.png)
Aspire Together
About the programme
Aspire Together takes place online, with an opportunity to visit our campus. As part of the programme, you’ll speak with current University of York students who can offer their guidance and insight on a range of topics related to university.
Participants who engage with the programme can unlock additional benefits.
Key dates
Applications are open and are due to close at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
The final date to submit parent/carer/guardian permissions and school staff supporting statements is 9am on Monday 12 January 2026.
The programme starts in February with an online launch event. During these events, you will meet other students on the programme, as well as current students at the University of York.
- Oct 2025 to Jan 2026 | Applications open in the Autumn and will close in January
- Feb 2026 | Aspire Together Launch (online)
- Feb to June 2026 | Online events (typically 1 per month)
- May 2026 | Campus Visit (in person)
Benefits of completing Aspire Together
Guaranteed interview or offer
Participants on Aspire Together will be considered for a guaranteed interview or offer to study at York as part of our dedicated support to local and commuting students living in the Yorkshire & Humber region*.
*Excludes the Hull York Medical School (further details can be found on our Local and Commuting Students page).
Contextual offer
Participants who successfully complete the programme could receive a contextual offer up to two grades below our standard offer**.
**not including the subject specific requirements shown on our course pages, and excludes the Hull York Medical School.
How to apply
Aspire Together aims to support progression to university with a particular focus on supporting applicants to find a place at the University of York. Please check our undergraduate course pages to explore the courses that we offer.
Applications are open and are due to close at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
The final date to submit parent/carer/guardian permissions and school staff supporting statements is 9am on Monday 12 January 2026.
Eligibility
You should meet all the essential criteria:
- From a South Asian background - this includes Bangladeshi or Bangladeshi British, Indian or Indian British, Pakistani or Pakistani British, mixed or multiple ethnic group including South Asian heritage, or any other South Asian background.
- You are currently studying at an English state (non-fee paying) school, sixth form or college in Bradford / Kirklees area and in your first year of further education (such as Year 12 or Level 3 Year 1). We will consider applications on a case by case basis where you are attending an Independent Special School fully funded by your local authority
- You have the potential to achieve BCC or above at A Level, DMM or above in BTEC Extended Diploma or the equivalent in a Level 3 qualification e.g T Level*
- Attended a State (non-fee paying) school from Year 7 to Year 11. We will consider applications on a case by case basis where you attended an Independent Special School fully funded by your local authority
- You have been a resident in the UK for at least the last three years**
*If you are interested in applying to the Hull York Medical School please ensure that you read the entry requirements which includes additional information regarding subject requirements.
** We will consider applications on a case by case basis where you hold “refugee” or “humanitarian protection” or are seeking asylum in the UK.
We encourage applications from any students who meet the essential criteria as outlined above and hope to be able to welcome you on to the Aspire Together programme.
Other opportunities
If you are a student or family member and would like to find out more about our events, please email us. You can also find out more about what York has to offer at our Open Days, and hear from current students from a South Asian background.
If you are a school/college or community group working with the South Asian community, we would love to hear from you. We understand the important role that families play in helping students decide about their futures, we particularly would like to support events where there are families present. We may also be able to facilitate a campus visit to the University of York.
Our project currently focuses on working with organisations within the West Yorkshire region. If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with the team at aspire-together@york.ac.uk.