University of Leicester Scholarships for International Students in the UK
The University of Leicester offers several scholarships and tuition fee discounts for international students who want to study in the UK. These opportunities are available for undergraduate and postgraduate students and can help reduce the cost of tuition.
For the 2026/27 academic year, international students can find awards ranging from £3,000 to £10,000 per year, as well as selected full tuition fee waivers. Some scholarships are awarded automatically, while others require a separate application.
International Citizens of Change Scholarship
The International Citizens of Change Scholarship is one of the University of Leicester’s major undergraduate awards for international students.
For September 2026 entry, the university offered 10 scholarships worth £10,000 per year for up to three years. The award is provided as a tuition fee discount.
Applicants must be international fee-paying students starting an eligible full-time undergraduate programme at the University of Leicester’s UK campus. The scholarship excludes some programmes, including Medicine, LLB Maitrise, STEM International Foundation and International Year 1 courses.
Applicants were also required to submit a short video explaining their future goals, how their degree would help them achieve those goals and how they would contribute to the University community.
Applications for the September 2026 intake have now closed, so prospective students should check the university’s website for future scholarship rounds.
International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver
Another major opportunity is the International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver.
For September 2026, the university offered 30 full tuition fee waivers to international undergraduate students. These awards were part of a wider plan to provide 150 tuition fee waivers to international students over five years.
Successful students receive a full tuition fee waiver, but they are still responsible for accommodation, food, transportation, visa costs and other living expenses.
The 2026 application deadline has passed, but this is an important scholarship to watch for future intakes.
International Merit Scholarship
The International Merit Scholarship is another option for high-achieving international students.
For 2026/27, eligible international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate taught programmes can receive a £5,000 tuition fee discount per year.
For undergraduate applicants, the scholarship rewards strong academic achievement. Eligible postgraduate applicants generally need a qualification equivalent to a UK First Class degree. Students progressing from certain University of Leicester International Pathway programmes may also qualify.
One advantage is that eligible students are automatically considered, so a separate scholarship application is not normally required.
Chancellor’s International Scholarship
The Chancellor’s International Scholarship provides another route to financial support.
For eligible international undergraduate students starting in 2026/27, the scholarship is worth £3,000 per year as a tuition fee discount. Students who meet the academic requirements are automatically considered.
A postgraduate version is also available. The Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship provides a £3,000 tuition fee discount for eligible international students beginning an eligible Master’s or PGCE programme.
Medicine and certain other programmes are excluded, and additional country-specific restrictions may apply.
Global Excellence Scholarship
Postgraduate students with excellent academic records can also apply for the Global Excellence Scholarship.
For the 2026/27 academic cycle, the University of Leicester is offering 10 scholarships worth £7,000 each to eligible international postgraduate students.
Applicants must hold an offer for an eligible full-time Master’s programme and normally need qualifications equivalent to a UK First Class degree. A short video is required as part of the application, with the university assessing academic and personal excellence, creativity and potential impact.
For September 2026 entry, applications have closed. However, applications for January and April 2027 entry remain available, subject to the programme and intake requirements.
Africa Development Scholarship
Students from Sub-Saharan Africa should also check the Africa Development Scholarship.
For September 2026 entry, the University of Leicester offered two full tuition fee waiver scholarships for eligible postgraduate students from the region. The award is intended to support students whose studies can contribute to development in Africa.
This is a highly competitive opportunity because only a small number of awards are available.
Scholarships for Nigerian Students
Nigerian students are welcome to apply to the University of Leicester and can explore several international scholarships.
The university specifically provides information for students from Nigeria and highlights its international scholarships and tuition fee support. Nigerian applicants should check the requirements for their chosen programme and scholarship before applying.
How to Apply for University of Leicester Scholarships
The application process depends on the scholarship.
Students should generally:
- Choose an eligible University of Leicester programme.
- Check the academic and English-language requirements.
- Apply for admission.
- Receive an offer from the university.
- Check which scholarships they qualify for.
- Submit a separate scholarship application where required.
- Meet all scholarship deadlines.
Some awards are automatic, while competitive scholarships require additional documents or a video application.
It is also important to remember that most scholarships are tuition fee discounts rather than complete funding packages. Students should budget separately for living costs, accommodation, visa fees, flights and other expenses.
Final Thoughts
The University of Leicester scholarships for international students provide several opportunities to make studying in the UK more affordable. Depending on the scholarship, students may receive £3,000, £5,000, £7,000 or £10,000 tuition discounts, while selected undergraduate students may qualify for full tuition fee waivers.
International students should apply for admission early, maintain strong academic results and carefully check the eligibility criteria for each award.
For the latest scholarships, deadlines and eligibility requirements, prospective students should check the official University of Leicester international scholarships page before applying.
