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This guide breaks down every major international scholarship available, who qualifies, what you stand to gain, and exactly how to apply.
Why the University of Leicester?
Leicester is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK, and the university mirrors that spirit. With over 22,000 students from more than 100 countries, it offers a genuinely global campus experience. The university is committed to making higher education accessible based on merit alone — and its scholarship portfolio reflects exactly that commitment.
Types of International Scholarships Available
The University of Leicester offers several distinct scholarship streams for international students, covering undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and research-level study.
Undergraduate · Full Waiver
International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver Scholarship
Leicester is awarding 30 full tuition fee waivers for international undergraduate students commencing in September 2026 — part of a five-year plan to award 150 waivers total. This is a fully merit-based, competitive scholarship requiring a short video application.
UG & PGT · £5,000/year
International Undergraduate & Postgraduate Merit Scholarship
Worth £5,000 per year off tuition fees, this scholarship rewards exceptional academic achievement. It is automatically considered for eligible applicants — no separate application form needed. Excelling students applying for most undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes qualify.
All Levels · Automatic Award
Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Named in honour of Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock, the university’s Chancellor, this scholarship is open to all international-fee-paying students who meet Leicester’s entry requirements for undergraduate or postgraduate taught programmes. Eligible students are automatically considered.
Postgraduate · Sub-Saharan Africa
Africa Development Scholarship
Two full tuition fee waivers are available for postgraduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa, starting in September 2026. This scholarship underscores Leicester’s commitment to supporting education and leadership development across the African continent.
PGT · Pakistan · £10,000
GREAT Britain Pakistan Scholarship
In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, one scholarship worth £10,000 is available for students from Pakistan applying for a one-year postgraduate programme. A prestigious award recognising the UK–Pakistan educational partnership.
UG & PGT · Thai Students
Leicester–King Power Thai Scholarship
All Thai-domiciled international students starting a full-time campus-based undergraduate or postgraduate taught programme in September 2026 automatically receive a £5,000 tuition fee discount. No application is required — the award is applied directly.
All Levels · Asylum Seekers
Sanctuary Scholarships
Up to four sanctuary scholarships — each comprising a full tuition fee waiver plus a welfare support package — are available to individuals seeking asylum in the UK. Leicester believes education must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Key Eligibility Requirements for University of Leicester International Scholarships 2026
✅ General Eligibility Checklist
- You must be classified as an international fee-paying student by the university.
- You must be enrolled (or applying) for a full-time, campus-based undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Leicester’s UK campus.
- For the Merit Scholarship, you must meet or exceed the academic grade requirement — typically two grades above standard A-level entry requirements for undergraduates.
- For the Full Tuition Fee Waiver, you must make Leicester your firm choice by 30 June 2026 and meet all offer conditions by 20 August 2026.
- Students may only hold one University of Leicester scholarship at a time; the higher-value award will be applied if eligible for more than one.
- Most scholarships are not available for Medicine, LLB Maîtrise, or students on purely online programmes.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
1
Apply for admissionSubmit your application for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Leicester via UCAS or the university’s direct application portal.
2
Check your automatic eligibilityFor the Merit Scholarship and Chancellor’s Scholarship, no separate action is needed. The university will assess your eligibility automatically upon receiving your results.
3
Create your video (Fee Waiver applicants)Produce a 2-minute video responding to three scholarship questions. Upload it to Google Drive, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, WeChat Video, or Douyin.
4
Submit the scholarship application formThe application form for the Full Fee Waiver opened on 18 November 2025. Submit your video link through the form before the deadline.
5
Confirm your place & meet offer conditionsMake Leicester your firm choice by 30 June 2026 and fulfil all academic conditions by 20 August 2026.
Key Deadlines to RememberFirm choice deadline: 30 June 2026 · Offer conditions deadline: 20 August 2026 · Programme start: September 2026
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for these scholarships is high. Here’s how to stand out:
For video applications: Focus on genuine, well-thought-out answers — the selection panel evaluates your reasoning, originality, and planning, not video production quality. Show that your plans are feasible and that you bring a unique perspective to the university community.
Academically: Aim to exceed — not just meet — the stated entry requirements. The Merit Scholarship rewards students who achieve two or more grades above standard requirements.
Apply early: Even when no separate application is needed, submitting your admissions application as early as possible ensures you are considered for the full cycle of scholarships.
Final Thoughts
The University of Leicester’s international scholarship programme is one of the most diverse and accessible in the UK, with options spanning full tuition waivers, merit-based discounts, regional scholarships, and welfare-focused awards. Whether you are an undergraduate student from Sub-Saharan Africa, a postgraduate from Pakistan, or a high-achieving student from anywhere in the world — there is likely an award that fits your profile.
Do not wait. Review the eligibility criteria carefully, prepare your materials, and submit your application as early as possible to maximise your chances of securing funding for September 2026.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official University of Leicester scholarships page to explore all available awards and begin your application today.
