University of York
University of York
The University of York is ranked 15th in the UK (The Times Good University Guide 2024).
No matter our background or passion, we all have the potential to make a positive impact. At York, we create the opportunities to help you do just that. Study with us and benefit from the knowledge, support, and connections that will help you succeed.
As a leading Russell Group university, York has a global reputation for groundbreaking research that directly informs the teaching you’ll experience. Since our founding in 1963, we have grown into a thriving community of over 20,000 students from more than 150 countries, all contributing to an inclusive and inspiring environment.
By completing the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at UFC, students can progress seamlessly to the University of York and gain access to world-class education and career opportunities.
Life at the University of York
The University of York offers a distinctive student experience, where you will form lifelong friendships, discover new interests, and grow both personally and academically. The University promotes a culture of respectful discussion, debate, and the exchange of ideas, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
York provides a balanced environment where academic engagement meets a lively social scene, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy nightlife and a variety of cultural experiences. Living on campus allows you to fully immerse yourself in university life, build meaningful connections, and take advantage of community-based learning and activities.
The campus features a wide selection of places to eat and drink, catering to diverse dietary needs, as well as convenient stores where you can purchase groceries and other essentials.
Located just outside York’s historic city centre, the campus is easily accessible on foot or by bike, with the city known as one of the UK’s most cycle-friendly. There is also a fast and reliable bus service connecting both parts of campus with the city centre and train station, alongside plenty of cycle racks on campus.
International students are supported by the International Students’ Association (ISA), a student-led group dedicated to representing the interests of international students, organising social events, and offering valuable support throughout your time at York.
York’s Careers and Placement Teams are here to guide you at every stage of your career journey, offering personalised advice and support to help you plan for a successful future.
All students can benefit from the award-winning York Strengths Programme, designed to help you identify your unique strengths and stand out to employers. In addition, York Futures, another highly regarded employability programme, provides a wide range of activities to help undergraduate students explore their options and prepare for a fulfilling career.
You’ll also have numerous opportunities to connect with employers and gain valuable professional experience through career fairs, employer-led events, networking sessions, placements, study abroad programmes, internships, and volunteering. These experiences will broaden your global outlook and strengthen your profile as a competitive candidate for roles around the world.
After graduation, you’ll join York for Life, a global alumni network of more than 135,000 graduates across over 180 countries. As part of this community, you will continue to have lifelong access to the university’s career services and international networking opportunities. Master’s programme discounts are also available if you wish to pursue further study.
York is a modern, student-friendly city, celebrated for its rich history and heritage. With a population of over 200,000, it offers a vibrant atmosphere while maintaining a welcoming, close-knit feel.
The University’s picturesque parkland campus is just a short walk from the lively city centre, giving you the best of both worlds. York’s central location makes it easy to explore other parts of the UK and Europe, with London just two hours away by train and Edinburgh only two and a half hours. The scenic Yorkshire countryside and coastline are also within easy reach, and the University of York Students’ Union regularly organises trips to cities, national parks, and the coast.
York’s charming medieval streets are lined with a mix of well-known retail brands and independent shops. The city also offers a diverse food scene, from bustling street food markets to unique cafés and high-quality restaurants.
York is also a family-friendly city, offering excellent schools and a range of activities and green spaces. Enjoy a picnic in the Museum Gardens, a relaxing walk around Rowntree Park with its play areas and café, or take in stunning views of York Minster from Dean’s Park.
Relocating to a new country can feel overwhelming, but the University of York offers a wide range of support services to help you make the most of your university experience. From mental health resources to financial guidance, you’ll have access to a strong network designed to assist you every step of the way.
International students benefit from dedicated support services, offering essential advice on topics such as visas, healthcare, opening bank accounts, and arranging travel. The University also provides a free airport collection service, multi-faith facilities, and much more to help ease your transition.
A healthcare centre located near campus offers GP appointments and a repeat prescription service. In addition, the Open Door team, made up of mental health practitioners and wellbeing officers, is available to assist registered students facing mental health challenges, working closely with GPs, the NHS, and other services if long-term care is needed.
Every student is assigned an academic supervisor who can provide guidance on both academic progress and personal development. Students also have access to the Academic Skills Community, which offers free workshops, online resources, and one-to-one support in areas such as English and Maths.
Further advice on personal matters, academic concerns, and settling into university life is available through the University’s college system, the Student Hub, and the York SU Advice and Support Centre.
All accommodation at the University of York is either on campus or just a short distance away, with rooms organised around 11 colleges. Each college offers a friendly and supportive community to help you quickly feel at home.
Your college will provide a built-in network of support, friendship, facilities, and a wide range of events and activities to help you settle in and make the most of university life. A variety of room types and price points are available to suit different budgets.
The University of York offers a variety of facilities to help students relax and enjoy campus life, including a student-run theatre and cinema. Free public lectures and exhibitions also provide the chance to engage with cutting-edge research beyond the classroom.
The university’s main library houses over one million print books and a wide collection of printed and digital journals. Students can choose from a range of study environments, from silent zones for focused work to creative spaces designed for group discussions and innovative thinking. In addition, several specialist libraries across campus provide further resources and support for your studies.
The University of York offers over 200 student-run societies and more than 60 sports clubs, giving you plenty of opportunities to get involved and meet new people. The university’s award-winning sports facilities are regarded among the best in the region, providing students with excellent spaces to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Facilities include a competition-standard swimming pool, floodlit 3G football pitches, an Olympic-sized outdoor velodrome, a floodlit road cycle circuit, an athletics stadium, and 39 acres of grass playing fields.
With strong local connections and a global outlook, the University of York places sustainability at the core of its values and responsibilities, driving forward research and knowledge with a focus on creating a positive impact.
Click here to learn more about sustainability at the University of York.
RANKING
Ranked 15th in the UK (The Times Good University Guide 2024)
Ranked 26th in the UK and in the top 200 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Search Programmes at the University of York
Discover a wide range of undergraduate degrees at the University of York, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.
How to Apply
We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.
We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.