University of York Admissions Statistics

As one of the top 25 UK universities for graduate prospects (opens in a new tab), the University of York is a popular Russell Group (opens in a new tab) university. Knowing how competitive it is compared to other, similar universities will help you to make an informed decision about your university applications. 

Use our latest admissions statistics to find out what the University of York looks for in an ideal student, and increase your chances of submitting an application that really stands out.

Top 5 University of York Admissions Statistics

• Between 2020-24, the number of applicants to the University of York increased by 31.7% (opens in a new tab)

• Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, York’s acceptance rate decreased by around 6%

• York’s overall acceptance rate stands at around 74.26%

• In 2025, subjects allied to Medicine at York had the lowest acceptance rate at 15.5%

• York’s dropout rate stands at 4%, exactly in the middle of other Russell Group universities

University of York Acceptance Rate Overview

York’s overall acceptance rate is approximately 74.26%. This means that, on average, almost three quarters of all applicants received an offer from the University of York.

University of York Admissions Statistics by Course

The table below features York’s undergraduate main scheme application and acceptance data from 2025 (opens in a new tab):

Key Trends from 2025

York’s most popular subject groups also tend to be the most competitive, and therefore usually require top A Level grades.

Achieving above the minimum grade requirements can strengthen your application. For example, if you want to study a subject that has a minimum entry requirement of AAA at A Level, achieving at least one A* in a relevant subject can help you stand out to admissions officers.

The table below lists some of York’s most popular and competitive courses from 2025, minimum entry requirements for A Level, and some of the A Level subjects admissions officers might prefer or require you to have studied. 

For more detailed information on the entry requirements and how to apply, visit York’s official web page (opens in a new tab) for each course.

Note that students eligible for contextual offers and admissions (opens in a new tab) may be accepted onto these courses with lower grades, such as ABB instead of AAB.

How the University of York Makes Admissions Decisions

You’ll need to apply via UCAS (opens in a new tab) to study undergraduate courses at York (opens in a new tab). Below are the main steps in the process:

Academic Requirements

• Minimum grades, e.g. Grade 4 or above in core GCSE subjects or BBB at A Level

• Specific A Level subjects, e.g. Biology requires both A Level Biology and a second science

Personal Statement

• A written description of information about yourself, your extracurricular skills and achievements, and why you want to study your chosen course

• York stresses that your personal statement should showcase your potential (opens in a new tab), which is exactly the same as what we say in our advice for personal statements!

Additional Requirements

• Alongside your UCAS form, some courses also require candidates to audition, attend interviews, or submit a portfolio of work

• Below are two examples of courses with these additional requirements:
  

  • Music (opens in a new tab)

    • Following your application, you may be called to an interview and audition

    • For both the interview and audition, practising with or in front of friends, family, and teachers can help you to feel better prepared

  • Architecture (opens in a new tab)

    • Part of your application includes submitting a portfolio (opens in a new tab)

    • Your portfolio should demonstrate creative thinking alongside technical ability

Overall, York takes an individualised approach to admissions and is committed to giving each student a fairer chance of getting in, no matter your background.

You can find more information on York’s approach to contextual offers and admissions here (opens in a new tab).

How Competitive Is the University of York Compared to Similar Universities?

The table below compares York’s acceptance rates (both for a highly competitive subject, Law, and overall) to two universities ranked similarly to York in the University League Tables 2026 (opens in a new tab).

The acceptance rate for Law in 2025 was one of York’s lowest, but York’s overall acceptance rate is significantly higher than UCL’s. While Exeter has an even higher acceptance rate, it’s fair to say that York is moderately competitive compared to other Russell Group universities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of University of York applications get accepted?

While the acceptance rate for individual courses varies, approximately 74.26% of all University of York applicants receive an offer.

Which course at the University of York is the hardest to get into?

Subjects allied to Medicine (opens in a new tab) had the lowest acceptance rate in 2025 at 15.5%. This was followed closely by Design & Creative & Performing Arts and Law, which had acceptance rates of 15.8% and 16% respectively.

Note that each individual student has different strengths – some might be great at exams, and others might excel in interviews – so what might be a hard course for one student to get into might not be as difficult for another.

What percentage of University of York students drop out?

York has a 4% dropout rate (opens in a new tab). It stands with Leeds and Birmingham in 12th place out of the 24 Russell Group universities (where 1st place has the highest dropout rate and 24th place has the lowest). 

Though York’s dropout rate is exactly in the middle for Russell Group universities, it is still a fair bit better than the average UK university dropout rate of 6.3% (opens in a new tab).

Final Thoughts

The University of York is a popular and moderately competitive Russell Group University. Its gold award (opens in a new tab)for teaching, place in the top 10 UK universities for its research quality, and promising graduate career prospects make it a serious contender for many university applicants. In fact, a close friend of mine studied Nursing at York, and has since had a highly successful career in the field.

Use our facts, figures and comparisons to help you decide whether York is the right fit for you. If it is, you can use our application tips to maximise your chances of studying at a top university in a beautiful, historic city.

References

• Best Student Halls: University of Exeter: Complete Student Guide 2025 (opens in a new tab)

• Complete University Guide: University of York (opens in a new tab)

• Russell Group (opens in a new tab)

• The Tab: The Russell Group unis with the worst dropout rates in 2025, revealed (opens in a new tab)

• UCAS: Medicine and Allied Subjects (opens in a new tab)

• UCAS Undergraduate end of cycle data resources 2024 (opens in a new tab)

• UCAS Undergraduate end of cycle data resources 2025 (opens in a new tab)

• University League Tables 2026 (opens in a new tab)

• University of York (opens in a new tab)

• Whatuni: Universities With Highest and Lowest Dropout Rates (opens in a new tab)