University of Leeds Scholarships 2025/26 for International Students

Introduction

The University of Leeds, one of the top Russell Group universities in the UK, is a prestigious institution that attracts thousands of international students every year. To support academic excellence and make education affordable, Leeds offers a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities for international students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels.

This guide provides details of the University of Leeds scholarships 2025/26, eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and expert tips to maximise your chances of success.

Key University of Leeds Scholarships

Scholarship	Level of Study	Value	Eligibility
International Excellence Scholarships	Undergraduate & Postgraduate	£2,000–£5,000 tuition fee reduction	Awarded based on academic merit. No separate application required.
School/Faculty Scholarships	UG & PG (Business, Engineering, Arts, Medicine, etc.)	£3,000–£10,000 depending on faculty	Based on academic performance and subject choice.
University of Leeds Alumni Bursary	Postgraduate	10% tuition fee discount	For Leeds graduates continuing to Master’s study.
Chevening Scholarships	Postgraduate (Master’s)	Fully funded (tuition, travel, living costs)	For outstanding students from eligible countries.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarships	Postgraduate (Master’s)	Full tuition, flights, and stipend	For students from developing Commonwealth nations.
Research Scholarships (Leeds Doctoral Scholarships)	PhD/Research	Full tuition + stipend	For high-achieving research candidates.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a University of Leeds scholarship, applicants must:

Be classified as international fee-paying students.
Hold an admission offer (conditional or unconditional) to an eligible Leeds programme.
Demonstrate academic excellence (minimum equivalent of a 2:1 or first-class degree for most awards).
Meet English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
For external awards (Chevening, Commonwealth), meet leadership, nationality, and professional criteria.

How to Apply

Apply for admission to your chosen course via the University of Leeds application portal (UCAS/Direct).
Some scholarships are automatic (awarded upon offer acceptance).
For competitive awards, submit a separate scholarship application form with personal statement and references.
Apply for external funding schemes (Chevening, Commonwealth) before their national deadlines.
Track faculty-specific scholarships via the University of Leeds official website.

Benefits of Leeds Scholarships

Tuition reductions of £2,000–£10,000.
Access to fully funded external awards.
Recognition for academic and research excellence.
Opportunities to join a global scholarship alumni network.
Reduced financial burden while studying in the UK.

Tips for a Successful Application

Apply early to increase chances of securing funding.
Emphasise academic achievements, leadership roles, and extracurriculars.
Tailor your personal statement to highlight goals aligned with Leeds values.
For research funding, present a strong research proposal with clear impact.

University of Leeds Scholarships 2025 Guide