Founded in 1921 and granted a Royal Charter in 1957, the University of Leicester is a leading public research university located in Leicester, England. The university is internationally recognised for its research excellence, high-quality teaching, and strong graduate employability. It consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK and is placed among the Top 200 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. ) The University of Leicester is home to more than 20,000 students, including international students from over 150 countries. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and doctoral programmes across disciplines including Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, Law, Psychology, Biological Sciences, and Space Science. The university is particularly renowned for pioneering research in genetics, cardiovascular science, archaeology, artificial intelligence, and space research. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, MBA, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of University of Leicester admissions, available courses, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Leicester, England |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
The University of Leicester offers undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and research programmes across a wide range of disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Medicine, Law, Psychology, Biological Sciences, Media, Humanities, and Social Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, Business, Finance, Healthcare, Law, and more. |
| MBA | The Leicester MBA focuses on leadership, strategic management, innovation, entrepreneurship, and global business. |
| PhD (Research) | Research-intensive doctoral programmes supported by internationally recognised faculty and advanced research facilities. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study. Applicants must meet programme-specific academic and English language requirements.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Programme-specific entry requirements |
| GPA / Academic Scores | Competitive programme-specific requirements |
| IELTS | Generally 6.5+ (programme dependent) |
| TOEFL iBT | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| PTE Academic | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, personal statement, references, and programme-specific documents |
Cost of Attendance
The University of Leicester tuition fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. Students should also budget for accommodation, food, transportation, books, health expenses, and personal living costs while studying in Leicester. Compared with many major UK cities, Leicester offers a relatively affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for international students. The city's central location also provides excellent transport links across the UK.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
The University of Leicester offers a wide range of scholarships and financial support for international students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes. Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and programme eligibility. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
- International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship
- International Undergraduate Full Tuition Fee Waiver
- Country-specific Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships
- Faculty and School Scholarships
- Research Council Funding
- Doctoral Studentships
- Research Assistantships
- Department-specific scholarships and bursaries
Many postgraduate research students also receive funding through doctoral studentships, research grants, and faculty-specific awards.
Campus Life & Student Experience
The University of Leicester offers a welcoming and diverse student community with excellent academic and recreational facilities. Students benefit from:
- More than 200 student clubs and societies
- Modern libraries and advanced research laboratories
- Excellent sports and fitness facilities
- Career counselling and employability support
- Study abroad and international exchange opportunities
- Entrepreneurship and innovation programmes
- Volunteering and leadership opportunities
- A compact, city-centre campus with modern learning spaces
Leicester is recognised as one of the UK's most multicultural cities, offering students an affordable lifestyle, vibrant cultural events, and excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Research & Global Reputation
The University of Leicester is internationally recognised for research excellence and innovation. Highlights include:
- Ranked among the Top 200 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026. )
- Ranked among the Top 40 universities in the UK
- Research quality ranked among the Top 30 globally by Times Higher Education 2026
- Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Genetics, Space Science, Cardiovascular Medicine, Engineering, Archaeology, Data Science, and Cancer Research
- Internationally recognised for discovering the remains of King Richard III, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in modern British history
- Strong collaborations with the NHS, space agencies, global research institutes, and leading employers
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students admitted to the University of Leicester generally require a UK Student Visa after receiving their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Eligible graduates may remain and work in the UK through the Graduate Route Visa, allowing international students to gain valuable work experience after completing their degree, subject to current UK government immigration regulations.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | International students generally require a UK Student Visa after receiving a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). |
| Graduate Route | Eligible graduates may apply for the UK Graduate Route, allowing them to remain and work in the UK after completing their degree, subject to current UK Government regulations. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme. Apply through UCAS.
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer.
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the University of Leicester online application portal. Upload academic transcripts and supporting documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and begin your UK Student Visa process.
- Apply for your UK Student Visa — After accepting your offer, apply for your UK Student Visa.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is the University of Leicester good for international students?
Yes. The University of Leicester is a globally recognised research university offering high-quality teaching, generous scholarships, excellent research opportunities, and strong graduate employability.
Does the University of Leicester offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. The university offers the International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship, Full Tuition Fee Waiver, GREAT Scholarships, and several faculty-specific scholarships for eligible international students.
What English language tests does the University of Leicester accept?
The university accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and other approved English language qualifications, depending on the programme.
How do I apply to the University of Leicester?
Undergraduate applicants apply through UCAS, while postgraduate applicants apply through the University of Leicester's online application portal.
Can international students work after graduating from the University of Leicester?
Yes. Eligible graduates can apply for the UK Graduate Route Visa, allowing them to remain and work in the UK after completing their studies.
Does the University of Leicester provide career support?
Yes. The University of Leicester offers career counselling, placement opportunities, internships, employer networking events, entrepreneurship support, and dedicated employability services. Students also benefit from strong industry partnerships and an extensive global alumni network.
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