York University, located in Toronto, is Canada’s third-largest university and a global center for teaching, research, and innovation. For the 2025–2026 academic year, York University offers a robust portfolio of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and graduate funding aimed at both domestic and international students. These include merit-based entrance scholarships, faculty-specific awards, graduate fellowships, doctoral funding, and need-based financial aid. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate study or advanced postgraduate training, York provides diverse and generous funding opportunities tailored to academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.
Scholarship Categories
1. Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships
- President’s Scholars of Excellence Program
- Open to the top 2.5% of entering undergrads.
- Award: CAD 40,000–100,000 over four years.
- International Entrance Scholarships
- Tiered awards ranging from CAD 20,000 to 60,000.
- Renewable annually with minimum academic performance.
- York University Excalibur Awards
- Automatically considered for all qualified applicants.
- CAD 12,000 for the academic year.
- Faculty-Specific Entrance Awards
- Vary by faculty (e.g., Schulich School of Business: CAD 10,000–30,000; Lassonde School of Engineering: CAD 8,000–20,000).
2. Graduate Scholarships & Bursaries
- Graduate Entrance Scholarships
- Up to CAD 20,000 per year for master’s and doctoral students (amounts vary by program).
- President’s International Scholars Award (PhD)
- CAD 50,000 over 3–4 years.
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- CAD 50,000/year for PhD candidates (national prestigious award, requires nomination).
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS)
- CAD 15,000/year available to high-achieving graduate students.
- External Research & Teaching Assistantships
- Numerous positions funded through faculty grants and university research projects.
3. Faculty & Program-Specific Awards
- Schulich Leader Scholarships
- Found in Business and Engineering programs, valued at CAD 5,000–50,000.
- Osgoode Hall Law Scholarships
- CAD 10,000–30,000 for JD and graduate law students.
- Faculty of Education Awards
- CAD 5,000–15,000 for aspiring teachers in undergraduate and graduate streams.
4. Need-Based Bursaries & Special Grants
- Lower-Income Access Bursary
- Based on demonstrated financial need and academic achievement.
- First-Generation Awards
- Special bursaries to support students who are first in family to attend university.
- Dedicated Awards for Black Scholars and Indigenous Students
- Multiple awards ranging from CAD 2,500 to 25,000.
- International Student Bursaries
- CAD 1,000–5,000 for students from lower-income international backgrounds.
Eligibility & Application Overview
- Undergraduate
- Admission via OUAC or international application portal by Jan–Mar 2025. Evaluation based on academic credentials, leadership, and volunteer service. Scholarships like Excalibur require no additional application; others, like the International Entrance, require supplemental forms.
- Graduate
- Applications through York’s School of Graduate Studies. Submission includes transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, and reference letters. Awards like Vanier, OGS, and entrance scholarships require nomination and supplementary forms. TA/RA positions require departmental coordination.
- Bursaries
- Require financial documentation and possibly awards arrangements with Student Financial Services. Available year-round or term-based.
Why Study at York University with a Scholarship
- World-class Campus in Toronto
- A multicultural metropolis with exceptional professional and networking opportunities.
- Strong Academic Reputation
- Ranked top 10 in Canada; known for interdisciplinary research, innovation, and social impact.
- Supportive Community
- Extensive academic advising, career support, and dedicated services for international students.
- Research Excellence
- Access to cutting-edge labs, global partnerships, and faculty mentorship.
- Financial Aid Support
- Numerous funding programs help reduce tuition costs and support student success.
Application Tips for Success
- Apply Early
- Complete applications before priority deadlines, especially for competitive awards like President’s Scholars and Vanier.
- Highlight Leadership & Community Impact
- Include volunteer work, student government roles, or community-based projects.
- Strong Supporting Documents
- Create compelling CVs, statements of purpose, and well-chosen referees.
- Maintain High Academic Standing
- Scholarship renewals require minimal academic averages, typically above an A-.
- Explore Faculty-Specific Funding
- Check departmental award pages for specialized funding tied to your program.
- Seek Nomination or Interview
- For awards like Vanier and Schulich, reach out early to express interest and secure support letters.
York University provides an extensive and diverse array of scholarship opportunities for the 2025–2026 academic year. With over CAD 100,000 in potential funding at the undergraduate level and significant support for graduate researchers, including national awards like Vanier, York is a prime destination for both domestic and international scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these scholarships available for international students?
Yes! York offers many scholarships specifically for international undergraduate and graduate students, including entrance scholarships and bursaries.
2. Do I need a separate scholarship application?
Some awards are automatic; others require additional forms. Always check details during application.
3. What GPA do I need?
Competitive awards often require an A- or higher. President’s Scholars and Vanier are highly selective (top 2–3%).
4. Can I combine multiple scholarships?
Yes. Many awards can be stacked up to tuition coverage. Maximum limits and overlaps are specified in award terms.
5. Is there funding for research at York?
Absolutely. York supports graduate research via TA/RA positions and external awards like Vanier, OGS, and NSERC grants.
6. When should I apply for Vanier?
Start early. You must be nominated by York, and the national deadline (for the 2025–2026 cycle) begins in fall 2024.
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