Higher education is crucial in today’s world, with many young people aspiring to enroll in universities and pursue esteemed careers. Toronto is home to several renowned institutions, and one of the most prominent among them is York University, also known as YorkU or YU. As a public research university and the third-largest in Canada, York University boasts an enrollment of approximately 53,500 students. Learn more about its founding and growth below on toronto1.one.
The History of York University
The university’s journey began in 1959, with the first classes held in September 1960 at Falconer Hall on the University of Toronto campus. Seventy-six students attended the inaugural lecture. Just a year later, York University moved to its first dedicated campus, Glendon College, and in 1965, the institution gained independence. That same year, the Keele Campus opened in the northern part of Toronto, becoming York’s main campus. Meanwhile, Glendon College became a bilingual liberal arts faculty.
In 1970, York University launched Canada’s first undergraduate program in dance.
As Toronto expanded, York University’s Keele Campus found itself closer to the city center. To accommodate growth, a new campus in Markham, Ontario, was planned in 2014. Despite delays due to funding challenges, the Markham Campus officially opened in September 2024, with a capacity for approximately 4,200 students.
A Growing and Prestigious Institution
York University operates multiple campuses:
- Keele Campus: The university’s main campus, located in northern Toronto, houses many faculties, including Fine Arts, Business, Law, Environmental Studies, Science and Engineering, Education, and Health. Over 50,000 students study here.
- Glendon Campus: This bilingual liberal arts campus features the Leslie Frost Library and offers programs in both English and French.
- Markham Campus: The newest addition, officially opened in 2024, expands York’s reach into the Greater Toronto Area.
York University continues to grow. In 2024, the Government of Ontario allocated $9 million for the establishment of the York University School of Medicine, located within the Vaughan Health Centre. This will become the third medical school in the Greater Toronto Area, expected to enroll 80 undergraduate students and 102 postgraduate residents by 2028.
York University employs 7,000 faculty and staff and boasts a network of over 375,000 alumni worldwide. The university is also consistently ranked in prominent higher education lists. For example:
- In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, York University placed 362nd globally and 16th in Canada.
- In the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for Sustainable Development, it ranked 35th globally and 9th in Canada.
York is also recognized for its graduates’ employability. According to the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings, York ranked 301st globally and 10th in Canada.
Student Life and Academics
York University offers a wide range of programs across its 11 faculties:
- School of the Arts, Media, Performance, and Design: Home to Canada’s oldest film school, offering programs in theatre, film, music, design, and visual arts.
- Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change: The largest and oldest environmental studies faculty in Canada.
- Osgoode Hall Law School: One of Canada’s most prestigious law schools, offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral law programs.
- Schulich School of Business: Known for its MBA and undergraduate programs in finance, marketing, international business, and management.
- Lassonde School of Engineering: Specializes in computer science, mechatronics, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering.
- Faculty of Health: Offers programs in nursing, psychology, health sciences, and rehabilitation.
York University continues to provide quality education and remains a leading research hub. Its rich history and commitment to innovation make it a cornerstone of Toronto’s academic landscape.
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