University of York acceptance rate

University of York Acceptance rate

The University of York is a prestigious UK educational institution that attracts students from all over the world. As one of the top universities in the UK, the admissions process at York is highly competitive

However, the university strives to maintain a fair and transparent selection process, ensuring that all applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements and potential.

To begin the admissions process, prospective students must submit their applications through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The application requires personal details, academic qualifications, a personal statement, and references from teachers or employers. 

The university carefully reviews each application, considering factors such as the applicant’s grades, extracurricular activities, and overall fit for the chosen course or college. It’s important to understand that York is a collegiate system, similar to Oxford and Cambridge.

You can read a detailed guide on the best colleges at York University

For now, let’s focus on admissions at York.

Why Is the Acceptance Rate Important for the University of York?

The acceptance rate is a great metric for prospective students considering the University of York. It provides an indication of the university’s selectivity and the level of competition among applicants. 

A lower acceptance rate generally signifies a more competitive admissions process, as the university receives a higher number of applications relative to the available places.

Understanding the acceptance rate can help students gauge their chances of admission to their desired course at the University of York. 

It can also influence their decision-making process, particularly if they are considering multiple institutions with varying acceptance rates. 

Additionally, the admission rate can serve as a measure of the university’s academic reputation and the quality of its student body.

Important: The acceptance rate is the number of offers made by Uni divided by a number of applicants.

Related:

The University of York Acceptance Rate

According to the latest data, the University of York’s undergraduate acceptance rate for the 2023/2024 academic year was 79%. This means that out of the 30,355 total applications received, the university made 24,090 offers and 4,995 students decided to accept the offer.

UK's university of York acceptance rate and admission

It’s important to note that the University of York acceptance rate can vary significantly depending on the specific programme or course of study. Some programmes may be more competitive than others, resulting in lower acceptance rates. 

Therefore, future students should consider carefully the acceptance rate for their desired programme when evaluating their chances of admission.

University of York Undergraduate Acceptance Rate

For the 2023/2024 academic year, the University of York welcomed 4,995 new undergraduate students across its various colleges. This figure represents the number of students who accepted offers and enrolled in the university’s undergraduate courses.

79%
acceptance rate

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The acceptance rate for undergraduates at the University of York is generally lower than the overall acceptance rate, as the institution aims to maintain a diverse and talented undergraduate student body. 

However, competition for certain popular undergraduate programmes, such as Economics, Computer Science, and Law, maybe more intense, leading to lower acceptance rates.

Below is an overview table for the last 5 years for accepted students.

Academic YearUndergraduate
2019/04700
2020/15030
2021/25155
2022/34895
2023/44995

University of York Postgraduate Acceptance Rate

The University of York is popular among PG students for its postgraduate programmes, attracting students from around the world seeking advanced degrees and specialised training. 

In the 2023/2024 academic year, the university accepted 3,365 new postgraduate students.

While the exact postgraduate acceptance rate is not publicly available, it is generally assumed to be higher than the undergraduate acceptance rate. Postgraduate programmes often have easier admission requirements. 

As a result, the competition for postgraduate places at the University of York is moderated.

Below is an overview table for the last 5 years for Postgraduate admitted students.

Academic YearPostgraduate
2019/03275
2020/13920
2021/25100
2022/33825
2023/43365

The University of York Acceptance Rates by Course

You will not same chances if you apply to Computer Science or Sociology. The acceptance rates at the University of York can vary significantly depending on the specific course or programme. 

Some of the most popular courses at the university, along with their accepted student numbers for the 2023/2024 academic year, include:

Department / CourseAccepted Students
The York Management School395
English and Related Literature325
Psychology290
History275
The York Law School275
Computer Science220
Sociology220
Biology205
Theatre, Film, Television and Interactive Media205
Mathematics200
Physics195
Chemistry190
Economics and Related Studies190
Health Sciences180
Environment and Geography160
Politics155
Electronic Engineering150
Philosophy, Politics and Economics150
Language and Linguistic Science125
Biomedical Sciences120
Hull York Medical School115
Archaeology85
Philosophy85
Biochemistry75
International Pathway College70
Education65
History of Art60
Music50
School of Social and Political Science45
Centre for Lifelong Learning40
Social Policy and Social Work35
Natural Sciences25
Social Work20
The University of York Acceptance Rates by Course

Highly competitive courses, such as Medicine, Management, Law, and Computer Science, typically have lower acceptance rates due to the limited number of available places and the high volume of applications received. 

On the other hand, courses with higher acceptance rates may be less competitive or have fewer applicants.

The University of York Acceptance Rate for International Students

The University of York is a popular destination for international students, with a diverse and globally renowned student body. The undergraduate acceptance rate for international students at the University of York is significantly lower compared to overall. 

The undergraduate acceptance rate for international students at the University of York is around 13%.

International applicants often face additional challenges during the admissions process, such as meeting English language proficiency requirements, demonstrating academic equivalency, and securing necessary visas and financial support. 

The university may consider factors such as the applicant’s cultural background and potential contributions to the institution’s diversity.

The University of York vs Russell Group Universities

The University of York is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, an association of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK. When compared to other Russell Group universities, the University of York’s acceptance rate is generally in the middle range.

Some Russell Group universities, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, have significantly lower admission rates due to their highly competitive admissions processes and global reputations. 

On the other hand, some newer Russell Group universities may have higher acceptance rates as they continue to grow and establish themselves as leading institutions.

Below you can check the comparison table in terms of admission rates and competitiveness between some Russel Group institutions.

UniversityAcceptance rateCompetitiveness
Oxford13.73%Very High
Cambridge15.7%Very High
King’s College London16.9%Very High
Imperial College London11%Very High
York University79%Moderate to Low
Durham University74%Moderate to Low
Leeds51%Moderate
Sheffield77%Moderate to Low

Factors Affecting Your Chances of Getting Into the York University

Some factors can influence an applicant’s chances of being accepted into the University of York. 

These include:

1. Academic performance: The university places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, considering factors such as grades (A-level subjects for example), test scores, and the rigour of the applicant’s coursework.

2. Personal statement and references: The personal statement and references provided by teachers or employers can offer valuable insights into the applicant’s motivation, personality, and potential for success. Learn how to write a great UCAS personal statement.

3. Extracurricular activities: Involvement in extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, or community service, can demonstrate well-rounded interests and leadership qualities.

4. Competition for the course: The level of competition for a specific course can impact an applicant’s chances of admission. Highly competitive programmes may have lower acceptance rates.

5. International applicant status: As mentioned earlier, international applicants may face additional requirements and considerations during the admissions process.

It’s important to note that the University of York evaluates applications very carefully, considering all aspects of the applicant’s profile, rather than relying solely on academic performance or a single factor. For some courses, you may be invited for an interview.

Final Thoughts

The acceptance rate at the University of York is a very good metric for prospective students to consider when evaluating their chances of admission.

So, how hard is it to get into the University of York? With an overall undergraduate acceptance rate of 79% for the 2023/2024 academic year, the university maintains a moderate to low competitive admissions process while providing opportunities for a diverse and talented student body.

However, it’s essential to recognise that acceptance rates can vary significantly depending on the specific course, program or college. Factors such as academic grades, extracurricular activities, and international applicant status. 

Future applicants are encouraged to thoroughly research their desired courses and carefully prepare their UCAS applications to increase their chances of being accepted into the University of York.

Ultimately, the University of York’s acceptance rate reflects its commitment to academic excellence and its reputation as a leading institution in the UK.