International
We welcome students from India
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 Diwali, Lunar New Year and the Caribbean Carnival. The city has been voted as one of the UK's most affordable places for students (SI-UK 2023) and there are plenty of opportunities for part-time work while you study.
There are a number of ways of funding your studies at Leicester, including scholarships of up to £5,000 per year available for all 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.
Learn more about the University's partnership with The Apollo University (TAU), where students can begin their studies in data science, with two years at TAU in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India, with the opportunity to progress to their final year at the University of Leicester.
International Citizen of Change (India) Scholarship
We’re excited to offer three tuition fee discounts, each worth £10,000 per year, to the best and brightest undergraduate applicants from India for the 2025-2026 academic intake.
Entry requirements
International foundation pathway programmes
STEM International Foundation Year
- Evidence of Standard XII study, plus standard X grades to meet GCSE subject specific requirements.
Learn more about the STEM International Foundation Year course.
International Year One courses
- Successful completion of Standard XII (State or National Board) – minimum of 45% overall with a minimum of 50% required in Maths.
Browse courses
Undergraduate (Bachelors) degrees
If you have completed the standard XII awarded by the CISCE/CBSE, or another recognised state exam board, with at least 75% overall, you may be considered for admission to a first year Bachelors degree. For many courses at the University of Leicester, you will need 80% overall or higher, along with higher individual marks of 85% in relevant subjects.
If you are studying A-levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) then you can begin from the first year of a Bachelors degree. Please see individual course pages for entry requirements.
If you have already completed the first year of an undergraduate degree at an Indian university, you may be considered for entry to the first or second year of a Bachelors degree if you have studied relevant subjects and/or modules. We also have progression arrangements with some partner institutions in India, which allow advance entry to certain University of Leicester courses. Please contact the International Office for further information.
For more information about available degrees, please see the individual course pages.
Postgraduate (Masters) degrees
If you hold a Bachelors degree from an Indian University with a First class classification or a B grade or 60% you will be considered for entry to a Masters degree.
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 an undergraduate (Bachelors) degree, usually in a related subject area, with a First class classification and a minimum average of 60/75% (offers may vary depending on the intended subject of study) which is equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class Honours degree (also known as a 2:1) from a recognised Indian university. You must also meet the University's English language requirements for studying at research degree level.
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 Masters degree is required, this is indicated in the relevant description on our Postgraduate Research webpages, together with further information about requirement.
English language requirements
Please see details of our English language requirements.
We also accept, as evidence of English language skills, an undergraduate degree from one of the following Indian universities (including affiliated colleges):
- Anna University
- Mumbai University
- Pune University
- Bangalore University
- University of Delhi
- University of Madras
- Indian Institutes of Management (IIM)
- Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)
IELTS
National Board Standard XII
- 6.0 = 70%
- 6.5 = 70%
- 7.0 = 80%
- 7.5 = 80%
State Board Standard XII
- 6.0 = 80%
- 6.5 = 80%
- 7.0 = 90%
- 7.5 = 90%
Contact us
Regional Manager Vishnu Vankayala, and Sariga Vellila Gangadharan are both based in India and would be 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 contact the team via WhatsApp via (+91) 9840918381 or email (india@leicester.ac.uk). We aim to respond within two working days.
Hear from some of our Indian graduates
University of Leicester graduates from a variety of postgraduate courses share their experiences of living and studying in Leicester.
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.
What is a CAS and why do I need it?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and confirms that the University has offered an unconditional place on a course that requires a visa to study in the UK. A CAS is a unique number issued by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) as part of the student (formerly Tier 4) visa route.
You can use your CAS number to apply for your visa to study with us or to renew your current student visa.
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.
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 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.
Can I work while I study?
Students on a student visa may be able to work part-time jobs. There are various opportunities for current students via Unitemps – you can sign up for job alerts on their website. We also have an Ambassadors scheme within the University.