The York University President’s Scholarship 2027 offers international students an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada with financial support worth up to CAD 180,000 over four years.
Officially known as the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence (PISE), this competitive award recognises international high-school students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, leadership, volunteer experience and meaningful involvement in their communities.
Selected students receive CAD 45,000 annually, renewable for up to four years subject to the scholarship conditions. Recipients also gain access to mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities at York University in Toronto, Canada.
For the Fall 2027 intake, the student scholarship application deadline is 27 January 2027, followed by the school nomination deadline of 4 February 2027.
Importantly, students must first apply for admission to York University and obtain a university reference number before accessing the scholarship application.
This guide explains the scholarship’s eligibility requirements, financial benefits, application dates, school nomination process, required documents and how international students can apply.
York University Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Scholarship details | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | President’s International Scholarship of Excellence |
| University | York University |
| Country | Canada |
| Location | Toronto, Ontario |
| Study level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
| Academic intake | Fall 2027 |
| Eligible applicants | International high-school students |
| Annual scholarship | CAD 45,000 |
| Maximum scholarship value | CAD 180,000 |
| Duration | Up to four years |
| Minimum final admission average | 80% or equivalent |
| School nomination | Required |
| Scholarship application opens | 1 November 2026 |
| Student application deadline | 27 January 2027 |
| School nomination deadline | 4 February 2027 |
| Application method | Online application after applying for admission |
| Funding type | Fixed-value renewable scholarship |
Official scholarship page: York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence
What Is the York University President’s International Scholarship?
The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is one of York University’s major entrance scholarships for international undergraduate students.
It supports students with strong academic records who have demonstrated initiative, leadership and commitment to extracurricular or community activities.
The scholarship is designed for students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree at York University.
Successful applicants become part of York’s President’s International Scholars community, which provides opportunities to connect with students, faculty members, mentors and university leaders.
Unlike automatic entrance scholarships based primarily on admission grades, PISE requires a separate scholarship application and an official school nomination.
Students looking for other Canadian undergraduate opportunities can compare this award with the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 and the UBC International Scholars Program 2027.
York University President’s Scholarship 2027 Benefits
The scholarship provides significant financial support throughout an eligible four-year undergraduate programme.
CAD 180,000 Scholarship Funding
The award is distributed as follows:
| Study year | Scholarship amount |
|---|---|
| First year | CAD 45,000 |
| Second year | CAD 45,000 |
| Third year | CAD 45,000 |
| Fourth year | CAD 45,000 |
| Maximum total | CAD 180,000 |
The scholarship is renewable for three additional years of full-time undergraduate study, provided the recipient continues to meet the applicable academic and award conditions.
The amount is fixed rather than automatically increasing with tuition or living expenses.
Additional Benefits for Scholarship Recipients
Beyond financial support, President’s International Scholars can receive:
- Access to a community of international scholarship recipients.
- Mentoring support to help with the transition to university.
- Career development opportunities.
- Complimentary registration for York’s annual Career Ready Conference during their studies.
- Networking opportunities with faculty members and university leaders.
These opportunities can help students build professional connections, gain confidence and develop leadership skills while studying.
Official source: President’s International Scholars Benefits
Is the York University CAD 180,000 Scholarship Fully Funded?
The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is a high-value financial award, but it does not guarantee that every educational and living expense will be covered.
Recipients receive CAD 45,000 annually. Actual expenses depend on their academic programme, accommodation, meal arrangements, health coverage and personal spending.
Estimated Cost of Studying at York University
According to York University’s published international student budget:
| Annual expense | Estimated cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Tuition and compulsory fees for most non-professional programmes | $38,000–$47,000 |
| Books and supplies | $1,200–$2,600 |
| On-campus residence for eight months | $9,000–$13,000 |
| Meal plan for eight months | $4,350–$8,000 |
| Personal expenses on campus | Approximately $4,200 |
| Health and dental coverage | Approximately $1,151 |
| Overall annual student budget | $57,901–$76,951+ |
These are university planning estimates, not guaranteed Fall 2027 prices.
Compared with the annual CAD 45,000 scholarship, the published total budget suggests that some recipients could still need approximately CAD 12,901–31,951 or more per year from other sources.
Actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the programme and individual circumstances.
Applicants should therefore prepare a realistic financial plan instead of assuming the award will automatically cover everything.
Official source: York University International Student Budget
Does York University Provide Free Accommodation?
York University offers a four-year on-campus residence guarantee to eligible direct-entry international students beginning their studies in Fall 2027.
However, the residence guarantee does not mean that accommodation or meal plans are free.
Students remain responsible for applicable residence and meal-plan charges.
York University Scholarship 2027 Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the scholarship’s published eligibility conditions.
Academic Requirements
Students must:
- Be international high-school applicants preparing to enter the first year of an undergraduate degree at York University in Fall 2027.
- Hold international student status and be subject to international tuition fees.
- Have a minimum final admission average of 80% (A) or equivalent.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential.
- Show meaningful involvement in volunteer work or extracurricular activities.
- Receive an official nomination from their high school.
- Meet the admission requirements for their chosen undergraduate programme.
The 80% threshold is a minimum eligibility condition, not a guarantee of admission or scholarship selection.
Students should not assume that their country’s grading system converts directly to York’s percentage scale. The university evaluates academic qualifications according to the applicable curriculum.
Leadership and Community Involvement
The scholarship seeks students who contribute beyond the classroom.
Examples of relevant experiences may include organising educational activities, participating in community projects, volunteering, mentoring younger students, leading school initiatives or contributing to environmental and social projects.
Applicants should demonstrate what they actually achieved rather than simply providing a long list of activities.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The scholarship is not designed for applicants entering a graduate degree, such as a Master’s or PhD.
It is also not intended as a general award for existing university students or applicants seeking an undergraduate transfer scholarship.
Applicants must satisfy the current first-year admission and international tuition conditions.
Official eligibility guide: York University PISE Application Requirements
Can Pakistani Students Apply for the York University Scholarship 2027?
Yes. Pakistani students are eligible to apply as international applicants if they satisfy the scholarship and undergraduate admission requirements.
York University recognises the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or Intermediate Certificate Examination for assessment of applicants educated in Pakistan.
This means eligible Pakistani students can seek undergraduate admission using their Intermediate qualifications, subject to the specific programme’s requirements.
For scholarship consideration, applicants must also:
- Meet the required academic average or equivalent.
- Demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
- Obtain nomination from an eligible school official.
- Apply to York University for Fall 2027 admission.
- Complete the separate scholarship application.
Students who have completed FSc, FA, ICS or another recognised Intermediate pathway should check the subject prerequisites for their intended degree.
For example, engineering, science, business and other programmes may require particular courses or higher academic standards.
Official source: York University Admission Requirements by Country
York University Scholarship 2027 Application Deadline
There are three particularly important dates for international scholarship applicants.
Scholarship Application Timeline
| Application stage | Deadline |
|---|---|
| International scholarship application opens | 1 November 2026 |
| Recommended admission application date | 19 January 2027 |
| Student scholarship application deadline | 27 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. EST |
| School nomination and reference deadline | 4 February 2027, 11:59 p.m. EST |
| Scholarship decisions | Expected March 2027 |
| Scholarship credited to student accounts | Expected mid-August 2027 |
| Undergraduate programme starts | Fall 2027 |
Why Should Students Apply for Admission Before January 19?
To access the scholarship form, applicants need a York University Reference Number.
York generally provides this number within four to five business days after receiving an undergraduate admission application.
The university therefore recommends submitting the admission application by 19 January 2027.
Students who apply later risk not receiving their reference number before the January 27 scholarship deadline.
Scholarship Deadline vs. General Admission Deadline
York University’s general deadline for most international undergraduate applicants entering in Fall 2027 is 24 March 2027.
However, this later admission deadline does not extend the scholarship deadline.
Some programmes, including certain business and social work programmes, have earlier admissions deadlines or supplementary application requirements.
Applicants should check both their programme deadline and the scholarship deadline.
Official sources:
York University Scholarship Application Timeline
Undergraduate Admission Deadlines
Documents Required for the York University Scholarship 2027
The scholarship application is separate from the normal university admission application.
York University’s official 2027 guide identifies the following scholarship components.
| Document or component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| York University Reference Number | Required |
| Personal statement | Maximum 500 words |
| Extracurricular and community activities | Maximum 3 entries |
| Previous awards | Maximum 3 entries |
| School nominator information | Required |
| School nomination and reference letter | Required |
| Additional community reference | Optional |
| Financial profile | Required |
1. Personal Statement — Maximum 500 Words
Applicants must submit a personal statement explaining why they are exceptional candidates.
York asks applicants to address their goals, leadership skills, and volunteer or extracurricular activities.
A strong statement should explain what the applicant has achieved, what they learned, the impact of their involvement and how their future goals connect to their education.
The limit is 500 words, not 3,000 words or 3,000 characters.
2. Extracurricular Activities and Community Involvement
Applicants can provide up to three entries describing their most meaningful extracurricular or community activities.
Prioritise activities that demonstrate initiative, responsibility, sustained commitment or measurable positive impact.
3. Previous Awards
Students can list up to three previous awards or recognitions.
These may include academic achievements, leadership recognition or other relevant accomplishments.
4. School Nomination and Reference Letter
Applicants must provide the contact information of a guidance counsellor, principal or senior official at their current high school.
That school official must complete the nomination and submit the required reference letter.
5. Optional Community Reference
Applicants may provide an additional reference highlighting their community involvement.
This is optional and should not be confused with the required school nomination.
6. Financial Profile
The application includes a financial profile requesting the estimated funding available to support the student’s education over the next three to four years.
Applicants should provide accurate information based on their circumstances and the form’s instructions.
Admission Documents
Separate undergraduate admission requirements may include academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and supplementary materials for particular programmes.
Students should check the official undergraduate document requirements.
How Does the School Nomination Process Work?
School nomination is mandatory for the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence.
York University permits each high school to nominate a maximum of two students per year.
Who Can Nominate a Student?
The nominator must be an eligible senior school representative, such as:
- A guidance counsellor.
- A school principal.
- A senior high-school official.
The nomination cannot simply be replaced by a letter from a friend or another student.
What Must the Reference Letter Include?
York requires the school reference letter to:
- Be signed by the nominator.
- Appear on the school’s official letterhead.
- Discuss the applicant’s academic achievements.
- Describe extracurricular involvement and contributions to the community.
How Is the Nomination Submitted?
After the student submits the scholarship application, York emails the nominated school official a link.
The official uses this link to confirm the nomination and upload the required reference letter.
The nomination and letter must be submitted by 4 February 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Students should contact their school well before January 27 and confirm that an eligible official is willing to nominate them.
Official nomination instructions: York University Student and Educator Application Guides
How to Apply for York University’s CAD 180,000 Scholarship
International students should follow these steps.
Step 1: Choose an Undergraduate Programme
Visit York University Undergraduate Admissions.
Explore available programmes and confirm that your qualifications satisfy their admission requirements.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to York University
Submit your undergraduate admission application through York’s official application process.
You do not need to wait until you receive a university admission offer before beginning the scholarship application.
However, you must have applied for admission.
Apply here: York University Undergraduate Application
Step 3: Obtain Your York University Reference Number
After the university receives your application, it sends an acknowledgement that includes your York University Reference Number.
This number is required to access the international scholarship application.
York advises that it normally takes four to five business days to receive it.
Step 4: Arrange Your School Nomination
Contact your guidance counsellor, principal or another eligible senior school official.
Explain the scholarship requirements and confirm that your school can nominate you.
Remember that only two students from each school can be nominated annually.
Step 5: Complete the Scholarship Application
Once the application portal opens, access the scholarship form using your York University Reference Number.
Complete the required sections, including your personal statement, extracurricular activities, previous awards, financial profile and nominator information.
Scholarship application page: President’s International Scholarship of Excellence Application Guide
Step 6: Submit Before January 27
Submit the completed student scholarship application by:
27 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Do not rely on the later general undergraduate admission deadline.
Step 7: Confirm the School Nomination
Ask your school official to check for York University’s nomination email.
The school must complete the nomination and reference submission by:
4 February 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Step 8: Monitor Your Application and Scholarship Results
York expects to communicate incoming international scholarship decisions in March 2027.
Successful applicants should follow the admission-offer conditions, scholarship terms and financial instructions provided by the university.
Scholarship funding is expected to be credited to student accounts in mid-August 2027, subject to the university’s payment schedule.
How to Write a Strong 500-Word Scholarship Personal Statement
The personal statement is an important part of the application because it allows students to demonstrate qualities that grades alone cannot show.
York specifically asks applicants to explain their goals, leadership experience, and involvement in volunteer or extracurricular activities.
A useful structure is:
Academic and Career Goals
Briefly explain what motivates your intended field of study and what you hope to achieve professionally.
Leadership Experience
Describe a meaningful experience where you accepted responsibility, solved a problem, organised an activity or supported others.
Focus on your actions and their impact.
Community and Extracurricular Involvement
Discuss the volunteer work or extracurricular activity that best reflects your commitment to making a positive contribution.
Why the Scholarship Matters
Connect the opportunity to your educational development, long-term goals and potential contribution to the York community.
Avoid repeating the same achievements across every paragraph.
The statement should contain specific examples, sound authentic and remain within York’s 500-word limit.
Is IELTS Required for the York University Scholarship 2027?
York University does not specify a separate IELTS score for the PISE scholarship itself.
However, international applicants must satisfy the language proficiency requirements of their chosen undergraduate programme.
For most York undergraduate programmes, the published IELTS Academic requirement is 6.5 overall when an English-language test is needed.
Some programmes have higher requirements:
| Programme | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|
| Most undergraduate programmes | 6.5 |
| Bachelor of Engineering | 6.5, with no band below 6.0 |
| Nursing | 7.0 |
| Schulich School of Business | 7.0 |
York also accepts other approved language tests, including TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo and CAEL, subject to programme rules.
Certain applicants may qualify for an English-language requirement exemption based on their previous education or other published criteria.
Applicants should not assume that studying in English automatically guarantees a waiver.
Official source: York University Undergraduate English Language Requirements
York University Scholarship 2027 Renewal Requirements
The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is renewable for up to three additional years of full-time undergraduate study.
Recipients must remain eligible and maintain good academic standing, as required by the university and their award terms.
The four-year maximum value of CAD 180,000 should not be interpreted as four unconditional payments regardless of academic progress.
Applicants should review the renewal requirements included in their official scholarship offer.
Can Students Combine PISE With Other York University Scholarships?
York University states that the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence cannot be combined with its regular international entrance scholarships.
Students may apply for several scholarship opportunities, but recipients cannot automatically add the values of incompatible entrance awards together.
York indicates that the higher-value applicable entrance award will be provided when scholarship restrictions prevent combining awards.
Certain faculty-specific scholarships may have different rules.
Applicants should confirm the conditions of any additional award before including it in their financial plan.
Official source: York University International Scholarships and Awards
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Waiting Until the General Admission Deadline
The scholarship closes on 27 January 2027, earlier than York’s general March admission deadline for many international programmes.
Applying Without a York Reference Number
Students must first apply for undergraduate admission and obtain their reference number to use the scholarship application system.
Missing the School Nomination
An otherwise strong application may remain incomplete if the school official fails to submit the nomination and reference letter by February 4.
Exceeding the Personal Statement Limit
The official limit for 2027 is 500 words.
Assuming the Scholarship Is Automatically Fully Funded
The annual award is CAD 45,000. Actual costs can exceed this amount.
Ignoring Programme-Specific Requirements
Some academic programmes require additional admission materials, higher academic standards or different language scores.
Other Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
Students considering the York University President’s Scholarship 2027 can also explore other competitive undergraduate funding opportunities.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship — Canada
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 at the University of Toronto covers tuition, books, incidental fees and residence for four years.
Like PISE, it requires school nomination, but its application process and deadlines are different.
UBC International Scholars Program — Canada
The UBC International Scholars Program 2027 supports outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and significant financial need.
Its funding depends on the award and assessed financial circumstances.
Robertson Scholars Leadership Program — United States
The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program 2027 provides undergraduate funding at Duke University or the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, including tuition, room, board and additional enrichment opportunities.
For more opportunities, explore Fully Funded Bachelor’s Scholarships for International Students 2026–2027.
Frequently Asked Questions About York University Scholarship 2027
Is the York University President’s Scholarship 2027 open?
The Fall 2027 scholarship application is scheduled to open on 1 November 2026. The student application deadline is 27 January 2027.
How much is the York University President’s Scholarship worth?
The scholarship offers CAD 45,000 annually for up to four years, giving a maximum total value of CAD 180,000.
What is the York University scholarship deadline for 2027?
Students must submit their scholarship applications by 27 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
School nominations and required reference letters must be submitted by 4 February 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes. Pakistani high-school applicants may apply if they meet the admission, academic, leadership and nomination requirements.
Is the York University scholarship fully funded?
It is a substantial fixed-value scholarship, but it does not guarantee full coverage of tuition and living expenses. Students may need additional funding.
What is the minimum percentage required?
Applicants need a minimum final admission average of 80% or equivalent. Competitive selection also considers leadership and community involvement.
Is IELTS mandatory?
There is no separate IELTS requirement for the scholarship itself. Students must satisfy York’s undergraduate language requirements through an approved test or qualifying exemption.
Is a school nomination required?
Yes. An eligible high-school official must nominate the student. Each school may nominate no more than two candidates annually.
Can I apply without an admission offer?
Yes. You must first apply for York undergraduate admission and receive a reference number, but an admission offer is not required before submitting the scholarship application.
What is the personal statement word limit?
The scholarship application requires a personal statement of no more than 500 words.
Does the scholarship provide free accommodation?
No. York offers an on-campus residence guarantee to qualifying incoming international students, but residence and meal-plan costs remain payable.
Can I apply for both York’s entrance scholarships and PISE?
You can seek consideration for available awards, but PISE cannot be combined with regular international entrance scholarships under York’s published award rules.
When will scholarship results be announced?
York expects to communicate incoming international scholarship decisions in March 2027.
Is the scholarship available for Master’s or PhD students?
No. The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is intended for eligible incoming undergraduate students.
Final Thoughts
The York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence 2027 is a valuable opportunity for international high-school students who want to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Canada.
With CAD 45,000 per year and up to CAD 180,000 over four years, it can significantly reduce the financial cost of studying at York University.
The scholarship also recognises more than academic grades. Leadership, volunteer work, extracurricular achievements and community involvement are important selection factors.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the application sequence: apply for York admission, obtain a university reference number, submit the scholarship form by 27 January 2027, and ensure school nomination by 4 February 2027.
Because the award does not guarantee full-cost funding, students should also review York’s tuition and living-cost estimates before making financial commitments.
For the most accurate information, use York University’s official scholarship application guide and admissions resources.
Official Scholarship Website: York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence
Official 2027 Application Guide: Student Application and School Nomination Instructions
Apply for Undergraduate Admission: York University Application Portal and Instructions
Last fact-checked: 13 October 2026. Scholarship deadlines, funding conditions and university fees may change. Applicants should verify the latest information directly with York University.