York Science Scholars Award (YSSA) 2026

The York Science Scholars program provides up to 10 first-year entering students with awards worth $10,000 each.  This Faculty of Science award is considered separately and in addition to any other York University or Faculty of Science admissions awards and scholarships.

• Table of Content
• About York University
• York University Undergraduate Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of York University Undergraduate Scholarship
• Requirements for York University Undergraduate Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

York University Undergraduate Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of York University Undergraduate Scholarship

The York Science Scholars Award program combines:

• $5,000 entrance scholarship
• guaranteed full-time, 12-week summer research position following a student’s first year
• $5,000 scholarship upon successful completion of the summer research position
• leading-edge research facilities, and
• one-on-one mentorship from outstanding faculty members

York Science Scholar winners are given the valuable opportunity to earn tuition in a guaranteed summer position during their first summer while participating in advanced scientific exploration.

Requirements for York University Undergraduate Scholarship Qualification

• You must be a first-year entering student.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Given the prestige of the York Science Scholars program, its $10,000 financial component, and, perhaps most significantly, the experience provided by the summer research placement, applicants to the York Science Scholars program have very competitive applications. Please begin the process of putting your application together very early. You may submit your application prior to receiving an offer of admission to York University’s Faculty of Science.

1. Complete the application form
   • You can fill out the application form through our online portal when the portal is open (Click "Apply Now" button below). Please open the YSSA Application Guidelines file below to view detailed instructions
   • YSSA Application Guidelines
2. Write your personal statements
   • Please read the guidelines below carefully and complete two statements for your application.
   • Personal Statement Guidelines and Topics 
3. Prepare and upload your resume
   • Please include all paid employment, volunteer experience and any involvement in clubs and activities.
4. Arrange for two references. Only one can be an academic reference (teacher).
   • Choose references who know you well in a professional or academic setting and can write about your character and qualities. Please include two references, only one of which is an academic reference (teacher). Your second reference can also be a teacher if they are from a non-academic setting (e.g. a coach, volunteer supervisor, etc).
   • To be eligible for the YSSA, you must provide two (2) letters of reference. The reference letter form is available for download below. Please have your references fill out the reference letter form and email it directly to [email protected]. Reference letters must be sent to us DIRECTLY by your references. You cannot submit letters on behalf of your references. All documents needed for your application, including your reference letters, must be received and date stamped by the deadline.
   • YSSA Reference Letter Form 
   • You are responsible for ensuring that these documents are submitted on time when applications are open or your application will be at risk of disqualification.
5. Submit your application!

For more information, kindly visit York University scholarship webpage.