Study in UK
Leicester
Education and quality of academic institutions and community
The UK is well-renowned around the world for its high quality education, and the higher education offered in Leicester is no exception. Leicester offers a blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity and high quality of life to international students from all over the world. Approximately 20-25% of the student population in Leicester are from overseas, making it an inclusive and attractive city for international students.
The top two universities, the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, are known for their commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The University of Leicester is centred around research, while De Montfort University excels in vocational programmes in the creative arts, business and information technology.
Tuition fees and scholarship opportunities
Universities in Leicester offer competitive tuition fees compared to other institutions in the UK, making it a financially-attractive option for international students. Tuition fees for international students can range from £9,250 – £22,600 GBP, with undergraduate degrees at De MontFort university ranging up to £17,000 GBP. Postgraduate study in the UK varies significantly depending on the institution, course and type of study.
Generally, scholarships for undergraduate study are offered directly through institutions. These can be searched for on a specific university’s website. Scholarships are generally awarded based on academic merit and excellence. A good resource for finding scholarships based on subjects, institutions or nationality is the Study UK website.
Additionally, the UK offers a range of scholarships to help students cover the cost of their education. Notable scholarships for international students wanting to study in the UK are listed below:
Chevening
Chevening Scholarships provide opportunities for international students from a wide range of countries to attend a fully-funded master’s degree in the UK. Offering academic excellence, cultural exchange, and networking opportunities, the program empowers scholars to drive positive change in their home countries while experiencing the best of UK education and society.
GREAT Scholarships | Study UK
Great Scholarships are offered at a variety of institutions across the UK, and offer nationals from 18 countries the opportunity to have £10,000 GBP towards their tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course. In the 2025-2026 academic year, over 200 scholarships will be offered by over 70 universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
The Commonwealth Scholarships Commision in the UK (CSC) offers citizens of low and middle income Commonwealth countries scholarships to attend higher education in the UK. Funded by the UK government, CSC supports academic excellence and professional development, allowing recipients of the scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies and research through PhD programmes.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students) – Erasmus+
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship programme is a unique and prestigious scholarship programme for international students to pursue a joint master’s or PhD at multiple universities across the UK and Europe. They typically include periods of study, research, traineeship and thesis preparation, with a range of scholarships going towards tuition, visa costs and living expenses. Use the search tool on the Erasmus website to find scholarships specific to the UK.
Cost of Living
Leicester is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for international students. Monthly living costs, excluding rent, typically range from £675 to £800, with an overall budget of £1,200 to £1,600 recommended for comfortable living. On average, groceries cost around £30-£40 per week, while dining out at affordable spots can range from £8-£15 per meal. Public transportation is efficient, with single bus fares typically costing £2-£3. Students can enjoy a variety of leisure activities with cinema tickets around £10, and free or low-cost events are often available, especially during the university term.
Student Visa and immigration policies
To be eligible to apply for a UK student visa, you must provide evidence of financial stability to pay your tuition fees and support your living costs. You are required to have one-year’s tuition for your course, which is shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) form. You will also need to show evidence of having £1,023 per month (or £1,334 for courses in London), for up to 9 months. Please note that after 2 January 2025, this will increase to £1,136 GBP (and £1,438 GBP for courses in London).
To apply, you must provide evidence of:
- Acceptance of a course from a licensed institution
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Valid passport and travel documents
- English language test results (SELT, English GCSE or proof of completing a degree-level qualification in English)
- Parent consent if you are under 18
Applications can be made up to six months before the start date of your course, with a decision on your visa typically being given 3 weeks after completing the application. A student visa costs £490 GBP to apply from outside the UK.
Post-Study Immigration Policies
If you are over 18 and undertake a degree-level course, you can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on a student visa. After this, you can switch to a Graduate visa which will allow you to stay in the UK for 2 years after successfully completing your course (or 3 years if you hold a doctoral qualification). You can apply for a graduate visa if you meet the following criteria
- You are in the UK
- You current hold a UK student visa
- You studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa
- You institution has told the UK Home Office you have successfully completed your course
You must apply before your Student visa expires. You will need to provide your identity documents. If you are ineligible for a Graduate visa, you can check the Check if you need a UK visa – GOV.UK website for other types of visas that the UK offers.
Job opportunities (during and after studies)
When on a Student visa, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during the holidays. While studying, popular part-time jobs for students are tutoring, retail and hospitality, as they offer flexibility and help to cover living expenses. Universities may also provide on-campus job opportunities or internships relevant to students’ fields, such as student ambassador roles or research assistant positions.
The UK has a diverse economy and offers a wide range of opportunities across industries such as healthcare, technology, finance and beyond. The Graduate visa allows students to work or look for employment for up to 2 years after graduating (3 years for doctoral qualifications).
A common route of employment following the completion of your studies are through graduate schemes. These are entry level training programmes available to individuals with degrees, which provides you with hands-on experience, a structured training programme and a route to develop your talent and skills as a future leader at a company. These schemes generally last from 1 to 4 years and recruitment generally begins in the summer, while some companies recruit all year round or when a position becomes available.
- Student and graduate websites for vacancies and tips for applying
- Your university careers service
- Employer events or careers fairs at your university
- National recruitment exhibitions – network and build your professional reputation
- Follow companies on social media
- Speak to someone at a company you’re interested in
Safety and security
The UK is generally a safe destination for students, with relatively low crime rates and strong law enforcement and healthcare services. With that said, there has been a rise in petty crime in Leicester over the past 5 years, so students should remain vigilant by following local safety guidelines, securing belongings in public or crowded spaces, and being cautious when travelling at night.
De Montfort University (DMU) prioritizes student safety by offering comprehensive security services. The campus is monitored by 24/7 security patrols and provides helpful resources, including safety tips and emergency contacts. DMU’s security team works closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of students in Leicester.
Language requirements
The language primarily spoken in the UK is English, with countries having other native languages as well such as Welsh, Irish or Gaelic. All UK universities teach and assess their programmes in English. International students wishing to study at UK institutions are expected to demonstrate proficiency in English speaking, reading and writing with a qualification equivalent to the CEFR level B2, or a 5.5 – 6.0 IELTS score. Please note however, that some universities or colleges may require higher scores and some programs may have specific language requirements.
The UK offers international students a vibrant multicultural society which fosters inclusivity and global connections. UK universities attract high numbers of international students and continue to encourage international collaboration. From world-class museums, music festivals, and historic landmarks to diverse cuisines and sporting events, there’s something for everyone. Students can use the extensive train or bus connections to explore cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester or enjoy the scenic countryside.
In Leicester, students experience a rich blend of cultural traditions, thanks to its diverse community. This city is known for hosting large events throughout the year, such as the Download Festival, Leicester Pride and the largest Diwali celebrations outside India. Leicester also offers diverse food cuisines, live music, museums and breathtaking architecture. The city’s student-friendly atmosphere, affordable living, and buzzing nightlife make it an ideal place for both study and leisure.
Accommodation availability and options
The cost of accommodation in the UK varies widely depending on location, type of housing, and lifestyle preferences. In larger cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, prices tend to be higher. In contrast, smaller cities and towns, such as Leicester or Nottingham, offer more affordable housing options.
University halls of residence are a popular choice for international students as they can offer affordable housing and foster good social environments to make new friends. For example, De Montford University in Leicester offers self-catered halls with costs ranging from £95 – 158 GBP per week, with en-suite rooms costing more. A key benefit of university halls of residence is that bills, including water, electricity, gas and wifi are typically included in the price.
Alternatively, students may also opt for private accommodation, which can on average reach around £760 GBP per month. Cost can vary depending on the size of the accommodation and the distance from the city centre- it is also worth considering that with private accommodation, you may need to pay for rent all year round as opposed to only during term time with university accommodation. Sites such as Zoopla, OnTheMarket, GumTree and Rightmove are popular places for students to look for private accommodation- you can filter by cost, area, number of rooms and more.
Healthcare system and student insurance
The UK healthcare system provides international students access to the National Health Service (NHS), which offers comprehensive medical services, including general practitioner (GP) consultations, emergency care, and hospital treatment. To access the NHS, students need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This covers most healthcare services but excludes dental and optical treatments, which may require additional payment.
Students are encouraged to register with a local GP upon arrival for easy access to healthcare. For added protection, many students opt for private health insurance to cover services not included in the NHS, such as specialised treatments, faster access to elective procedures, or private consultations. Universities often provide guidance on securing insurance and navigating healthcare options.
The NHS emphasises preventive care and public health, ensuring students have access to vaccinations, mental health support, and chronic illness management. Pharmacy services are also widely available, offering both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Climate and weather conditions
The UK experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild seasons. Summers are warm, averaging 15–25°C, while winters are cool, with temperatures around 0–7°C. Rainfall is consistent year-round, so a waterproof jacket and appropriate footwear is essential. Snowfall is rare in the south of the UK, but students living in Northern England or Scotland should be mindful of colder weather and higher chances of snow.
Connectivity to home country (flights and travel costs)
The closest airports to Leicester are East Midlands, Birmingham and London Heathrow airports, which serve numerous European and international destinations. There are fairly affordable buses from the city centre to each of these airports- alternatively, you can take a train however there are no direct trains to Heathrow and therefore you would need to transfer. Travel booked earlier in advance will be more cost effective.
These airports offer numerous low-cost carriers which make it more affordable to travel to visit your home country or to travel during your studies. Return flights to London, depending on early booking and season, are typically £600 to Hong Kong, £350 to Jordan and £100 to Morocco.
Recognition of degrees internationally
The recognition of degrees can vary significantly from one country to another, depending on several factors. These include the mode of study (such as online or in-person programmes) and the specific list of approved universities and degree programmes as outlined by a country’s Ministry of Education or relevant authority. Therefore, students should ensure that the degree they pursue is recognised both in their home country and in any other regions where they might plan to work or further their education.
The UK national agency for international qualifications and skills is a useful resource to determine whether your existing credentials, and the program you wish to pursue, are recognisable in and outside of the UK.