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Awards, Scholarships & Bursaries

We want to recognize your academic success and provide a financial boost to those who need it. Awards are not just a source of extra funds - scholarships, awards and bursaries are a great way to enhance your resume and university transcript, demonstrating your hard work and dedication to your studies.

There are many awards in the Department of Politics, based on academic standing, financial need, or in recognition of your hard work. For financial awards, you must fill out your Student Financial Profile, follow the three easy steps below.

3 Easy Steps:

  1. Fill out your Student Financial Profile (SFP) in the first week of EVERY term. It is a mandatory step in being considered for the majority of awards.
  2. Determine what awards you’re eligible for.
  3. Apply for awards. This may include writing an essay or submitting a personal statement.

Awards can help strengthen your resume, provide you with additional financial support, and widen your network. Don't be shy, apply today!


Edward A. Beder Memorial Scholarships

Donor: Mr. R. Beder
Amount: $750

Two scholarships are awarded annually to Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies students - one to a student majoring in economics and the other to a student majoring in political science. Both students must be entering the third- or fourth-year of their program. Some consideration will be given to demonstrable financial need. (Year level: 3)


Ashe Davis Liberal Award

Donor: York Peel Federal Liberal Association
Amount: $400

Established in memory of Mr. Ashe Davis, who was active in the development of policy for the Liberal Party of Canada. Awarded to an Honours undergraduate student in political science who is entering Year 4 of studies. The recipient would be judged to have the highest academic achievement and have demonstrated a special interest in the field of politics. (Min credits: 90, Year level: 4)


The Sergio Marchi Scholarship

Donor: The friends of Sergio Marchi
Amount: $500

Awarded annually to an outstanding honours undergraduate student majoring in Political Science at the Keele Campus who is entering fourth year. Selection will be based upon overall grade point average at the end of third year. This scholarship was established as a tribute to the Honourable Sergio Marchi, PC MP (Hon. BA '79, York). (Year level: 4)


McLaughlin College Public Policy Scholarship

Amount: $250 - $500

Two awards will be awarded annually to two McLaughlin College students majoring or minoring in a public policy program or area of study. One recipient must have completed 60 credits and registered for the coming year; the other must have completed 90 credits and be registered for the coming year. The recipients must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of A (8.0).


Paul Pellegrini Award

Donor: Paul Pellegrini
Amount: $500

An award of $500 will be given annually to a deserving third or fourth year student. This is open to all third and fourth year students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, with preference given to political science majors focusing on Public Policy and Administration who achieve a minimum B (6.0) overall average. The successful applicant must demonstrate financial need, have Canadian citizenship (permanent resident or landed immigrant status) and be a resident of Ontario as defined by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). Applications available first day of class through Student Financial Services.


William Pearson Scott Scholarship

Donor: The late William Pearson Scott
Amount: Min. $2,000 - Max. $3,000

This is a shared award with Graduate Studies, Economics and Political Sciences. Awarded to outstanding fourth year specialized honours or first year Master's student in economics or political science. (Min completed credits: 84)


E. Carl Smith Book Prize

Donor: In memory of Carl Smith.
Amount: $50

Awarded annually to a political science major who distinguishes themselves in Year 3 of study. Distinction will be measured in terms of sessional grade point average in the fall/winter session. A student must have no fewer than 48 and no more than 81 credits at the beginning of the session and they must complete at least 24 credits or the equivalent during the session. The award was established in memory of Carl Smith, an alumnus of the University who was, at the time of his death, enrolled in York's Political Science graduate program. (Year level: 3)


Political Science Award

Donors: Political Science
Faculty Amount: 1,850

This award was established to help deserving students complete their studies. Recipients must be Political Science majors in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies who have Canadian citizenship/permanent residents, resident of Ontario as defined by the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) and demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to those applicants who have completed a minimum of 60 credits and achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of B (6.0). Applications available through Student Financial Services.


Political Science Scholarship

Donors: Political Science Faculty
Amount: $275

Awarded to the graduating fourth-year honours Political Science student at the Keele Campus, with the highest grade point average calculated on political science courses only. In the event of a tie, the department will decide whether to make more than one award (but no more than three). If more than three students have the same political science grade point average, the department will take into consideration the number of political science courses taken by the students and their overall grade point averages in its selection of the three nominees. (Min completed credits: 30, Year level: 4)


Margery Ward Memorial Bursary

Donor: In memory of Margery Ward
Amount: $400

This award is for a mature, female student majoring in Political Science in an Undergraduate Faculty. Applications available through Student Financial Services. For more information on other student awards at the university, contact the Undergraduate Awards Centre, Suite D, West Office Building, 736-5614.


The Ross and Gail Rudolph Award

Amount: $1,500

The Ross and Gail Rudolph Award will be given to a student majoring in political science who achieves the highest grade in a second year political science course that focuses on Western political thought. If no second year course in Western political thought exists, the award will be given to a student majoring in political science who achieves the highest grade in a political science course focusing on Western political thought. The recipient must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person who is a resident of Ontario and demonstrates financial need.


Rudolph Family Award

Amount: $1,050

The Rudolph Family Award will be given annually to the Year 1 student with the highest grade in Introduction to Politics (currently POLS 1000) who is continuing in the Honours program in Political Science (Keele campus). The recipient must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person, an Ontario resident and demonstrate financial need.


Virginia McDonald-Evans Fund

Amount: $700

Awarded to the Liberal Arts & Professional Studies students taking political science courses who, while enrolled in a 3000-level or 4000-level course, produced the finest piece of written work in one of two areas of study: one prize will be awarded in the area of government and politics of Canada, and another prize will be awarded in the area of political theory. Established to honour the late Professor McDonald-Evans, distinguished scholar and devoted educator. (Area of study: Government and Politics of Canada or Political Theory, 3000 or 4000 level course in poiltical science)


Banfield Scholarship in the Social Sciences

Amount: $2,000

The C. Jane Banfield Scholarship in the Social Sciences will be awarded to entering full time undergraduate students studying in any field of the social sciences in the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, who demonstrate academic excellence. Where candidates are equal in academic merit, financial need will be used as a deciding factor. Preference will be given to students who participated in York's Bridging Program for Women. This scholarship was made possible through a generous bequest from the late Dr. C. Jane. Banfield (1930-2016) a graduate of UBC (LLB'54, MA'59) and LSE (PhD'73). Dr. Banfield was a professor in York University's Division of Social Science from 1968 to 1998. In the early 1970's she founded the Law & Society interdisciplinary program, the first of its kind in Canada, and served as a director for many years. She was appointed by York University President Ian Macdonald as the University's first adviser on the status of women, She was tireless in her concern for student achievement, inspired many, and often said "law is far too important to be just to lawyers". Dr. Banfield's husband was York University Professor Robert (Bob) H. Haynes OC (1931-1998), a distinguished science biologist, who served York from 1968-1992.

Looking for more?

The Faculty of LA&PS also provides a number of scholarships, awards and bursaries. Use the award search and fill our your student financial profile today.