When applying to schools outside of your home country for your undergraduate degree, one of the biggest things to consider is the financial aspect of moving and studying. Exploring available funding support can make a big difference. After you've applied to York University, you can start applying for awards right away — don't delay it! Find out how to get a head start.

1. Starting your search

Start by searching for awards that you can apply for. Some awards will have a nomination or application deadline — so what's the difference? When awards are open for nominations, you can't apply for them yourself, but a third party can nominate you if you are a good fit.

As an international student, you will have the chance to explore a variety of awards catered to you, like the International Entrance Scholarships. When you apply to York University as an International Student for Fall 2025, you'll automatically be considered for an entrance scholarship on the basis of your final admission average. These scholarships recognize your academic achievements and range from $2,500 to $37,500. There are some other scholarships like the President's International Scholarship of Excellence; this scholarship can be awarded to up to twenty applicants and is valued at $180,000 CAD ($45,000 yearly) over four years. International high school applicants who are entering a four-year program and have shown academic excellence, leadership, and volunteer work qualify to receive this scholarship.

Awards can recognize students for a variety of accomplishments. One of York's most notable scholarships, the Tentanda Via Award, which is named after the University's motto, "The way must be tried," recognizes students for their resilience and ability to make a difference. There are fifteen international awards available valued at $120,000 CAD ($30,000 yearly) which can be renewed for four years. If you are a student who has faced significant personal barriers and overcome them to pursue a university education or are a changemaker who is dedicated to making a difference — send an application for this award.

The deadline to apply for both the above scholarships is Saturday, February 15, 2025.

2. Keep deadlines in mind

When you start searching for awards, you will see several things in the descriptions, such as dollar amounts and how to send in your application. Not all processes and deadlines will be the same, and it is important to consider this before you begin applying. By using the Scholarships, Awards, and Bursaries for Incoming Students webpage, you can find awards you'd like to apply for and their dates — make sure you take notes to help yourself stay on track.

3. Send applications before the start of each term

Once you've browsed the available awards and found the ones you'd like to apply for, you can start your application. Once you become a York student, you can apply for scholarships, awards and bursaries at the beginning of every term. This can help significantly when paying for tuition.

We can't wait to have you join us at York University, and we look forward to hearing about all your accomplishments thus far and cheering you on throughout your time at York. Find out how scholarships have helped other international students by reading about Tentanda Via Award recipient Adeline Chacko.