Colleges York University

York University www.yorku.ca

York University is home to one of the largest and most diverse student bodies in Canada, commonly enrolling 50,000+ students, including more than 7,000 students from 160 countries, and a vast network of 375,000+ alumni from around the world. Its main campuses, Keele, Glendon, and Markham are located in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, comprising over 500 acres, and easily accessible to the city’s diverse neighborhoods, parks, festivals, sporting events, and concerts. Keele is the largest campus with 10 unique Faculties, a range of cutting-edge research and innovation opportunities, and state-of-the-art academic, arts, technology, and athletic facilities. Located in midtown Toronto, Glendon offers an intimate environment on its picturesque, ivy-lined campus. With a focus on bilingual and trilingual programming, Glendon reflects Canada’s cultural diversity while offering a window into the rest of the world. Markham Campus features academics based on core themes of technology and entrepreneurship. It provides a unique meeting place for students to interact directly with employers, start-ups, and community partners. York students will also benefit from studying in Canada’s largest city, long recognized as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and among the safest in North America.

Academics

York University is home to over 30 organized research centers that provide research development beyond the traditional academic units and faculties including the Lassonde School of Engineering, Schulich School of Business, Osgoode Hall Law School, and Glendon College. Unlike more “traditional” universities, York can deliver a choice of majors and minors across more than 120 programs, 170 degree options, and 5,000 courses. Many students combine majors and minors in completely different fields such as music and physics or psychology and business. The university also allows students to earn credits towards their degree while studying abroad through international internships, the “Discover India” program, and student exchange programs with over 120 institutions in 40 countries. The student-faculty ratio at York University is 16:1. Popular majors include English Language & Literature, History, Performing Arts, and Philosophy.

Special Highlights

Student Engagement. The Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development can help introduce students to a wide array of Student Clubs and Student Governments. A sampling of its resources available to students includes: YU Connect online system for getting involved and engaging with student life at York. Explore campus resources and involvement opportunities that match your interest. Attend events, join or start a club, and connect with your Student Governments; Leadership Development, which provides various training opportunities for students as well as student organization leaders; There are over 350 student clubs for most every subject or interest, as well as the option to start your own club. Students who choose to start their own organization can utilize the school’s student club resources, which provide training and materials including skill-building and leadership development, designed to ensure the new endeavor is a success.

Global Learning. York University strives to provide global education to all students. The Academic Exchange Program includes one or two semesters studying at one of York’s partner universities around the world. Earn credits toward your degree while exploring a new culture, gaining global perspectives in your field, and making unforgettable memories. Designed with hands-on learning in mind, Summer Programs combine academics with immersive experiences. Whether you’re learning a new language, trying local cuisine, or navigating life in a new environment, the world becomes your classroom. Faculty-led Study Abroad Courses are available throughout the year, with most during summer term. Delve into unique academic experiences with smaller class sizes, typically ranging from 10 to 20 students, and build meaningful connections with both your professor and peers. Apply for a Global Internship with one of our host organizations, offering placements across diverse sectors such as research, industry, NGOs, and more. Spend three or four months abroad putting your studies into practice, expanding your global network, and gaining hands-on experience that supports your transition to employment after graduation.

School Mission & Unique Qualities

The mission of York University is the pursuit, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge. We promise excellence in research and teaching in pure, applied, and professional fields. York is empowered by a welcoming and diverse community with a uniquely global perspective; we prepare our students for their long-term career and personal success. Together we are making things right for our communities, our planet, and our future. York University was established in 1959 as a non-denominational institution by the York University Act. Its first class was held in September 1960 in Falconer Hall on the University of Toronto campus with a total of 76 students. York University’s Film Department houses one of Canada’s oldest film schools and has been ranked one of the best in Canada, with an acceptance rate comparable to that of USC School of Cinematic Arts and Tisch School of the Arts. Most Faculties will admit students as “undecided” or “undeclared” majors for their first year of study permitting them to explore courses from a variety of disciplines. For students with a desire to create their own academic path, York offers Individualized Studies programs.

Student Reviews…

“York has a creative, diverse environment with opportunities for hands-on, project-based learning in programs like Digital Media. The academic experience has been mostly positive, but administration can be slow to address student concerns or consider student feedback in their decision-making; however, the campus culture and supportive professors make up for it.”