Entrance Scholarships & Awards for NEW Masters and Phd Students
Value: up to $12,500
Deadline: April 1
Number of Awards: 1
The Charles Caccia Graduate Award in Sustainable Development is awarded to graduate students at the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change at York University, to support their research related to environmental and sustainable development. Recipients must have a minimum “B” average, or a pass “P” in Environmental Studies, be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons, residents of Ontario and must demonstrate financial need.
Applications for this award are accepted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies
Value: $1,000 approximately
Deadline: April 1
Number of Awards: 1
Eligibility
- The Donald Biback and Family Entrance Scholarship will be awarded annually to students entering the MES Planning Program in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change at York University. To be eligible students must be entering their first year of the MES Planning program and demonstrate academic excellence (minimum average of A). This award was established by Donald Biback, alumni of the MES Planning Program and his family. Donald is a graduate of the MES Planning Program and recognizes the importance of giving back and helping students further their careers.
Criteria
- Consideration will be given to all incoming applicants to the MES Planning Program in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change at York University who demonstrate academic excellence (minimum average of A) and whose research will be associated with Planning.
How to Apply
- Step One: Prepare a-one-page statement of research with their application package that demonstrates alignment of their proposed program and research with the Planning Program
- Step Two: Update your Curriculum Vitae (CV), or a resume.
- Step Three: Complete the application form by April 1.
Value: $2,500
Deadline: April 1
Number of Awards: 2
Purpose
The Honourable George and Helen Vari generously donated this award to support graduate students entering their first year in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York University. Recipients are selected based on financial need and academic merit. Recipients must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and Ontario residents.
Eligibility
- This award is open to graduate students entering their first year of their master’s degree program in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
Criteria
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; be an Ontario resident.
- demonstrate financial need on a bursary application.
- be a student entering his/her first-year of the MES program.
- have a good academic record.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Complete the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Student Financial Profile (SFP)
- Step 2: Complete the award application by April 1.
Additional Information
Take note: The value and number of award(s) in any given year will depend on the rate of distribution from the endowment fund, and the number of recipients selected.
Value: $2000 Financial Aid bursary or a $5,000 Financial aid and research bursary
Deadline: April 1
Number of Awards: Up to 8 at $2000, 1 at $5000
Purpose
The Han Shan Sih Buddhist Society Bursary is an award intended to provide $2000 in financial aid to students entering their first year of the MES program of the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change or $5000 financial aid for MES graduate students with a research focus in religious, spiritual or ethical issues.
Recipients must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada and Ontario residents.
Application Deadline is April 1.
Eligibility
- This award is open to graduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change at York University.
- Student must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and an Ontario resident.
Criteria
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Be an Ontario resident.
- Demonstrate financial need on a bursary application
How to apply
- Step 1: Complete the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Student Financial Profile (SFP)
- Step 2: Complete the award application by April 1.
- NB: If applying for the $5000 financial aid and research bursary, please prepare a statement on your research interest to upload within your application form.
Value: $1000
Deadline: April 1
Number of Awards: 2
Purpose
The Anita McBride Entrance Award was donated by Edward Sorbara to support graduate students entering the first year of their graduate program in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York University. Recipients are selected based on financial need and academic merit.
Eligibility
- This award is open to graduate students entering the first year of their graduate program in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
Criteria
- Domestic or international student
- Be a student entering the first year of a graduate program in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
- Must have a minimum entrance grade of B
- Demonstrate financial need on a bursary application.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Complete the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Student Financial Profile (SFP)
- Step 2: Complete the award application by April 1.
Additional Information
Take note: The value and number of award(s) in any given year will depend on the rate of distribution from the endowment fund, and the number of recipients selected.
Scholarships & Awards for CURRENT Masters and PhD Students
The Adrienne and Donna Pocock Memorial Award
Value: $4,000
Deadline: April 1
Purpose
The Adrienne and Donna Pocock Memorial Award was established in honour of the late Adrienne Pocock, a conscientious environmentalist devoted to grassroots care and concern for her world. The award will be given annually to graduate students in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change to support resources and/or travel related to their fieldwork. The award of winter of 2006 was granted to a student whose area of focus encompassed the Canadian environment and the award continues to be intended for students whose work incorporates consideration of Canada, children, animals or Aboriginal issues in relationship to the environment.
Criteria
- Graduate student in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
- Work effectively addresses the key issues outlined in the award’s stated purpose.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Needs Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a 1–2-page description of your proposed fieldwork activity by including a detailed budget, timeline and explanation of how the funds will be used.
- One letter of recommendation from your research supervisor.
NOTE: Applicants will be judged based on the quality of their fieldwork proposal, including objective(s), deliverables, scope, and potential contribution towards environmental research and/or issues more broadly.
Value: $6,000
Deadline: November 1
Purpose
The Alectra Inc. Graduate Award in Sustainable Energy will be available to talented and eager EUC graduate students who wish to focus their studies in the areas of conservation, efficiency and/or renewable energy.
Criteria
- Graduate Student in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Needs Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a 500-word statement that demonstrates how your research interest aligns within areas of conservation, efficiency and/or renewable energy
Value: $450
Deadline: February 1
Purpose
Awarded to students who creatively use multi-media tools of inquiry and modes of communication to critically explore environmental issues. This award gives preference to students who are committed to environmental and social justice. Recipients must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons, Ontario residents, demonstrate financial need and have a good academic record. The dian marino Award was established in memory of dian, a visual artist, activist, educator and storyteller extraordinaire, who taught in the Faculty of Environmental Studies (now the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change).
Criteria
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Must be an Ontario resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
- Open to all EUC students (Undergrad, Masters, PhD).
How to Apply
- To be considered for this award you must have a completed Student Profile in the Financial Aid, Awards and Scholarships (FAAS) platform, including a completed Needs Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a statement that reflects the intended purpose of the award and how the awarded funds will be used.
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
Value: Open
Purpose: Emergency bursary
Eligibility
This bursary is available to all domestic students and international students in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change who demonstrate financial need because of an unexpected and/or extenuating circumstance.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Needs Assessment for the current study period.
Deadline: May 31 (for the Fall) and August 31st (for the Winter)
Purpose
The EUC Dissertation Field Research Award is designed for PhD students in the Environmental Studies or Geography program whose primary source of graduate funding is through Teaching Assistantships but who are unable to take up a TA position in a given semester because their dissertation fieldwork requires an extended absence from Toronto.
Criteria and Eligibility
- The award is open to full-time PhD students registered in the graduate programs in Geography or Environmental Studies.
- Students holding major internal or external awards, which provide at least $7,000 in funding per semester are not eligible.
- The award will normally only be tenable in the 3rd or 4th year of a PhD program.
- The student’s dissertation field research must require an extended period of data gathering away from Toronto, such that they cannot meet the in-person on-campus commitments of a Teaching Assistantship. This need must be reflected in the student’s dissertation proposal and confirmed by their supervisor.
- At the time of holding the award, PhD students must have completed all course work, passed all comprehensive examinations, have submitted an approved dissertation proposal to the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and received (where applicable) ethics clearance from the Office of Research Ethics.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted to the student’s program:
- Environmental Studies – Ouma Jaipaul-Gill, oumajai@yorku.ca
- Geography – Tricia Fuller-Davidson, gradgeog@yorku.ca
A complete application for the EUC Dissertation Field Research Award will comprise:
- A two-page statement describing the extended fieldwork requirements for the dissertation and the reasons that research cannot be conducted while remaining available for on-site TA work at York. The statement should include a timeline for the research, travel dates, and locations.
- A brief statement of support sent separately by the dissertation supervisor, commenting on the student’s need to carry out the fieldwork activities proposed.
- A copy of the approved dissertation proposal, if applicable.
- Confirmation of FGS and ORE approval of the ethics protocol and risk assessment, if applicable.
NOTE: Students who have not yet submitted their proposals, research ethics and risk assessment documentation to FGS may still apply, but the supervisor’s statement of support must confirm the expected timing of these required components. No funds will be deposited into student accounts until FGS and ORE approvals have been received, so students should plan accordingly when applying for this award.
Inquiries about this award should be directed to the EUC Associate Dean Research, Graduate and Global Affairs at eucadrgg@yorku.ca.
Value: $1,200
Deadline: November 1
Purpose
This award results from funds raised by the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York University, as part of the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (OSOTF) program launched by the Ontario Government. The award was established to support students in the second year of the Master in Environmental Studies Program who demonstrate academic merit and are in financial need.
Criteria
- Student in the second year of the Master in Environmental Studies Program.
- Registered active in full time studies.
- Must be in good academic standing, including no more than one incomplete grade from the previous term of study.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Needs Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a one-page statement of your focus of study as well as your intention of completing your program.
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
Value: $1,500
Deadline: February 1
Purpose
The EUC Graduate Award in Energy Studies is an annual award to support a graduate student in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change with an approved Plan of Study for MES students, or an approved research proposal for Geography Master’s students that demonstrates a focus on Energy Studies.
Criteria
- Master student in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
- Must have an approved Plan of Study (MES), or an approved research proposal (Geography) that demonstrates a focus on Energy studies.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
Documentation
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Needs Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a copy of your approved Plan of Study or an approved research proposal with a clearly defined focus on energy, a draft or final approved research proposal.
- One letter of support from a teaching faculty member familiar with your energy interests and your Plan of Study/research proposal.
Value: $1,000
Deadline: February 1
Purpose
The Scholarship is an individual distinction awarded to graduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, York University based on excellence in their past work in the Faculty and on the quality of written proposals in an annual competition. The Scholarship is intended to provide encouragement to students who wish to pursue scholarly research or other appropriate activities and to make possible more extensive research activities by graduate students than would otherwise be feasible.
Criteria
- Graduate student in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
- Registered active in full-time studies.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Recipients are required to submit a report to the Research and Awards Committee outlining their research activities within one year of the announcement of the award. Such students may be requested to give a seminar at the Faculty based on the research undertaken with the support of the scholarship.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a statement indicating your wish to be considered for the scholarship.
- Submit a detailed description of your proposed research activity. This should include a brief description of the research activity, a description of the research design, a time schedule, and a detailed budget (up to $1000). This proposal is not to exceed 10 double spaced pages in length.
- Submit a current CV.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
Additional Information
Take note: The value and number of award(s) in any given year will depend on the rate of distribution from the endowment fund, and the number of recipients selected.
Value: Maximum $200
Purpose: Emergency bursary
Eligibility
This award is available to all international students in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change who demonstrate financial need on a bursary application because of an unexpected and/or extenuating circumstance.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Needs Assessment for the current study period.
Value: Open
Deadline: October 1 (Fall) and if not awarded, February 1
Eligibility
- This award is available to enable students to undertake field research for a thesis/major paper/major project in the Las Nubes area of Costa Rica. The award is generally open to students who are registered in the second year of the Master in Environmental Studies Program at York University. This award is adjudicated by the Las Nubes Program Committee.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a research proposal which addresses a major theme of the Las Nubes Research and Conservation Program such as biodiversity measurement; monitoring and protection; protected area management; biological corridors; sustainable agriculture; and rural sustainability. Research must be field-based and interdisciplinary.
- Submit an abstract of your research of Area of Concentration for your MES program.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members; one reference must come from your research supervisor.
Value: $5,000
Deadline: February 1
Purpose
The Gerald Carrothers Graduate Scholarship has been created to reflect the values which were the foundation on which the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change (formerly the Faculty of Environmental Studies) were based when it was formally established by York University in 1968, as the first Faculty of Environmental Studies in a Canadian university. This scholarship was established in honour of Gerald Carrothers, the founder and first dean of York University’s Faculty of Environmental Studies and is intended to support graduate students in the Master in Environmental Studies program, now in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, during the research and/or fieldwork stages of their program.
Criteria
- Student in the Master in Environmental Studies Program.
- Registered active.
- Must be in the research/fieldwork stages (MES III level) of their program.
- Must have an approved Plan of Study and Research Proposal.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Student must not hold a TA, GA or RA during the term of research.
NOTE:
- Applicants must demonstrate that their MES research methods and values complement the values on which the Faculty was established under the leadership of Gerald Carrothers.
- Applicants should display a strong command of the ‘Plan of Study’ indicating they are well prepared to enter the final (research) phase of their MES program.
- Applicants’ proposed research must take a transdisciplinary approach – reflecting on Carrothers’ desire to create a different learning model which encourages students to pursue studies that cross disciplinary boundaries.
- Applicants’ work should have the goal of encouraging transformational change.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a one-page summary of your current Plan of Study.
- Submit your research proposal.
Value: $1,500
Deadline: April 1
Purpose
This award will be granted to a Master’s in Environmental Studies student who is active in promoting student life in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change through involvement in student government or volunteer activities.
Criteria
- Student in the Master in Environmental Studies Program.
- Must have an approved Plan of Study with a clearly defined focus and be progressing to MES II of the program.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protect person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
- Student must not hold a TA, GA or RA during the term of research.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Need Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a 200-word statement outlining your involvement in student government or volunteer activities.
- Submit a copy of your approved Plan of Study with a clearly defined focus.
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
Value: up to $500
Deadline: Fall activities: February 1, Winter activities: June 1, Summer activities: October 1
The Graduate in Environmental Studies Student Association (GESSA) has set up this fund to support MES students with the costs of specific research related activities (including travel expenses).
This fund is available for MES students in Fall, Winter and Summer terms and separate applications will be required per term.
How to Apply
Please contact GESSA at gessa.rtf@gmail.com prior to the deadlines listed above.
Value: $600
Deadline: November 1 (Fall) and February 1 (Winter)
Purpose
The Glen Frankfurter Conference Award was established by Glen Frankfurter to encourage excellence in human geography. This award will be granted to full-time Masters or PhD students enrolled in the graduate program of Geography who are conducting research in historical geography.
Criteria
- Masters or Doctoral student enrolled in the Geography Graduate Program.
- Registered active in full-time studies.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Planning to present the results of their research at an academic conference.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a brief statement (200-300 words) that includes the following:
- The name and date of the conference;
- The title and abstract of your presentation;
- A brief statement explaining how the conference will support your scholarly development.
- List other sources/amount of funding that is confirmed or expected for the conference.
Value: $3,000
Deadline: February 1
Purpose
The Glen Frankfurter Scholarship in Geography was established by Glen Frankfurter to encourage excellence in human geography. This Scholarship will be granted to one (1) full-time MA or PhD student who is enrolled in the graduate program of Geography and is conducting and publishing research of great promise in the field of historical geography. Students must be in the process of publishing, or has outlined a plan for publishing the historical component of their research; and this research should be considered significant and demonstrates great promise as a contribution to historical geography.
Eligibility
- Masters or Doctoral student enrolled in the Geography Graduate Program.
- Registered active in full-time studies.
- Conducting research of great promise in the field of historical geography and must be in the process of publishing or have outlined a plan for publishing the historical component of their research.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit an academic curriculum vitae.
- Submit a one-page statement outlining your historical research; publications plans, and the significance of your research for historical geography.
- Submit a writing sample of your historical research.
Value: $1,250
Deadline: February 1
Purpose
This award was established by family and friends in honour of Harold Mahabir, a member of the advisory team of the CIDA funded, Kenya Canada Energy Advisory project, which involved the Faculty of Environmental Studies, the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Ontario Hydro working with the Government of Kenya over a 7-year period beginning in 1985. Harold served brilliantly as the petroleum policy advisor and was responsible, in large measure, for the emergence of the National Oil Company of Kenya as a mechanism for ensuring competitive purchasing of oil supplies for the Nation of Kenya. Harold, who grew up in Trinidad and who believed passionately in life-long learning, was a great story teller, a bon vivant and a wonderful friend. The award will be given annually to a registered student in the second year of their Master in Environmental Studies at York University, who has a well-developed Plan of Study with Areas of Concentration addressing some aspect of international development.
Criteria
- Student in the second year of the Master in Environmental Studies program.
- Must have an approved Plan of Study addressing some aspect of international development.
- Registered active in full-time studies at the time of application.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Need Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a one-page statement about your commitment to international development
- Submit a copy of the Abstract from your approved Plan of Study
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
Value: $12,500
Deadline: October 1 (Fall) and if not awarded, February 1
Purpose
The Howard Daugherty Graduate Award in Neotropical Conservation is available to graduate students, at the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, York University, to support their research related to neotropical conservation that is undertaken in the vicinity of the Las Nubes Biological Reserve in Costa Rica and/or that contributes to meeting the goals of the Las Nubes Project.
NOTE: The value and number of award(s) in any given year will depend on the rate of distribution from the endowment fund, and the number of recipients selected.
Criteria
- Master or Doctoral student in the Environmental Studies program
- Research related to Neotropical conservation that is undertaken in the vicinity of the Las Nubes Biological Reserve in Costa Rica.
- Research that contributes to meeting the goals of the Las Nubes Project.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Needs Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a statement of research that outlines how the award will be used to support the fieldwork, budget, timeline of research activities and the research outcomes.
- Submit a copy of your approved Research Proposal (from MES 2-3 exam)
- Submit a current copy of your CV.
Value: $10,000
Deadline: October 1 (Fall) and if not awarded, February 1
Purpose
The Howard Daugherty International Graduate Award in Neotropical Conservation is available to international, visa graduate students, preferably doctoral candidates, at the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, York University, to support their research related to neotropical conservation that is undertaken in the vicinity of the Las Nubes Biological Reserve in Costa Rica and/or that contributes to meeting the goals of the Las Nubes Project.
Criteria
- Master’s or Doctoral student (domestic and international) in the Environmental Studies program.
- Research related to Neotropical conservation that is undertaken in the vicinity of the Las Nubes Biological Reserve in Costa Rica.
- Research that contributes to meeting the goals of the Las Nubes Project.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Needs Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a statement of research that outlines how the award will be used to support the fieldwork, budget, timeline of research activities and the research outcomes.
- Submit a copy of your approved Research Proposal (from MES 2-3 exam)
- Submit a current copy of your CV.
Value: $1000
Deadline: November 1
Purpose:
This bursary is supported by a former MES student who joined the program at mid-life and experienced significant personal transformation uncovering totally new areas of passion and positive engagement that rippled outward for many years. The “It’s Never Too Late to Transform Your Life and Impact the World Bursary” will provide support to full time students studying in the Master in Environmental Studies (MES) program at York University who demonstrate financial need.
Criteria
- Student in the Master in Environmental Studies program.
- Registered active in full-time studies.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Must be returning to school at mid-life after working for a period in order to pursue an alternative career path. Demonstrate a change in Career Path leading them to pursue an MES degree.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Need Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit your resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- Submit a statement (100-200 words) describing the circumstances that led you to pursue an alternative career path and begin your MES degree.
Value: up to $12,500
Deadline: Open
Purpose
The Jim MacNeill Award is named in honour of Jim NacNeill’s outstanding contribution to promoting sustainable development. This award supports incoming MES/JD students in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change. The joint MES/JD (formerly known as the MES/LLB) program was established in 1974 to encourage the integration of these two critical fields: environmental studies and law.
Criteria
- Incoming MES/JD student.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Academic accomplishments: highest combination of GPA and LSAT score.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
Selection Process
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Needs Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a statement of research and CV.
NOTE: Students may enter the MES/JD program starting at Osgoode or in the Environmental Studies program and will be considered for the Jim MacNeill Award upon being registered full-time (Fall/Winter) for the second year of study in the partner program.
Value: $1,250
Deadline: November 1 (Fall) or February 1 (Winter – if not awarded in Fall)
Purpose
This award has been established in memory of Professor Emeritus John A. Livingston, naturalist and internationally renowned writer on natural history and natural philosophy. Professor Livingston was a key player in the development of the Faculty of Environmental Studies and a prominent figure in biological conservation in Canada.
Criteria
- Student in the Master or PhD program in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
- Student’s interests should reflect Professor Livingston’s passion for ecology and the natural world.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a statement (maximum 500 words) outlining your area of academic interest to the natural environment or ecological consciousness.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
Value: $500
Deadline: February 1
Purpose
This scholarship honours the memory of Professor John Page who taught in the Faculty of Environmental Studies from 1971 until his death in 1988. In recognition of his dedication and contribution to the broad area of planning and human settlements, this scholarship is open to students registered full time in the Master in Environmental Studies Program at York University with an area of concentration in planning and have a student membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
Criteria
- Student in the Master in Environmental Studies Planning Program.
- Registered active in full-time studies at the MES II or MES II level. NOTE: The scholarship will be granted to support the student’s full-time work in their final phase of the program.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Must have an area of concentration in planning.
- Must be working towards becoming a member of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a one-page summary of your current Plan of Study with your proposal.
- Submit confirmation of your student membership to the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).
Value: If 1 award, up to $14,000, if 2 awards, up to $7,000*
Deadline: April 1
Number of Awards: 1-2*
Purpose
The Lambert Family Graduate Award in Neotropical Research & Conservation will be awarded to graduate students at the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change, York University, to support their fieldwork related to neotropical conservation, particularly work that is associated with the Las Nubes Project and is undertaken in the vicinity of the Las Nubes Biological Reserve in Costa Rica and/or that contributes to meeting the goals of the Las Nubes Project.
Eligibility
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents and/or protected persons who are residents of Ontario are eligible. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
- Eligible Area of Study:
(a) Fieldwork related to Neotropical conservation, especially related to research that is undertaken in the vicinity of the Las Nubes Biological Reserve in Costa Rica;
(b) Research that contributes to meeting the goals of the Las Nubes – see http://lasnubes.info.yorku.ca/.
Criteria
- (a) Fieldwork and research related to Neotropical conservation, especially related to research that is undertaken in the vicinity of the Las Nubes Biological Reserve in Costa Rica, and/or that contributes to meeting the goals of the Las Nubes Project.
(b) Academic accomplishments;
How to Apply
- Step 1: Complete the Office of Student and Financial Services’ Student Financial Profile (SFP) When you visit the SFP website, please select APPLY NOW to complete your submission.
- Step 2: Prepare a statement of research that outlines how the award will be used to support the fieldwork, budget, timeline of research activities and the research outcomes.
- Step 3: Prepare a copy of your Approved Research Proposal (from MES 2>3 exam);
- Step 4: Prepare a copy of your current CV
- Step 5: Complete the application form by April 1
Take note:
* The value and number of award(s) in any given year will depend on the rate of distribution from the endowment fund, and the number of recipients selected.
Value: Minimum $1,500
Deadline: November 1 (Fall) or February 1 (Winter – if not awarded in Fall)
Purpose
This award was established in memory of the late Mark Nawrot, former student in the Master in Environmental Studies Program at York University. The purpose of this award is to assist a second-year full-time student in the Master in Environmental Studies Program at York University who demonstrates both excellence in scholarship as well as financial need. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent resident and must be Ontario residents.
Criteria
- Student in the second year of the Master in Environmental Studies Program.
- Registered active in full-time studies.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Canadian Citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Need Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a copy of your Plan of Study.
- Two letters of recommendation – one from your advisor and another from a faculty member.
Value: $1,000
Deadline: April 1
Purpose
The MES-York Planning Alumni Committee (MYPAC) Award was established to support a full-time student in the Master in Environmental Studies program with an area of concentration in planning.
Criteria
- Student in the Master in Environmental Studies Planning Program.
- Registered active in full time studies
(registered in at least 18 credits). - Must be in good academic standing.
- Must be in the final phase of their program (MES III) with a student membership in the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a one-page statement outlining:
- Extent of service and commitment to the planning community at York University;
- Career objectives;
- Academic performance.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
Value: $1,000
Deadline: February 1
Purpose
Established in honour of Dr. Michael Bordt (MES, York, 1978; PhD, Geography, University of Ottawa, 2015) to mark his worldwide contributions to the development of environmental statistics through the application of informatics, this scholarship supports students enrolled in the Master or Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Studies programs at York University. The Michael Bordt Scholarship has been created to benefit Masters or PhD students in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change at York University. This scholarship supports research undertaken by a master’s or doctoral student who, through their choice of coursework and research program, clearly demonstrates an interest in applying informatics (computer hardware and/or software) to the development/analysis of environmental statistics. Examples of relevant coursework/research include the application of geographic information system software, database design/analysis and data collection using remote sensing techniques. Applicants will be judged on their demonstrated interest in applying informatics to environmental statistics.
Criteria
- Masters or Doctoral student enrolled in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
- Registered active in full-time studies.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Demonstrate Academic Excellence
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a CV.
- Submit a grade report.
- Submit a 500-word statement about how your course work and research activity demonstrate an interest in applying informatics (computer hardware and/or software) to the development/analysis of environmental statistics.
Value: Minimum $1,000
Deadline: April 1
Purpose
Pat was a graduate student enrolled in the MES program who passed away in June 2015 after battling leukemia. A beloved member of the FES community, Pat is remembered not only as a dedicated, passionate student but a warm and generous spirit. He taught people that love, kindness, and caring can be a power greater than ourselves. Pat was very committed to social justice for Indigenous people in Canada and as such this award will support students working in this area.
Criteria
- Graduate Student in in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change
- Research is focused on, or is related to, aboriginal/indigenous urban studies/planning.
- Must be in good standing.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Need Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a one-page statement on how your research focuses on or is related to aboriginal/indigenous urban studies/planning.
- One letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
The Paul Simpson-Housley Award will be awarded annually to one MA/MSc graduate student in Geography with an outstanding thesis or major research paper (MRP) and one PhD student in Geography with an outstanding dissertation. Thesis, MRPs, and dissertations written and successfully defended any time during the previous academic year are eligible for consideration, with disbursements of the award to happen in the Winter Term. Recipients must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents and/or protected persons, be Ontario residents*, and demonstrate financial need.
Adjudication of the Paul Simpson-Housley Award will be performed by a committee who will inform the successful candidates.
Value: $1,000
Deadline: November 1
Purpose
Rama Goel Memorial Scholarship was established in honour of the late Rama Goel; she always lived life to the fullest. This scholarship will support research and related scholarly and creative activities.
Criteria
- Graduate students in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change.
- Demonstrate academic excellence (minimum A average, or the equivalent for a Pass/Unsatisfactory graded program)
- Identify as Black or Indigenous, or for any underrepresented or racialized communities for which Special Programs may be established in the future.
- Have a history of community leadership centered on improving and strengthening their home communities.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a written statement (approximately 500 words) that demonstrates your community leadership centered on improving and strengthening your home communities.
Value: $1,500
Professor Handy began her academic journey at York University, arriving from India in 1970 to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics. She later earned a master’s in environmental studies (MES) and a PhD. During her time at York, she taught mathematics in the economics department for over 15 years before transitioning to the Faculty of Environmental Studies, where she became a tenured associate professor. Currently, she is a Professor of Social Policy at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in the nonprofit sector, particularly philanthropy. Dr. Handy served as Editor-in-Chief of Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly and sits on several editorial boards. She has published extensively in leading academic journals, earning numerous awards for her contributions.
Dr. Handy’s influential books include Ethical Decision Making for Social Impact, which explores ethical dilemmas in nonprofits, The Practice and Promise of Philanthropy in India, and the awardwinning The Palgrave Research Companion to Global Philanthropy. Her research spans volunteering, philanthropy, and environmental studies. She has published on the intergenerational transmission of environmental behaviors and co-authored the children’s book Sandy’s Incredible Shrinking Footprint, demonstrating her commitment to fostering environmental awareness across generations.
Purpose
This donation is designated to create an award granted annually to one PhD student in Environmental Studies in recognition of an outstanding dissertation and a minimum GPA of 6.0 or graduate average of a “B”.
Criteria
- PhD student in Environmental Studies in the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change.
- Must be in good academic standing with a min GPA of 6.0 or graduate average of a “B”.
- Student must have already published part of their dissertation in an academic journal
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
Adjudication of the award will be performed by a committee who will inform the successful candidates.
Value: $5,000
Deadline: February 1 (If no suitable candidates are found, the award will be reposted in the Spring or Fall Term).
Purpose
The Jim Evans Award for Economics of the Anthropocene is available to graduate students in EUC conducting research that will articulate, teach and apply a new understanding of Human- Earth relationships grounded in and informed by the insights of contemporary science, with the goal of influencing society to move towards an ecological economy, one that supports human prosperity and environmental sustainability.
Eligibility
- Students enrolled in a Masters or Doctoral program in the Faculty of EUC
- Registered active in full-time studies.
- At the degree stage of conducting original research
How to Apply
- Complete an application.
- Submit your most recent CV highlighting your academic achievements.
- Submit a 500-word statement explaining how your research supports and advances an ecological economy.
- Reference from your research supervisor confirming your suitability for the award. Please provide your referee with the following link to complete the form: Reference Assessment Form for The Jim Evans Award
Value: Minimum $1,500
Deadline: February 1
Eligibility
This award will be given to a graduate student who has successfully completed one semester of study in the field of urban or social geography (thesis or research paper option).
Criteria
- Student in the Geography Graduate Program.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
NOTE: Preference will be given to a student studying issues related to metropolitan Toronto as the locale under study; further preference will be given to those studying housing issues.
The selected recipient may only receive this award once during their period of study at York University.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Need Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a summary of your Research Proposal.
Value: $1,200
Deadline: November 1
Purpose
The Whitaker Family Bursary benefits full time graduate students, international and domestic in their first year of study in the Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change MES program.
Criteria
- Student in their first year of the Master in Environmental Studies program.
- Registered active in full time studies.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Need Assessment for the current study period.
Value: $1,000
Deadline: April 1
Purpose
The Wilkinson Family Graduate Award in Environmental Studies was established in 2013 by the late Professor Paul Wilkinson (BA ’70) and his late wife Dorothy (BA ’79), who believe it is important to recognize a student’s success and accomplishments. The late Prof. Wilkinson (PhD, University of Toronto) held the title of University Professor and Professor in the Faculty of Environmental Studies and was a member of the Graduate Programs in Geography and Disaster Management. He also served on York University’s Senate and Board of Governors, including former Chair of Senate, and former Associate Dean, Graduate Program Director, PhD Program Coordinator and Undergraduate Program Director of Environmental Studies. The award also honours their family members who are also York graduates: Christopher (BES ’96, MES ’98), Melissa (BA/BEd ’98) and Melanie (BSW ’13).
Criteria
- Must be a second year Master in Environmental Studies student with an approved research proposal, or a 2–4-year PhD Environmental Studies student once their program plan has been approved.
- Open to students working in the areas of protected area management, tourism and recreation planning and management, and resource management with a geographical focus on Canada or the Caribbean.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App.
- Submit a research proposal which addresses a major theme of working in the areas of protected area management, tourism and recreation planning and management, or resource management with a geographical focus on Canada or the Caribbean.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
Value: $5,000
Deadline: February 1
Purpose
The Unilever Canada Graduate Award in Environmental Studies is an annual award to support a graduate student who demonstrates a good academic record and financial need.
Criteria
- Master and/or Doctoral student in the Environmental Studies Program.
- Preference will be given to a student with, an area of concentration in sustainability.
- Must be in good academic standing.
- Canadian citizen, permanent resident and/or protected person.
- Ontario resident.
- Must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply
- Complete and submit a Student Profile in the FAAS App and fill out a Need Assessment for the current study period.
- Submit a 2-page summary of proposed research for major project/paper, thesis or dissertation.
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty members.
