How to apply to university
Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applying/
Uni applications can feel confusing. Plenty of steps. Plenty of dates. Here's an overview of what happens when, and how to join us at York.
1) Get to know us
There are plenty of ways to learn more about us, and for us to get to know you better. Our Open Days and other events are the perfect place to introduce you to life at York, and discuss anything else you need. They usually happen around June to September each year.
2) Choose a course
With over 200 undergraduate courses on offer, there are plenty to pick from. Our teaching, learning and student experience is recognised by a Gold rating in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (2023).
You’ll need certain grades to be offered a place. All our course pages show what we ask for, as well as any language requirements (if English isn’t your first language). We take various qualifications and other circumstances into account when we consider your application.
Learn about entry requirements
3) Apply through UCAS
UK university applications are handled online through the UCAS system, which will let you apply to up to five courses. You can start your UCAS application from 13 May 2025, and submit it from 2 September 2025, to start your studies the following year.
What to include
When you apply, you’ll be asked for:
- the university code (Y50 for York, or H75 for Hull York Medical School)
- the course code (found in the overview section of our course pages)
- any grades you've already received (or are expecting to achieve)
- a reference from a teacher or supervisor at your school or college
- a ‘personal statement’, explaining why you want to study your course
- other factors that you’d like us to consider as part of your application.
Top tips for personal statements
Your teachers can help you, so ask them if you’d like a hand. If you’re an international student, you can also ask your agent for support.
The main UCAS deadline for Medicine is 15 October 2025, and 14 January 2026 for all other courses. Universities treat all applications submitted by these deadlines equally – you can apply until 30 June 2026, but your chosen course might have filled its available places.
4) Prepare while you wait
If you apply before the main UCAS deadline, you should receive a decision by 13 May 2026 – if you apply after this date, it might take us a little longer to get in touch. We'll let you know of any extra steps you need to take, depending on your course (like inviting you to an interview).
In the meantime, you can apply for funding. We release info on our scholarships and bursaries throughout the year, and applications for government loans open in early 2026. You don't need a university place before you apply for them. If you're an International applicant, you can apply for your Visa, which you'll need to have by September 2026.
5) Receive your offer
When you hear back from us about your application, it'll be one of three options:
- Unconditional: We can offer you a place to study. We might ask for some final details.
- Conditional: We'll offer you a place to study if you achieve the grades we've asked for. We may also ask for additional information or evidence.
- Unsuccessful: We can't offer you a place for the course you applied for. We'll try to give you some useful feedback, and might be able to offer you a place on a different course.
If you don't receive any offers from your five UCAS choices, you can apply to other courses or universities one at a time through UCAS Extra, when it opens on 26 February 2026.
6) Accept your offer
When you're an offer holder, you'll get access to our You@York portal to manage your application and keep up to date with any next steps. From early 2026, you’ll be able to book exclusive Visit Days, take care of any visa requirements, and arrange accommodation if you plan to live on campus - or find information and support if you’ll be commuting from home.
Find out more about commuter student support
UCAS will give you a personal deadline to accept any offers by. You'll be given two options:
- Firm: We're your first choice. You'll join us if you meet our entry requirements.
- Insurance: We're your second choice. You'll join us if you don't meet the entry requirements of your Firm choice, but do meet those we've asked for.
Info for International offer holders
7) Get your results
Results for A levels and BTECs will come out on 13 August 2026, and GCSEs on 20 August 2026. When they're released, UCAS will update your offers based on whether you've met the grades for your chosen university, and let you confirm your place.
If you applied after the June deadline, didn't accept any offers, or didn't meet the entry requirements for your offers, you'll be automatically put into Clearing. You might want to apply through Clearing if you change your mind about where you want to study, too.
8) Get ready to arrive
Once you've confirmed your place on UCAS, we'll be in touch with everything you need to know about starting your studies. You might need to keep an eye on your spam folder, just in case our emails don't make it where they're supposed to. Welcome to the York family.
Your arrival checklist (UK students)
Your arrival checklist (International students)