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.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
2. Value: $10,000 total funding
3. Study Level: Undergraduate
4. Sponsor: York University Faculty of Science
5. Course to Study: Science-related undergraduate programs
6. Eligible Country: International & Canadian students

Eligibility Criteria for York Science Scholars Award (YSSA) 2026

All incoming first-year students, Canadian and International, who have applied for entrance to York University's Faculty of Science for full-time study starting in Fall 2026 are eligible to apply for this program.

Benefits of York Science Scholars Award (YSSA) 2026

The York Science Scholars Award of $10,000 is provided in two parts:

1. $5,000 as an entrance scholarship
2. $5,000 following a guaranteed summer research position after the first year of study

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 science@yorku.ca. 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!

Apply Now

For more details, visit York University Scholarship webpage

Application Deadline

February 20, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for York Science Scholars Award (YSSA) 2026