In my 23 years at York, I have seen the many ways that our community has come together to catalyze positive change. In the midst of shifting and increasingly complex challenges, York remains a modern and progressive university that is producing the talent and generating the knowledge needed to provide innovative solutions to the pressing issues we face, from the climate crisis, geopolitical conflicts and political polarization to rising inequality and the far-reaching impacts of disruptive technologies.”
Rhonda Lenton
President & Vice-Chancellor
Our Vision
York’s vision is to provide a broad sociodemographic of students with access to a high-quality education at a research-intensive university that is committed to enhancing the well-being of the communities we serve.
Highlights
Opening the first university campus in York Region
Establishing a new School of Medicine
Creating an award-winning generative AI platform
Establishing a new organized research unit for inclusive mental health
Opening the ADERSIM Lab
Strengthening career supports for students with disabilities
New lab expands support for underrepresented researchers
Opening the Taihua Wang Science Student Success Centre
Empowering the next generation of filmmakers
York University champions climate action at COP29
Supporting future education leaders around the world
Centering Indigenous health through a landmark partnership
Building stronger communities through strategic partnerships
Opening the Joan and Martin Goldfarb Gallery
Launching the York U Forward Action Plan
Realizing a greener future with a new sustainability strategy
Launching York's inaugural Well-being Strategy
Driving global efforts to reduce inequalities through UN distinction
York University by the Numbers
Established in 1959, York University is a top international teaching and research university and a driving force for positive change. Located in Toronto, Canada, York is empowered by a welcoming and diverse community with a uniquely global perspective.
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
Maclean’s 2025 University Rankings (Comprehensive)
Our Community is Global
53,000+
students enrolled in 200+ undergraduate and graduate degree programs
9,600+
international students from 178 countries
375,000+
alumni
Our Commitment to Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Each story in this report demonstrates the impact we have made over the past year in advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are the blueprint of York University’s University Academic Plan (UAP) Building a Better Future 2020-2025.
To learn more about how we have advanced each of the 17 SDGs, please visit York University’s United Nations Sustainable Development Goals website.
