Study Abroad Unit
Studying at Leicester
Welcome to Study Abroad at Leicester!
The Study Abroad programme at Leicester offers international students from universities outside the UK to spend a semester or a full academic year with us. You can choose from a wide range of subjects, earning credits that are transferable to your home university. The programme is open to students nominated by our partner universities on an exchange basis, as well as to independent applications who wish to join us (who will be required to pay tuition fees). This experience allows you to immerse yourself in a vibrant academic environment whilst making your mark as a Global Citizen of Change.
How to apply
Browse information for students applying from one of our partner universities.
Stage 1 - Get in touch
Contact the Study Abroad Office at your home university. They will be able to confirm if you are eligible to apply. If so, they will need to nominate you to us as either an exchange or fee-paying student.
If you are not a student from one of our partner universities, please see the information further down this page on 'Applying as an independent student'.
Stage 2 - Complete the online application form
Once you have been nominated to us by your home university, we will send you full details on how to apply, along with a link to the application form. This form will ask you to provide your personal information, previous qualifications and home university details.
You must also upload the following documents:
- Current university transcript (minimum CGPA 3.0).
- Copy of the photo-ID page of your passport.
- Personal statement - for example, outlining: your passion for your chose subjects, your determination and focus, experience and aspirations. Typically a maximum of 4,000 characters (approximately one side of A4)
- If English is not your first language, please provide evidence of your proficiency in English. We require a minimum IELTS level for each subject listed below:
- Science* modules: 6.0 IELTS or equivalent (*Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Physics)
- English Language (ELTU) modules: 6.0 IELTS
- All other modules: 6.5 IELTS overall
- For modules in Law, you need at least a 6.0 in writing, as well as 5.5 in speaking, listening and reading.
- For modules in Geography, you need at least 6.0 in each component.
Further notes on English language requirements:
- Please note that for all subject areas, you will need to obtain at least a 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking in IELTS (or equivalent).
- Test results are only valid for two years.
- Please see our University's English Language requirements for more information.
Stage 3 - Select your modules
We will contact you to advise you on how and when to select your modules (classes).
Once your application has been accepted
- You will be contacted by the Study Abroad team to select your preferred modules (classes). Choices will be subject to departmental approval and availability.
- If you are applying for a Student Visa, request a CAS by logging into My Student Record.
Applying as an independent student
You can join Leicester as a Study Abroad (non-degree) student even if your home university does not have an exchange agreement with us. You will not be awarded a degree by the University of Leicester, but will be issued a transcript for any official assessments you undertake.
Learn more if you are an international student wishing to study for a degree at Leicester.
Stage 1 - Get in touch
In order that we can assess your eligibility for the Study Abroad programme, please complete this enquiry form.
If you have any questions about studying abroad at Leicester, and can’t find the answers on these webpages, contact us at studyabroad@le.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to advise you.
Stage 2 - Complete the online application form
Once we have determined your eligibility for the programme, we will send you full details on how to apply, along with a link to the application form. This form will ask you to provide your personal information, previous qualifications and current/former home university details.
You must also upload the following documents:
- Current university transcript (minimum CGPA 3.0).
- Copy of the photo-ID page of your passport.
- Personal statement - for example, outlining: your passion for your chose subjects, your determination and focus, experience and aspirations. Typically a maximum of 4,000 characters (approximately one side of A4)
- Two academic references
- If English is not your first language, please provide evidence of your proficiency in English. We require a minimum IELTS level for each subject listed below:
- Science* modules: 6.0 IELTS or equivalent (*Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Physics)
- English Language (ELTU) modules: 6.0 IELTS
- All other modules: 6.5 IELTS overall
- For modules in Law, you need at least a 6.0 in writing, as well as 5.5 in speaking, listening and reading.
- For modules in Geography, you need at least 6.0 in each component.
Further notes on English language requirements:
- Please note that for all subject areas, you will need to obtain at least a 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking in IELTS (or equivalent).
- Test results are only valid for two years.
- Please see our University's English Language requirements for more information.
Stage 3 - Select your modules
We will contact you to advise you on how and when to select your modules (classes).
Once your application has been accepted
- You will be contacted by the Study Abroad team to select your preferred modules (classes). Choices will be subject to departmental approval and availability.
- If you are applying for a Student Visa, request a CAS by logging into My Student Record.
Modules on offer
At the University of Leicester we call the individual units that you will study “modules”. They are sometimes called classes or courses at other universities.
As a Study Abroad student you can apply for modules from the following academic fields.
- Archaeology and Ancient History
- Arts (English, History of Art and Modern Languages)
- Biosciences
- Business (Economics and Management)
- Chemistry
- Computing and Mathematical Sciences
- Criminology
- English Language
- Engineering
- Geography and Geology
- History
- Law
- Media and Communication
- Physics
- Politics
- Psychology
- Sociology
Our module list can vary from year to year. If you have applied to study with us from September 2024, we will contact you shortly to provide you with access to our module catalogue for 2024/25. If you are considering studying with us in the future and would like to view our module catalogue to get an idea of what sorts of options may be available to you, please email us at studyabroad@le.ac.uk.
Please note that the modules listed are subject to change, and the delivery of their content and methods of assessment may vary.