The University of Opportunity
900
is the average monthly rent for students in York, making it the 8th most expensive city in the UK for student renters.
55% of students have at least one job
an increase of 10% in the last year alone. For many, work is not about experience but survival.
22/23 saw a record 607
applications for hardship scholarships. Sadly, funding could only support 150 of those.
Not everyone has the equal opportunity to access education or to realise their potential to succeed.
In 2025, it’s hard to be a student, impossible for some. We can change this.
Talent can be found where opportunity isn’t. We are committed to providing equal opportunities and supporting those from less advantaged backgrounds in accessing university, achieving success when they are here, and fulfilling their potential as they progress through their life.
You can make a difference to a life today by supporting the University of Opportunity fund.
The University of Opportunity Fund
The University of Opportunity fund is our response to addressing the widening inequalities in society. It funds a range of programmes and activities to support students that need it most.
The increased cost of living is hitting students hard, especially those from low-income families or those facing multiple barriers to their education. Many juggle multiple jobs and go without essential items to keep afloat, to the detriment of their learning. Those worst affected don’t have a support network or family to turn to when they need help the most, like Mary.
Despite facing significant challenges due to her care-experienced background, Mary’s determination and the comprehensive support from the University of York enabled her to excel.
Mary was care-experienced and living in semi-independent housing from 17.
In her early life, she wasn’t listened to by professionals, and that made her want to be part of the change - where people in her own situation are heard and can succeed.
Not many care-experienced people enter higher education, and Mary wanted to help remove those barriers.
It’s not just about getting to university, but about having the support to stay and succeed, preventing dropout and ensuring equal opportunities.
“The financial support I’ve received has relieved a lot of stress, allowing me to study more, build connections, and have a more typical university life. The scholarship has changed my life, giving me reassurance and easing day-to-day stresses, so I can focus on learning, professional development, and taking opportunities without financial worry.”
Mary Hornby, University of Opportunity Scholar
A gift to the fund will support bursaries & scholarships for the most vulnerable students like Mary.
The fund supports a range of activities, from scholarships, programmes to help school children realise their potential and careers support to enhance the experience of students during their studies. The fund is prioritising key groups identified as needing the most additional support, including:
- Students from less-privileged backgrounds
- Care experienced and estranged students
- Students from minority backgrounds
- First generation students in our local region
- Mature students Students with a physical or mental disability
How you can support our work
The university is committed to becoming the University of Opportunity through these programmes:
GenerationResearch
Help widen participation in research projects and develop the next generation of scientists.
Into University and The Place
Help school children improve their chances of accessing university.
The University of Opportunity Fund
Help students that need it most access university, succeed when they are here and progress once they leave.