York University: Guide For International Applicants

York University is a diverse and inclusive institution that welcomes international students from all over the world. The application process for international students can be navigated independently or with the help of an overseas agent. York International, the university's international student support office, provides essential information on study permits, travel to Canada, and international student orientation on their website. To gain admission, international students must demonstrate English language proficiency, with certain programs offered in a bilingual environment (English and French). Supporting documentation, such as transcripts, course descriptions, and language proficiency test scores, must be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions. Additionally, York University offers a range of pre-sessional English language courses to facilitate entry into undergraduate and master's programs.

How to apply to York University as an international student

Entry requirements

York University welcomes international students from all over the world. The application process varies depending on the type of course you're applying to. For undergraduate courses (such as BA, BSc, and BEng), you must apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply independently or through an overseas agent.

York University has general entry requirements and course-specific requirements that must be met. You may also be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability. The University offers pre-sessional English language courses to help you achieve the required level of English proficiency for your chosen course. These courses also help develop your academic study skills.

If you are applying to a Masters course and do not meet the entry requirements, you can prepare by enrolling in the Pre-Masters programme at the International Pathway College in York or London. Successful completion of this course guarantees you a place in your chosen Masters degree at York.

If you are already studying at another university, you can apply to York as a visiting student for one semester up to a full academic year. York also offers Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) that are free and open to everyone worldwide. Completing a MOOC may make you eligible for an alternative offer to study at York.

Supporting documentation, such as transcripts, course descriptions, and language proficiency test scores, must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions at York University. SAT or ACT scores are deemed optional for students enrolled in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico, or Guam. However, students from other regions who have taken a standardized test are encouraged to submit their scores as it may strengthen their application.

Supporting documentation

When applying to York University as an international student, you must submit supporting documentation, such as transcripts, course descriptions, and language proficiency test scores, directly to the Office of Admissions. These documents are required for your application to be reviewed for a conditional offer of admission.

Transcripts

Transcripts from your previous academic qualifications are required. If you are applying as a transfer student, your most recent transcript will be used to award Transfer Credits. If you are applying as a first-year student, you will need to submit Grade 9-12 Semester 1 High School Transcript(s) (with the grading scale).

Course descriptions

You may be required to submit course descriptions for the courses listed on your transcripts. This is to provide context for the admissions team regarding the content and structure of your previous studies.

Language proficiency test scores

York University offers programs in English at the Keele Campus and in a bilingual environment (English and French) at the Glendon Campus. To gain admission, you must demonstrate language proficiency in your program's language of instruction by presenting a minimum proficiency score on an accepted language test. If you need help meeting the required English proficiency, York University offers English Language Institute's three pathway programs to transfer directly into your desired program.

Other supporting documents

Depending on your specific situation, you may be required to submit additional supporting documents. For example, if you are applying from a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico, or Guam, SAT/ACT scores are optional, but submitting them may support your application for competitive programs. On the other hand, if you are applying from outside of these regions, an SAT/ACT test will be required if you have not studied in a formal academic high-school environment. Additionally, if you are applying as a transfer student, you may be eligible for transfer credits for AP College Board examinations with results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits.

English language proficiency

York University has specific English language proficiency requirements for international students. As an international student, you must demonstrate language proficiency in English, the language of instruction at the Keele Campus.

The University accepts various English language proficiency tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, Canadian Academic English Assessment (CAEL), Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE, CPE), Duolingo, and Pearson PTE Academic. These test scores are valid for two years, and you must arrange for your test centre to send the scores directly to York University.

If you are a non-native English speaker, you must provide proof of your English language proficiency by achieving the minimum proficiency score on an accepted language test. York University's website provides detailed information on the minimum acceptable English language scores for each program.

If you do not meet the required English proficiency level, York University offers several pathway programs to help you improve your English language skills and meet the requirements. These include the University's English Language Institute (YUELI), which offers academic preparation programs, summer language institutes, and customized programs. Additionally, the University provides pre-sessional English language courses to support your language development.

For Masters courses, York University's International Pathway College in York or London offers a Pre-Masters program to help you prepare and meet the entry requirements.

Costs and scholarships

The costs of attending York University as an international student vary depending on the specific program and the number of credits in which you enroll. As an international student, you will pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. In addition to tuition, you can expect to pay for housing, meals, textbooks, and supplementary student fees. To help offset these costs, York University offers scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities for international students.

York University offers scholarships and bursaries to international undergraduate students to help with tuition fees and living expenses. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievements or extracurricular activities, while bursaries are allocated based on personal circumstances, such as household income. The International Undergraduate Regional Scholarship, for example, provides funding of £5,000 to £7,500 for the first year of study for international undergraduate students. Additionally, the university offers two scholarships for undergraduate students seeking refuge in the UK, which include a full fee waiver and £12,300 for living costs.

Many of York University's departments and centers also offer specialized guidance and funding opportunities for international students. These opportunities are often renewed annually. To explore specific funding options, it is recommended to contact the relevant department or center directly. Additionally, York University's website provides information on external scholarships and grants, such as those offered by the Ministry for higher education study outside of the Nordic region. However, it is important to note that external opportunities are not endorsed or vetted by the university, and any organization offering funding must be an approved financial sponsor.

To apply for scholarships, international students should review the specific requirements and deadlines for each scholarship. In some cases, students may need to submit a separate application or provide additional documentation demonstrating financial need. It is important to plan and budget for the expected costs of attending university as an international student, as you may be required to submit a certification of finances showing your ability to fund your studies. York University also offers webinars and events to help prospective international students learn more about the application process, including information on costs and financial aid.

Transfer students

York University welcomes transfer students from recognised and accredited global institutions. The process for applying as an international transfer student is similar to that of a regular international student.

Application Process

Firstly, you will need to submit your application, along with supporting documentation, such as transcripts, course descriptions, and language proficiency test scores, directly to the Office of Admissions at York University. You will also need to submit a Supplementary Information Form, which can be accessed via your MyFile account after you apply for admission.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an acknowledgement email from York University, providing you with a York student number that allows you to track your application status in the applicant portal, MyFile.

Transfer Credit Assessment

After you have been admitted to York University, the transfer credit team in the Office of Admissions will begin to assess your previous university studies for transfer credits. This process is multi-step:

• Your transcripts will be assessed for potential transfer credits, including courses that are currently in progress. This potential transfer credit amount will be included in your Admission Decision Letter.
• Once you accept your offer of admission, the team will fully assess your previous studies for credit eligibility.
• If you have successfully finished the transfer credit assessment and met all eligibility requirements, you will receive an offer of admission to York.

Additional Information

York University offers dedicated Transfer Student Information Sessions, led by the Transfer & Mature Recruitment Officer, which provide more information on the transfer credit process, student supports, and scholarships for transfer applicants.

If you are an international Francophone student interested in York, you may be eligible for the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot (FMCSP). This initiative supports French-speaking international students with a pathway to permanent residence.

For more information on the application process, costs, and deadlines, York University offers regularly-held webinars and a Future Students Event Calendar.

Frequently asked questions