University Statistics

Students 55,000
Intl. Students 10,000
Founded 1959

York University, commonly referred to as YorkU, is a prominent public research university located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As the third-largest university in Canada, it boasts a diverse and vibrant academic community, attracting students from across the globe. Established in 1959, York University has grown into a comprehensive institution offering a vast array of undergraduate and graduate programs across its various faculties, including Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Science, Engineering, the renowned Schulich School of Business, Osgoode Hall Law School, and the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, among others.

The university is recognized for its commitment to interdisciplinary research, social justice, and global engagement. It operates primarily across two main campuses: the expansive Keele Campus in the north end of Toronto, which houses the majority of its faculties and facilities, and the Glendon Campus, a smaller, bilingual liberal arts college situated in midtown Toronto. York University emphasizes creating a supportive and inclusive environment, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students to become leaders and innovators in their respective fields.

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Campus Life

Campus life at York University is exceptionally vibrant and diverse, reflecting its large and multicultural student body. The university offers over 300 student clubs and organizations, covering a wide range of interests from academic and cultural to recreational and political, ensuring there's something for everyone. Students can engage in intramural sports, cheer on the York Lions varsity teams, or participate in various arts and cultural events, including theatre productions, musical performances, and art exhibitions.

York University provides extensive on-campus housing options, fostering a strong sense of community and offering convenient access to academic buildings, dining facilities, and recreational spaces. Both the Keele and Glendon campuses are designed to be self-contained communities, with essential services, libraries, fitness centres, and green spaces. The Keele Campus benefits from direct subway access, connecting students easily to the vibrant downtown core of Toronto, while the Glendon Campus offers a more intimate, bilingual, and picturesque setting.

Admission Information

Admission to York University is competitive and based on academic merit, along with program-specific requirements. Prospective students typically apply online through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC) for most undergraduate programs, or directly to the university for certain graduate programs and international applicants. Applicants are generally required to submit official academic transcripts from all previous institutions attended.

Specific programs, particularly in areas like business (Schulich), law (Osgoode), fine arts, and engineering, may require supplementary applications, portfolios, auditions, or interviews. International applicants and those whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Application deadlines vary by program and applicant type, so it is crucial for prospective students to consult the university's official admissions website for the most up-to-date and detailed information.