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:

  • 473 students from Europe
  • 21 students from Switzerland.

They're studying a range of subjects including Biomedical Sciences, Economics, English and Related Literature, and Law.

Any questions?

Scott is our Regional Manager for North America and Europe. Please contact him with any queries you have about studying here.

Book an online appointment with Scott

Scott Torrance

Scott Torrance

Regional Manager for North America and Europe

scott.torrance@york.ac.uk

You couldn’t pick a more beautiful place to come to university. The Minster, the Shambles, and the markets all make it a wonderful place to live. There’s a lot of culture and history here, as well as a decent nightlife for students.

Eloise, BA English (Switzerland)

Application information

Scholarships and funding

Funding, scholarships and loans

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

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 one of the following qualifications, you'll need to achieve between 4.3 and 5.2 overall:

  • Certificat de Maturité
  • Certificat de Maturité Cantonal reconnu par la Confédération
  • Baccalaureat Vaudois
  • Maturität
  • Eidgenössisch anerkanntes kantonales Maturitätszeugnis
  • Attestato di Maturità
  • Attestato di Maturità Cantonale riconosciuto dalla Confederazione (Federal Secondary School Leaving Certificate)

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 Bachelors degree from a recognised institution.

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.

  • A score of 'Gut' 5 (1 to 6 grading system), 8 (1 to 10 grading system) or 2 (5 to 1 grading system) is considered comparable to a UK 2:1
  • A score of 'Genugend' 4 (1 to 6 grading system), 6 (1 to 10 grading system) or 3 (5 to 1 grading system) is considered comparable to a UK 2:2

The score you will need depends on which university you attended and which subject you're applying to.

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

We don't currently have any authorised agents in Switzerland. However, you can seek advice from the British Council in Switzerland.

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).