University of Leeds
Ranking
22Established in
1904Famous For
Business, Engineering, Social Sciences
Fees
£22,000 - £32,000- Overview
- Services
- Rankings
- Accommodation
- Location
- Courses
- Scholarships
Overview
Established in 1904, the University of Leeds has an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research and is part of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities.
Leeds is one of the largest universities in the country, with 38,000 students currently enrolled from over 140 countries, while its single campus location is spread out over 98 acres just one mile from the busy city centre. Campus facilities include excellent teaching space, four libraries, a state-of-the-art swimming pool, and a fitness centre called ‘The Edge’ and ‘stage@leeds’, which is a contemporary performance space.
The University of Leeds offers one of the widest selections of courses available across all UK universities, from English Language and International Foundation Year to hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate degree options and PhD opportunities. Degrees from the University of Leeds are respected by employers and universities all over the world, and alumni can be found in positions of influence across the globe.
The University is famous for its social opportunities, with its Student Union being the only one in the country to have won two gold standards in the Student Union Evaluation Initiative, and there are over 300 different clubs and societies to join. The University of Leeds is serviced by two major airports – Manchester and Leeds Bradford – while London is just over two hours away on the train.
The University of Leeds' acceptance rate is 64%, and key University of Leeds rankings include being 86th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and being awarded the Queen’s Anniversary prize, the country’s highest accolade for an academic institution, in 2009, 2011 and 2021. University of Leeds courses also offer many fantastic placement and internship opportunities to help you become more employable upon graduation.
Services
The University of Leeds is an international university with over 12,000 international students currently enrolled in over 170 countries. The International Student Office provides information and advice to help you adjust to living and studying at the University of Leeds. Regular events take place where students can get to know other students in similar positions, while Leeds’ Global Community, led by a number of international ambassadors, will help you connect with new people and cultures from all over the world.
International student support structures include dedicated personal tutors in all academic departments, the Student Advice Centre, Student Counselling and Wellbeing, Disability Services, Residence Life teams, the Leeds Student Medical Practise, 24/7 Security on campus, and a network of student support services in Schools.
In the International Student Barometer:
- 92% of international students were satisfied with their overall learning experience at Leeds.
- 97% of international students feel safe and secure on campus.
- 94% of international students were satisfied with the overall arrival support they received.
- 95% of international students were happy with their life at the university.
- 88% of international students were satisfied that their programme would help them get a good job.
Rankings
The University of Leeds is ranked among the world's top 100 universities and is rated highly by employers and international students alike.
Global rankings
- 77th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing Leeds in the world's top 100
- 118th out of 2,191 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, its highest position since 2008
- 31st in THE's Most International Universities in the World 2026
- 24th out of 2,002 universities in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026, its highest ever position and joint ninth in the UK
UK rankings
- 21st in the Complete University Guide 2026, with 21 subjects ranked in the UK's top ten
- 22nd in the Times Good University Guide 2027
- 26th in the Guardian University Guide 2027
Subject rankings
- 18th in the world for Development Studies (QS World Rankings by Subject 2026)
- 34th in the world for Media and Communication (QS World Rankings by Subject 2026)
- 2nd in the UK for Marketing (Complete University Guide 2027)
- 7th in the UK for Mechanical Engineering (Complete University Guide 2027)
Employability
- Top 10 most targeted university by graduate employers (High Fliers 2026)
International student experience (International Student Barometer 2025)
- 97% feel safe and secure on campus
- 95% are satisfied with their living experience in Leeds
- 94% are happy with their life at the University
Accommodation
Being one of the largest universities in the UK, the University of Leeds has an impressive range of accommodations to cater to different tastes and budgets, from modern, purpose-built apartments to converted mansion houses. Many University of Leeds residences offer en-suite rooms, and there are also studio apartments available.
All international undergraduate and postgraduate students arriving from outside Leeds who apply by the deadline are guaranteed University accommodation for the duration of their course.
Location
Leeds is a major city in Yorkshire, northern England, just over two hours from London by train. The city has been named the best place to live in the North and North-East of the UK for its ‘youthful energy’ and its many opportunities to thrive (The Times Best Places to Live 2024).
Also renowned for sports, music and its cultural attractions, including museums, nightlife and shopping, it has been voted as one of the top three places to shop in the UK by numerous independent surveys and offers a huge range of shops and stores to suit all tastes. Just outside the city lie the impressive and beautiful Yorkshire Dales with their inspiring scenery and a huge selection of outdoor activities and pursuits.
Leeds now offers a 360° virtual tour that allows prospective students to explore its campus and facilities online. Users can select their level of study and subject area to create a personalised tour experience - learn more here.
Courses offered at University of Leeds
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