If you plan to study in the United Kingdom, the University of Leeds offers an excellent range of scholarships for international and UK students. These awards are designed to ease financial pressure and help students focus on achieving their academic goals.
From regional scholarships for international students to awards for UK learners, alumni discounts, and special funding for athletes and forced migrants, Leeds University provides numerous ways to make education more affordable and accessible.
Below is a complete guide to the major scholarships available for 2026.
Leeds University International Regional Scholarships 2026
The International Masters Regional Scholarship offers a £6,000 tuition fee reduction for international students starting a taught Master’s program in 2025. The scholarship aims to support talented individuals and promote a diverse and global learning community.
Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
• Hold a passport from one of the following countries/regions: Egypt, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, or Vietnam.
• Be classified as an international fee-paying student.
• Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a 2025 Master’s degree at the University of Leeds (The Leeds MBA and 100% online courses are not eligible).
• Be self-funding or partially funded.
• Be registered as a University of Leeds student by 30 January 2026.
• Meet all offer conditions and, if applicable, pay a £2,000 tuition fee deposit by the specified deadline.
The scholarship can be combined with other School, Faculty, or external awards, as long as the total does not exceed 100% of tuition fees.
If your country is not listed, you may still qualify for other Leeds scholarships.
Learn more:
Application Process
You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application. If you meet all eligibility criteria, the award is granted automatically.
Acceptance and Payment
Once offered a course place, eligible students will receive an email confirming the scholarship. You must confirm your acceptance through the provided link. The award will appear as a tuition fee discount applied in the second semester (February 2026). Read more and apply
Other Scholarships at the University of Leeds
The University of Leeds also offers a range of additional scholarships and bursaries that you do not need to repay. These awards are granted based on academic excellence or personal circumstances. More details
Leeds University Scholarships for UK Students
The Leeds Masters Scholarship
This £7,000 award supports UK students from under-represented groups who wish to pursue a Master’s degree. It helps reduce financial barriers and encourage participation in higher education.
UK Excellence Masters Scholarships
Over 30 scholarships, each worth £5,000, are available for UK students pursuing full-time taught Master’s programs.
Alumni Discount
If you previously studied at the University of Leeds, the SWJTU-Leeds Joint School, or an affiliated Leeds college, you may qualify for a 10% tuition fee discount when enrolling in a postgraduate course.
Eligibility
You must:
• Have completed a degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) at the University of Leeds or its affiliated institutions.
• Register for a postgraduate qualification.
• Be self-funding part of your tuition fees.
The discount covers 10% of self-funded tuition costs and can be combined with other University of Leeds scholarships.
Application
No separate application form is needed — the discount is automatically applied at registration.
Eligible Courses
Most postgraduate courses qualify, except for:
• Intercalated medical or dentistry degrees (MBChB, BChD)
• Jointly awarded degrees
• Professional training programs (excluding postgraduate certificates or diplomas)
• Integrated undergraduate Masters (e.g., MEng, MBiol)
• Integrated PhDs
• PGCE courses
Leeds Masters Scholarships
The Leeds Masters Scholarships, each worth £7,000, aim to support UK fee-paying students from under-represented backgrounds. These awards are funded through University contributions and generous alumni donations.
Benefits
Recipients can receive the scholarship as either:
• A tuition fee waiver, or
• Monthly payments made directly to the student.
Winners also gain access to the Leeds Plus Programme, which provides additional funding opportunities, exclusive events, and tailored academic support.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
• Start a full-time, part-time, or distance-learning Master’s program in September or October 2025.
• Pay tuition at the UK rate.
• Not already hold a Master’s degree.
They must also meet specific financial criteria outlined by the University.
Application Timeline
Applications closed on 9 June 2025, and results are announced by end of July. Scholarships are not awarded on a first-come basis — every application is reviewed thoroughly.
NHS Low Income Scheme
Students receiving the Leeds Bursary or Means-Tested Undergraduate Scholarship may also apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme HC2, which provides free prescriptions, dental care, eye tests, and travel cost support.
To apply, you’ll need a University letter confirming your bursary status. Contact: funding@leeds.ac.uk
Sports Scholarships
The Leeds University Sports Scholarships support elite athletes and student coaches, helping them balance academic success with high-level sports performance.
Athletes receive professional guidance, training facilities, and academic flexibility to excel in both areas. Coaching Scholarships also allow aspiring coaches to work with university teams to improve club performance.
Applications for September 2026 entry open in Spring 2026 and close in early September.
Sanctuary Scholarship
The Sanctuary Scholarship is dedicated to forced migrants who wish to study an undergraduate or postgraduate taught degree at the University of Leeds.
Scholarship Value
• Full tuition fee coverage
• £10,000 per year for study expenses
• Optional free pre-sessional English language course (6–10 weeks)
Eligibility
Applicants must:
• Be a forced migrant to the UK (asylum seeker, refugee, or similar status).
• Be unable to access mainstream funding (e.g., Student Finance England).
• Have applied to study at Leeds for 2025/26.
• Not already hold a UK degree at the same or higher level.
• Be eligible for UK tuition fees.
Eligible residency statuses include:
• Asylum Seeker or Refused Asylum Seeker
• Limited or Discretionary Leave to Remain
• Indefinite Leave to Remain
• Refugee, Humanitarian Protection, Section 67 Leave, Calais Leave, Stateless Leave, ARAP/ACRS, or Ukraine Schemes
Leeds University can only award the scholarship if your immigration status allows you to study for the entire duration of your course.
Applications for the 2025/26 academic year closed on 7 April 2025. Full details
Why Choose the University of Leeds?
The University of Leeds stands as one of the UK’s leading institutions, known for academic excellence, research innovation, and a commitment to student success. Through its broad scholarship portfolio, Leeds ensures that financial constraints do not prevent bright, motivated individuals from achieving their educational goals.
Whether you are an international student seeking a regional award, a UK learner applying for a Masters scholarship, an athlete pursuing sporting excellence, or a refugee looking for a fresh start, the University of Leeds provides strong financial support to help you succeed.