University of Leeds: Admission, Foundation and Fees

StudyU editorial team

The University of Leeds is one of the largest universities in the UK, with more than 37,000 students, and a member of the Russell Group. It is joint 77th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, 118th in THE 2026 and in the 151–200 band of ARWU 2026. A Russian or Uzbek school certificate does not give direct Year 1 entry, but Leeds runs its own International Foundation Year: applicants from Russia and Kazakhstan need grades of at least 4 out of 5 in relevant subjects and IELTS 5.5. International undergraduates starting in 2027 pay $36,160 (£27,300) to $44,640 (£33,700) a year, or $66,900 (£50,500) for medicine, and the fee stays the same for the whole degree. UCAS applications close on 13 January 2027, or on 15 October 2026 for medicine.

Pale stone Art Deco building with a tall clock tower by a road junction under a cloudy sky — The Parkinson Building and its clock tower, the landmark of the University of Leeds, Leeds, England. Photo: Mtaylor848 / source, CC BY-SA 4.0.

It is a different institution from Leeds Beckett University and Leeds Trinity University, which are separate universities in the same city.

At a glance	Details
Location	Leeds, West Yorkshire; single campus a 10-minute walk from the city centre
Founded	1904
Students	more than 37,000
Rankings	QS 2027: =77; THE 2026: 118; ARWU 2026: 151–200
Faculties	5: Arts, Humanities and Cultures; Business School; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Environment and Social Sciences; Health and Life Sciences
Route after school in Russia or Uzbekistan	the University's International Foundation Year; from Kazakhstan also the NIS Grade 12 Certificate
International Foundation Year, September 2027	$33,780–34,440 (£25,500–26,000)
International undergraduate fee, 2027 entry	$36,160–44,640 (£27,300–33,700) a year; medicine $66,900 (£50,500); fixed for the whole course
Master's, 2027 (examples)	$36,160–44,510 (£27,300–33,600) per programme
International Excellence Scholarship	$3,970, $7,950 or $21,200 (£3,000, £6,000 or £16,000) off the first year; apply by 11 April 2027
Accommodation	guaranteed for new international students; University rooms average $260 (£198) a week

Who Leeds suits and when to look elsewhere

Strengths	Limitations
Its own foundation year, integrated with more than 150 degrees	The foundation starts only in September
Grade threshold of 4/5 in relevant subjects, lower than St Andrews (4.5/5)	Many degrees later require IELTS 6.5 with no component below 6.0
In 2025, 94% of foundation students progressed to Year 1 without reapplying	The $6,620 (£5,000) regional scholarship excludes Russian, Kazakh and Uzbek passports
International fees are fixed for the whole course	Dearer than Sheffield: English Literature at Leeds costs $36,160 (£27,300) for 2027 entry, while Sheffield's humanities fee was $33,120 (£25,000) in 2026/27 before its automatic $3,310 (£2,500) discount
Campus next to the city centre; halls include bills and gym membership	Medicine costs international students $66,900 (£50,500) a year

Leeds suits applicants who want a large Russell Group university with a clear route after 11 years of school and a wide choice: business, economics, law, engineering, computer science, life sciences, media and design. Compare fees and routes with Sheffield and Manchester. The general route to UK universities is on our study in the UK page.

Faculties and subjects

Leeds recently merged several faculties and now has five:

Arts, Humanities and Cultures: history, philosophy, English, languages, music, design, media and communication, art history.
Leeds University Business School: accounting and finance, economics, management, marketing, international business.
Engineering and Physical Sciences: mechanical, civil, chemical and electronic engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemistry.
Environment and Social Sciences: geography, earth sciences, food science, law, politics, sociology, education.
Health and Life Sciences: medicine, dentistry, nursing, psychology, biological and biomedical sciences.

The campus has four libraries, The Edge sports centre with a 25-metre pool, and Leeds University Union with more than 300 clubs and societies.

Undergraduate entry with a Russian, Kazakh or Uzbek school certificate

What the country pages say

Russia and Uzbekistan. You need a foundation programme, such as the University of Leeds International Foundation Year, or A-levels or the IB.
Kazakhstan. Besides foundation, A-levels and the IB, Leeds accepts the Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate; NIS grades convert one to one, so an AAA offer needs AAA.
English. The minimum for undergraduate study is IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component, but most courses ask for more. Besides IELTS Academic and IELTS for UKVI, Leeds accepts PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT taken at a test centre, and Oxford ELLT Global; PTE Academic Online and TOEFL MyBest scores are not accepted.

The University of Leeds International Foundation Year

It is Year 0 of a degree: you apply for a degree "with integrated International Foundation Year" and, once you achieve the required grades, progress to Year 1 without a new application or a new English test. In 2025, 94% of students did so. Teaching is by University academics on the main campus, and each student has a personal tutor. Modules combine English, academic skills and subject content. The programme starts only in September.

Requirement	Russia	Kazakhstan	Uzbekistan
School grades	at least 4/5 in subjects relevant to the intended degree	at least 4/5 in relevant subjects	4 or above overall and in two relevant subjects
English	IELTS Academic or UKVI 5.5, at least 5.5 in each component; healthcare routes 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component	same	same
Fee 2027/28	$33,780 (£25,500) for arts and social sciences, business and design routes; $34,440 (£26,000) for engineering, science and healthcare routes

You apply through the University's online form (not UCAS) with your latest transcript, English certificate, passport and any previous UK visas. The 2026 intake closed on 18 August 2026; 2027 dates have not yet been published, but offers are made throughout the cycle, so apply in autumn or winter. Reply to your offer by the stated date or it will be declined. In 2026 the International Foundation Year Excellence Scholarship offered self-funded students $3,970 (£3,000); for 2027 the University has announced an International Foundation Year Scholarship for September 2027 entrants but has not yet published its value or deadline.

An alternative is the International Study Centre run by Study Group, which offers an International Foundation Year and an International Year One. Students progressing from its foundation are automatically considered for the International Excellence Scholarship; International Year One students are not. See our guide to foundation years in the UK.

Year 1 requirements: 2027 examples

Course	A-level	IELTS
Economics BSc	AAA	6.5, at least 6.0 in each component
Law LLB	AAA	6.5, at least 6.0 in each component
Computer Science BSc	AAA including mathematics	6.0, at least 5.5 in each component
Mechanical Engineering BEng	A*AA including mathematics and physics or chemistry	6.0, at least 5.5 in each component
English Literature BA	AAB with an A in English	6.5, at least 6.0 in each component
Medicine and Surgery MBChB	AAA including chemistry and biology	7.5, at least 7.5 in speaking

After the foundation, progression requirements are set as percentages in the foundation year; your offer states the exact mark for your degree.

Deadlines for 2027 entry

Stage	Date
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary science via UCAS	15 October 2026
MBChB interviews (online for overseas applicants)	4–6 January 2027
Other courses, UCAS equal consideration	13 January 2027
Decisions on January applications	by 12 May 2027
Late applications	accepted if places remain

See our guide to applying to UK universities.

Step-by-step plan

September–October 2026. Choose a degree and a realistic entry route: the University's foundation, the International Study Centre, or A-levels/IB.
October–December 2026. Take IELTS Academic or UKVI in person; 5.5 in each component is enough for the foundation, or 6.0 for healthcare routes.
By January 2027. Apply for the foundation on the University website, or for a degree through UCAS by 13 January.
After an offer. Apply for the International Excellence Scholarship by 11 April 2027 and reply to your offer on time.
Spring–summer 2027. Apply for University accommodation by the published deadline, then receive your CAS and apply for a Student visa.

Master's and PhD admission

Master's applications open on 1 October and go directly to the University. Degree classifications convert as follows:

If the course asks for	Russia	Kazakhstan	Uzbekistan
2:1 (most common)	average 4 out of 5	85%, 3.4/4 or 4.25/5	4.0 or 80%
2:2	3.5 out of 5	80%, 3.0/4 or 3.5/5	3.0 or 70%
First	4.5 out of 5	90%, 3.7/4 or 4.3/5	4.5 or 90%

The minimum English requirement for master's study is IELTS 6.5 with no component below 6.0. International fees for 2027/28 (whole programme) include $36,160 (£27,300) for the MA International Relations, $44,380 (£33,500) for the MSc International Business and $44,510 (£33,600) for the MSc Economics and Finance. Some courses set a separate deadline for international applicants: for example, the MSc Data Science and Analytics ($45,830, £34,600) closes on 30 July 2027. Masters International Excellence Scholarships of $3,970, $7,950 or $21,200 (£3,000, £6,000 or £16,000) are open to offer holders in two rounds: by 28 February and by 16 May 2027.

Tuition fees

Course, 2027 entry	International fee per year
International Foundation Year (arts, business, design)	$33,780 (£25,500)
International Foundation Year (engineering, science, healthcare)	$34,440 (£26,000)
English Literature BA	$36,160 (£27,300)
Law LLB	$36,560 (£27,600)
Economics BSc	$38,420 (£29,000)
Accounting and Finance BSc	$41,460 (£31,300)
Computer Science BSc, Mechanical Engineering BEng	$44,640 (£33,700)
Medicine and Surgery MBChB	$66,900 (£50,500)

International undergraduate fees are the same in every year of the course. A placement or study-abroad year costs $6,060 (£4,575). Tuition covers teaching, exams and Students' Union membership; accommodation and living costs are extra. See the cost of studying in the UK.

Accommodation

Leeds offers University accommodation to all new international students, including foundation students, who apply by the deadline. University rent includes bills, internet and membership of The Edge sports centre.

Option (2026/27 rates, provisional)	Average per week	Range
University accommodation, self-catered	$260 (£198)	$160–360 (£122–273)
University accommodation, catered (12 meals a week in term)	$330 (£248)	$280–375 (£213–283)
Private accommodation, self-catered	$280 (£210)	$105–450 (£80–339)

Private rents are University figures from Unipol for August 2026. Halls are the simpler choice for the first year: bills are included and the contract is shorter than a full year. More in our guide to student housing in the UK.

Living costs

The University's 2026/27 budget for a single student includes rent but not tuition:

Period	Lower	Average	Higher
Week	$225 (£171)	$425 (£320)	$615 (£466)
Academic year (39 weeks)	$8,840 (£6,670)	$16,530 (£12,480)	$24,070 (£18,170)
Full year (52 weeks)	$11,780 (£8,890)	$22,040 (£16,640)	$32,100 (£24,230)

Groceries average $50 (£36) a week, and personal costs such as transport, eating out, clothes and phone $80 (£59). First-year undergraduates in halls can plan for 39 weeks; master's students and anyone on a year-round tenancy should use 52.

Separately from this budget, UK Visas and Immigration checks your funds: $1,550 (£1,171) for each month of study up to nine months, or $13,960 (£10,539), on top of any unpaid first-year tuition. Money sent from Russia must go through legal channels; see how to pay for studies abroad from Russia.

Scholarships

Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarships. $3,970, $7,950 or $21,200 (£3,000, £6,000 or £16,000) off the first year for students starting in September 2027. You need an offer, an excellent academic record and extracurricular achievements, and your application explains why Leeds fits your plans. Deadline 11 April 2027; outcomes by 10 May 2027. There is no nationality restriction, so Russian, Kazakh and Uzbek citizens can apply. Medicine (MBChB) and Dental Surgery (BChD) are excluded. Students progressing from the University's foundation are considered automatically.
Undergraduate International Regional Scholarships. An automatic $6,620 (£5,000) discount for passport holders from listed countries (EU, Canada, India, USA, Türkiye and others). Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are not on the list.
Masters International Excellence Scholarships. The same amounts for master's students, in two rounds closing on 28 February and 16 May 2027. You need a 2:1 or equivalent; there is no nationality restriction, and the MBA and fully online courses are excluded.
Chevening. The UK government's master's scholarship; in the 2027/28 cycle it is open to Russian citizens only if they live outside Russia, with applications closing on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC.

The University decides who receives its discounts, and Chevening runs its own selection. Other options are in our overview of scholarships in the UK.

Visa and work after graduation

After an unconditional offer the University issues a CAS. The visa fee is $740 (£558) and the Immigration Health Surcharge $1,030 (£776) per year of leave; you can apply up to six months before your course. UK Visas and Immigration makes the decision. The 2026 visa brake applies to nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, not to Russia, Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan. Graduates can apply for the Graduate visa, which lasts 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. More in our guides to the UK Student visa and the Graduate route.

What helps and what gets in the way for applicants from Russia and Central Asia

What helps:

a clear foundation threshold: 4/5 in relevant subjects and IELTS 5.5;
the foundation is built into the degree, with no second application or new English test;
a high progression rate: 94% in 2025;
international fees are fixed for the whole course;
large scholarships of up to $21,200 (£16,000) are open to applicants from the region.

What makes it harder:

the foundation starts only in September, so missing the intake costs a year;
the $6,620 (£5,000) regional discount does not apply to Russian, Kazakh or Uzbek passports;
medicine requires A-level chemistry and biology, IELTS 7.5 and an interview, and costs $66,900 a year;
English tests count only if taken at a test centre: IELTS Online, PTE Academic Online and TOEFL MyBest are not accepted;
paying pound-denominated fees from Russia needs a legal route planned in advance.

Mistakes to avoid

Applying to Year 1 with only a school certificate. Russian and Uzbek applicants need a foundation, A-levels or the IB.
Confusing the University of Leeds with Leeds Beckett or Leeds Trinity. They are separate universities.
Counting on the $6,620 (£5,000) regional discount. Eligibility depends on your passport, and our countries are not listed.
Leaving the scholarship application too late. International Excellence opens only after an offer and closes on 11 April.
Taking IELTS online or at home. Leeds accepts only tests taken at a test centre.
Choosing a foundation route at random. The route determines which degrees you can progress to.

Checklist before applying

A degree with integrated foundation, or an A-level/IB route, is chosen.
Grades in relevant subjects are at least 4.
IELTS Academic or UKVI is taken in person, with 5.5 in each component for the foundation.
The personal statement links the chosen degree to your plans.
The budget covers the foundation, three or four degree years and about $16,530 (£12,480) a year for living costs.
Scholarship and accommodation deadlines are in your calendar.

Rankings

Ranking	Position
QS World University Rankings 2027	=77
THE World University Rankings 2026	118
ARWU 2026	151–200

FAQ

Can I enter the University of Leeds after 11 years of school?

Not directly into Year 1. With grades of at least 4 out of 5 in relevant subjects and IELTS 5.5 you can join the International Foundation Year and then progress to Year 1 without reapplying. NIS graduates from Kazakhstan can also apply directly.

How much does Leeds cost for international students?

For 2027 entry, undergraduate fees range from $36,160 (£27,300) to $44,640 (£33,700) a year, and medicine costs $66,900 (£50,500). The foundation year costs $33,780–34,440 (£25,500–26,000). Undergraduate fees do not rise during the course.

What IELTS score does Leeds require?

5.5 in each component for the foundation (6.0 with 5.5 in each for healthcare routes); at least 6.0 (5.5) for degrees, 6.5 (6.0) for economics, law and English literature, and 7.5 for medicine. Master's courses start at 6.5 (6.0).

Which scholarships are open to students from Russia and Kazakhstan?

International Excellence Scholarships of $3,970 (£3,000), $7,950 (£6,000) or $21,200 (£16,000) off the first year, for both undergraduates and master's students. The $6,620 (£5,000) regional discount does not apply to these passports.

How is the University of Leeds different from Leeds Beckett?

They are separate universities. The University of Leeds is a Russell Group research university ranked =77 in QS 2027; Leeds Beckett University has its own requirements and fees.

Can I count on University accommodation?

Yes, for new international students, including foundation students, who apply for accommodation by the deadline.

Can StudyU help with applying to Leeds?

Under a paid agreement we help you choose a degree and entry route, plan IELTS, and prepare your application, personal statement and documents for scholarships and the visa. The University decides on admission and scholarships, and UK Visas and Immigration on the visa.

Sources

Dollar amounts use the ECB cross rate of 29 September 2026 (£1 = $1.325) and are rounded. Information checked on 24 September 2026. Other UK universities are listed on our study in the UK page. To check whether the Leeds foundation route works for your grades and budget, send us a request.

During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.

University of Leeds: Admission for International Students