York University's International Student Population: A Comprehensive Overview

York University in Toronto, Canada, is home to a community of over 10,000 international students. The university has approximately 53,500 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and over 375,000 alumni worldwide. International students make up about 18% of the total enrolment, and due to the higher fees they pay, this equates to more than half of York's tuition revenue. The majority of international students at York are from India and China, and the university has recently been trying to recruit students from other countries.

International students at York University, Canada, represent over 150 countries

York University in Toronto, Canada, is home to a diverse community of over 10,000 international students, representing over 150 countries. The university's international student population makes up about 18% of its total enrolment, and they contribute more than half of York's tuition revenue.

International students at York University have access to a range of services and resources, including the International Student and Scholar Services Team, which offers workshops, orientation programmes, and support with immigration, health insurance, and other important matters. The university also provides mental health resources and personal finance guidance specifically for international students.

With a variety of programs and support services, York University strives to foster a dynamic global community that prepares international students for success during their time at the university and beyond.

The university has over 10,000 international students

York University in Toronto, Canada, is home to a diverse community of over 10,000 international students from more than 150 countries. The university has a strong international presence, with a global network of over 375,000 alumni.

International Student Support

The International Student and Scholar Services Team at York University offers a range of services to support international students, including pre-arrival workshops, orientation programs, and immigration resources. The team fosters a dynamic global community and provides expert advice on health insurance, mental health, and personal finances.

Academic Offerings

York University offers over 120 undergraduate programs and 17 degree types, as well as opportunities for international language study and study abroad at more than 100 partner institutions worldwide. The university has 11 faculties, including the School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design, the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and the Schulich School of Business.

Rankings and Reputation

York University is ranked highly in various post-secondary rankings. In 2025, it was placed 362nd globally and 16th in Canada by QS World University Rankings. It was also ranked 401-500th in the world and 18th in Canada by Times Higher Education World University Rankings. York University's research performance has been recognized, with rankings placing it 19th in Canada for scientific research impact.

Student Life and Opportunities

York University provides a vibrant student experience with over 350 student clubs and organizations. The university also offers various athletic facilities and supports 29 interuniversity sports teams. The Village at York University is a popular off-campus housing area for upper-year and postgraduate students.

International students make up about 18% of York's total enrolment

York University in Toronto, Canada, is home to over 10,000 international students, making up about 18% of the university's total enrolment. The university has a diverse international student body, with students coming from over 150 countries worldwide.

International students at York University are supported by the International Student and Scholar Services Team, which offers expert non-academic programs and services and fosters a dynamic global community. The team provides support with immigration information, health insurance and healthcare, personal finances, and career opportunities, among other things.

York University also has a range of student clubs and volunteer opportunities for international students to get involved in.

York University is Canada's third-largest university

York University, also known as YorkU or YU, is Canada's third-largest university, with approximately 53,500 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and over 375,000 alumni worldwide. It has 11 faculties, including the Lassonde School of Engineering, Schulich School of Business, Osgoode Hall Law School, and Glendon College.

York University was established in 1959 as a non-denominational institution by the York University Act, which received royal assent in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. Its first class was held in September 1960 in Falconer Hall on the University of Toronto campus, with 76 students.

A Brief History

York University's first campus was Glendon College, which opened in 1961. The campus emphasised liberal arts and part-time adult education. In 1965, the university opened a second campus, the Keele Campus, in North York, within the neighbourhood now called York University Heights. The Keele Campus is now York University's main campus, and is home to most of the university's faculties.

Over the last twenty years, York University has become a centre for labour strife, with several faculty and other strikes occurring, including the longest university strike in Canadian history in 2018.

International Students

York University has over 10,000 international students, representing over 150 countries. The university has a dedicated International Student and Scholar Services Team, which supports international student retention and success by offering expert non-academic programs and fostering a dynamic global community.

International students make up about 18% of York's total enrolment, and due to the significantly higher fees they pay, this equates to more than half of York's tuition revenue. The majority of international students come from India and China, which, according to the auditor general, puts the institution at risk, as reliance on a few nations' students for revenue exposes the university to the risk of external factors such as shifts in foreign policy.

York University has 11 faculties

York University is home to a diverse range of faculties, each offering unique programs and specializations. The School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design, for instance, has been a leader in innovative artistic education and research, connecting cultural expression with evolving technologies. The Faculty of Education, on the other hand, focuses on providing an inspiring environment for students to gain the tools they need to become motivators of change in the field of education.

The Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change addresses today's pressing challenges, empowering students to become changemakers for a sustainable future. Glendon College, located in midtown Toronto, offers a unique focus on global engagement and cultural exchange, fostering language and cultural competency. The Faculty of Graduate Studies provides pan-university support and leadership for graduate education, enhancing the academic and professional experiences of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

The Faculty of Health offers a range of degree programs, including Global Health, Health Studies, Kinesiology & Health Science, Neuroscience, Nursing, and Psychology, with a blend of classroom learning, labs, and community partnerships. The Lassonde School of Engineering, with its diverse community, shapes the next generation of creators who tackle global challenges through interdisciplinary learning.

The Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, as the largest of York's faculties, offers a rich array of programs in the social sciences, humanities, and professional fields, led by award-winning faculty. Osgoode Hall Law School, with its Juris Doctor, Graduate, and Professional Development programs, provides a rich legal education. The Schulich School of Business, ranked as Canada's preeminent business school, boasts a vast alumni network in over 90 countries and is a leader in responsible business and sustainability.

Lastly, the Faculty of Science encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from physics and astronomy to biology and chemistry, fostering scientific inquiry and innovation.

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