International
We welcome students from Kenya
There are a number of ways of funding your studies at Leicester, including scholarship options available to international students. We have a variety of courses which include an optional 'Year in Industry', where students can develop key skills for the graduate market and expand their professional network.
The city of Leicester has been voted as one of the UK's most affordable places for students (SI-UK 2023), and there are a number of options to work while you study, giving you the opportunity to gain additional income and work experience. All our students have lifetime access to our online careers platform, so we can continue to support you in your career, even after you have graduated.
Leicester is a vibrant, diverse and multicultural city with a history stretching back nearly 2,000 years. Every year the city hosts festivals and celebrations such as the Caribbean Carnival, Diwali and Lunar New Year.
Entry requirements
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
The Future Students Office can provide you with more information about studying in the UK 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)
- Study International UK (SI-UK), Mombasa and Nairobi
- UniHub Education Consultants
- UNISERV, Mombasa and Nairobi
- KC Overseas, Nairobi
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 admissions@le.ac.uk.
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.