Governors' Awards of Distinction

What you will need

• ✓ Complete the Scholarships and Awards application in MyFile and select this award
• ✓ Three letters of recommendation, submitted by the February 15 deadline
• ✓ Submit all required supporting documents via email to FAAS@yorku.ca
• ✓ Possess a York student number (obtained by applying to a program at York University)

About this award

You can receive $8,000 per year for 4 years, and York University will also cover the cost of your residence accommodation for your first year. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a Canadian high school student in your final year, applying to first-year undergraduate study at York University in any discipline, with an admission average of at least 90% and accomplishments such as leadership in community service or achievement in the arts or sports. You must apply by February 15. You will be notified by email or letter between May and June if you have been selected. Candidates need a minimum admission average of 90% plus other accomplishments, such as leadership in community service, achievement in arts or sports, or excellence in another area. Ask York University roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. The money is applied directly to your York Student Account and will show up on your August statement. Confirm with York University if any portion is paid to you directly. The award is renewed each year if you keep a minimum grade point average of 8.00. It cannot be held together with another renewable entrance scholarship, the York University Automatic Entrance Scholarship or the York University Continuing Student Scholarship.

Who qualifies

You must be a Canadian high-school applicant. To qualify as a high school applicant, you must be less than 21 years old by the end of the calendar year in which you are admitted to the university (for example, if you start in the Fall, you must be under 21 by December 31). You must also have been out of full-time high school studies for less than two years from your graduation date and you must not have attempted studies at any accredited college or university. You need a minimum admission average of 90% (or equivalent) and other accomplishments such as leadership in community service, achievement in arts or sports, or excellence in another area.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• ✓ Open to high school students

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• ApplicationAvoid waiting until you have an official offer of admission to start your paperwork. Instead, apply as soon as you have your York student number. Log into MyFile starting December 1 to complete the Scholarships and Awards application.
• SupportAvoid sending your supporting documents through the portal if the instructions specify otherwise. Instead, email all required documents directly to FAAS@yorku.ca (the Financial Aid and Awards Services office).
• StrategyAvoid missing the early cutoff. Instead, aim to submit everything well before February 15, as some awards close earlier than the general April 1 deadline.
• RealismAvoid counting on the money just because you meet the basic age and school requirements. Instead, remember that these awards depend on available funding and a review of your final grades.

Questions students ask

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