The University of Leicester continues to support international students by offering a wide range of scholarships for the 2025 academic year. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, encourage global talent, and make higher education more accessible. Whether you’re planning to pursue an undergraduate, postgraduate, or research degree, there are several scholarship opportunities available that can significantly reduce your financial burden.
This guide provides a detailed overview of all major scholarships available to international students in 2025, including eligibility requirements, award values, and how to apply.
Undergraduate Scholarships
1. International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students applying for undergraduate programs. It recognizes students with excellent academic backgrounds.
- Value: £5,000 per year
- Eligibility: Must be an international fee-paying student with outstanding academic results
- Application: No separate application needed; students are automatically considered
2. Chancellor’s Undergraduate International Scholarship
This is another performance-based award open to international undergraduate applicants. It rewards those who meet the general academic entry requirements.
- Value: £3,000 per year
- Eligibility: International fee-paying students who meet standard entry criteria
- Application: Automatically considered with your course application
3. East and South East Asia Engineering Scholarship
Targeted at students from East and Southeast Asia, this scholarship is for those pursuing undergraduate engineering degrees.
- Value: £10,000 per year (up to three years)
- Eligibility: Domiciled in East or Southeast Asia and applying for an eligible engineering program
- Application: Further details to be announced; candidates should prepare academic records in advance
4. Malaysia Law Scholarship
This award is specifically for Malaysian students applying to the undergraduate law program.
- Value: £10,000 per year (up to three years)
- Eligibility: Must be a Malaysian international student applying to an eligible LLB program
- Application: Updates to be provided; typically based on academic merit
Postgraduate Scholarships
1. International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship
Awarded to academically strong international students applying for taught postgraduate programs, this scholarship aims to encourage top talent.
- Value: £5,000
- Eligibility: Must hold a degree equivalent to a UK first-class honors
- Application: Automatically considered during the admissions process
2. Chancellor’s Postgraduate International Scholarship
This scholarship supports international students who meet the entry criteria for postgraduate study.
- Value: £3,000
- Eligibility: International students meeting standard entry requirements
- Application: No separate application required
Research Scholarships
Chinese Scholarship Council and University of Leicester Joint PhD Scholarships
This partnership provides generous funding for Chinese students pursuing full-time PhD studies in priority areas.
- Value: Full tuition waiver, stipend for living expenses, and return travel
- Eligibility: Outstanding Chinese nationals with strong research proposals
- Application: Requires an unconditional offer before applying for the external funding
Other Scholarships and Discounts
1. Sanctuary Scholarships
These scholarships are designed for individuals seeking asylum or with limited leave to remain who are not eligible for standard student finance.
- Value: Full tuition fee waiver and support package
- Eligibility: Asylum seekers or those with limited UK immigration status
- Application: Requires both an offer of admission and a completed application form
- Deadline: 30 April 2025
2. Family Loyalty Discount
Students with immediate family members who have studied at the University of Leicester may be eligible for a discount.
- Value: 10% tuition fee reduction
- Eligibility: Sibling, parent, or spouse must be a current or former student
- Application: A loyalty form and supporting documentation must be submitted
3. Alumni Discount
This discount benefits former Leicester students who choose to pursue further studies at the university.
- Value: 20% off tuition fees
- Eligibility: Must have previously completed a degree or study abroad term at the university
- Application: Automatically applied if eligibility is confirmed
The University of Leicester offers a comprehensive range of scholarships to help international students reduce the financial challenges of studying abroad. From undergraduate to PhD-level programs, the scholarships are designed to attract and reward talented students from across the globe. Many awards are automatically applied, making the process more accessible. However, it’s crucial to check the deadlines and eligibility for specific programs, especially for scholarships that require separate applications.
If you are planning to study in the UK in 2025, the University of Leicester provides both academic excellence and financial support to make your educational journey achievable and enriching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes, you may be considered for multiple scholarships. However, only one scholarship—usually the one with the highest value—is awarded.
Q2: Do I need to submit a separate application for scholarships?
For most scholarships, no separate application is required. Your academic qualifications will be assessed automatically. Exceptions include the Sanctuary and some research scholarships.
Q3: Can I receive a scholarship if I’m studying via distance learning?
Some scholarships may apply to distance learners, but availability can vary. It’s best to check eligibility based on your mode of study.
Q4: What happens to my scholarship if I defer my course to another year?
Scholarship eligibility upon deferral depends on the specific scholarship’s rules. Some may not transfer to a later intake, so it’s important to confirm with the admissions team.
Q5: Is the scholarship amount deducted from tuition fees directly?
Yes, scholarship awards are generally applied as reductions to your tuition fee bill.
