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University of York

York, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 22,812
  • Tuition Fee From£ 12,960
  • Country Rank#20
  • Batch Strength17,302
  • Global Diversity27%
  • Gender Ratio44:56

Overview

About

The University of York is one of the world's leading institutions for life-changing research. York University is a high-performing, research-intensive Russell Group university whose emphasis on teaching and research excellence has ultimately resulted in consistently high rankings in the UK and a world-class reputation.

 

The University of York, founded on the principles of excellence, equality, and opportunity, encourages students to dream big, think critically, and change the world. The university was shortlisted for the University of the Year in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 after establishing close ties with the local community and prioritizing care and kindness in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

The academic success and groundbreaking research culture at the University of York have created inspired, independent critical thinkers. York University offers its students a supportive and inclusive learning environment, as well as opportunities to excel in their future careers. For its commitment to gender equality, the university has received 23 departmental Athena Swan awards, including three Gold awards for the Biology, Psychology, and Chemistry departments. York's one-of-a-kind college system offers a plethora of social activities as well as a welcoming environment for all. Students join one of the university's ten colleges, which promote inclusivity and a valuable sense of community.

Ranking

The University of York is a leading research-intensive university in Yorkshire, England that has maintained an impressive reputation in the 2024 rankings. The university is particularly well-known for its exceptional programs in the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, and environmental studies. Some of York's most popular courses include English Literature, History, Politics, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. With a focus on interdisciplinary learning, a collegiate system, and a scenic campus consistently rated among the best in the UK, York provides an enriching academic experience.

York University is renowned worldwide for its academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally by organisations like THE (Times Higher Education), QS, and US News & World Report. The University has solidified its standing in 2025, securing the 184th spot globally in the QS World University Rankings and climbing to 17th place among UK institutions in The Complete University Guide. In 2024, the university continued its upward trajectory, achieving 147th place in the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking and advancing to 19th position in The Guardian's list. Looking back to 2023, York occupied the 280th position in the US News & World Report global rankings and held 21st place in The Guardian's UK university rankings. These results demonstrate the university's consistent improvement across various prestigious ranking systems over the three-year period.

 

University of York - QS Ranking 2025

In 2025, the University of York was ranked 184th globally in the QS World University Rankings, marking a slight decline from 167th place in 2024. In 2023, it held the 162nd position globally. York also ranked 67th in Europe in 2024.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Europe

-

67

-

World University

162

167

184

 

University of York - US News & World Report Ranking

In 2023, the University of York held the 280th position in the global rankings by US News & World Report, dropping from 260th place in 2022 and 264th in 2021.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

Global Universities

264

260

280

 

University of York - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

In 2024, the University of York was ranked 147th in the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking, showing a slight decrease from 139th place in 2023. Previously, in 2022, it held the 169th position.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

169

139

147

 

Learn More About: University of York’s Admission

 

University of York - The Guardian Ranking 2024

The University of York ranked 19th in The Guardian's 2024 ranking, an improvement from its 21st place in 2023 but slightly lower than its position of 18th in 2022.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

18

21

19

 

University of York - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

In 2025, the University of York is ranked 17th among UK universities according to The Complete University Guide, maintaining its position from 2024. It improved from 20th place in 2023.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

20

17

17

 

University of York - QS Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Accounting and Finance

251

301

-

Biological Sciences

151

201

-

Communication and Media Studies

201

151

-

Engineering and Technology

401

392

-

Law and Legal Studies

201

201

-

Mathematics

301

251

-

Medicine

151

170

-

Performing Arts

101

51

-

Pharmacy and Pharmacology

-

301

-

Physics and Astronomy

201

201

-

Politics

151

151

-

Sociology

101

101

-

 

University of York - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Arts and Humanities

57

50

51

Clinical and Health

151

87

101

Engineering

-

251

251

Law

151

126

126

Life Sciences

151

176

151

PG Business and Economics

176

201

126

PG Computer Science

301

301

201

Psychology

95

92

86

 

University of York - The Guardian Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Business and Management

19

45

29

Economics

18

35

29

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

27

29

34

Law

21

22

17

Media and Film Studies

55

34

27

Physics

18

19

35

Politics

21

21

21

Sociology and Social Policy

43

42

36

 

University of York - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Biological Sciences

6

8

7

Business and Management Studies UK

22

16

18

Communication and Media Studies

66

31

38

Computer Science

23

18

21

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

26

25

28

Law

13

12

15

Medicine

22

21

21

Nursing

17

8

12

Physics and Astronomy

14

19

19

Psychology

11

12

9

Sociology

23

14

11

 

Course Rankings

B.A.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

31

61

44

The Guardian - Politics

7

24

22

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

18

16

 

B.E. / B.Tech

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

12

15

25

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

29

29

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

20

18

 

B.J.M.C.

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

11

37

55

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

36

47

30

 

B.Sc.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

12

15

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

13

12

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

21

21

The Guardian - Physics

21

26

9

 

Learn More About: University of York’s Courses

BBA

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Business and Management

13

22

14

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

19

15

The Guardian - Economics

12

40

32

 

BSN

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

15

7

7

 

LL.B.

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Law

5

17

17

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

22

16

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Law and Legal Studies

-

151-200

151-200

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

151-200

151-200

151-200

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

-

126-150

101-125

 

M.A.

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Sociology

-

51-100

51-100

QS - Politics

-

101-150

101-150

QS - Communication and Media Studies

-

101-150

151-200

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

101-150

101-150

76-100

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

51-75

51-75

51-75

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

-

34

40

 

MFA

Ranked by

2023

QS - Performing Arts

101-120

 

MIM

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Accounting & Finance

251-300

251-300

251-300

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

126-150

126-150

126-150

 

MS

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

201-250

251-300

QS - Mathematics

-

251-300

301-350

QS - Biological Sciences

-

151-200

151-200

QS - Engineering and Technology

-

343

334

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301-400

301-400

301-400

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

301-400

401-500

401-500

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

101-125

126-150

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

-

201-250

201-250

 

MSN

Ranked by

2018

2022

QS - Nursing

-

101-150

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

101-150

-

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Medicine

201-250

201-250

201-250

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

80

101-125

101-125

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

99

151-175

151-175

 

Accounting & Commerce

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Accounting & Finance

251-300

251-300

251-300

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

34

40

45

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Business and Management

13

22

14

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

19

15

The Guardian - Economics

12

40

32

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

126-150

126-150

126-150

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Engineering and Technology

343

334

358

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

201-250

201-250

201-250

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

12

15

25

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

-

29

29

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Sociology

-

51-100

51-100

QS - Politics

-

101-150

101-150

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

101-150

101-150

76-100

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

51-75

51-75

51-75

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

-

13

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

-

80

101-125

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

-

31

61

The Guardian - Politics

-

7

24

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

-

18

 

Law

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Law and Legal Studies

-

151-200

151-200

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Law

151-200

151-200

151-200

The Guardian - Law

-

5

17

THE (Times Higher Education) - Law

-

126-150

101-125

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

-

22

 

Mass Communication & Media

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Communication and Media Studies

101-150

151-200

151-200

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

-

11

37

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

36

47

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Medicine

201-250

201-250

201-250

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

99

151-175

151-175

 

Nursing

Ranked by

2018

2020

2021

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Nursing

101-150

-

-

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

-

15

7

 

Science

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

201-250

251-300

QS - Mathematics

-

251-300

301-350

QS - Biological Sciences

-

151-200

151-200

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301-400

301-400

301-400

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

301-400

401-500

401-500

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

-

12

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

-

21

The Guardian - Physics

-

21

26

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

-

101-125

126-150

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

-

-

20

 

Biology

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Biological Sciences

151-200

151-200

151-200

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

-

12

15

THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences

101-125

126-150

151-175

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Economics

12

40

32

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

126-150

126-150

126-150

 

Computer Science

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Computer Science

20

18

19

 

Computer Science Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science

201-250

201-250

201-250

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2020

2021

2022

The Complete University Guide - Electrical and Electronic Engineering

29

29

30

 

Electronics Engineering

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Guardian - Electronic and Electrical Engineering

12

15

25

 

Mathematics

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Mathematics

-

251-300

301-350

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301-400

301-400

301-400

 

Physics

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

201-250

251-300

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

301-400

401-500

401-500

The Complete University Guide - Physics and Astronomy

-

-

21

The Guardian - Physics

-

21

26

 

Politics

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Politics

101-150

101-150

101-150

The Guardian - Politics

7

24

22

 

Accounting

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

QS - Accounting & Finance

251-300

251-300

251-300

 

Political Science

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Politics

-

101-150

101-150

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

101-150

101-150

76-100

The Guardian - Politics

-

7

24

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2019

2020

2021

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

-

13

12

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

80

101-125

101-125

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2018

2019

2020

QS - Sociology

-

51-100

51-100

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

51-75

51-75

51-75

The Guardian - Sociology and Social Policy

-

31

61

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

-

-

18

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2024

#184

#245

2023

#162

#280

2022

#151

#280

2021

#151

#260

Facilities

The University of York has an International Student Support Office that offers a variety of services to meet the diverse needs of international students. This includes a free airport pickup from Manchester, orientation, and social activities such as visa processing, opening a bank account, and counselling services. Furthermore, the university provides a comprehensive careers service that can assist with internships, volunteer activities, job search, and assessment preparation. York has a number of externally accessible facilities and services, such as laboratories, engineering studios, and performance spaces.  Some of the University of York facilities include the following -

 

  • Archeology Data Service: Collects, describes, catalogues, and preserves digital resources produced by archaeological research

  • Bioscience Technology Facility: Access to cutting-edge bioscience technologies for academic and commercial use

  • Centre Of Magnetic Resonance: Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to explore chemical and biological systems

  • York Conferences: Provides a meeting room and conference facilities from a variety of campus venues

  • York Science Park: On-campus serviced office and laboratory space for startups and growing businesses, as well as a variety of professional facilities and business support packages

 

York Health Economics Consortium: Provides health economics consulting and research to the NHS as well as the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries

Notable Alumni

Daron Acemoglu
Daron Acemoglu
Turkish-born American economist
Daron Acemoglu
Daron Acemoglu
Turkish-born American economist
Geoffrey Álvarez
Geoffrey Álvarez
British/Nicaraguan composer and conductor
Geoffrey Álvarez
Geoffrey Álvarez
British/Nicaraguan composer and conductor
Andrea Barber
Andrea Barber
American actress
Andrea Barber
Andrea Barber
American actress

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate  

The acceptance rate at York University is 20% and is known for its selective admissions process, signifying stringent entry standards. This lower acceptance rate suggests that the university carefully evaluates applicants and maintains high academic expectations. York University's commitment to maintaining a competitive and qualified student body aligns with its reputation as an institution that prioritises academic excellence and seeks to enroll students who demonstrate strong capabilities and potential.

 

Learn More About: University of York's Acceptance Rate

 

Entry Requirements

The University of York is a Privy Council-accredited university with over 500 programmes, including 160 undergraduate, 85 combined, and over 300 postgraduate courses. The university provides pre-sessional English language courses to assist students who may lack the necessary English language expertise. A strong command of the English language is required for admission to universities in the United Kingdom. Students must complete IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 in order to be admitted to the University of York in the United Kingdom. Pathway courses are also available for students who do not meet the academic or English proficiency requirements for direct entry into their chosen undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The University of York entry requirements are generic and country-specific. The basic eligibility criteria for Indian aspirants are as follows:

 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements- 

  • Grade 12 completion with at least 75% to 90% from any recognised Board of Higher Secondary Education.
  • For ICSE and CBSE board exams, an average of the best four subjects is required.
  • Other secondary board examinations require an average of the best five subjects.
  • A 75% score in Core English in Grade 12 is acceptable as proof of English language proficiency for Indian students.
  • Letter of recommendation.
  • Personal statement.

 

Postgraduate Admission Requirements- 

  • A 60% score is considered comparable to a UK 2:1
  • A 50% score is considered comparable to a UK 2:2
  • CV (Curriculum Vitae)/ Resume
  • Academic Transcript in English
  • Written Work Specification
  • Second Written Assignment
  • Personal Statement/SOP
  • One can apply on their own or with the assistance of an agent.
  • International applicants' English proficiency test results

 

Research Admission Requirements-

  • A bachelor's degree plus a master's degree in a relevant subject, or work experience in research, is required for a research degree such as an MPhil or PhD.
  • Higher scores on English language proficiency exams are generally required.

 

List of documents required for admissions:

If the original academic transcripts are not in English, international applicants must submit a certified translated version of the transcripts. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students must submit an English language proficiency score report as well as a copy of their passport. Aside from that, the following documents must be attached to the application:

 

  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • Resume
  • Financial support statements
  • Statement of Purpose
  • UCAS Essay

 

English language proficiency requirements

York University requires international students to submit English language proficiency test scores as part of the eligibility criteria. The table below outlines the specific English language requirements for various courses at York University. 

 

           

Programme

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

Duolingo

GMAT

MS

6.5

79

60

120

-

MBA/PGDM

7

88

-

130

550

MIM

7

100

67

120

-

MA

7

88

-

120

-

BA/BSc

6.5

83

60

120

-

BBA

6.5

-

-

-

-

BDes

6.5

100

-

120

-

MFA

7.5

-

-

120

-

LLM

7.5

-

-

-

-


 

 

Fees

If you apply to the University of York as an independent visiting student (not on a student exchange agreement), you will pay tuition to the University directly. Tuition, supervision, exams, and an academic transcript are all included in your university’s fees. If you are an undergraduate or postgraduate taught student, the minimum fee payable is the fee for one term. Fees for postgraduate research students are calculated on a sliding scale. The following are the University of York fees rates (2022-23) for a full-time study:

 

  • LLB Law & Criminology: £23,144 /Yr
  • M.A Archaeology Studies: £23,578 /Yr
  • M.Eng Electronic Engineering: £28,340 /Yr
  • M.S Advanced Computer Science: £23,578 /Yr
  • B.S Bioarchaeology: £23,144 /Yr
  • B.S Psychology: £23,144 /Yr

 

Placement

University of York Placements, careers, and the faculty career teams, guide students every step of the way. Students can get tailored help and advice to develop a well-thought-out career plan. All students are welcome to participate in the award-winning York Strengths Programme. This carefully crafted programme assists students in identifying their strengths and standing out to employers. York's top-notch employability programme provides a variety of activities to help undergraduate students understand their options and plan for a career in which they will thrive.

 

Within three months of graduation, the university's MBA graduates have a placement rate of 89%. The overall response rate on the graduate outcomes survey from the university's MBA'21 graduates was 93%. In 2021, over 140+ employers hired 200+ University of York MBA graduates, with the highest number placed in Financial Services. Through careers fairs, employer-led actions, networking meetings, placements, studying abroad, internships, or volunteering, York students have numerous opportunities to network with employers and gain valuable professional experience. These experiences broaden students' global perspectives, positioning them as exceptional candidates for employers worldwide.

Scholarship

Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the University of York through UniScholars. 

Refer to the table for scholarships provided by York University for new entrants. These scholarships do not need applications: 

 

 

Scholarship Name

Amount (CAD)/Award

York University Talent Entrance Scholarships

$1,000

Lassonde Entrance Scholarships

$2,000

Liberal Arts & Professional Studies International Student Entrance Scholarship

$2,000

Faculty of Health International Student Entrance Scholarship of Excellence

$2,000

Faculty of Science Entrance Scholarship

$2,000

 

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of York. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in York near University of york that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near University Of York offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

York is a vibrant and student-friendly city. It is consistently voted the 'best place to live in the UK' due to its unique blend of rich history, culture, and contemporary style. The city has a diverse range of shops, museums, restaurants, and cafes. It's big enough to feel lively but small enough to be friendly, thanks to a diverse range of festivals, sporting events, and cultural activities. York is located in the heart of the country and is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area. Excellent transportation links connect the city to the rest of the United Kingdom. The city is an excellent city for students and a compelling first step into city life. You'll need to budget to make your money go further, and your living expenses will vary greatly depending on your lifestyle. The annual living expenses are estimated to be between £10,429 and £15,756. The cost of living in York City is broken down below -
 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,063

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 776

Transportation

£ 55

Food Cost

£ 552

Entertainment

£ 38

Groceries

£ 120

Clothes

£ 73

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,901

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1,614

Annual Cost of Living

£ 22,812

 

The above data is sourced from Cost of Living in York on UniAcco.

 

FAQs