University of York logo

University of York

York, UK · Ranking #353

The University of York is a public research university in the historic city of York in north‑east England. Founded in 1963, it has grown to over 20,000 students across more than thirty departments and research centres, with strengths in arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences and interdisciplinary studies. York’s campus is set around lakes and green spaces on the Heslington sites, with additional facilities in the city centre. The university is consistently ranked in the UK top 15–20 and has strong international subject rankings in arts and humanities and social sciences. Its collegiate system provides academic and social support, and students come from over 140 countries, creating a diverse and welcoming environment.

University of York logo

University of York

About the university

The University of York is a public research university in the historic city of York in north‑east England. Founded in 1963, it has grown to over 20,000 students across more than thirty departments and research centres, with strengths in arts and humanities, social sciences, sciences and interdisciplinary studies. York’s campus is set around lakes and green spaces on the Heslington sites, with additional facilities in the city centre. The university is consistently ranked in the UK top 15–20 and has strong international subject rankings in arts and humanities and social sciences. Its collegiate system provides academic and social support, and students come from over 140 countries, creating a diverse and welcoming environment.

Key information

  • Location: York, UK
  • Ranking #353
  • QS #162
  • THE #142
  • National ranking #12
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Arts and Humanities (e.g. English
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Languages
  • Archaeology)
  • Social Sciences (e.g. Politics
  • Sociology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Law)
  • Sciences (e.g. Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Environment)

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 20,000
  • Undergraduate: 14,000
  • Graduate: 6,000
  • International students: 30%

Campus life

York’s collegiate campus is built around lakes and landscaped grounds, with accommodation, teaching buildings, sports facilities and social spaces located close together. The Students’ Union and colleges run societies, sports, events and welfare support. The historic city centre is a short bus or bike ride away, offering medieval streets, shops, cafes and cultural venues. International student support services help with visas, accommodation and academic skills, and the campus is generally safe, walkable and student‑friendly.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £600 - £1,200 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus college accommodation (catered and self‑catered)
  • Standard and en‑suite rooms
  • Studios
  • Shared houses and flats in York

Student clubs and organizations

  • YUSU (Students’ Union) societies
  • Academic and subject societies
  • Cultural and international student groups
  • Volunteering and community action
  • Arts and performance societies

Sports

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Hockey
  • Netball
  • Rowing
  • Tennis
  • Badminton
  • Other BUCS and college‑level sports through the university’s sports facilities

Career & internships

Employment rate: 91%

Partner companies

  • Nestle
  • Yorkshire Water

Internships: Many York degrees include placement years, internships or work‑related modules, particularly in business, science, social sciences and engineering. The university collaborates with employers in the UK and abroad, and Careers Service provides guidance, skills sessions and employer events. International students can pursue placements in line with visa regulations, gaining UK work experience that enhances their graduate prospects.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • UCAS or online application
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Personal statement
  • Academic reference
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
  • Passport copy
  • Additional materials for some courses (e.g. portfolio or written work)

Tuition costs

  • £28,000 - £40,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 20.00%
  • Scholarships available: The University of York provides various scholarships for international students, including Global Excellence Scholarships and country‑ or region‑specific awards. These are usually partial tuition fee reductions of several thousand pounds, awarded competitively based on academic excellence and potential. Some scholarships are linked to particular faculties or subjects. External funding and government schemes may also be available depending on your country. Full details, eligibility criteria and deadlines are updated annually on the university’s international fees and funding pages.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1963
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

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