Studying abroad as an undergraduate is a big financial commitment, and international tuition in Canada can run well into five figures every year. York University in Toronto has created one of the country’s most generous entrance awards to help outstanding high-school students manage that cost.
If you plan to start your first degree at York in Fall 2027, this guide explains what the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence (PISE) offers, who qualifies, how the nomination process works and the dates you must hit. Applications open on 1 November 2026, so now is the right time to prepare.
Key deadlines: The student scholarship application closes on 27 January 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Your nominator’s form and reference letter are due by 4 February 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
What the Scholarship Actually Offers
The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is awarded to international high-school applicants who show academic excellence, commitment to volunteer work and extracurricular activities, and leadership skills. York calls its recipients “President’s International Scholars” and says they come from a variety of regions around the world.
According to York’s international scholarships page, the award is valued at $180,000, paid as $45,000 a year for four years. The university applies scholarship funding to your York student account first, covering tuition and other fees before any remaining balance is released to you.
Two further points matter when you plan your budget:
- The scholarship is renewable, and recipients are generally expected to keep a high academic standing and complete a minimum course load each year.
- If your immigration status changes while you study and you stop paying international fees, York adjusts the award to reflect domestic tuition values.
The value is large, but it is not a guarantee that every expense will be covered. Treat it as major support toward tuition and living costs, and always check the current award terms on York’s website before making financial decisions.
Who Can Apply
York lists five core eligibility requirements. You must meet all of them.
- You must be a high-school student entering the first year of an undergraduate degree at York in Fall 2027.
- You must hold international student status and be subject to international tuition fees at York.
- You must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership skills and active involvement in volunteer work and extracurricular activities.
- You must have a minimum final admission average of 80% (A) or equivalent.
- You must be officially nominated by a guidance counsellor, principal or senior school official.
Each school can submit a maximum of two nominations per year. If your school has several strong candidates, talk to your counsellor early so the nomination decision is not rushed.
A Note on the 80% Requirement
An 80% average is the minimum, not a prediction of success. This is a competitive award, and York describes its scholars as students of the highest academic calibre. A strong average opens the door, but your leadership record, community involvement and personal statement are what set applicants apart.
Key Dates You Should Not Miss
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 November 2026 | Scholarship application opens |
| 27 January 2027, 11:59 p.m. EST | Student application deadline |
| 4 February 2027, 11:59 p.m. EST | Nomination and reference letter deadline |
| Fall 2027 | Undergraduate studies begin at York |
Two deadlines means two people are responsible for your application: you and your nominator. A late reference letter can sink an otherwise complete file, so give your nominator plenty of warning and plan to submit your own application well before 27 January.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
You must complete the scholarship application and nomination process in addition to your admission application. The scholarship is not automatic.
- Confirm your eligibility. Check the five requirements above and speak to your school about a nomination.
- Apply for undergraduate admission. You must apply to an undergraduate programme at York for Fall 2027 first. Once your application is received, York assigns you a York University Reference Number.
- Complete the online scholarship application. Use your reference number to log in to the scholarship portal and submit the required information.
- Make sure your nominator submits their part. After you submit, York emails your nominator a link to complete the nomination form and upload a reference letter.
What the Scholarship Application Asks For
- A personal statement of up to 500 words explaining why you are an exceptional candidate, covering your goals, leadership skills and commitment to volunteer work or extracurricular activities
- A list of up to three extracurricular activities and community involvements
- A list of up to three previous awards
- Contact details for the guidance counsellor, principal or senior official who will nominate you
- An optional additional reference letter highlighting your community involvement
- A financial profile estimating the total funding available to support your studies over the next three to four years
Guidance for Nominators and Schools
Because a nomination is mandatory, counsellors play a central role. York sets out the following expectations for them.
- The nominator must be a guidance counsellor, principal or senior official at the student’s current high school.
- Nominators select up to two students per year, review the requirements with them and make sure each nominee has applied to York and obtained a reference number.
- The student’s scholarship application must include the nominator’s name, title and email address.
- The reference letter must be signed and appear on the school’s official letterhead.
- The letter should highlight the candidate’s academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and contributions to the community.
Students should share this section with their counsellor. A specific, well-written letter that gives real examples of your leadership is far more useful than a generic endorsement.
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Start the admission application early. You cannot reach the scholarship portal without a York reference number.
- Be specific in your personal statement. With only 500 words, name real projects, roles and results rather than listing qualities. If you are unsure how this differs from other essays, read this breakdown of statement of purpose vs. personal statement.
- Choose your three activities carefully. Pick the ones that show sustained commitment and genuine impact, not just the longest list.
- Be honest in your financial profile. Present a realistic picture of the funding you have available for your studies.
- Brief your nominator. Share your statement and a short summary of your achievements so their letter is accurate and detailed.
- Submit before the deadline day. Portals get busy near cut-off times, and technical problems are your risk, not York’s.
Other York Scholarships Worth Knowing About
You can apply for PISE and other entrance awards at the same time. York notes that PISE is a high-value award that cannot be combined with its entrance scholarships, so if you are successful you receive the higher-value award. Applicants who are not selected are automatically considered for other international entrance scholarships based on their final admission average, such as the York International Scholarship of Distinction.
York also states that direct-entry international students starting in Fall 2027 receive a four-year on-campus housing guarantee, which can help with planning your living arrangements in Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for admission before the scholarship?
Yes. You need your York University Reference Number, which you only receive after applying for admission, to log in to the scholarship application.
Can I nominate myself?
No. A guidance counsellor, principal or senior official at your current high school must nominate you and submit a reference letter.
How many students can a school nominate?
A maximum of two students per school each year.
Is the scholarship available to students already at university?
No. It is for high-school students entering the first year of an undergraduate degree at York.
Can I combine PISE with other York entrance scholarships?
No. If you succeed, you receive the higher-value award rather than both. Confirm the latest rules on the official pages.
Where to Apply and Learn More
Always check York’s official pages for the latest requirements, dates and award terms.
Disclaimer: Scholarship values, dates and eligibility rules can change. Verify all details directly with York University before you apply.