York University, located in Toronto, Ontario, is one of Canada's largest research universities and welcomes thousands of international students each year. The university recognises the financial challenges faced by students from abroad and offers a range of scholarships and awards designed to support academic excellence and make Canadian higher education more accessible. Whether you are applying for undergraduate or graduate studies, understanding the York University scholarships available to international students in 2026 can help you plan your finances and strengthen your application.
This guide walks you through the main York University entrance scholarships for 2026, merit-based awards, graduate funding opportunities, and the application process. You will also learn where to verify current award values, deadlines, and eligibility requirements directly with the university.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Awarding body | York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Main entrance awards | President's International Scholarship of Excellence, International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction, International Merit Award, International Entrance Award, International Transfer Award |
Automatic consideration | Most undergraduate entrance scholarships require no separate application; students are considered upon admission |
Graduate funding | Faculty-specific awards, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships; check with individual graduate programmes |
Current award values and deadlines | See the York University international scholarships page for up-to-date figures and application timelines |
York University entrance scholarships for international students
York University provides several automatic entrance scholarships for international undergraduate students. These awards are merit-based and typically require no separate application beyond your admission file. The university assesses your academic record, and if you meet the criteria, you will be notified of your scholarship offer along with your admission decision.
President's International Scholarship of Excellence
The President's International Scholarship of Excellence is York's most prestigious undergraduate entrance award for international students. It recognises exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. Students who receive this scholarship are typically among the top applicants in their cohort. Because award values and eligibility thresholds can change, verify the current details on the President's International Scholarship of Excellence page on the York University website.
York International Scholarship of Distinction
The York International Scholarship of Distinction is another significant entrance award aimed at high-achieving international students. It is awarded automatically to students who demonstrate strong academic performance in their secondary school studies. You can explore this award further through the York University International Entrance Scholarship of Distinction listing, which provides an overview of eligibility and application steps.
York International Merit Award
The York International Merit Award recognises students with excellent academic records who may not qualify for the top-tier scholarships but still demonstrate strong potential. Like other York University automatic entrance scholarships, this award is granted based on your admission application, so maintaining a high grade point average in your final years of secondary school is essential.
York International Entrance Award
The York International Entrance Award is available to a broader range of incoming international students. It rewards solid academic performance and helps offset the cost of tuition in your first year. Check the York University scholarships for incoming students page to confirm the current criteria and award amounts.
York International Transfer Award
If you are transferring to York University from another post-secondary institution, you may be eligible for the York International Transfer Award. This scholarship is designed for international students who have completed at least one year of university-level study elsewhere and are entering York with advanced standing. Eligibility is based on your post-secondary academic record, and the award is typically granted automatically upon admission.
Faculty-specific and programme-based scholarships
Beyond university-wide entrance awards, several York faculties and schools offer scholarships targeted at international students in specific programmes. These awards can complement your entrance scholarship or provide additional support if you do not receive a university-wide award.
Glendon International Excellence Scholarship
Glendon College, York's bilingual liberal arts campus, offers the Glendon International Excellence Scholarship to outstanding international students enrolling in Glendon programmes. This award recognises academic merit and the unique bilingual and international focus of the Glendon community. If you are applying to Glendon, ensure you review the specific scholarship criteria on the college's admissions pages.
York Science Scholars Award
The Faculty of Science at York University provides the York Science Scholars Award to high-achieving students entering science programmes. International students with strong backgrounds in mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, or related fields may be considered for this award. For current eligibility requirements and award details, consult the Faculty of Science international scholarships page.
Other faculty awards
Faculties such as the Schulich School of Business, Lassonde School of Engineering, and the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies also offer merit-based scholarships and awards for international students. These are often announced at the time of admission or shortly thereafter. Always check with your intended faculty for a complete list of available funding opportunities.
York graduate scholarships for international students
Graduate students at York University have access to a different set of funding opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Unlike undergraduate entrance scholarships, graduate funding often requires a separate application or nomination by your department.
Graduate scholarships and awards
York offers several university-wide graduate scholarships open to international students, including entrance scholarships for new master's and doctoral candidates. These awards are competitive and typically require a strong academic record, research proposal, and letters of reference. Check the York University international student funding page for a current list of graduate awards and application procedures.
Research and teaching assistantships
Many graduate programmes at York provide funding through research assistantships (RA) or teaching assistantships (TA). These positions offer both financial support and valuable professional experience. RA and TA opportunities are usually arranged directly with your supervisor or department, so discuss funding options with your prospective graduate programme coordinator early in the application process.
External graduate funding
International graduate students are also encouraged to explore external scholarships and fellowships offered by their home governments, international organisations, and private foundations. York's Faculty of Graduate Studies maintains resources to help students identify and apply for external funding sources.
How to apply for York University scholarships
One of the most appealing aspects of York University international student funding is that many undergraduate entrance scholarships are awarded automatically. This means you do not need to submit a separate scholarship application; simply apply for admission by the published deadline, and the university will assess your eligibility based on your academic record.
Steps to maximise your scholarship eligibility
Apply early: Submit your application for admission well before the deadline to ensure your file is complete and reviewed in time for scholarship consideration.
Maintain strong grades: York University merit scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, so aim for the highest grades possible in your final years of secondary school or previous post-secondary studies.
Complete all required documents: Ensure your transcripts, English language test scores, and any supplementary materials are submitted on time. Incomplete applications may not be considered for scholarships.
Check faculty-specific requirements: Some faculties may require additional essays, portfolios, or interviews. Meeting these requirements can also strengthen your scholarship candidacy.
Review scholarship eligibility criteria: Visit the official York University scholarship pages regularly to confirm you meet the criteria and understand any changes to award values or deadlines.
Graduate scholarship applications
For graduate students, the application process is more involved. You will typically need to:
Apply for admission to your chosen graduate programme by the programme deadline.
Submit a strong research proposal or statement of intent, depending on your field.
Provide academic references from professors or supervisors familiar with your work.
Complete any additional scholarship application forms required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies or your department.
Discuss funding opportunities directly with your prospective supervisor, especially for RA positions.
Because graduate funding can vary significantly by programme and department, always consult the specific graduate programme website and reach out to the graduate programme assistant or coordinator for guidance.
York University scholarship eligibility and deadlines
Eligibility for York University scholarships depends on several factors, including your country of citizenship, academic performance, programme of study, and whether you are a new or transfer student. Most undergraduate entrance scholarships are open to all international students, defined as those who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Scholarship deadlines at York University are closely tied to admission deadlines. For undergraduate programmes, the main application deadline for international students is typically in early spring for September entry, though some programmes have earlier or rolling deadlines. Graduate programme deadlines vary widely by faculty and degree type, so confirm the specific dates for your intended programme.
Because these dates and eligibility criteria can change from year to year, always verify the current York University scholarship deadlines and requirements on the York International scholarships and awards page.
Additional financial support for international students at York
Beyond entrance and merit scholarships, York University offers other forms of financial assistance to help international students manage the cost of their education.
Bursaries and emergency funding
York provides need-based bursaries and emergency funding for students facing unexpected financial hardship. These awards are typically available to continuing students rather than new applicants, and you must demonstrate financial need through an application process managed by Student Financial Services.
Work-study programmes
International students with a valid study permit may be eligible to work part-time on campus or off campus during their studies. York's work-study programme offers paid positions that can help you gain Canadian work experience while earning income to support your living expenses. Check your study permit conditions and consult York's Career Centre for available opportunities.
External scholarships and awards
Many international students supplement York University funding with scholarships from external sources, including government programmes in their home countries, non-profit organisations, and private foundations. The Zovra scholarships search tool can help you discover additional funding opportunities for study in Canada and beyond.
Tips for a competitive scholarship application
While many York University entrance scholarships are awarded automatically, you can still take steps to strengthen your overall application and improve your chances of receiving funding.
Highlight leadership and extracurriculars: If your programme requires a personal statement or supplementary essay, use it to showcase leadership, community involvement, and unique experiences that set you apart.
Demonstrate English proficiency: Strong scores on IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted English language tests can support your academic profile and scholarship eligibility.
Tailor your application to York: Show genuine interest in York University and explain why the programmes, faculty, and campus community align with your academic and career goals.
Seek strong references: For graduate applications, letters of reference from professors who know your work well can make a significant difference in scholarship decisions.
Stay informed: Subscribe to updates from York's admissions and financial aid offices, and check the university website regularly for new scholarship announcements and deadline changes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to submit a separate application for York University entrance scholarships?
No, most York University automatic entrance scholarships for international students do not require a separate application. You are automatically considered for these awards when you apply for admission, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and submit a complete application by the deadline. However, some faculty-specific or external scholarships may require additional forms or essays, so always check the requirements for your chosen programme.
Can I receive more than one scholarship at York University?
Yes, it is possible to receive multiple scholarships or awards at York University, especially if you qualify for both a university-wide entrance scholarship and a faculty-specific award. Graduate students may also combine scholarships with research or teaching assistantships. Award stacking policies can vary, so confirm the details with Student Financial Services or your faculty office.
When will I be notified if I receive a York University scholarship?
Scholarship notifications are typically sent along with your offer of admission or shortly thereafter. For undergraduate students, this usually occurs in the spring for September entry. Graduate scholarship decisions may follow a different timeline depending on your programme and the type of award. If you have not received information about scholarships within a few weeks of your admission offer, contact the admissions or financial aid office for clarification.
Are York University scholarships renewable for multiple years?
Some York University scholarships are renewable for additional years, provided you maintain a specified grade point average and meet other conditions outlined in your scholarship offer. Other awards are one-time entrance scholarships that apply only to your first year of study. Always review the terms of your scholarship carefully and consult Student Financial Services if you have questions about renewal requirements.
What should I do if I do not receive a York University entrance scholarship?
If you are not awarded an entrance scholarship, you can still explore other funding options. Apply for external scholarships, consider part-time work opportunities, and investigate bursaries or emergency funding once you are enrolled. Many students also receive in-course scholarships in their second year and beyond based on their university academic performance, so maintaining strong grades can open new funding opportunities as you progress through your degree.
York University's commitment to supporting international students through a variety of scholarships and awards makes it an attractive destination for students seeking quality education in Canada. By understanding the types of funding available, meeting application deadlines, and maintaining strong academic performance, you can maximise your chances of receiving financial support and make your Canadian study experience more affordable and rewarding.
