The University of York has a long history of welcoming students from all over the world. Of our 20,000 plus students over 4,500 are from outside the UK, representing more than 150 countries. At York, you'll be sure to have an international educational experience! See why the choice is York

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Chat to our students

Get a taste of studying in York through our free online taster courses and open access short online courses. Develop your English language and a number of other skills, and get the opportunity to interact with our student community.

In 2023, we welcomed 193 students from Sub-Saharan Africa.

They're studying a range of subjects including Economics, Health Sciences, Law, Management and Politics.

Any questions?

Got a question about applying to York? Email our friendly International Team for advice and support.

If you've already applied to study at York please use You@York to upload any documents. Please do not email documents to us.

international@york.ac.uk
+44 (0)1904 324 000

My year at York was a wonderful time of personal and intellectual growth.

Erica, MA Modern and Contemporary Literature and Culture (South Africa)

Application information

Scholarships and funding

Funding, scholarships and loans

We offer a number of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students:

We award many international scholarships every year, recognising achievement by applying a tuition fee discount:

You could also be entitled to apply for the following competitive scholarships:

We are proud to have launched a partnership with the Ashinaga Association to provide full scholarships to African students who’ve lost one or both of their parents. Read about the launch.

A limited number of scholarships are available annually for South African citizens or permanent residents to study a Masters or Doctoral degree programme overseas. Candidates should intend to pursue careers in academia, research, development or related fields in South Africa upon graduation. Applications are only considered from those who present specific and purposeful plans to undertake programmes in unique or highly specialised disciplines in which advanced studies are not readily available in South Africa or who are able to demonstrate that they have advanced to A level where international tuition under the direction of global leaders in their particular discipline is appropriate to proceed meaningfully in their chosen field.

Country specific scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarship

various. The University of York is a host university for the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Various opportunities are available throughout the year. The majority of awards are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Other sources of funding

There are a number of external funding bodies that exist to support study in the UK. Government departments, international agencies, charitable organisations and private companies may also be able to provide financial support for certain subject areas. If there is a local British Council office near you they can provide up-to-date advice on what is available for your country and you can search for scholarships online.

Undergraduate entry requirements

If you're studying the National Senior Certificate (State or Independent Examination Board - IEB Matric) you'll need to achieve between 66655 and 76666 in five subjects.

Other post school qualifications may also be considered for entry to York on a case by case basis.

To help you meet our undergraduate entry requirements, you can study a Foundation course through our International Pathway College. Explore our international pathways.

Course-specific requirements

Visit the course pages for details of the entry requirements specific to your chosen course. Some courses also have additional requirements such as work experience or submission of written work. 

Search undergraduate courses

Postgraduate entry requirements

Postgraduate taught courses

For a postgraduate taught course such as a Masters, you would normally need a Bachelor degree with Honours or a Bachelor of Technology from a recognised institution in a relevant subject.

Typically you would need at least the equivalent to a UK upper second class honours degree, however some courses will accept lower second class honours degrees. Actual requirements will vary by course.

  • Upper Second Class Honours is considered comparable to a UK 2:1
  • Lower Second Class Honours is considered comparable to a UK 2:2

Research degrees

For a research degree such as an MPhil or a PhD, you would normally need a Bachelors degree plus either a Masters degree in a relevant subject or some experience of conducting research.

International Pathway College

To help you meet our postgraduate entry requirements, you can study a Pre-Masters course through our International Pathway College. Explore our international pathways.

Course-specific requirements

Visit the course page for details of the entry requirements specific to your chosen course. Some courses also have additional entry requirements such as work experience or submission of written work.

Search postgraduate courses

English language requirements

English language requirements vary by academic department.

English language support

We can help you with your English language skills both before and during your studies.

Fees information

Fees

Find out how much our courses cost:

Living costs and additional expenses

Use our living cost guides to plan your budget:

How to apply

Undergraduate

To apply to York, you will need to complete an application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

Apply for an undergraduate course

Postgraduate

You can apply online for taught Masters courses and research degrees. You can apply all year round in most cases but we recommend that you apply as early as possible due to competition for places and funding application deadlines.

Apply for a postgraduate taught course

Apply for a research degree

Meet us in your country

Visits to your country

We don't have any upcoming visits planned to your country at the moment.

Sign up for email updates to find out about upcoming visits.

Support for you in your country

If you wish to receive extra support when applying to study in the UK, you can choose to be counselled by an agent. The University of York is partnered with numerous education agents around the world, who are carefully selected and regularly trained by the University.

Students who choose to be counselled by an agent should expect the following standards of service:

  • Agent representatives will support you throughout the application process, including advice when preparing and submitting required documents
  • Agent representatives will have full access to your data within your application and may discuss your application in full with the University of York
  • Agent representatives should be honest and accurate when communicating with you about the University, and vice versa
  • Agent representatives will conduct themselves with fairness and integrity at all times and are subject to a rigorous selection and ongoing training process by the University of York.

It is important to us that you are satisfied with the service that you receive from an agent. You can provide feedback to us by completing the agent feedback form. All responses are anonymous. If you have any questions please contact international@york.ac.uk.

Below is a list of partners that we highly recommend based on the country from which you are applying. The services provided can vary, as can the fees (some services are free of charge). We recommend that you use the web links provided to research your options thoroughly before making a final decision.

Our agent partners

Chat to a student

Find out what it's like to live and study at York from the people who know it best.

Start a conversation

Pre-arrival information

Read our pre-arrival checklist and find out everything you need to know to help make your journey to York as easy as possible.

If you're travelling to the UK by plane, you can book your place on our free airport collection service from Manchester airport.

Prepare for your arrival

Student societies

There are over 200 social, cultural and religious student-led societies that you can join at York including the International Students' Association (ISA).