Founded in 1921 and located in the city of Leicester in central England, the University of Leicester is a public research university with a rich academic heritage. Thanks to its strong research capabilities, the university was named “University of the Year” in the 2026 *Daily Mail University Guide* and consistently ranks among the top 30 in the UK in multiple authoritative rankings. It has also received the Gold Award in the UK government’s Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for multiple consecutive years, and in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), 89% of its research was rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent.”
A Great Value Choice: Top-Tier Teaching Experience and Student Satisfaction
The University of Leicester is renowned for its exceptional learning experience, ranking among the top ten in the UK in both the 2026 Times and Daily Mail student experience rankings. Its combination of high-value education and low entry requirements has been hailed by the Daily Mail as “one of the best investments in education”.
- In the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS), Leicester’s student satisfaction ranked in the top 15 in the UK.
High-Return Employment: Earnings £20,000–£30,000 Above Industry Average Five Years After Graduation
Leicester graduates also have strong earning potential. Five years after graduation, the average salary of Leicester graduates is £3,600 higher than that of their peers across the UK. Among them, Computer Science graduates earn £16,400 more than the industry median, while Law and Business graduates earn £4,400 and £5,500 more, respectively.
- A high proportion of graduates (76.2%) secure high-skilled employment within 15 months of graduation.
A Diverse and Strong Academic Network
The University of Leicester boasts a rich academic portfolio, ranging from top-ranked traditional disciplines in the UK to globally leading specialized programs, demonstrating strong strengths across multiple fields.
In the 2026 Times Higher Education Subject Rankings, the following programs were ranked in the Top 5:
- Classical and Ancient History: RankedNo. 1 in the UK.
- Medicine: Ranked4th in the UK.
- English and History: Ranked5th in the UK and9th in the UK, respectively.
In addition, the university is globally renowned in the field of museology, having been the first in the UK to offer a master’s program in this discipline. Its flagship research includes the invention of DNAgenetic fingerprinting technology; its space research is also highly regarded—since 1967, equipment manufactured at Leicester has been in operation in space almost every year. Credibility of the UK University Diploma in the International Community
Generous International Student Scholarship System
Leicester offers a generous scholarship system for international students, covering master’s, doctoral, and undergraduate programs. Scholarships are typically awarded automatically with an offer and do not require a separate application.
| Scholarship Categories | Level of Study | Amount Covered |
|---|---|---|
| International Excellence Scholarship | Taught Master’s | £7,000 Tuition Waiver |
| International Taught Master’s Excellence Scholarship | Taught Master’s | £5,000 Tuition fee waiver (automatically assessed on a tiered basis) |
| University of Leicester Chevening Scholarship | Master’s | Full tuition waiver + additional support |
| GREAT Scholarship 2026 | Master’s | £10,000 grant (select countries) |
| International Undergraduate Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship | Undergraduate students | £4,000 /year tuition waiver |
| International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship | Undergraduate students | £5,000 /year tuition waiver |
| Alumni Discount | Master’s | Return to the university after graduation to enjoy 20% tuition waiver |
Convenient Transportation in the Heart of England
Leicester is located right in the center of England—from campus, it’s just a 15-minute walk to Leicester Train Station; a train ride of 75 minutes takes you directly to London King’s Cross Station.
To assist international students with their arrival, the university partners with National Express to provide free shuttle buses from the airport to the city center on specific orientation dates.
A Humanistic Campus Immersed in Literature and Sculpture
Leicester’s campus is not only an academic hub but also an artistic sanctuary rich in humanistic spirit. The campus has previously exhibited works by the modernist master sculptor Henry Moore, showcasing its unique artistic heritage. In the realm of literature, poet Philip Larkin and the pioneer of the campus novel Ginsley Amis both have deep ties to Leicester. The library houses literary archives of renowned playwright Joe Orton and E Adrian MoleE author Sue Townsend , offering a wonderful space for literary enthusiasts to explore.
