Planning to study abroad? The UK is a prime destination for international students when it comes to quality education, with a combination of affordable cost. The University of Leicester is an excellent choice for international students.
This public research university was established in 1921 in Leicester, UK. This university is famous among international students for its research-oriented programs and student-friendly environment. This university offers more than 300 courses across 4 universities. The University of Leicester is a three-time award winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for higher and further education.
The major subjects of this university are social science, engineering, medicine, health care and space research. This university accepts TOEFL, IELTS score and GMAT scores and English proficiency for MBA programs. This university is an excellent choice for international students because of its reputation and great research programs.
In this complete guide, you will explore the University of Leicester acceptance rate, rankings, courses, fees, scholarships, accommodation, and career opportunities.
Why Choose the University of Leicester for International Students in 2026?
Your future depends on your selection of a university. But getting enrolled in a top university is not something everyone can afford. It means every student needs equality education, but at an affordable price. The University of Leicester stands out because it offers a perfect balance of academic quality, affordability, and career opportunities. This university attracts students for its historic background and all those stories related to World War-1. This university is also part of research work on DNA and genetic fingerprinting.
Overview
- Recognised globally for academic excellence
- Affordable tuition fees compared to top UK universities
- Strong research reputation
- A diverse student community from over 150 countries
- High graduate employability rate
| Key Highlights of the University of Leicester | |
| Particular | Stats |
| Established | 1921 |
| University of Leicester Acceptance Rate | Around 75% |
| Total no. of students | 20,000+ |
| Affiliation | AMBA, ACU, EUA |
| Type of university | Public |
| Location | Leicester, England, UK |
| Ranking | Among the Top 50 Universities in the UK |
| No. of UG students | 13,000+ |
| No. of PG students | 4,800+ |
| Popular courses | MSc in Data Science, MSc in AI for Business Intelligence |
University of Leicester Ranking in the UK and World 2026
The University of Leicester ranking reflects its strong reputation in the UK as well as globally. This university is chosen by many international students because of its high ranking and good acceptance rate.
This university is ranked by major organisations like the QS World Ranking and the Times Higher Education on the basis of its consistency in the field of education, research and student satisfaction.
University of Leicester Ranking Overview
- This university has always ranked among the top universities within the 30-40th in UK and strong subject-wise ranking is in Medicine, Business, and Engineering.
These rankings made this university a trusted university among international students.
University of Leicester Acceptance Rate for International Students
The University of Leicester acceptance rate is approximately lies between 75%, which makes this university moderately competitive. In simple words, if you have a strong CV, a good academic score and a strong SOP, then you will get admission in this university with a proper roadmap.
However, meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee admission. Students must also present a strong application.
Factors Affecting University of Leicester Admission
- Academic qualifications and grades
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of recommendation
- Course competitiveness
Understanding the need for admission will help students plan or prepare their application effectively.
Courses at University of Leicester for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students
Courses at University of Leicester focus on research work and market trends to prepare students for future needs. This university offers approximately 300 courses for international students. Whether you are exploring courses for UG or PG level programs. This university offers courses in Engineering, Business Management, International Relations and Biology. Specialization student can choose between Business-Law, Healthcare/ Hospital Management, International Business, International Relations, and Biology.
Popular Courses at University of Leicester
- Business and Management
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Law and Social Sciences
These courses are highly valued by employees worldwide.
University of Leicester Fees for International Students 2026
Calculating the cost of studying for international students is really important to plan a better budget and avoid last-minute chaos. The University of Leicester fees for international students are relatively affordable in comparison to many universities of UK. Fees structure usually depends on the level of the study, the course and the duration.
University of Leicester Fee Structure
- Undergraduate fees: £18,000 – £24,000 per year
- Postgraduate fees: £19,000 – £28,000 per year
Students should always consider living costs and then plan accordingly.
University of Leicester Scholarships for International Students
The University of Leicester scholarships are designed to support international students financially. These scholarships help reduce the overall cost of studying in the UK. Many scholarships are awarded automatically based on academic performance.
Students can also apply for specific scholarships depending on their eligibility.
Types of University of Leicester Scholarships
- Merit-based scholarships
These are awarded to students with strong academic performance. This scholarship offers around £5,000 per year to students who get a high score in university.
Key Highlights
- Based on academic excellence
- Available for undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Usually awarded automatically (no separate application)
Why important: this is the best and easiest to achieve if your score is good.
- Excellence & Competitive Scholarships
This university is hard to achieve because of its high competition. This scholarship is offered to the top-performing students globally.
The Global Excellence Scholarship offers around £7,000 fee discount for selected postgraduate students.
Key Highlights
- Limited number of awards
- Highly competitive selection
- Focus on an outstanding academic profile
Students should apply early and maintain an excellent score not only at the university level but globally.
Tuition Fee Waivers & Discounts
The University of Leicester also offers tuition fee waivers that directly reduce your study costs. But this scholarship depends on the student’s eligibility; some get full fee waivers, and others may get partial ones.
Key Highlights
- Can cover partial or full tuition fees
- Available for undergraduate students
- Limited number of awards
This helps students to financially reduce their burden.
Chancellor’s Scholarships
The Chancellor’s International Scholarship is awarded to students who meet entry requirements and demonstrate academic potential. It provides a £3,000 per year fee discount.
Key Highlights
- Automatically awarded with an admission offer
- Available for both UG and PG students
- Based on the eligibility criteria
Country-Specific Scholarships
These scholarships are designed for specific countries students.
For example:
- GREAT Scholarship (for selected countries)
- Regional funding opportunities
These scholarships encourage diversity and international participation.
Key Highlights
- Available for selected countries
- May have specific eligibility criteria
- Often limited in number
Alumni & Family Discounts
The university also offers discounts for students with connections to the institution.
Key Highlights
- Alumni discount: Up to 20% fee reduction
- Family loyalty discount: Around 10% fee discount
Students continuing their studies or with family members at the university.
Special Scholarships (Talent & Need-Based)
The University of Leicester also provides scholarships for students with special talents or unique circumstances.
These include:
Key Highlights
- Sports scholarships (for athletes)
- Music scholarships (for talented performers)
- Sanctuary scholarships (for asylum seekers
These go beyond academics and reward talent or need.
- International student scholarships
- Country-specific funding
- Early payment discounts
These scholarships make higher education more accessible for students from different backgrounds.
Accommodation and living costs at University of Leicester for International Students
Accommodation at the University of Leicester for international students is designed to provide them safe environment, peaceful housing, and comfort. Students have various types of accommodation, like on-campus and off-campus.
Accommodation Highlights
- Fully furnished rooms
- Safe and secure environment
- High-speed internet and utilities included
- Affordable options for different budgets
On-campus Accommodation
This university has lots of student accommodation options within walking distance of its main campus.
- For PG students’ Accommodation expense- Pound 8400
- For UG students’ Accommodation expense– Pound 8400
Off- campus Accommodation
This university also provides off-campus housing for students who want to experience life in the UK.
- The average rent is 600 to 700 Pounds/month
- The residence type includes studio apartments, 3-bedroom apartments, 4-bedroom apartments and shared apartments
- The student residences come fully furnished. They include free WiFi, Onsite laundry facilities, CCTV and Secure door entry
- All studio apartments come with a large bed and study area, as well as a modern integrated kitchen
Cost of Living in Leicester
Leicester is one of the more affordable cities in the UK. Students can manage their monthly expenses within a reasonable budget.
- Accommodation: £400 – £800 per month
- Food and groceries: £150 – £250
Leicester is a student-friendly city that makes it easy for students to settle down in this city.
Career Opportunities After Studying at University of Leicester
The career opportunity after studying at this University is very impressive because study in this university focuses on students’overall growth and making students market trend ready. Its strong market connection makes this university more trusted and reliable.
Career Highlights
- High graduate employability rate
- Internship opportunities
- Strong industry connections
- Competitive salary packages
Graduates from this university work in top companies across various industries.
Admission Requirements at the University of Leicester
To gain admission to such a competitive university, students must meet its requirements. The acceptance rate of this university is moderate, so students must maintain a good academic score.
Undergraduate Requirements:
- Strong academic record (equivalent to UK A-levels)
- English proficiency test scores like IELTS (typically 6.0 – 6.5)
- Subject-specific requirements for some courses
Postgraduate Requirements:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree with good grades
- IELTS score of 6.5 or above (varies by course)
- Relevant academic or work experience (for some programs)
Want to get into the UK’s top university? Are you confused about the documents and the process? Connect with our experts. They will help you and make your study abroad journey smooth.
Conclusion
The University of Leicester is a great choice for students who want to study at a top UK university without intense competition. It offers students flexibility in choosing subjects and fields during their first year. After graduating, they have many job opportunities in the UK and abroad, thanks to a globally recognised degree. The university designs programs based on market trends, preparing students for the future. Its fee structure is also more affordable than many other universities in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the University of Leicester good for international students?
Yes, the University of Leicester is a popular choice due to its quality education, affordable fees, and strong career opportunities.
2. What are the University of Leicester fees for international students?
Fees range from £18,000 to £28,000 per year, depending on the course.
3. Does the University of Leicester offer scholarships?
Yes, the University of Leicester scholarships include merit-based and international student funding options.
4. Is Leicester a good city for students?
Yes, Leicester is affordable, safe, and student-friendly compared to major UK cities.
5. What are the University of Leicester tuition fees for international students for Masters?
International master’s tuition fees at the University of Leicester generally range from approximately £17,500 to over £25,000+ per year, varying by subject.
6. Is Leicester cheap or expensive?
Leicester ranks as the third most affordable city in the UK for the cost of living. Whether you’re seeking intellectual challenges, exciting social outings, or a nurturing community, Leicester has it all.