York University (Toronto): Admissions, Tuition & Scholarships Guide for International Students

York University is a large public university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with its main Keele campus in the north of the city and the bilingual Glendon campus in the east. It should not be confused with the University of York in England, which is a different institution with a different ranking. York is ranked #=322 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, describes itself as being in the top 4 per cent of universities worldwide, and enrols students from more than 160 countries, including more than 8,700 international students in 2026. This guide covers exactly what York University international students need to know: ranking, programs, admissions, fees and scholarships, living costs in Toronto, campus life, and Canada's study-permit and work-permit rules.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: York University, a public university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• QS World University Rankings 2027: #=322 globally
• International students: more than 8,700 in 2026, from over 160 countries
• Campuses: Keele (main) and Glendon in Toronto
• Undergraduate tuition: typically CAD 38,000 to CAD 47,000 a year for international students, and about CAD 34,827 for postgraduate programs (third-party figures)
• English requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall for most undergraduate programs, or an equivalent test
• Scholarships: more than CAD 12 million in international entry awards, including the President's International Scholarship of Excellence of up to CAD 45,000
• Post-study: most programs, including computer science, engineering, business, nursing, and psychology, are reported as PGWP-eligible

Rankings and reputation

York's QS ranking of #=322 in 2027 places it well inside the top 400 universities worldwide, and it has notable strengths in business (the Schulich School of Business), law (Osgoode Hall Law School), engineering and computing (Lassonde), environmental studies, and the arts. Rankings measure the whole university, so check subject rankings and professional accreditation for your program. York is a large, comprehensive university, and outcomes vary by faculty.

Academics and signature programs

York offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across arts, business, education, engineering, environmental and urban change, health, law, liberal arts, and science. Many programs include co-op or internship options, and international students should check whether their study permit and program allow them. Professional programs such as engineering, nursing, and education have accreditation and licensing rules that affect practice in Canada, so confirm how they apply to international graduates.

Admissions and international eligibility

York does not publish a single acceptance rate for international applicants, and competitive programs such as business, computing, and engineering set higher standards. Undergraduate applicants submit secondary school transcripts, and graduate applicants submit university transcripts and, for some programs, references, statements, or portfolios. After admission, students apply for a Canadian study permit.

English language requirements

• Most undergraduate programs: IELTS 6.5 overall, or an equivalent English test
• Graduate and professional programs may require higher scores or specific sub-scores
• Some students may qualify for waivers or use York's English language pathway programs
• Confirm the requirement and accepted tests for your program before booking

Application checklist

A typical application includes certified transcripts, English test results, and passport details. Many undergraduate applicants also need a provincial attestation letter before applying for a study permit, so ask York how it handles this for your program and intake.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Third-party sources put international undergraduate tuition at about CAD 38,000 to CAD 47,000 a year and postgraduate tuition at about CAD 34,827, and fees vary by faculty and program, with higher rates for professional and technical degrees. Ancillary fees, health insurance, books, and housing are extra. Because these are not official figures, ask York for a written first-year estimate for your program and check whether tuition is fixed or rises annually.

Estimated living costs in Toronto

• Toronto is among the most expensive Canadian cities for housing
• Study-permit applicants must show funds for tuition, travel, and living costs, and the required amount is updated periodically
• The Toronto Transit Commission subway extension serves the Keele campus, and students can use public transit passes
• International students can generally work a limited number of hours per week off campus during term under current rules
• Winters are cold, so budget for winter clothing

Scholarships

York reports more than CAD 12 million in international entry scholarships and over 40 scholarships, awards, and bursaries for international students in 2026. The President's International Scholarship of Excellence is worth up to CAD 45,000 and is open to international students entering a four-year degree who demonstrate academic excellence. Ask which awards are automatic, which require applications, and what grades keep them.

Campus life and student support

The Keele campus is one of Canada's largest, with libraries, sports facilities, student residences, and hundreds of clubs, while Glendon offers a small bilingual, liberal-arts environment. York's student body is highly diverse, and the university provides international student services, academic advising, and wellbeing resources.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Toronto is Canada's largest job market, with strong finance, technology, health, media, and public-sector employers. York's business, computing, and engineering programs link to these sectors, and co-op options can build local experience. Ask for graduate outcome data for your program.

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit

Graduates of eligible programs at designated institutions can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, whose length generally matches the program length up to three years. Canada has tightened rules, including language requirements and, for some program types, field-of-study conditions, and it caps new study permits by province, so confirm the current rules with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and ask York whether your program qualifies.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

International students need health coverage, which may be through a provincial plan after a waiting period or a university plan, so ask York what applies. Budget for the study permit fee, flights, winter clothing, and a housing deposit, and arrange housing early.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, registration, and adapting to Canadian classroom culture, which values participation and regular assignments. Large first-year classes are common at York, so use office hours, tutorials, and academic support early.

A realistic four-year budget

At the third-party range of CAD 38,000 to CAD 47,000 a year, four years of undergraduate tuition would come to roughly CAD 152,000 to CAD 188,000 before scholarships, and a merit scholarship of up to CAD 45,000 could reduce it materially if you qualify. Add housing, insurance, and living costs, which in Toronto can be high.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• What is the total first-year cost for my program in writing?
• Do I need a provincial attestation letter, and does York arrange it?
• Which scholarships apply to me, and what keeps them?
• Does my program qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit?
• Is co-op available to international students in my program?
• What housing and residence options are available?

Who York suits best

York suits students who want a large, diverse Toronto university with strong business, law, engineering, and arts programs and substantial scholarship opportunities. It may suit less well students who want a small campus, the lowest living costs, or a top-ranked global brand.

York or other Toronto universities?

Toronto has several large universities, and each has a different mix of programs, campus culture, and rankings. York's strengths include business, law, environmental studies, and interdisciplinary programs, along with a very international student body. Compare the specific program, the scholarship offer, and the location before deciding, and do not assume one Toronto university is right for every field.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your program and confirm entry requirements.
2. Check the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer and obtain the documents needed for your study permit.
5. Apply for your study permit and arrange insurance.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, and proof of funds, and start the study-permit process early because processing times vary. Keep written confirmation of fees and scholarships.

Understanding study permits and provincial caps

Canada limits the number of new study permits, and provinces receive allocations, so many undergraduate international applicants need a provincial attestation letter before they can apply for a study permit. The rules have changed several times and differ for graduate students, so check the current position with York and with the Canadian government before you pay a deposit. A study permit is normally tied to a designated learning institution, and the financial evidence you must show is updated periodically, so gather your documents with the latest guidance in hand.

• Ask York whether it requests the attestation letter for you and when the letter is issued
• Ask how the deposit is treated if your study permit is refused
• Ask whether your program is on any field-of-study list that affects PGWP eligibility
• Ask what proportion of international students in your program find co-op or internship placements

A note on the two York universities

York University in Toronto and the University of York in England are unrelated institutions with different rankings, fees, and immigration rules. Make sure that any ranking, fee, or scholarship figure you read refers to the Toronto university, and that your offer letter names the right institution.

Frequently asked questions