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York Science Scholars Award (YSSA)

What is the York Science Scholars Award Program?

The York Science Scholars program provides up to 10 first-year entering students with awards worth $10,000 each.  This Faculty of Science award is considered separately and in addition to any other York University or Faculty of Science admissions awards and scholarships.

The York Science Scholars Award of $10,000 is provided in two parts:

  • $5,000 as an entrance scholarship
  • $5,000 following a guaranteed summer research position after the first year of study

Future Students

What makes this Award different?

At York’s Faculty of Science, we acknowledge the importance of hands-on experience in academic and career success.  The York Science Scholars Award program combines:

  • $5,000 entrance scholarship
  • guaranteed full-time, 12-week summer research position following a student’s first year
  • $5,000 scholarship upon successful completion of the summer research position
  • leading-edge research facilities, and
  • one-on-one mentorship from outstanding faculty members

York Science Scholar winners are given the valuable opportunity to earn tuition in a guaranteed summer position during their first summer while participating in advanced scientific exploration.

How do I apply?

Given the prestige of the York Science Scholars program, its $10,000 financial component, and, perhaps most significantly, the experience provided by the summer research placement, applicants to the York Science Scholars program have very competitive applications. Please begin the process of putting your application together very early. Please note that you may submit your application prior to receiving an offer of admission to York University’s Faculty of Science.

1) Complete the application form
You can fill out the application form through our online portal when the portal is open (Click "Apply Now" button below). Please open the YSSA Application Guidelines file below to view detailed instructions

YSSA Application Guidelines

2) Write your personal statements
Please read the guidelines below carefully and complete two statements for your application.

Personal Statement Guidelines and Topics 

3) Prepare and upload your resume
Please include all paid employment, volunteer experience and any involvement in clubs and activities.

4) Arrange for two references. Only one can be an academic reference (teacher).
Choose references who know you well in a professional or academic setting and can write about your character and qualities. Please include two references, only one of which is an academic reference (teacher). Your second reference can also be a teacher if they are from a non-academic setting (e.g. a coach, volunteer supervisor, etc).

To be eligible for the YSSA, you must provide two (2) letters of reference. The reference letter form is available for download below. Please have your references fill out the reference letter form and email it directly to science@yorku.ca. Reference letters must be sent to us DIRECTLY by your references. You cannot submit letters on behalf of your references. All documents needed for your application, including your reference letters, must be received and date stamped by the Faculty of Science before February 28th, 2025 at 12:00PM ET. 

YSSA Reference Letter Form 


You are responsible for ensuring that these documents are submitted on time when applications are open or your application will be at risk of disqualification.

5) Submit your application!

Apply Now!

Past YSSA Winners

Jacqueline D

The YSSA award has given me a chance to explore other subjects outside my major, broadening my skills in statistical analysis and data manipulation. It has allowed me to write a paper on a very current topic and has given me the opportunity to be mentored by professors with experience in the field. I have learned many new skills throughout the summer that will help me succeed in my university career.

Read More about Jacqueline

Sakina H

Through the YSSA experience, I have had the opportunity to connect with other students as well as faculty. I was able to connect with other like-minded individuals and forge new friendships. It has also been an incredibly rewarding experience to work with distinguished members of the faculty and grow as a student.

Read More about Sakina

Aleeza Q

The York Science Scholar Award has given me the opportunity to fund my university experience in a nurturing environment that supports scientific exploration and global thinking. I have gotten one-on-one mentorship from distinguished faculty members, and been given the opportunity to take part in innovative research

Read More about Aleeza

Please contact science@yorku.ca if you do not find the answer to your question(s) below.

All incoming students, Canadian and International, who have applied for entrance to York University's Faculty of Science for full-time study starting in the fall term are eligible to apply for this program.

The YSSA program is a combination of an entrance scholarship and a guaranteed research placement in the summer after the first year of studies. The placement is full time for 12 weeks and runs from May to August. Award winners are expected to commit for the full 12 weeks and are responsible for their own living expenses.

$5,000 Entrance Scholarship:
Upon enrolment and registration in the York University’s Faculty of Science, the entrance scholarship will be credited to the student’s account.

$5,000 Summer Research Placement:
In the winter term (January) of the first year, students will be matched with a summer research placement based on factors such as their area of study, research opportunities, and preferences. Upon successful completion of the summer placement, $5,000 will be credited to the recipient’s York tuition account. Please note that a student must maintain a B+ average to retain their summer research placement.

1) High academic achievement: Although we consider the YSSA applications holistically, competitive applications tend to have a minimum average of A- (80%, or its equivalent) and higher.

2) Demonstrated passion for science and community service, demonstrated leadership skills, and a desire to make a difference for their communities.

3) Well-rounded candidates who demonstrate involvement beyond academics, for example, in community service, achievement in sports, the arts, or hobbies.

4) English Language Scores:
For international students requiring an English language test for admission to York University, competitive English test scores are:
• YELT: band 1
• TOEFL: iBT 100
• IELTS: 7.5

Applications for Fall 2025 are opening on 20th November, 2024.

Applications are due before Feb. 28th,2025 at 12:00PM EST

Automatic Entrance Scholarships:
In addition to the YSSA, candidates to the Faculty of Science automatically receive consideration to a number of entrance awards. Although the YSSA requires supplementary application materials, the York Automatic Entrance Scholarship and Science Entrance Scholarship for International Students are automatically assessed. Please note that the York Science Scholars’ Award is awarded in addition to any other awards received.

The Science Entrance Scholarship for International Students awards an additional $3,000 for entering international science students who have a 90%+ final average.

The York Automatic Entrance Scholarship is available to domestic high school applicants admitted to a direct entry undergraduate program. This entrance scholarship is automatically applied, renewable at all levels and can be regained when you recover the minimum required GPA. Please see the table below for Final Averages and Amounts for this Entrance Scholarship.

Final Admission Average AmountAmount
95% - 100%$14,000 = ($3,500 x 4yrs*)
90% - 94.9%$8,000 = ($2,000 x 4 yrs*)
85% - 89.9%$6,000 = ($1,500 x 4 yrs*)
80% - 84.9% $4,000 = ($1,000 x 4 yrs*)
*Scholarships are renewable for an additional three years of full time undergraduate study as long as the renewal criteria is maintained. Please visit futurestudents.yorku.ca/funding for more information on these and other awards.

In addition to the YSSA program, our undergraduate students have multiple opportunities to gain scientific research experience in addition to research exposure in class.

For example

  • Research Practicum Courses: Students apply to work with researchers to advance Professors’ research and Student work experience
  • Research @York: Paid positions to work with professors in their labs
  • NSERC USRAs: The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) offers prestigious paid Undergraduate Summer Research Awards (USRAs) every summer.
  • Dean’s Undergraduate Research Awards (DURA): Exclusive to the Faculty of science, students undertake research in labs for 16 weeks over the summer.
  • Capstone Project Courses: Independent research projects with the help of a supervising professor leading to publications in scientific journals or conference proceedings.
  • Biology Field Courses: In the field training in ecology and conservation.

YSSA Application Guidelines

Personal Statement Guidelines and Topics

YSSA Reference Letter Form