Get Funded: University of Leicester Scholarships for International Students

Introduction: Why Choose the University of Leicester?

Steeped in history, pioneering research, and academic excellence, the University of Leicester is a top-tier UK institution recognized globally for its life-changing discoveries—including the invention of DNA genetic fingerprinting and the dramatic search for King Richard III. Located in one of the UK’s most multicultural, vibrant, and student-friendly cities, Leicester offers a world-class environment for higher education.

However, pursuing an international degree is a significant life investment. Understanding the available University of Leicester scholarships for international students is essential to making your academic dreams affordable. Whether you are looking for a tuition fee waiver, merit-based awards, or departmental bursaries, this comprehensive guide outlines all the critical funding options and financial aid pathways available to help you secure your spot at Leicester.

👉 Pro Tip: Many scholarships at the University of Leicester do not require a separate application! You are automatically assessed for eligibility when you submit your main course application. However, check deadlines early as policies can vary by department.

Major University of Leicester Scholarships for International Students

Leicester offers a diverse range of scholarships designed to attract, reward, and support talented students from across the globe. These funding opportunities are divided into undergraduate, postgraduate, and region-specific categories, helping you ease the transition into UK student life.

1. President’s Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship

If you have outstanding high school academic credentials, this is the premier merit scholarship designed for you. This award aims to recognize high-achieving international applicants transitioning into their first year of undergraduate study.

Award Value: Up to £4,000 per year as a tuition fee waiver.
Eligibility: Automatically awarded to students who exceed their entry requirements. The specific grades required vary by country.
Target Audience: Full-time, on-campus international students enrolling in eligible undergraduate programmes.

2. Citizens of Change Scholarships

Leicester is proud of its legacy as an institution founded by local people to bring positive change to the world. The Citizens of Change Scholarship rewards individuals who demonstrate a passion for social justice, sustainability, or community impact.

Unlike traditional merit scholarships, this award is based on your vision for the future. Applicants must submit a 60-second video explaining how they plan to change the world for the better.

"Winning the Citizens of Change Scholarship allowed me to focus heavily on my Engineering studies while running a community recycling project. The tuition fee waiver was a massive financial relief for my family." - Amina Al-Saeed, Civil Engineering Student

3. President’s Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship

For students aiming to study a Master’s degree (taught postgraduate courses), this scholarship provides robust support. It is graded based on your undergraduate degree results.

First Class Honours equivalent: Generous discount off your first-year tuition fee.
Upper Second Class (2:1) equivalent: Partial tuition discount.
Application process: No separate application is required. The discount is applied automatically upon confirmation of your final undergraduate grades.

Overview of Top Leicester Scholarships for International Students
Scholarship Name	Level of Study	Award Value / Type	Application Requirement
President’s Undergraduate Academic Excellence	Undergraduate	Up to £4,000 per year (Fee Waiver)	Automatic Assessment
Citizens of Change Scholarship	UG & PG	Partial Tuition Discounts & Cash Grants	60-Second Video Submission
President’s Postgraduate Academic Excellence	Postgraduate Taught	Up to £4,000 (Fee Discount)	Automatic Assessment
College of Science & Engineering Merit Award	UG & PG	£3,000 to £5,000 fee reduction	Automatic (based on GPA)
Alumni Loyalty Decennial Discount	Postgraduate	20% Tuition Fee Waiver	Automatic for Leicester graduates

Departmental and College-Specific Funding Options

Beyond the university-wide awards, individual departments at Leicester offer targeted financial aid. These are often sponsored by industry partners or funded through alumni networks eager to support the next generation of researchers.

The College of Science and Engineering

Known for its state-of-the-art labs and pioneering space research (Leicester has a hand in space missions almost every year!), this college offers dedicated merit scholarships of up to £5,000. These awards are aimed at raising the profile of international students in fields like Physics, Chemistry, Informatics, and Engineering.

The School of Business (ULSB)

The University of Leicester School of Business offers several competitive scholarships for MBA and MSc applicants. These are often awarded to professionals with remarkable work experience or high-flying academic backgrounds who can bring unique perspectives to the classroom.

How to Maximize Your Scholarship Potential

Apply Early: University funds are finite and often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Prepare a Stellar Personal Statement: Even for automatic awards, your initial application profile determines your tier.
Keep Your Grades High: Maintaining strong marks in your final year of school directly correlates with higher merit-based payouts.
Submit a Creative Video: If applying for the Citizens of Change award, ensure your video is clear, authentic, and presents a concrete solution to a real-world problem.

External Bursaries and Global Financial Aid Partners

If you do not qualify for internal university awards, there are several prestigious external bursaries and global funding options available to international students wishing to study at Leicester.

1. Chevening Scholarships

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship programme. It covers full tuition fees, living costs, and flights for outstanding scholars pursuing a one-year Master's degree at Leicester.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at talented individuals from Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. These awards cover tuition, travel, and a monthly personal stipend.

3. Great Scholarships

In partnership with the British Council, the University of Leicester co-funds several Great Scholarships for students from specific countries (such as China, India, Indonesia, and Kenya). This award offers a minimum of £10,000 towards tuition fees for one-year postgraduate taught courses.

Living and Budgeting in Leicester

While securing a tuition fee waiver goes a long way, you must also plan for your day-to-day living costs. Fortunately, Leicester is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students, offering a significantly lower cost of living compared to London, Manchester, or Bristol.

To help you plan, here is a realistic breakdown of typical weekly student living expenses in Leicester:

Estimated Weekly Living Costs in Leicester (2027)
Expense Category	Average Weekly Cost (GBP)	Tips to Save Money
Accommodation (University Halls)	£125 - £185	Book early to get standard self-catered rooms.
Food and Groceries	£40 - £60	Shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl.
Local Transport	£10 - £15	Walk or cycle; Leicester is highly pedestrian-friendly.
Socializing & Leisure	£30 - £50	Utilize student discounts via UNiDAYS and TOTUM cards.
Books & Study Materials	£5 - £10	Borrow textbooks from the David Wilson Library or buy digital copies.
Total Estimated Weekly Budget	£210 - £320	Plan ahead to stay within your limits!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for Funding

Securing your financial aid package doesn't have to be overwhelming. Follow these four clear steps to ensure you don't miss out on any life-changing funding opportunities:

Submit Your Course Application: Choose your desired program and apply through UCAS (undergraduate) or the university's direct application portal (postgraduate).
Receive Your Offer: Once you receive a conditional or unconditional offer, the admissions team will evaluate your academic transcripts for automatic merit scholarships.
Review Your Offer Letter: Any automatically awarded tuition fee waiver or discount will be detailed directly on your official offer letter.
Apply for Additional Awards: If you are eligible for the Citizens of Change scholarship or external government grants (like Chevening), submit your supplementary essays, videos, or applications before the specified deadlines.

Conclusion: Start Your Journey Today

Finding the right University of Leicester scholarships for international students is the key to unlocking a world-class education without the burden of overwhelming financial stress. With automated merit evaluations, specialized college funding, and active participation in international scholarship schemes, Leicester makes it highly viable for global minds to thrive in the UK.

Take the first step today: explore the academic programs, prepare your academic transcripts, and draft an inspiring personal story that sets you apart as a true Citizen of Change.

FAQs – Get Funded: University of Leicester Scholarships for International Students

Q1: Can I combine multiple University of Leicester scholarships?

In most cases, the University of Leicester does not allow students to stack multiple university-funded scholarships (such as combining the President's Merit Scholarship with the Citizens of Change award). Usually, you will be awarded the scholarship with the highest monetary value.

Q2: Do I need a separate application for the President's Academic Excellence Scholarship?

No. There is no separate application process for the President's Undergraduate or Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarships. The admissions office will automatically evaluate your academic credentials when you apply for your course.

Q3: Are there fully-funded scholarships available at Leicester?

While most internal awards at Leicester are partial tuition fee waivers, fully-funded pathways are available through external partnerships such as Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and specific government-sponsored programs.

Q4: Is Leicester an affordable city for international students?

Yes! Leicester is widely regarded as one of the most budget-friendly student cities in the UK. Its cost of living for accommodation, food, and transport is significantly lower than in larger metropolitan areas like London or Edinburgh.

👉 What else do you wish you knew? Share your tips or questions below!

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