Women Students in STEM-Related Fields (WSSF) at the School of Continuing Studies

This landmark bursary benefits women students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) related programs in the York University School of Continuing Studies.

This bursary was established through the generous support of Daniel Aquino, President & CEO of Aquicon Construction, who believes that with the right support, more women can build the skills, confidence and expertise to shape the future of STEM.

This bursary will help foster the ambition and resilience of female learners at the School of Continuing Studies working toward career fields where women have historically been underrepresented. By providing financial support when unexpected challenges arise, this bursary helps talented students stay focused on their education, build in-demand skills and move toward rewarding careers in STEM.

Award Details

The WSSF Bursary is awarded twice per year to eligible School of Continuing Studies students in a STEM-related program, and who demonstrate financial need.
Award Value: Between $ 500- $ 1,500 CAD
- Award values will fluctuate from year to year

Applications for the WSSF Bursary are now open. Please apply in the form below before October 31, 2026.

Apply Now

This bursary is available for learners experiencing unexpected or emergency financial need due to unforeseen circumstances and is not intended to cover tuition fees.

To be eligible, applicants must:  

Be registered as an active student within the 6-month period directly preceding the application deadline.
Identify as a woman (queer and trans-inclusive).
Be enrolled in one of the following programs:
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Offensive Cyber Security
- Advanced Post-Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Operations and Ethical Hacking
- Post-Graduate Certificate in Digital Construction Management
- Certificate in DevOps
- Certificate in Big Data Analytics
- Certificate in Clinical Research
- Certificate in Ethical Hacking
- Certificate in Cyber Security
- Certificate in Advanced Cyber Security
Have explored all other sources of financial support such as family support, savings, loans, work, etc.
Demonstrate financial need through a personal statement and supporting documentation (see “How to Apply” for more details).
Be in good academic standing in their program

This bursary does not support:

Cost of tuition fees
Higher cost of living due to devalued international currency
Non-urgent or non-emergency related issues

The bursary may not be deferred or transferred to another cycle or program. Students who have already graduated are not eligible. Registered students who have not yet started their program are not eligible. These are one-time awards; students can receive this bursary only once a 12-month period.

Spring Cycle

To be eligible for this cycle, your program has to start between September 1 to January 31

Applications open: February 1
Application period: 28 days
Committee review: 2 weeks
Recipients announced: End of March

Fall Cycle

To be eligible for this cycle, your program has to start between September 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026.

Applications open: October 1
Application period: 31 days
Committee review: 2 weeks
Recipients announced: End of November

The School of Continuing Studies Awards Committee will review all applications and contact the recipients by email after the internal review period.   

Recipients are selected based on:  

Completeness of application and documentation  
 Demonstrated financial need

The Committee’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed.  Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note that not everyone who is eligible will receive an award.  

Questions?

For questions about eligibility or the application process, please contact: continue@yorku.ca.