Funding an education at York University as an international student involves tuition, living costs, and handling application processes. York University offers various funding opportunities, from entrance scholarships to graduate funding packages. This guide outlines available scholarships, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and 2026 deadlines.

York University Scholarships for International Students: Quick List (Amounts + Deadlines)

Scholarship/Funding Level Value Who It’s For Key Eligibility Deadline (Fall 2026) Where to Apply
President’s International Scholarship of Excellence (PISE) Undergraduate entrance $180,000 total ($45,000 × 4 yrs) New first-year “A” average (~80%/York 8–9), leadership/service, direct from high school (≤2 yrs), no prior college/university Student: Jan 26, 2026; Nominator: Feb 4, 2026 International Student Scholarship & Award Application + MyFile
Tentanda Via Award Undergraduate entrance Up to $22,500 total ($4,500/year for 5 years) New undergrad “A” average + leadership/service or excellence (arts/sports/achievement) Jan 26, 2026 International Student Scholarship & Award Application + MyFile
Global Leader of Tomorrow Award Undergraduate entrance Up to $80,000 total ($20,000/year for 4 years) New undergrad “A” average + leadership/service or excellence Jan 26, 2026 International Student Scholarship & Award Application + MyFile
York Graduate Funding Package Graduate (Master’s/PhD) Min. $39,144 CAD (fellowship + employment + tuition offset + UHIP bursary) Incoming grad students Full-time registration + good academic progress; varies by program Program admission timelines Considered through graduate admission (FGS/program)
Work/Study (on-campus) Any level $16.55 – $19.55 per hour International students with on-campus work permission Full-time enrolment + study permit allows on-campus work Session-based Work/Study portal + eligibility check
Need-Based Bursaries (FAAS) Undergraduate mainly Varies Students with financial need Student Profile + Need Assessment Need Assessment by Feb 15, 2026 (UG bursaries) FAAS portal (Passport York)

Best-Fit Map: Pick the Right York Funding Path in 2 Minutes

To identify the most suitable funding options:

  1. New undergrad coming from high school? Begin with the International Student Scholarship & Award Application (covers PISE, Tentanda Via, Global Leader of Tomorrow).
  2. Master’s or PhD applicant? Focus on the graduate funding package through your program admission and TA/GA eligibility.
  3. Already studying at York and need funds? FAAS bursaries and Work/Study are primary options.
  4. Need money urgently? Submit your FAAS Need Assessment and check with your faculty or program for additional emergency options. Go through FAAS first.

Infographic showing the key York University scholarships for international students. York Scholarships Pathways centered at the top. Below, connected icons or boxes labeled: Entrance Scholarships, Graduate Funding, Bursaries, On-Campus Work. Minimal design, white background.

Top York University Entrance Scholarships for International Students (Fall 2026)

President’s International Scholarship of Excellence (PISE) , $180,000 Over 4 Years

Amount and renewal:

  • $45,000/year for up to 4 years.
  • Renewable for up to 3 additional years with minimum 24 credits per Fall/Winter session and a sessional GPA of 6.0.
  • Up to 20 awarded per year.

Who it fits: High-achieving students with a clear, documented record of leadership and community involvement.

Eligibility checklist:

  • Valid Study Permit (international student status).
  • Applying directly from high school , maximum 2 years since graduation.
  • No prior college or university studies.
  • Minimum “A” average (~80% / York factor 8–9).
  • Demonstrated leadership, volunteering, or community service.
  • Entering first year of a 4-year undergraduate program in Fall 2026.

What reviewers look for: Measurable leadership impact, consistency, and supporting academic performance.

Hard deadlines:

  • Student submission: Jan 26, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM ET.
  • Nominator/reference: Feb 4, 2026 at 11:59:59 PM ET.

Common rejection reasons:

  • MyFile documents not showing “Received.”
  • Weak or unspecific leadership proof.
  • Nominator submitting after the deadline.
  • Applicant had prior post-secondary studies.
  • Missing or incomplete nomination details.

Tentanda Via Award , Renewable Entrance Award

Annual Value: Up to $4,500 per year.
Renewal: Renewable for three years of full-time study (up to a maximum of 5 years total funding including the entrance year) with a minimum 80% (6.0 York scale) sessional GPA and completion of 24 credits per Fall/Winter session.
Eligibility: International student with an “A” average + demonstrated leadership/community service or excellence in arts, sports, or individual achievement.
Required Documents: Beyond general admission and scholarship forms, specific document requirements generally include a personal statement outlining leadership or excellence, and potentially a resume/CV detailing relevant experiences. Recommendation letters are often required, the details of which are typically requested via email to the nominator directly from York after the student submits their application.
Deadline: Jan 26, 2026 , all required documents must show “Received” in MyFile, and the online scholarship application must be submitted.
Awarded to: 15 students per year.

Global Leader of Tomorrow Award , Renewable Entrance Award (Very Limited)

Annual Value: Up to $20,000 per year.
Renewal: Renewable for three years of full-time study (up to a maximum of 4 years total funding including the entrance year) with a minimum 80% (6.0 York scale) sessional GPA and completion of 24 credits per Fall/Winter session.
Eligibility: International student with an “A” average + leadership/community service or excellence in arts, sports, or individual achievement.
Required Documents: Similar to the Tentanda Via Award, specific documents often include a personal statement highlighting leadership or exceptional achievements, and potentially a resume/CV. Recommendation letters are usually requested directly from the nominator by York after the student’s initial application submission.
Deadline: Jan 26, 2026.
Spots available: Only 2 awards per year.

How to stand out for this award:

  • Lead with measurable results (number of people impacted, funds raised, programs started).
  • Show sustained commitment.
  • Highlight outcomes, not just roles or titles.
  • Demonstrate real change resulting from your leadership.

York Scholarship Deadlines for International Students (Fall 2026)

Quick note: Set two calendar reminders; future you will thank you.

Date What to Submit Where Tip to Avoid Delays
Nov 1, 2025 Scholarship application portal opens International Student Scholarship & Award Application Have your reference number ready.
~Within 5 business days of admission application York 9-digit reference number issued York admissions system You need this number to access the scholarship portal.
Jan 26, 2026 (11:59:59 PM ET) Scholarship application + all MyFile documents showing “Received” Scholarship portal + MyFile Upload at least 7–10 days early; processing takes time.
Feb 4, 2026 (11:59:59 PM ET) Nominator/reference submission (PISE) Nominator’s emailed link from York Add nominator details in your application ASAP so York can send the link.
Feb 15, 2026 Fall/Winter Need Assessment (undergraduate bursaries) FAAS portal (Passport York) Complete Student Profile first , it drives bursary matching.
May 1, 2026 Award notifications sent MyFile/York email No action needed; just wait and check your York email.

How to Apply for York University Scholarships as an International Student (Step-by-Step)

  1. Apply to York University and await your 9-digit reference number, issued within approximately 5 business days of your admission application.
  2. Log in to the International Student Scholarship & Award Application portal using your reference number.
  3. Upload all required admission documents in MyFile and confirm each one shows “Received.”
  4. Add your nominator’s details (name, role, institutional email, phone number) in the scholarship form early. This action triggers York’s automated email to your nominator.
  5. Submit your scholarship application before Jan 26, 2026 (ET) and capture a screenshot of your confirmation.
  6. Remind your nominator to complete and submit their nomination by Feb 4, 2026 (for PISE).
  7. Track your document status in MyFile and keep copies of all submitted files.

Quick anecdote: A past applicant missed out because their nominator’s email landed in spam, send them a heads-up early.

Avoid these common mistakes:

  • Submitting using a timezone other than ET.
  • Uploading transcripts without certified translations if not in English or French.
  • Using a personal email address for your nominator without an institutional role.
  • Uploading documents on the last day, as processing time means “Uploaded” does not immediately mean “Received”.
  • Making vague leadership claims without specific examples or outcomes.

Documents Checklist (What York Usually Asks For)

  • Admission documents (transcripts, required school records) uploaded in MyFile. Confirm each shows “Received.”
  • Scholarship application form , including an activities list, leadership details, and a personal statement.
  • One letter of recommendation/reference (required for some awards like PISE; uploaded via nominator’s emailed link).
  • Financial profile (estimated funding for 3–4 years of study , optional or required depending on the award).
  • Nominator contact details , name, position, institutional email, phone number.

Check York’s official pages for accepted file formats and size limits.

Eligibility Rules That Trip People Up

“International Student” for These Awards

These scholarships require a valid Study Permit to qualify. Permanent residents and Canadian citizens are typically considered under different funding streams.

Direct-from-High-School Rule

PISE specifically targets students applying within 2 years of high school graduation with no prior college or university studies. If you have taken any post-secondary courses, you are likely ineligible for PISE. Check York’s official page for whether Tentanda Via or Global Leader of Tomorrow have explicit exceptions.

Academic Thresholds

An “A” average means approximately 80% or a York factor of 8–9. Meeting this threshold makes you eligible but does not guarantee an award. Awards are competitive and reviewed holistically.

Renewal Conditions

For PISE, Tentanda Via and Global Leader of Tomorrow, you need a minimum of 24 credits per Fall/Winter session to renew each year. A typical full-time course load of 6 courses (18 credits) per year will not meet the 24-credit requirement for renewal. Plan your course load accordingly from the start.

Full-time enrolment for international students typically means registering for at least 9 credits per semester (or 6 credits for students with disabilities, except in their final semester). However, maintaining 24 credits per Fall/Winter session (equivalent to 12 credits per semester) is specifically required for scholarship renewals.

Need-Based Bursaries (FAAS) for International Students: What’s Realistic

How FAAS Bursaries Work at York

Sign in to the FAAS portal (Passport York) using your Passport York ID. Complete your Student Profile, covering your personal background, extracurricular activities, and financial situation. Then submit the Need Assessment. The system automatically matches you to bursaries based on your profile. Funds are typically applied directly to your tuition and fees.

Key Deadline for Undergrad Bursaries

Submit the Fall/Winter Need Assessment by Feb 15, 2026 for undergraduate bursary consideration.

What to Prepare for the Need Assessment

Have your basic monthly budget ready: tuition, rent, food, and transportation. Be accurate and honest, as this information determines the support you are matched with. Bursaries are particularly helpful when mid-year funding falls short. A completed Student Profile allows for quick matching.

On-Campus Jobs (Work/Study) for International Students at York

Who Can Use Work/Study

  • Your study permit must authorize on-campus work.
  • You must be enrolled full-time, typically 9 credits per semester (or 6 credits for students with disabilities, except in your final semester).

Who Usually Can’t Use Work/Study

  • Exchange or non-degree students.
  • Students holding conflicting awards (e.g., NSERC, DARE, LURA, where applicable).

Pay Rate

Work/Study positions pay between $16.55 and $19.55 per hour.

How to Apply and What to Expect

  1. Check your eligibility. If unsure whether your permit covers on-campus work, confirm with York International or immigration advising.
  2. Submit your study permit to wspost@yorku.ca if York requires a manual assessment for your situation.
  3. Apply through the Work/Study portal. You can hold one position per session maximum.
  4. Plan your hours around your class schedule and complete any required training (e.g., Becoming YU).

Faculty or Program-Specific Awards for Current International Students

York University also offers various faculty or program-specific awards for current international students. These awards are disbursed through individual departments and can vary significantly in value, eligibility, and renewal criteria.

Detailed Terms and Conditions:

  • Eligibility: Typically based on academic merit within a specific program, demonstrated leadership in the field, involvement in faculty-specific activities, or financial need. Some awards may require enrolment in specific courses or completion of certain academic milestones.
  • Application Process: Students usually receive information about these opportunities directly from their academic department or faculty. Applications often involve submitting an essay, a research proposal, a portfolio, or a letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
  • Renewal Criteria: Renewal for these awards is highly specific to each one. It may require maintaining a certain sessional or cumulative GPA, continuing full-time enrolment in the specific program, or demonstrating continued involvement in the area for which the award was granted. Students should consult their faculty’s awards office or their program coordinator for precise renewal terms.

Example Programs with Specific Awards:

  • Faculty of Graduate Studies: Offers various scholarships for continuing graduate students, often linked to research excellence or specific fields of study.
  • Lassonde School of Engineering: Provides numerous awards for students within engineering disciplines based on academic achievement and other criteria.
  • Schulich School of Business: Has a range of scholarships and bursaries for its students, considering academic performance, leadership, and financial need.

Always check your specific faculty or program website for detailed lists, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, as these awards are not centralized.

Graduate Funding at York for International Students (Master’s and PhD)

Minimum Guaranteed Graduate Funding Package

Component Amount
York University Fellowship $8,467
Employment (TA/GA) $30,677
International Tuition Offset Included
UHIP Bursary Included
Total Minimum Guaranteed $39,144 CAD

Totals and eligibility vary by program and are contingent on full-time registration and satisfactory academic progress. Funding is typically guaranteed for 2 years for most master’s programs and 4–5 years for doctoral programs.

TA/GA Work: What It Is and How Students Get It

Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Graduate Assistants (GAs) provide support for instruction, research, and administrative tasks. Employment income is paid after legal work eligibility is confirmed in Canada. Compensation and conditions are governed by CUPE 3903 agreements.

Graduate Assistantships (GA) Specifics

  • Full-time registration is required.
  • Positions are often tied to faculty external grants and are term-based (Fall/Winter/Summer).
  • Faculties post positions and initiate contracts through FGS; students apply directly to the faculty.

Quick checklist for grad applicants:

  • Ask your program about the funding letter before accepting admission.
  • Confirm expected TA hours per semester.
  • Ask about the International Tuition Offset and how it is applied.
  • Clarify whether summer funding is included in your package.

Common Mistakes That Cost Scholarships

  1. Miss MyFile “Received” status: Upload documents at least 7–10 days early and verify that each confirms “Received.”
  2. Use a weak reference: Select a recommender who can describe your impact with specific examples and outcomes.
  3. List activities with no results: Quantify your achievements, e.g., hours volunteered, people reached, money raised, programs built.
  4. Submit close to the deadline: Aim to complete your application 7–10 days before Jan 26 to avoid portal or processing issues.
  5. Ignore renewal rules: Plan your credit load and GPA targets from the beginning to ensure funding continues in subsequent years.

FAQs: York University Scholarships for International Students

Can international students get full scholarships at York?
Yes. PISE offers $180,000 over four years ($45,000/year). It is highly competitive, awarded to up to 20 students annually, and requires an “A” average plus demonstrated leadership.

Do I need an offer of admission before applying?
You need a 9-digit reference number, issued approximately 5 business days after submitting your admission application. The scholarship application is separate.

Do I apply in MyFile or a separate portal?
Both. You submit the scholarship application through the International Student Scholarship & Award Application portal (accessed via your reference number), and you upload supporting documents through MyFile. Both must be completed by Jan 26, 2026.

What if my nominator is late?
You will likely be ineligible for PISE. The nominator deadline of Feb 4, 2026, is firm. Add your nominator’s details to your application early and follow up with them well before the deadline.

Are there scholarships for current international students at York?
Options for continuing students include faculty or program-specific awards and FAAS bursaries for financial need. Check your faculty’s awards page directly, as information is not always centralized.

Can I work on campus with a study permit?
Yes, if your study permit explicitly authorizes on-campus work and you are enrolled full-time. If unsure, confirm with York International or an immigration advisor before applying to any Work/Study position.

Quick Final Checklist (Copy and Paste This)

  • Admission application submitted to York University
  • York 9-digit reference number received
  • Scholarship portal application submitted by Jan 26, 2026 (ET)
  • All MyFile documents show “Received” by Jan 26, 2026
  • Nominator link sent and nomination submitted by Feb 4, 2026 (ET)
  • FAAS Student Profile completed (if seeking bursaries)
  • Need Assessment submitted by Feb 15, 2026 (UG bursaries)
  • Work/Study eligibility confirmed with York International (if planning to work on campus)