The University of Opportunity Fund is critical to meeting our ambition to be the university of opportunity in the UK. A place where there are No Gaps to access (getting to university), success (thriving whilst here), award (getting the best possible degree outcome) and progression (opportunities after graduation) for any student, regardless of their circumstances.

Being the University of Opportunity means all students, regardless of background, can make informed decisions about their studies and their time at York. It means our processes will not be a barrier to student’s success and it means working even harder to engender a sense of belonging by building a supportive culture across our community. 

Where do gaps exist?

• Around 60% of York students are concerned about the cost of living and across the UK 54% of students believe their academic performance has suffered because of financial stress, including students who have to take on multiple paid jobs in addition to studying. 
• The gap between students with a reported sensory, medical or physical condition and students with no known disability completing their degrees at York is large and increasing. 
• Students with care experience and students who are estranged are less likely to access higher education, less likely to continue, complete and be awarded a ‘good degree’, and are more likely to experience unique challenges during progression from higher education. 
• Mature undergraduate students are more likely than younger students to be underrepresented in higher education and face different barriers to access and succeeding in their studies, and are twice as likely to withdraw from their studies.

You can help change this. Your gift to the University of Opportunity Fund will be directed towards bursaries and scholarships for the most vulnerable students, targeted careers support, and opening up access to more student activities that enhance experience, breakdown barriers and create a sense of belonging. 

One student who has been supported by the University of Opportunity fund is Milda. Living independently since leaving foster care, Milda struggled to pay for basic necessities while navigating significant obstacles to even reach university. These include completing her GCSEs while homeless, and studying for her A-Levels on an air mattress on the floor. Despite these and other hurdles, Milda remains determined to pursue her goals, driven by her passion for mental health research and nursing. 

“Other students often have the fallback of going home over the summer or having a home to go to if something goes wrong. The financial support was like a home for me in that sense.”

“For me, I’d say York is a University of Opportunity at this point. I don’t think at any other university I would have been able to finish with everything I’ve been through. I wouldn’t have even been able to get into university, let alone finish.”

Milda, University of Opportunity beneficiary

The scholarship and support Milda received allowed her to focus on her future ambitions rather than just survival. She completed her undergraduate and Master’s degrees and is now pursuing further postgraduate studies, aiming for a PhD in mental health research. The support from York gave her the ability to lead as normal a student life as possible, granting her the opportunity to build a foundation for her future career as a mental health nurse.

Milda’s story exemplifies how the University of York’s commitment to being a “University of Opportunity” can transform lives. University should be a place where every student is empowered and supported to meet their potential. At York we are committed to helping more talented students like Milda, but we need your help to do it.

Please consider making a gift to the University of Opportunity Fund this Giving Day, showing your support for our mission to become the university of opportunity.

Thank you.