference for women, and renewable financial support, the award not only eases financial challenges but also empowers scholars to become innovators and leaders in engineering research.
For ambitious students aiming to study engineering at one of Canada’s leading universities, this award represents both recognition of excellence and a gateway to global opportunities.
