Pursue Undergraduate Program in
Global Health
Global Health is the study and practice of improving health and achieving health equity for all people worldwide. The program addresses transnational health issues and the structures that shape our capability to live healthy lives, locally and globally. With a multi-disciplinary focus that provides exposure to healthcare, public health, social determinants of health, and planetary health, students learn to approach the complexity of health in a way that makes Global Health an ideal degree for students interested in entering the health profession, especially medicine and public health. As the first undergraduate global health program in Canada, Maclean’s magazine listed it as one of York’s “stand out” programs.
The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and growing rates of obesity and diabetes are examples of global health challenges that do not recognize borders. Our health and that of the rest of the world’s population is intertwined with broader issues, including population growth and migration, wealth disparity, environmental degradation, corporate activity, and government policy. Health not only involves the absence of disease, but also the promotion of physical, mental, and social well-being – with keen attention to how the conditions that ensure health and health equity require positive health practices on both an individual and societal level.
Tomorrow’s health professionals, both clinical (e.g., physician, nurse, physician’s assistant, respiratory therapist) and non-clinical (e.g. healthcare managers, NGO leaders, health data analysts, policy researchers, pharmaceutical representatives), will need to understand the global structures and processes that impact individual and population health in Canada and around the world. York’s School of Global Health prepares you to be one of these professionals through a comprehensive education that encompasses the biomedical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, looking at topics such as infectious disease, chronic disease, anatomy and physiology, epidemiology, health promotion, health policy, health ethics, and health law. Students in the Global Health program also benefit from small class sizes and research opportunities where they enjoy direct interaction with fellow students and with professors who are experts and professionals in their fields.
Scholarships & Awards
The following is a list of available scholarships, awards, and prizes offered by the School of Global Health, Faculty of Health, and York University, including their descriptions, criteria, value, and stage of awarding. Some scholarships, awards, and prizes require an application, while others will be awarded automatically without application based on data the University already collects. Please check all requirements, eligibility, and deadlines.
- York Global Health Entrance Scholarship ($5000 x 4 scholarships)
- Global Health Prizes
- York Global Health Travel Award
- President’s International Scholarship of Excellence
- Tentanda Via Award – International
- Merit-Based and Characteristic-Based Scholarships
- Gold Medal for Academic Excellence & Outstanding Leadership
- Silver Medal for Outstanding Leadership
- President Emeritus Mamdouh Shoukri International Award for Global Health
Global Health Courses
All students, whether in the BA or BSc options, take the same core courses that explore the major issues at the forefront of global health including:
- Global Health Governance and Leadership
- Global Health Policy, Power and Politics
- Determinants of Health: Local to Global
- Agents of Change in a Global World (strongly recommended as an elective course)
- Methods and Approaches in Global Health Research
- Global Health and Epidemiology
- Chronic Diseases and Care
- Health and Human Rights
- Healthcare Planning for Communities
- Global Health Ethics
- Communicable Diseases and Care
- Global Environmental Health
- Global Health and Humanitarianism
Pathway to Medical, Professional Schools & Post-Graduate Training
In addition to providing the anatomy and physiology prerequisites for medical school, the Global Health degree also prepares students for professional schools (e.g., law, teaching), graduate school, and post-graduate training in various health professions (e.g., public health, nursing, health management and administration) or to directly enter the workforce. Medical schools are increasingly looking for candidates who have the kind of comprehensive education and who demonstrate social responsibility along with the teamwork and leadership skills provided by York’s Global Health program.
Real World Experience
All Global Health students have an opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on, real-world experience tackling global health issues. Specialized honours students will have the opportunity to work in an organization locally or internationally. Examples of organizations where students can be placed include the Hospital for Sick Children, Black Creek Community Health Centre, Doctors Without Borders, the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana, the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, the Caribbean Public Health Agency in Trinidad & Tobago, and YorkU’s EcoCampus in Costa Rica.
Admission requirements for the BSc and BA in Global Health will differ. You can find admission requirements based on your situation below under Show my Admission Requirements.
Careers in Global Health
- Global Health Policy Analyst/Advisor/Researcher
- Health Systems Planner (with further postgraduate training)
- Clinic Director
- Physician (with further postgraduate training)
- Health Educator/Health Promoter
- Healthcare Manager
- Health Data Analyst
- NGO leader
- Nurse (with further postgraduate training)
- Community Health Worker
- Community Development (environmental health, sustainable water, housing)
- Communications Specialist
- Lawyer (with further postgraduate training)
- Teacher (with further postgraduate training)
- Systems Integration Specialist
You may also be interested in Health Studies.
Program Details
Offered By
Faculty of Health
Degrees Offered
BA, BSc
Fall Entry
Yes (first and upper year)
Winter Entry
No
Summer Entry
No
Ways to Study
Full-Time, Part-Time
Sample Schedule (First-year)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health 1 (GH 1001)
- Human Anatomy and Physiology for Health 2 (GH 1002)
- Foundations of Global Health Studies (GH 1010)
- Agents of Change in a Global World (IHST 1020)
Possible Career Paths
- Global health policy analyst/advisor
- Health systems planner (with further postgraduate training)
- Clinic director
- Health Educator/Health Promoter
- Health Manager
- Health Researcher
- Community Health Worker
- Community Development (environmental health, sustainable water, housing)
- Information Specialist
- Health communications specialist
- Systems integration specialist
- Physician, nurse, lawyer, professor, teacher (with further postgraduate training)
- NGO leader
Viewbooks
Undergraduate
View Viewbook (PDF)
Transfer & Mature
View Viewbook (PDF)
Indigenous
View Viewbook (PDF)
International
View Viewbook (PDF)
Admission Requirements
I am a high-school student I have completed at least one year of full-time study at college or university I have been away from high-school for at least two years I have never studied in a formal academic high-school environment Returning / Reactivating student (previously York) Visiting StudentsFaculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Baccalauréat Français
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Bachillerato
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
CAPE
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Chinese High School
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
Turkish High School
- Some programs require higher. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 4.0 or 70%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
GCE
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of C is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of C.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum average of C is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of C.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Hong Kong
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
International Baccalaureate
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Analysis and Approaches higher-level
- Analysis and Approaches standard-level
- Applications and Interpretations higher-level
- Applications and Interpretations standard-level
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 28 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 28.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level
- Analysis and Approaches higher-level
- Analysis and Approaches standard-level
- Applications and Interpretations higher-level
- Applications and Interpretations standard-level
- Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 28 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 28.
The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.
Indian High School
- Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 55%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
OUAC code YHS
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
OUAC code YHT
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- College and University applicants may be admitted with one missing pre-requisite course which can be completed during the first year of study in the Faculty of Health.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- College and University applicants may be admitted with one missing pre-requisite course which can be completed during the first year of study in the Faculty of Health.
Faculty of Health
BA
To be considered a mature student, you must:
be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University;
have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years; and
have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited college or university.
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Health
BSc
To be considered a mature student, you must:
be at least 20 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University;
have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years; and
have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited college or university.
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- College and University applicants may be admitted with one missing pre-requisite course which can be completed during the first year of study in the Faculty of Health.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- College and University applicants may be admitted with one missing pre-requisite course which can be completed during the first year of study in the Faculty of Health.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Tawjihyah
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
United States High School
- Grade 12 graduation with a minimum overall average of "B" on Grade 11 and Grade 12 academic courses is required to be considered for most programs. Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- SAT or ACT scores are not required for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum outside the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam.
- SATs/ACTs are considered in combination with high school grades.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
For Fall (September) 2021 and Winter (January) 2022 entry, York University will deem the SAT/ACT as optional for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam. However, students who have completed a standardized test are encouraged to submit their test scores as it may support your application for competitive programs. SAT/ACT scores must be sent electronically from the College Board directly to York. Please browse the section below for pre-requisites and detailed admission requirements.
Note: An SAT/ACT test will be required from students who are not enrolled in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam or have not studied in a formal academic high-school environment.
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
- AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO) - minimum 6 academic courses
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
Faculty of Health
BA
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
Faculty of Health
BSc
Requirements for admission:
To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the high 70s to mid-80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 73.
You are required to provide official evidence of academic achievement in secondary education. This can be demonstrated through:
- Final grades under the Ontario curriculum (obtained through correspondence, night school or through TVO)
- Credentials through other curricula, such as results from Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced-level courses in the General Certificate of Education (GCE). (Students may register to sit for the AP and GCE examinations as private candidates.)
In the absence of final grades in courses:
- You must submit the results of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a minimum combined total of 1170 on the Critical Reading and Math components or a composite American College Testing (ACT) score of 24.
- Your application will be reviewed by an admissions sub-committee. If admitted, you will not be eligible for entrance scholarships. You will be considered for continuing student scholarships at the end of your first year of study, if you satisfy those criteria.
You may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency. You will be considered for entrance scholarships on the basis of your overall averages in the six 4U/4M (Ontario curriculum) or equivalent courses.