The University of Opportunity
900
is the average monthly rent for students in York, making it the 8th most expensive city in the UK for student renters.
55% of students have at least one job
an increase of 10% in the last year alone. For many, work is not about experience but survival.
The University invests over £2.5 million
into widening access activity every year, but we can't do it alone.
A lifetime commitment to removing barriers.
The University of Opportunity fund prioritises opportunity for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.
It's about creating pathways to success for everyone, no matter where they come from or what challenges they face. Your support will help us do even more. The programmes supported by the fund target students who are underrepresented and face persistent socio-economic, education and societal barriers.
“I went to school in Huddersfield, and came from a background that wasn’t the same as the people I was at school with. All my friends at school were rich and had a lot of money. They could do things like go on holiday three times a year, whereas I’ve been abroad twice.
My sixth form college showed me all the widening participation programmes, which is how I found the Next Step York programme that got me into university. It showed me what university would be like. There were academic workshops, information about the societies, and basically an overview of everything that goes on.”
Layla, 1st Year, BA English Literature
Widening access programmes are the University of Opportunity’s first step in helping prospective students to see a clear path to their future. Through our success programmes we are giving students the resources to thrive during their time at university whilst achieving the best possible degree outcome. Our progression programmes also provide opportunities for students to improve their personal and professional development and access employability experiences to enhance their possibilities post-graduation.
Every year, many students like Layla face a very difficult decision as to whether or not university is for them. Coming from a less advantaged background shouldn’t stop any student from seeing York as part of their future. By making a donation to the University of Opportunity fund, you can help more young people see university in their future.
“Without programmes like Next Step York, supported by the University of Opportunity, I wouldn’t be here and neither would some of my friends. It opens up so many opportunities for those who wouldn’t otherwise have access to them. University is such an important experience, it’s been the best year of my life and everyone should have access to it regardless of their background.”
Layla, BA English, University of York
A gift to the fund will support bursaries & scholarships for the most vulnerable students.
Our ambition applies to all of our students, but we know the gaps are wider for some students who are facing multiple barriers. We must pay special attention to certain students and student groups, where we see gaps occurring in terms of access, success, and progression.
By giving to the fund, you’ll help provide financial support for vulnerable students across these groups:
- Students from less advantaged backgrounds with low household income
- Students with a physical or mental disability
- Care experienced and estranged students
- Mature students
- Students from an ethnic minority background (including South Asian (UK), Black (UK) and Traveller communities)
- First generation students like Layla
How you can support our work
The university is committed to becoming the University of Opportunity through these programmes:
GenerationResearch
Help widen participation in research projects and develop the next generation of scientists.
Into University and The Place
Help school children improve their chances of accessing university.
The University of Opportunity Fund
Help students that need it most access university, succeed when they are here and progress once they leave.