York Science Scholars Award

What you will need

• ✓ York Science Scholars Award application form through the Faculty of Science's online portal (when it is open)
• ✓ Two personal statements
• ✓ Resume listing paid employment, volunteer experience and involvement in clubs and activities
• ✓ Two reference letters (only one can be an academic reference), emailed by your references directly to science@yorku.ca

About this award

You can receive a total of $10,000. This consists of $5,000 as an entrance scholarship and another $5,000 after you complete the full-time, 12-week summer research position that comes with the award, following your first year of study. As a scholarship, this money is yours to keep and you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are entering first year in York University's Faculty of Science and want to do research early in your degree. You apply through the Faculty of Science's own YSSA application portal, and you can apply before you receive an offer of admission. The last deadline was February 20, 2026, and applications for Fall 2026 are closed; check the York Science Scholars Award page for when the next round opens. Up to 10 students receive it, and the Faculty of Science says applications are very competitive. It is considered separately from, and in addition to, other York University and Faculty of Science admission awards. Ask York University during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. The second $5,000 is paid once you successfully complete the summer research position after your first year.

Who qualifies

You must be entering first year in York University's Faculty of Science. You can apply before you receive an offer of admission.

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, permanent resident or international student
• ✓ Open to high school students
• ✓ Studying Faculty of Science

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

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

4. 4

   This round closed on February 20, 2026

   Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

• ApplicationAvoid leaving it to the last minute. Instead, start early: you need two personal statements, a resume and two reference letters, and every document must arrive by the deadline.
• ReferencesAvoid sending the letters yourself. Instead, choose two people who know you well (only one can be an academic reference, such as your teacher) and have them email the reference form directly to science@yorku.ca.
• StrategyAvoid a thin resume. Instead, include all paid work, volunteer experience and clubs or activities, as the Faculty of Science asks for all of them.
• RealismAvoid counting on this award. Instead, remember that only up to 10 students receive it and applications are very competitive. Prepare a backup financial plan for your studies.

Questions students ask

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