African students planning to study in Canada in 2027 can apply for several York University scholarships, including the prestigious President’s International Scholarship of Excellence worth CAD 180,000 over four years.
York University is located in Toronto, Ontario, and offers undergraduate programmes across business, engineering, computer science, health, liberal arts, science, environmental studies and several other fields.
International students can receive both automatic entrance scholarships and awards that require a separate application. According to York University’s official international scholarships page, the university provides millions of dollars in financial support to international students every year.
The biggest confirmed scholarship for students entering York in Fall 2027 is the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, commonly called PISE.
Successful students receive:
CAD 45,000 per year
for up to four years, giving the scholarship a total value of:
CAD 180,000.
The student application deadline is January 27, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, while the student’s school nominator must complete the nomination and reference process by February 4, 2027. York confirms these dates in its official 2027 President’s International Scholarship application guide.
Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and other African countries can apply if they meet York’s international admission and scholarship requirements.
York University Scholarships 2027 at a Glance
University: York University
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Study Level: Undergraduate
African Students: Eligible
Largest Confirmed 2027 International Award: CAD 180,000
President’s International Scholarship Value: CAD 45,000 per year for four years
Student Scholarship Deadline: January 27, 2027
School Nomination Deadline: February 4, 2027
International Scholarship Application Opens: November 1, 2026
Recommended Date to Apply to York Before Scholarship Deadline: January 19, 2027
General Fall 2027 International Admission Deadline: March 24, 2027 for most programmes
Study Begins: September 2027
Last Updated: October 2026
President’s International Scholarship of Excellence 2027
The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is York University’s major international undergraduate scholarship.
It targets outstanding international high school students who demonstrate more than good grades.
York looks for students with:
- Strong academic performance
- Leadership ability
- Volunteer experience
- Extracurricular involvement
- Commitment to their communities
The scholarship provides:
CAD 45,000 per year
and can renew for another three years if the recipient maintains good academic standing.
Therefore, a student can receive up to:
CAD 180,000 over four years.
You can verify the current award value and application dates through York’s President’s International Scholarship of Excellence information.
Is the York University President’s Scholarship Fully Funded?
The CAD 180,000 award provides substantial financial support, but students should avoid automatically describing it as a guaranteed full ride.
The scholarship pays CAD 45,000 annually.
Your actual university expenses depend on factors including:
- Degree programme
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Meal plan
- Books
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
Therefore, the scholarship may cover a very large portion of the cost, but students should compare the CAD 45,000 annual award against the estimated cost of their specific programme.
York also warns international applicants that scholarships are limited and students should prepare a realistic financial plan for their studies.
How Much Is CAD 180,000 Per Year?
The scholarship is divided over four years:
Year 1: CAD 45,000
Year 2: CAD 45,000
Year 3: CAD 45,000
Year 4: CAD 45,000
Maximum total: CAD 180,000
The scholarship renews when the student continues full-time undergraduate studies and maintains the required academic standing.
How Many President’s International Scholarships Are Available?
York awards the scholarship to a select group of outstanding international students.
The university aims to choose students representing different regions around the world rather than concentrating every scholarship in one country.
Therefore, African applicants compete alongside students from many other regions.
Your nationality does not prevent you from applying.
However, the competition is strong, so your application should demonstrate both academic achievement and meaningful leadership.
Can African Students Apply for York University Scholarships?
Yes.
African students qualify for York University’s international scholarship opportunities if they meet the relevant requirements.
Applicants can come from countries including:
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Kenya
- Uganda
- South Africa
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Cameroon
- Ethiopia
- Sierra Leone
- Liberia
- Botswana
- Namibia
- Senegal
- The Gambia
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Benin
- Togo
- Egypt
- Morocco
- Algeria
and other African countries.
York evaluates international students based on their academic curriculum and the admission requirements for their chosen programme.
Can Nigerian Students Apply?
Yes.
Nigerian students can apply for York undergraduate programmes and international scholarships.
For undergraduate admission, York recognises the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, including WASSCE/WAEC results, as shown on York’s official international admission requirements by country page.
Therefore, Nigerian secondary school students can apply directly with qualifying results.
You must still meet the programme-specific subject prerequisites and scholarship requirements.
Can Ghanaian Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ghanaian students can apply for York University undergraduate admission and international scholarships.
Academic requirements depend on the student’s curriculum and chosen programme.
Can Kenyan Students Apply?
Yes.
Kenyan students can compete for York’s international awards if they meet the admission and scholarship conditions.
Can Ugandan Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible Ugandan secondary school students can apply.
Can South African Students Apply?
Yes.
South African students can apply for international entrance scholarships at York.
Can Rwandan and Tanzanian Students Apply?
Yes.
Eligible students from Rwanda, Tanzania and other African countries can also apply.
President’s International Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
York has published clear conditions for the Fall 2027 competition.
To qualify, you must be an international high school applicant entering your first undergraduate year at York University in Fall 2027.
You must also:
- Pay international tuition fees
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement
- Show leadership ability
- Participate actively in volunteering or extracurricular activities
- Have a minimum final admission average of 80% or the equivalent
- Receive an official nomination from your high school
York lists these requirements in its 2027 PISE student application guide.
Do You Need School Nomination?
Yes.
Your school must nominate you for the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence.
The nominator must be a:
- Guidance counsellor
- Principal
- Senior school official
Your school can nominate a maximum of:
Two students per year.
Therefore, applicants should speak to their schools early.
Do not wait until February 4 before asking for nomination.
What Does the School Nominator Need to Do?
After you submit your scholarship application, York sends your nominator an email.
The school official then completes the nomination form and submits a reference letter.
York requires the reference letter to:
- Be signed
- Appear on official school letterhead
- Discuss your academic achievement
- Explain your extracurricular or community involvement
The nominator must complete this process by:
February 4, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
York International Scholarship Application Deadline 2027
The main International Scholarships and Awards application opens on:
November 1, 2026.
Students can submit applications between November and:
January 27, 2027.
York’s official incoming international awards timeline recommends submitting your university admission application by approximately January 19, 2027 so York has enough time to issue your reference number before the scholarship deadline.
This is important because you need your York reference number to access the scholarship application.
Do You Need University Admission Before Applying for the Scholarship?
You need to apply to York University first.
However, you do not need to receive an admission offer before submitting the President’s International Scholarship application.
The process works like this:
Apply to York → receive York reference number → complete scholarship application → school submits nomination
York normally sends your reference number within several business days after receiving your admission application.
Therefore, apply to York well before January 27.
What Is Required in the York Scholarship Application?
The 2027 President’s International Scholarship application includes several important sections.
You need to provide:
- A personal statement
- Extracurricular activities
- Community involvement
- Previous awards
- Nominator information
- Financial information
The personal statement has a maximum length of:
500 words.
You can list up to:
Three extracurricular or community activities
and
Three previous awards.
York also asks for a financial profile estimating the funding available to support your studies during the next three to four years.
Students may also submit an optional additional reference letter highlighting community involvement.
How to Write a Strong York Scholarship Personal Statement
Your personal statement should explain why you deserve consideration for the President’s International Scholarship.
Do not use the 500 words to repeat your transcript.
Instead, focus on experiences that show:
- Leadership
- Initiative
- Community involvement
- Personal growth
- Academic direction
- Future goals
A useful structure is:
Background → Problem → Action → Result → Future Goal
For example, avoid writing:
“I am a passionate leader who has always believed in helping others.”
Instead, write something more concrete:
“When several students in my school struggled to prepare for mathematics examinations because they could not afford private lessons, I organised weekend revision classes with four volunteer classmates.”
Then explain:
- How many students participated
- What you did
- What changed
- What the experience taught you
That gives York evidence of your leadership.
Keep Your Extracurricular List Focused
York allows you to list only three extracurricular or community activities for PISE.
Therefore, choose carefully.
Three activities where you made a real contribution are stronger than ten clubs where you only attended meetings.
Strong examples can include:
- Student leadership
- Academic clubs
- Volunteering
- Entrepreneurship
- Technology projects
- Sports
- Arts
- Community projects
- Mentoring
- Environmental initiatives
- Health programmes
Focus on your role and impact.
Automatic York University Scholarships for International Students
York also offers international entrance scholarships that do not require a separate application.
The university’s latest published international entrance scholarship structure includes awards such as:
York International Scholarship of Distinction
York International Merit Award
York International Entrance Award
York International Transfer Award
York automatically assesses eligible international students based on their final admission average.
The latest published structure on York’s international scholarship page includes awards ranging from CAD 2,500 to CAD 37,500.
York notes that scholarship programmes and values apply to the academic cycle stated on its website and can change. Students entering Fall 2027 should therefore confirm the final automatic scholarship amounts attached to their admission offer.
York International Scholarship of Distinction
Under York’s latest published automatic award structure, the York International Scholarship of Distinction can provide a maximum of:
CAD 37,500 over four years.
The published payment structure is:
Year 1: CAD 15,000
Years 2–4: CAD 7,500 each year
Students need a strong final admission average to qualify.
No separate scholarship application is required under the automatic scholarship system.
However, York’s current page associates the published automatic-award table with its stated academic cycle, so Fall 2027 applicants should confirm the final value when York updates the next cycle.
York International Merit Award
The latest published York International Merit Award provides:
CAD 10,000 in first year
followed by:
CAD 5,000 per year for years two, three and four
for a maximum of:
CAD 25,000.
Again, eligible students receive automatic consideration.
York International Entrance Award
The International Entrance Award provides a one-time award under York’s published structure.
The current published value is:
CAD 5,000.
Eligible students receive automatic consideration based on their admission results.
Glendon International Excellence Scholarship
International students applying to York’s Glendon Campus can also receive consideration for the Glendon International Excellence Scholarship.
York’s current incoming scholarship information lists awards worth:
CAD 10,000 per year for four years
for a maximum of:
CAD 40,000.
Up to ten awards can be offered annually to international students entering Glendon with top academic standing.
No separate award application is required under the current published structure.
Can You Receive PISE and Automatic York Scholarships Together?
No.
York states that the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence cannot be combined with its major automatic international entrance scholarships.
If you qualify for more than one award, York applies the higher-value scholarship according to its rules.
Therefore, winning the CAD 180,000 President’s Scholarship would be far more valuable than receiving the standard automatic entrance scholarship.
York Science Scholars Award 2027
African students applying to the Faculty of Science should also consider the York Science Scholars Award.
The current award provides:
CAD 5,000 entrance scholarship
plus
CAD 5,000 following a guaranteed summer research position after first year
for a total value of:
CAD 10,000.
The application deadline is:
February 20, 2027.
York lists this award in its official incoming international awards information.
This opportunity can be particularly useful to students interested in:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biomedical science
- Environmental science
- Other eligible science programmes
Does York University Have Scholarships for Computer Science Students?
Yes.
International Computer Science students can receive scholarship support, but individual automatic award rules can differ for certain programmes.
Therefore, Computer Science applicants should review the exact international scholarship conditions attached to their admission cycle.
Students should also explore Lassonde School of Engineering and programme-specific awards after applying.
Can Engineering Students Receive York Scholarships?
Yes.
International students entering York’s Lassonde School of Engineering can access eligible university and faculty awards.
However, some automatic international scholarship rules treat Engineering differently from other programmes.
Therefore, Engineering applicants should check the current award table carefully.
York University Admission Deadline 2027
The general international application deadline for most Fall 2027 undergraduate programmes is:
March 24, 2027.
York confirms this on its official undergraduate application deadline page.
However, several programmes use earlier deadlines.
For example:
Schulich School of Business BBA: January 15, 2027
Social Work: January 15, 2027
Direct Entry Nursing: February 1, 2027
Some programmes also require supplementary applications.
Therefore, always check your specific programme.
Why Scholarship Applicants Should Not Wait Until March 24
The President’s International Scholarship application closes on:
January 27, 2027.
Therefore, waiting until the general March admission deadline would cause you to miss York’s largest international scholarship.
York recommends that PISE applicants submit their university application around January 19 or earlier so they can receive the York reference number needed for the scholarship form. See York’s international scholarship timeline
York University English Language Requirements
International students must meet York’s English-language proficiency requirements unless they qualify for an exemption.
For most undergraduate programmes, York currently accepts an IELTS Academic overall score of 6.5.
Other accepted options include PTE Academic, Duolingo, CAEL, Cambridge English and TOEFL under the applicable scoring system.
York publishes its current test requirements on the undergraduate language proficiency page.
Some programmes require higher results.
For example, Nursing and Schulich have higher English requirements than many standard undergraduate programmes.
Can African Students Apply Without IELTS?
Possibly.
IELTS is only one method of meeting York’s English requirement.
Some applicants may satisfy the language requirement based on previous education conducted in English or through another approved route.
Therefore, African students should check their educational history before paying for IELTS.
However, do not assume that being from an English-speaking African country automatically creates an exemption for every programme.
What IELTS Score Does York Require?
For most undergraduate programmes:
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall.
Some programmes require higher scores.
For example, York’s current requirements list:
Nursing: IELTS 7.0
Schulich School of Business: IELTS 7.0.
Engineering students using IELTS need 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0 under the current programme requirements. Check York’s programme-specific English scores
Can You Apply With WAEC?
Yes.
York recognises Nigeria’s WASSCE/WAEC Examination results for undergraduate admission.
Nigerian applicants must still meet:
- Degree prerequisites
- Required grades
- English requirements where applicable
- Any supplementary application requirements
You can confirm Nigeria’s recognised qualification through York’s international admission requirements by country.
Is There an Age Limit for York International Scholarships?
York’s incoming international scholarship criteria define a high school applicant partly by age and education history.
The university’s current incoming scholarship page describes a high school applicant as someone who:
- Is under 21 by the end of the calendar year in which they enter York
- Has been out of full-time high school studies for less than two years
- Has not attempted studies at an accredited college or university. See York’s incoming international scholarship eligibility
Applicants outside this profile may still qualify for other York admission or transfer scholarships, but they may not fit the high-school entrance scholarship category.
Can Gap-Year Students Apply?
Yes, depending on how long they have been out of secondary school.
Under York’s current high school applicant definition, students should have been out of full-time secondary school for less than two years and must not have attempted university or college study.
Therefore, an eligible recent graduate taking a gap year can still potentially compete for international entrance scholarships.
Can Current University Students Apply for PISE?
No.
The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence targets high school applicants entering first-year undergraduate studies at York.
Students already attending a university should explore transfer awards or postgraduate scholarships depending on their situation.
Do You Need Work Experience?
No.
These are undergraduate scholarships.
Professional employment is not required.
However, work experience, entrepreneurship or part-time employment can strengthen your personal story if it demonstrates leadership or responsibility.
How to Apply for York University Scholarships From Africa
Step 1: Choose Your York Programme
Research the programme you genuinely want to study.
York offers programmes including:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Business
- Economics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Health
- Psychology
- Political Science
- International Development
- Communication
- Film
- Environmental Studies
- Mathematics
Check the prerequisites for your secondary school curriculum.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to York
Submit your undergraduate admission application.
Do this well before the scholarship deadline.
PISE applicants should aim to apply by approximately:
January 19, 2027 or earlier
so York has time to issue the reference number.
Step 3: Receive Your York Reference Number
York normally sends your nine-digit reference number within several business days after receiving your application.
You need this number to access the international scholarship application.
Step 4: Speak With Your School About Nomination
Ask a guidance counsellor, principal or senior school official whether they will nominate you.
Your school can nominate a maximum of two students.
Step 5: Open the International Scholarship Application
The application opens:
November 1, 2026.
Complete your personal details, scholarship responses, activities, awards and financial profile.
Step 6: Write Your 500-Word Personal Statement
Use your limited space carefully.
Focus on:
- Leadership
- Volunteering
- Extracurricular involvement
- Future goals
- Why your experiences make you a strong candidate
Do not spend half the essay praising Canada.
The scholarship committee wants to understand you.
Step 7: Submit by January 27
The student deadline is:
January 27, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Submit early if possible.
Step 8: Ensure Your Nominator Completes Their Part
After you submit, York contacts the school official.
The nominator must complete the form and reference letter by:
February 4, 2027.
Follow up politely with the school.
Do not assume the form has been submitted.
How to Strengthen Your York PISE Application
Put Your Strongest Achievements First
You only have space for three main extracurricular or community activities.
Choose the ones that show the most:
- Responsibility
- Initiative
- Impact
- Consistency
- Leadership
Do not select activities solely because the organisation sounds prestigious.
Quantify Your Impact
Instead of:
“I volunteered to tutor students.”
write:
“I organised weekly mathematics lessons for 45 students preparing for national examinations.”
Numbers make your contribution easier to understand.
Show Leadership Through Actions
Avoid:
“I am a born leader.”
Instead:
“I recruited seven volunteers and coordinated a six-week food drive that supported 120 households.”
The second statement gives York evidence.
Explain Your Goals Clearly
Your personal statement should help the committee understand where you are heading.
Avoid broad goals such as:
“I want to make Africa better.”
Instead, identify a specific direction.
For example:
“I want to develop affordable financial technology tools that help small businesses in West Africa build credit histories and access formal loans.”
That goal is clearer and easier to connect with a university programme.
Be Honest About Your Financial Profile
York asks scholarship applicants to estimate the funding available for their studies.
Provide accurate information.
Do not exaggerate hardship or hide available family resources.
The financial profile is only one part of the PISE application.
Academic excellence, leadership and community contribution also matter heavily.
York University vs Lester B. Pearson Scholarship
York’s President’s International Scholarship of Excellence and the University of Toronto’s Pearson Scholarship are both major international undergraduate awards in Toronto.
York’s PISE provides up to:
CAD 180,000 over four years.
Pearson covers tuition, books, incidental fees and full residence support for four years.
Both scholarships require a school nomination and reward exceptional academic and leadership profiles.
African students targeting Toronto can read our Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2027 for African Students: Fully Funded University of Toronto Scholarship.
York University vs UBC International Scholars Program
The UBC International Scholars Program places much stronger emphasis on demonstrated financial need.
York PISE focuses on academic excellence, leadership, volunteering and extracurricular achievement while also asking applicants to provide a financial profile.
Students who need substantial need-based support can compare York with our UBC International Scholars Program 2027 for African Students: Fully Funded University of British Columbia Scholarship.
York University vs University of Alberta Scholarships
The University of Alberta offers international awards worth up to CAD 120,000 over four years.
York’s President’s International Scholarship offers up to CAD 180,000.
However, the selection criteria and application procedures differ.
You can compare both opportunities in our University of Alberta Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Study in Canada.
York University vs University of Waterloo Scholarships
Waterloo automatically provides eligible first-year international students with a CAD 10,000 International Student Entrance Scholarship and offers additional faculty awards worth up to CAD 80,000.
York offers larger competitive funding through PISE alongside automatic international entrance awards.
Students interested in Mathematics, Computer Science or Engineering can also read our University of Waterloo Scholarships 2027 for African Students: Canada Entrance Awards.
Common York University Scholarship Mistakes
Waiting Until March to Apply
The general international admission deadline for many programmes is March 24.
However, PISE closes in January.
Scholarship applicants must work with the earlier deadline.
Applying for PISE Before Applying to York
You need a York reference number.
Submit your admission application first.
Forgetting School Nomination
Your scholarship application is incomplete without the required school nomination and reference.
Asking Your School Too Late
Only two students per school can receive nomination.
Speak with your school early.
Listing Too Many Weak Activities
You only have three main activity slots.
Choose meaningful experiences.
Writing a Generic Personal Statement
Do not write a speech about how prestigious York University is.
Use the essay to show what makes you distinctive.
Assuming CAD 180,000 Means Every Expense Is Automatically Covered
The scholarship provides CAD 45,000 per year.
Calculate your programme and living costs before deciding whether additional funding will be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About York University Scholarships 2027
Are York University Scholarships open for 2027?
Yes.
York’s international scholarship application opens on November 1, 2026, with applications accepted until January 27, 2027. See York’s official international scholarship timeline
What is the biggest York University scholarship for international students?
The President’s International Scholarship of Excellence is valued at:
CAD 180,000 over four years.
How much does PISE pay each year?
Successful students receive:
CAD 45,000 per year
for up to four years.
When is the PISE deadline?
The student application deadline is:
January 27, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The school nomination and reference deadline is:
February 4, 2027. View the official PISE deadline guide
Can African students apply?
Yes.
PISE is available to eligible international high school applicants regardless of African nationality.
Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes.
York accepts Nigeria’s WAEC/WASSCE results for undergraduate admission. Check York’s Nigeria admission requirements
Can Ghanaian students apply?
Yes.
Can Kenyan students apply?
Yes.
Can Ugandan students apply?
Yes.
Can South African students apply?
Yes.
Can Rwandan students apply?
Yes.
What grades do I need for PISE?
York requires a minimum final admission average of:
80% or equivalent.
However, the scholarship is extremely competitive, so successful applicants can be expected to present strong overall academic profiles. See the official scholarship eligibility criteria
Do I need school nomination?
Yes.
Your guidance counsellor, principal or senior school official must nominate you.
How many students can my school nominate?
A school can nominate a maximum of:
Two students.
Do I need an admission offer before applying?
No.
You need to apply to York and obtain your reference number, but you do not need to wait for an admission offer before completing the scholarship application.
Do I need IELTS?
Not necessarily.
York offers several ways to meet its English requirement.
If you use IELTS Academic for most programmes, the standard requirement is currently:
6.5 overall. See York’s English language requirements
Can I apply with WAEC?
Yes.
York recognises WASSCE/WAEC for Nigerian undergraduate applicants. See York’s international qualifications list
Can gap-year students apply?
Potentially, yes, if they remain within York’s high school applicant definition and have not attempted post-secondary studies.
Can university students apply for PISE?
No.
PISE is intended for international high school students entering their first year of undergraduate study.
Are there automatic York scholarships?
Yes.
York automatically considers international students for several entrance awards based on final admission averages.
The exact award structure applicable to Fall 2027 should be confirmed on York’s updated scholarship page when final values are published. Check York’s international scholarship page
Does York have a Science scholarship?
Yes.
The York Science Scholars Award currently provides CAD 10,000, including a CAD 5,000 entrance award and CAD 5,000 connected with a summer research opportunity.
The 2027 deadline is February 20. See York’s incoming scholarship information
Final Advice for African Students
York University Scholarships 2027 should be high on the list for African students looking for major undergraduate funding in Canada.
The standout opportunity is the President’s International Scholarship of Excellence, worth:
CAD 180,000 over four years.
That equals CAD 45,000 per year and makes it one of the largest confirmed Canadian undergraduate scholarships currently available to international students entering in 2027.
However, students need to start early.
The international scholarship application opens on November 1, 2026.
You should apply to York University well before January so the university can issue your reference number.
Then complete the scholarship application by:
January 27, 2027.
Finally, make sure your school nominator submits the required nomination and reference letter by:
February 4, 2027.
Do not approach the application as a grades-only competition.
York wants strong academics, but it also wants evidence of leadership, volunteer work and extracurricular involvement.
Use your application to show exactly what you have done.
Choose your strongest three activities.
Explain your role.
Show the result.
Then connect those experiences with the goals you want to pursue at university.
For African students with excellent secondary school results and meaningful leadership experience, York’s CAD 180,000 scholarship is one of the Canadian opportunities worth preparing for now.