York Access Scheme

Applications for the York Access Scheme are now open.

Apply now

You should submit your York Access Scheme application by 31 January 2024. This helps to ensure that the York Access Scheme can be considered alongside your application. If you are unable to do this for any reason, please contact access-scheme@york.ac.uk.

Through the York Access Scheme, we aim to promote a more equal, diverse and inclusive community at York.

Letting us know more details about your background and circumstances gives our admissions assessors more context in which to consider your UCAS application. After consideration, you could receive a reduced offer of up to two grades below the typical offer. You could also access an enhanced support package to help you meet similar offer-holders and prepare for your exciting transition to university life.

Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply for the York Access Scheme, you must:

• be a UK (home) student. Find out how to determine your fee status.
• have applied via UCAS to study on an undergraduate programme at the University of York
• have attended a UK state-funded school at Key Stage 4 (secondary school) and Key Stage 5 (sixth form or college).

If you are currently seeking asylum or have refugee status, the above criteria will not apply to you, and you should indicate this on your York Access form.

You must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• You were entitled to Free School Meals, Pupil Premium funding or school/college payments related to financial hardship
• You have a disability or long-term health condition and are in receipt of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• You are seeking asylum in the UK or have refugee status
• You have caring responsibilities for a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem
• You are estranged from your family*
• Have experience of being under the care of your local authority
• You are from a background underrepresented in higher education, as follows:
  • British Black background (such as Black or Black British - Caribbean, Black or Black British - African or Other Black background)
  • Asian or Asian British background (such as Asian or Asian British - Indian, Asian or Asian British - Pakistani, Asian or Asian British - Bangladeshi)
  • Mixed or multiple ethnicity background (such as White and Black Caribbean, White and Black African, White and Asian)
  • Gypsy or Traveller background.

*'Estranged’ describes someone who has little or no contact with their parents (either biological or adoptive), and the situation is likely to remain permanent.

If you do not meet the criteria outlined above, but have experienced challenges that have affected your academic performance, take a look at our mitigating circumstances policy or contextual offers page.

Applying