International
We welcome students from Kenya
The University of Leicester is proud to be ranked among 26th in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027) and in the top 20 for student experience (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027).
Study with us and become part of an inclusive university community, that brings together students from more than 150 countries worldwide. Located in one of the UK’s most multicultural and affordable cities, Leicester offers an outstanding quality of teaching alongside a welcoming experience.
Benefit from opportunities to work alongside your studies, courses with dedicated work placements, and work related learning embedded throughout many of our programmes. Our lifetime careers support means you’ll continue to receive guidance long after you graduate.
Apply today and take the next step towards your future at Leicester.
International scholarships
To help you fund your studies, we offer a range of tuition fee waivers as well as guaranteed scholarships exclusively for international students. Find out more.
Entry requirements
International foundation pathway programmes
Biological Sciences International Foundation Year
- KCSE with an overall grade of C or above, including Maths and a Science.
Learn more about the Biological Sciences International Foundation Year course.
STEM International Foundation Year
- KCSE with an overall grade of C or above, including Maths and a Science (science subject dependent on pathway chosen).
Learn more about the STEM International Foundation Year course.
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) degrees
If you are studying A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) then you can begin from the first year of a Bachelor's degree.
If you have already completed the first year of an undergraduate degree at a Kenyan university, you may be considered for entry to the first year of a Bachelor's degree if you have studied relevant subjects.
For more information about available degrees please see individual course pages.
Postgraduate (Master's) degrees
If you hold a Bachelor's degree from Kenya, you will be considered for entry to a Master's degree. Students should have at least a second class honours degree (some degrees may require a second class upper).
For more information about available degrees please see individual course pages.
PhDs and other research degrees
To apply for a PhD (or other postgraduate research qualification) you must have at least a second class honours undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree from a recognised Kenyan university, usually in a related subject area (depending on the subject that you wish to study) which is equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class Honours degree (also known as a 2:1).
You must also be able to demonstrate practical knowledge of appropriate research methodologies. Research degrees are demanding and intensive: to succeed at this level you must be highly motivated, be able to work independently, and have an appropriate familiarity with the discipline and its associated research techniques/methodologies.
Where a Master's degree is required, this is indicated in the relevant description on our postgraduate research webpages, together with further information about requirement.
English language requirements
Contact us
Our friendly Admissions and Applicant Support team are happy to help you with any questions about studying at Leicester.
Agents in your region
We work with the following agent in Kenya:
- CRAYDEL, Nairobi
- IDP Kenya
- WIN Education
- S3 Education (Nairobi and Eldoret)
- StudyIn, Mombasa and Nairobi
- UniHub Education Consultants
- UNISERV, Mombasa and Nairobi
- KC Overseas, Nairobi
- Aims Education Kenya
FAQs
How do I apply?
Undergraduate applicants need to apply through UCAS. Learn more about how to apply as an undergraduate.
You can apply for a postgraduate course through our course pages. Find out how to apply as a postgraduate.
How can I apply for a scholarship?
We offer a range of scholarship opportunities which can help offset the cost of your education. Browse all of the scholarship opportunities available to international students.
Do you have any scholarships which are fully funded?
We offer a limited number of fully-funded scholarships each year, which means they can be highly competitive. Some are funded by third-party organisations (like the Chevening Scholarship or Commonwealth Scholarship), which manage their own applications and selection process, though students can use these funds for their studies at the University of Leicester.
To explore available options, visit our international scholarships page and look for scholarships marked with a 'tuition fee waiver.' Some require applications, while others are awarded automatically based on credentials.
How do I apply for a visa?
To apply for a student visa, you must complete an online application form, pay the relevant fee, and be aware of associated costs.
When selecting your visa type, choose ‘Student’ if enrolling in a full undergraduate or postgraduate course, or ‘Short-term student’ for a Pre-Sessional English course or Study Abroad/Erasmus programme.
You will need to upload supporting documents and book an appointment to enrol your biometrics (fingerprints and facial image), usually at a UK Visa Application Centre where you will also submit your passport.
How can I apply for accommodation?
You can apply for accommodation using our online system. Select the appropriate category based on your student type.
To create an account, you’ll need your 9-digit University of Leicester ID number from your offer letter (not your UCAS number). If you don’t have one, please contact the Admissions Office at [email protected].
How can I meet other international students on campus?
Located on the ground floor of the Charles Wilson Building, the Global Lounge is a welcoming space where international and UK students and staff can connect, make friends, and take part in events like craft sessions, quiz nights, and cultural celebrations.
Our team offers support throughout your time in Leicester, including a Help Hub for guidance on settling in. During the Welcome period, we run events to help international students adjust, from practical advice to social activities.
Throughout the year, we host free events, and students can even organise their own cultural sessions to share traditions, music, crafts, or food.
Sign up for key updates
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