The York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence 2027 offers outstanding international students up to CAD $180,000 over four years to pursue an undergraduate degree in Canada. The award provides CAD $45,000 per year and recognises students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, volunteer work and extracurricular involvement.
For students from Nigeria and other countries, this is a significant funding opportunity. However, applicants must meet the academic requirements, secure an official high-school nomination and complete a separate scholarship application. The award does not automatically cover every tuition and living expense.
This guide explains the eligibility criteria, funding conditions, application requirements and published deadlines for Fall 2027 entry.
York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence 2027 at a Glance
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | York University, Toronto, Canada |
| Study level | Undergraduate |
| Intended entry | Fall 2027 |
| Eligible applicants | International high-school applicants entering their first year |
| Annual award | CAD $45,000 |
| Maximum four-year value | CAD $180,000 |
| Minimum admission average | 80% or equivalent |
| School nomination | Required; maximum two nominees per school |
| Student application deadline | January 27, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time |
| Nomination and reference deadline | February 4, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time |
Application status notice: York’s published application guide lists these deadlines but also displays a message indicating that the application is closed. Applicants should check the live guide or contact York University before assuming applications are currently being accepted.
How Much Is the Scholarship Worth?
York lists the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence at CAD $45,000 per year, up to CAD $180,000 over four years.
The award is renewable for up to three additional years of full-time undergraduate study, subject to York’s academic-standing and other renewal conditions.
Does it cover all university expenses?
Not necessarily. The maximum award value is not a guarantee that every recipient’s tuition, accommodation, food, travel, insurance and personal expenses will be covered.
Costs vary by degree programme and living arrangements. Estimate your annual expenses and compare them with the scholarship amount before deciding how to finance your studies. Do not describe the award as guaranteed fully funded support unless York confirms that it covers your full costs under the applicable conditions.
Can you combine it with other York entrance scholarships?
York states that the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence cannot be held in conjunction with other entrance scholarships. Review the university’s current award conditions before assuming that you can combine PISE with another entrance award.
Who Is Eligible for the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence?
1. International high-school applicants
The scholarship targets international students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree at York University in Fall 2027. Applicants must hold international student status and be subject to international tuition fees.
It is not a general award for all international students already enrolled at York. Students applying for postgraduate study or an advanced stage of undergraduate study should not assume they qualify.
2. A minimum admission average of 80%
York’s 2027 scholarship guidance specifies a minimum final admission average of 80% or equivalent.
Meeting this threshold does not guarantee selection. Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements for their intended undergraduate programme and demonstrate the qualities York seeks.
3. Leadership and community involvement
York looks for applicants who combine academic achievement with leadership, volunteer work and extracurricular participation.
Examples may include leading a student group, contributing to a community initiative, volunteering consistently or making a meaningful contribution through sports, arts or another activity. Focus on experiences that genuinely demonstrate your involvement rather than listing activities without context.
4. An official school nomination
Applicants need a nomination from a guidance counsellor, principal or senior school official. Each school can nominate a maximum of two students per year.
Contact your school early, explain the requirements and share the relevant deadlines. If several students are interested, the school may need to decide which candidates it will nominate.
How to Apply for the York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence 2027
Step 1: Apply for undergraduate admission
Apply for an eligible undergraduate programme at York University for Fall 2027.
York issues a university reference number after receiving your admission application. You need this number to access the scholarship application. York indicates that the reference number can take approximately four to five business days to arrive.
Recommended planning date: January 19, 2027. York advises applicants to apply for admission by this date, if possible, to allow time to receive their reference number before the January 27 scholarship deadline. This is a recommended planning date, not the official scholarship deadline.
Check the live scholarship guide first to confirm that the application is accepting submissions.
Step 2: Arrange your nomination
Contact your guidance counsellor, principal or senior school official and confirm whether they can nominate you.
Entering the official’s contact details in your scholarship application does not complete the nomination. Your school must follow York’s instructions and submit the required documents separately.
Step 3: Prepare the required information
York’s application guide identifies the following materials and information:
- Personal statement: Up to 500 words explaining why you are a strong candidate.
- Activities: Details of up to three extracurricular activities or community-involvement experiences.
- Previous awards: Details of up to three awards.
- Nominator information: Contact details for the school official responsible for your nomination.
- Optional additional reference: A reference letter highlighting your community involvement.
- Financial profile: An estimate of the funds available to support your studies over the next three to four years.
Prepare these details in advance where possible. In particular, estimate your available financial resources realistically rather than assuming the scholarship will cover every expense.
Step 4: Submit your scholarship application
The published student application deadline is January 27, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Allow time to review your application and resolve any access issues. Because York’s guide displays a conflicting closed-status message, verify the live application status before relying on this deadline.
Step 5: Confirm that your school submits its documents
After you submit the scholarship application, York sends your nominator instructions for completing the official nomination form and submitting a reference letter.
The published nomination and reference deadline is February 4, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Ask your school official to follow York’s current instructions for the reference letter, including any requirements concerning signatures and official school letterhead. Follow up before the deadline to confirm that the documents have been submitted.
What York’s Application Requires You to Demonstrate
The application limits applicants to three extracurricular or community activities and three previous awards. Choose entries that best demonstrate your achievements and involvement rather than trying to include everything you have done.
Your personal statement should complement these entries by explaining why your experiences matter and how they connect with your academic goals. Avoid simply repeating your activity list.
York also asks for a financial profile covering the resources available for the next three to four years. Prepare this estimate carefully and compare your available funds with the likely cost of your degree and living expenses.
These are practical recommendations based on the published application requirements, not an official York scoring rubric. Follow the live application instructions if the university changes the form or selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes. Nigerian students may apply if they meet York’s international student, academic, nomination and other eligibility requirements. The scholarship is open to eligible international applicants and is not restricted to African students.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
Not automatically. PISE offers CAD $45,000 per year for up to four years, but applicants must compare the award with their actual tuition and living expenses.
Can I apply without an admission offer?
York’s general international scholarship guidance indicates that applicants may apply for entrance awards before receiving an admission offer, provided they have applied for admission and obtained the required university reference number. Follow the specific instructions for the 2027 competition.
What if my school misses the nomination deadline?
The published deadline is February 4, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Contact your school official early and do not assume that late submissions will be accepted.
Official Sources
For the current eligibility criteria, application requirements and funding conditions, consult York University’s official pages:
- President’s International Scholarship of Excellence — application guides
- Scholarships and awards for international students
Final Advice for Applicants
The York University President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is worth considering if you are an academically strong international student planning to begin an undergraduate degree in Fall 2027 and can demonstrate leadership and meaningful community involvement.
Start by checking your eligibility, contacting your school about nomination and applying for admission early enough to receive the required reference number. Verify the live scholarship status, prepare the requested materials and confirm that both your application and your school’s documents meet the published deadlines.
Finally, budget around your actual programme costs. The maximum award is substantial, but understanding its conditions and any funding gap is essential before making a study-abroad decision.
