If studying in the United Kingdom is your dream, the University of Leicester is rolling out a remarkable set of scholarships designed specifically for international students and the 2026 cycle is one of the most generous yet. Located in the heart of England, the University of Leicester is a well-established research institution with a reputation for world-class academics, inclusive education, and strong graduate employability. For ambitious international students, its scholarship programme removes one of the biggest barriers to a UK education: cost.
This guide breaks down every major international scholarship available, who qualifies, what you stand to gain, and exactly how to apply.
Why Choose 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 of Leicester is committed to making higher education accessible based on merit alone and its 2026 scholarship portfolio reflects exactly that commitment.
Types of International Scholarships Available in 2026
The University of Leicester offers several distinct scholarship streams for international students, covering undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and research-level study. Below is a full breakdown of each award.
1. International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate | Award: Full Tuition Fee Waiver
Leicester is awarding 30 full tuition fee waivers for international undergraduate students commencing in September 2026 — part of a bold five-year plan to award 150 waivers in total. This is a fully merit-based, competitive scholarship that requires a short video application. It is one of the most sought-after undergraduate funding opportunities currently available at a UK university.
2. International Undergraduate & Postgraduate Merit Scholarship
Level: UG & PGT | Award: £5,000 per year
Worth £5,000 per year off tuition fees, this scholarship rewards exceptional academic achievement at both undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels. Crucially, it is automatically considered for eligible applicants — no separate application form is required. Students excelling academically and applying for most undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes at Leicester will qualify.
3. Chancellor’s International Scholarship
Level: All Levels | Award: Automatic Discount
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 — making this one of the most accessible awards in the portfolio.
4. Africa Development Scholarship
Level: Postgraduate | Award: Full Tuition Fee Waiver
Two full tuition fee waivers are available exclusively 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 — a meaningful investment in the region’s future.
5. GREAT Britain Pakistan Scholarship
Level: Postgraduate Taught | Award: £10,000
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. This is a prestigious award that recognises the strength of the UK–Pakistan educational partnership and supports high-achieving Pakistani students pursuing postgraduate study in the UK.
6. Leicester–King Power Thai Scholarship
Level: UG & PGT | Award: £5,000 automatic discount
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 to eligible students.
7. Sanctuary Scholarships
Level: All Levels | Award: Full Tuition Fee Waiver + Welfare Support
Up to four Sanctuary Scholarships — each comprising a full tuition fee waiver plus a personalised welfare support package — are available to individuals seeking asylum in the UK. The University of Leicester firmly believes that education must remain accessible to everyone, regardless of personal circumstances.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet the following general eligibility criteria that apply across most University of Leicester international scholarships 2026:
- 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 the standard A-level entry requirement 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; if eligible for more than one, the higher-value award will be applied.
- Most scholarships are not available for Medicine, LLB Maîtrise, or students on purely online programmes.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Step 1 — Apply for Admission Submit your application for an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programme at Leicester via UCAS or the university’s direct application portal.
Step 2 — Check Your Automatic Eligibility For the Merit Scholarship and Chancellor’s Scholarship, no separate action is needed. The university will assess your eligibility automatically upon receiving your results.
Step 3 — Create Your Video (Fee Waiver Applicants Only) Produce a 2-minute video responding to three set scholarship questions. Upload it to Google Drive, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, WeChat Video, or Douyin.
Step 4 — Submit the Scholarship Application Form The application form for the Full Fee Waiver opened on 18 November 2025. Submit your video link through the form before the deadline.
Step 5 — Confirm Your Place and Meet Offer Conditions Make Leicester your firm choice by 30 June 2026 and fulfil all academic conditions by 20 August 2026.
Key Deadlines to Remember Firm 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 is how to give yourself the best chance:
For video applications: Focus on genuine, well-thought-out answers. The selection panel evaluates your reasoning, originality, and planning — not your video production quality. Show that your goals 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 across the full scholarship cycle.
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.
👉 View Official Scholarships → le.ac.uk/study/international-students/scholarships