The University of York is a Russell Group university in one of England’s most historic cities. It’s a collegiate university, so every student belongs to a college, which gives you a smaller community within the university. York is known for subjects such as economics, computer science, English, history, politics and the sciences.
For most York courses starting in September 2027, the UCAS deadline is 13 January 2027. Here are 10 things you can do to give yourself the best chance, based on York’s own guidance. If you’re applying for a master’s or PhD instead, see the section near the end.
1. Choose your course
York’s course pages give the typical offer, contextual offers, English requirement and fees for 2027–28. Many subjects are offered on their own or combined with another subject, such as Economics and Politics or Economics and Philosophy.
2. Meet the typical offer
For example, for 2027 entry, Economics BSc asks for AAB at A level. A level Mathematics is preferred but not essential; without it, you need GCSE Mathematics at grade 7 (A). In the IB, the offer is 35 points, with 5 in Higher Level or 7 in Standard Level Mathematics preferred. Economics and Mathematics asks for AAA including Mathematics. York Economics BSc.
3. Use an EPQ to your advantage
York says that an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at grade A or above may qualify you for an offer up to one A level grade lower. If you’re doing an EPQ, mention it in your personal statement and explain what you researched.
4. Write a strong personal statement
Your UCAS personal statement now has three questions: why you want to study the course, how your studies have prepared you, and what else you’ve done to prepare outside education. You have 4,000 characters in total, with at least 350 for each answer. If you’re applying for a combined course, explain why you’re interested in both subjects and how they connect. Write about what you’ve read, explored or made, and what you think about it, rather than listing achievements. See our 50 sample SOPs for ideas on structure, but keep your own voice.
5. Visit if you can
After you apply, York invites accepted applicants to visit between November and April. If you can’t travel to the UK, look for online events and chats with current students. Visiting helps you understand the colleges and decide whether York is the right firm choice.
6. Get a strong reference
Your UCAS application includes a reference from your school, which explains your predicted grades and describes you as a student. Ask your teachers early, give them a short summary of your interests and achievements, and tell them about any circumstances that affected your studies so they can mention them.
7. Apply by 13 January 2027
The UCAS deadline for most York courses starting in September 2027 is 6pm UK time on 13 January 2027. Every application received by then gets equal consideration, so there’s no advantage in rushing: use the time to make your application as strong as possible. If you’re hoping to study medicine or dentistry, note that the UCAS deadline for 2027 entry was 15 October 2026, and you’d also have needed to sit the UCAT, so you’d now be planning for 2028 entry.
8. Meet the English requirement
For Economics BSc, York asks for IELTS Academic 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each part. Other courses may differ, so check your course page. Practise with our free IELTS, TOEFL and PTE practice tests.
9. Plan your budget
For 2027–28 entry, York lists a fee of £28,600 a year for international and EU students on Economics BSc, compared with £10,050 for UK students. York is smaller and often cheaper to live in than big cities. Check York’s scholarships for international students.
10. Get ready for your Student visa
Most international students need a UK Student visa. Once you’ve accepted York as your firm choice and met your offer conditions, York will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you need to apply for the visa. You’ll also need to show that you can pay your fees and living costs. After graduating, you can usually stay in the UK to work under the Graduate Route, which is due to be shortened from two years to 18 months for applications made from 1 January 2027. Check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Applying for a master’s or PhD at York?
York offers a wide range of one-year master’s degrees and PhDs, including programmes in computer science, AI, economics and the social sciences. You apply directly to the university, not through UCAS. Most programmes ask for a good first degree (often a UK upper second-class degree or the equivalent), a personal statement, references and, for international applicants, an English test. See our 50 sample SOPs, free GRE and GMAT practice tests, and our guide to the best AI master’s degrees in the UK.
Be ambitious, but apply to a balanced list
York turns down many strong applicants every year, because there are more excellent students than places. Use your five UCAS choices wisely: apply to York if it’s right for you, and include universities where your chances are good. Read our guides to other Russell Group universities, including Durham, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle. Our guide to studying in the UK explains how UK universities work, and our free study abroad assessment can help you build a shortlist.
Information was taken from the University of York’s official course pages, and checked in October 2026. Entry requirements, deadlines, tests, fees and visa rules can change, so always confirm the details on York’s undergraduate website before you apply. StudyAbroadMarket is not affiliated with the University of York.