International
We welcome students from Nigeria
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.
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.
Entry requirements
International foundation pathway programmes
STEM International Foundation Year
- WASSCE five subjects, B3 in Maths and a Science (Science subject dependant on pathway chosen) plus C6 in other subjects including English.
Learn more about the STEM International Foundation Year course.
International Year One courses
- Successful completion of first year of degree or Year 1 of a HND/Diploma study with Grade 1/5 or above.
- WASSCE minimum grade C6 in Maths required.
Browse courses
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) degrees
If you are studying a recognised foundation programme, A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) then you can begin from the first year of a Bachelor's degree. Please see individual course pages for entry requirements.
If you have already completed the first year of an undergraduate degree at a Nigerian 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 Bachelors degree from Nigeria you will be considered for entry to a Master's degree. You 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 the 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 (Bachelors) degree from a recognised Nigerian 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
For postgraduate applicants who have completed one or more year of study at a recognised university in Nigeria, the University does not require additional evidence of English Language competency.
WAEC and NECO accepted. For more information on grades required and for full details, see our English language requirements for undergraduate applicants and those who do not satisfy the above prerequisite.
IELTS
NECO English Language
- 6.0 = C6
- 6.5 = C6
- 7.0 = B3
- 7.5 = B3
WASSCE English
- 6.0 = C6
- 6.5 = C6
- 7.0 = C4
- 7.5 = C4
Contact us
Global Recruitment Officer, Tolulope Obafemi is more than happy to answer any questions that you might have, put you in touch with one of our current students or recent alumni, or arrange an individual consultation at a time that is convenient for you.
You can email the team at africa@leicester.ac.uk or contact Tolulope on +234 8179 326 435.
From the moment I stepped into campus, I was captivated by the University's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that celebrates cultural diversity and embraces global perspectives.
If you seek an environment that cultivates academic excellence, promote intellectual growth, equips you with skills to excel in the legal domain, the University of Leicester is the ideal institution.
The hands-on teaching approach not only deepened my understanding but kindled a profound confidence in my abilities. Leicester has not just been a place of learning, but an empowering environment.
Studying at Leicester will challenge your analytical thinking. It will also make you learn to work under pressure and balance it with extracurricular activities.
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.
Can I bring my family with me to the UK whilst I study?
You may be able to bring dependents with you when you come to study specific research based or PhD programmes with us.
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.
Do you offer conversion courses?
While some of our courses may allow for credit transfers in certain cases, we do not offer specific conversion courses. If you are interested in studying with us, we recommend exploring our full degree programmes to find one that aligns with your academic and professional goals.
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.