Three York University students got an unexpected head start on their academic journeys after learning they were selected to receive free tuition for their first year of studies.
Each year since 2017, York helps students begin their university experience with fewer financial barriers by awarding free first-year tuition to incoming students, complementing the scholarships, grants and bursaries available across the University.
For the second consecutive year, one recipient was selected from each of York's three campuses: Keele, Glendon and Markham. Valued at more than $7,000, the award offers meaningful support as recipients begin post-secondary studies.
Meet the 2026 recipients, read their stories and watch a video to see their reactions to winning free tuition.
Markham Campus: Temi Ahmed (Lassonde School of Engineering)
When Ahmed began exploring university programs, she was looking for one that aligned with a long-standing fascination with space and technology.
"I've been really interested in space for a long time, and I like working with computers," she says. "I hope to build a rocket someday in the future."
Her search eventually led her to York University's Space Engineering program, where she hopes to turn that passion into a future career.
As she settles into her first year, Ahmed is excited to immerse herself in her studies and take the first steps toward her career goals.
Winning free tuition, she says, was unexpected. After being invited to what she thought was a routine student experience interview, Ahmed says she had no idea what was waiting for her.
"I wasn't thinking I'd win free tuition," she says, explaining that when she opened the letter, she was in shock. "I saw 'tuition,' so I was like, 'Oh my God. Is this what I think it is?'"
The award will make a meaningful difference for both Ahmed and her family. Soon after learning the news, she called her parents and sister to share it with them. Their reactions, she says, were a mix of excitement and disbelief.
"My dad didn't believe me," she laughs. "He was really surprised, and my sister was really happy too."
Keele Campus: Alexandrea Ursino (Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies)
When Ursino developed an interest in law during high school, she began looking for a program that would allow her to explore the field from a broader perspective. York University's Law & Society program stood out as the ideal fit, offering the opportunity to examine legal issues through social, political and cultural lenses.
York appealed to Ursino because of the possibilities available inside and outside the classroom. As a commuter from Woodbridge, being close to home while still having access to a large campus and a wide range of ways to get involved was a key driver in her decision.
"I chose York University because of the community and the opportunities that they have," she says. "I liked how it was so diverse and how they had a lot of programs that I could choose from, and a lot of clubs."
As she begins her first year, Ursino is eager to expand her knowledge through university-level coursework and discover new perspectives through her studies.
"I'm looking forward to what I'll be learning and what content the professors will provide me with," she says. "I'm excited to get into the assignments, get into the readings and learn a lot."
The excitement of starting university was made even greater when Ursino learned she had been selected as this year's Keele Campus free tuition recipient. Caught completely off guard by the announcement, she says the award came as a welcome surprise.
"It means it's a super big gift, a big surprise," she says. "Free tuition gives me the ability to pursue my goals of having a good first year, to focus more on my education and my growth as I begin this new chapter of my life."
Glendon Campus: Xander Venne (Ethics and Political Philosophy)
Venne's connection to Glendon runs deeper than academics; the campus is part of his family history.
"My parents actually both went here to the Glendon campus and they met here," says Venne. "So, I've been hearing great stories about it my whole life."
Now in his first weeks as a student, he says he has already experienced the close-knit and diverse community that drew him there.
"I've been able to make a wide variety of friends from across the world, which I've really enjoyed," he says.
Venne is eager to embrace the opportunities that come with university life, from new experiences and friendships to expanding his knowledge and developing new skills.
Winning free tuition, he says, will make a meaningful difference for both him and his family, easing financial pressures and allowing him to focus more fully on his studies.
"It means a lot for me and for my family," he says.
Watch the video below for more.
