The University of Leicester is a public research university based in Leicester, England. The main campus is south of the city centre, adjacent to Victoria Park. The university established itself as a research-led university , reflecting its belief that through research and education, the university would act as a beacon of hope for the future.

Key statistics

Granted its Royal Charter in 1957 The University of Leicester is a leading UK university committed to international excellence through the creation of world-changing research and high quality, inspirational teaching. Leicester is famous for the invention of genetic fingerprinting, its space research and for the discovery of the remains of King Richard III. The university offers over 350 degree programmes across three academic colleges: medicine, biological sciences and psychology, science and engineering, and arts and humanities. Its ethos emphasizes a cross-disciplinary approach, innovation and collaboration.

Based in the city of the same name, Leicester has a youthful feel and boasts the largest number of people aged 19 and under in the East Midlands region. Leicester itself, a lively, multicultural city with great facilities and transport links, and it's no wonder everyone is so pleased to be there.Although it’s the tenth largest city in the UK, it has an abundance of green spaces making it easy to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Leicester is one of the most ethnically diverse areas of the UK and its university lays claim to a long-standing record on social inclusiveness. The appeal might lie in the friendly and compact campus, a 10-minute walk from one end to the other, providing you don't get sidetracked by any of the on-campus facilities. Victoria Park next door is a convenient and popular place to relax when the weather is good. Its main campus, which backs onto 69 acres of park land, is often referred to as the university’s ‘back garden'. Celebrating diversity among  staff and students; widening participation in higher education; engaging with local, national and international communities – all of these are part of daily life of the university.

Notable Alumni

• Paul Bateman – Chief Executive of J P Morgan Asset Management.

• Natalie Bennett – leader of the Green Party and former editor of the Guardian Weekly.

• Professor David Blanchflower CBE – economist and former member of Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

• Danielle Brown – paralympian gold medallist in archery and holder of various archery world records.

• Heather Couper CBE – astronomer and TV presenter, with an asteroid named in her honour.

• Professor Sir Liam Donaldson – former Chief Medical Officer and principal advisor to the government on health matters.

• Phelan Hill – coxswain of the British eight. A multiple medal winner, including bronze in the 2012 Olympics for the men’s eight and gold in the 2013 World Cup Series in Sydney and Eton Dorney.

• Atifete Jahjaga – first female President of the Republic of Kosovo, the first non-partisan candidate, the first female head of state in the modern Balkans and the youngest to be elected to the office. Served as Deputy Director of the Kosovo Police, holding the rank of Major General, the highest among women in Southeastern Europe.

• John Kennedy OBE – music mogul and founding member of Band Aid and Live Aid.

• Bob Mortimer – comedian and actor, best known for his double act with Vic Reeves.

English Language Requirements:

Undergraduate Courses:

• 1) IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component less than 5.5
• 2) TOEFL: 90 Overall (W- 20, L-20, R-20, S-20).
• 3) PTE: 61 overall and a minimum of 51 in all components.

Postgraduate Courses:

• 1) IELTS: 6.5 overall with no component less than 5.5
• 2) TOEFL: 90 Overall (W- 20, L-20, R-20, S-20).
• 3) PTE: 61 overall and a minimum of 51 in all components.

Note: Please look at individual courses and their English language requirements before proceeding.

Accommodation for International Students

• New undergraduate international students are guaranteed a room in university-managed accommodation provided that they apply by the specified deadline in the year in which their degree begins.

• Students can choose from catered halls of residence or self-catered accommodation, with a range of rooms from standard single rooms to en-suite (own bathroom) and deluxe. Halls of Residence have free broadband internet access in study bedrooms.

• Accommodation ranges from 5–20 minute’s walk from the campus. Oadby Student Village is located 3.5km from the campus and has a shuttle bus provided during term-time – this site primarily accommodates 1st year students.

• International students are spread throughout the sites, rather than clustered together.

• During Christmas and Easter only 1 catered residence remains open for students who wish to stay during the vacations; self-catered accommodation remains open throughout. Summer vacation accommodation is also available.

Accommodation costs in Leicester

You can choose from the following living options:

• Student village self-catered, shared or single rooms (beginning from 3,900 GBP/year - cheapest option)

• University residences

• Private or shared rented apartments - 3,300 GBP/year (single); or 4,700 GBP/year (shared)

• Home-stay – living with a local family

International scholarships

The University offers a number of scholarships which international students are eligible to apply for. The university offers four kinds of undergraduate scholarship, ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 over three years. Some awards are means-tested, others are subject specific or targeted at academically excellent students.

Scholarships and financial assistance

You should check in your own country whether scholarships are available for study overseas, either from your government or other organization. Almost all scholarships, including those offered by the University, offer only partial funding support, usually in the form of a contribution to fees. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, and competition from well-qualified students is fierce. You also need to plan ahead, so that you can meet the deadlines for scholarship applications. Please note that you cannot apply for University scholarships until you have been offered a place.

There are numerous other scholarships.Please refer university website for detail qualifications required.

Other scholarships

You can also apply for the British Government's Chevening Scholarships, and a variety of private agencies and charities for scholarships, bursaries and grants to study in the UK. For more information visit the British Council website or the UK Council for International Student Affairs website.

Some key facts of University of Leicester

• In September 2007, the University of Leicester emerged as the top University in the Midlands for the second successive year for student satisfaction. 91% of full-time first degree students at Leicester were satisfied with their course. 

• Leicester is a world famous research university. DNA Genetic Fingerprinting was invented by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys.

• The University has ownership of 216 properties

• The University of Leicester is one of the older universities in the country. Founded in 1921 with nine students, the fledgling college gained full degree-awarding powers in 1957 when it was granted its Royal Charter.

• The site for the University was given by a local textile manufacturer, Thomas Fielding Johnson, in order to create a living memorial for those who gave their lives in the First World War. This is reflected in the University motto 'Ut Vitam Habeant' - that they may have life.