University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarship
About this scholarship
The University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarship recognises and rewards high-achieving international students joining a taught master’s degree at one of the UK’s leading universities. It is a competitive, merit-based award offered as a discount on the first year’s tuition fee, helping talented students from around the world study in a research-intensive, highly international environment.
The University of Leeds, founded in 1904, is a member of the Russell Group of leading UK research universities and welcomes students from over 140 countries to its large campus in the heart of the city of Leeds in northern England. It offers a broad range of master’s programmes across business, engineering, sciences, arts, and the humanities, along with a strong reputation for employability and a vibrant, multicultural student community.
The scholarship is awarded at one of three values, GBP 3,000, GBP 6,000, or GBP 16,000, applied as a reduction on tuition fees for the first year of study. The university offers up to 500 of these awards, making it one of the more widely available international scholarships at this level, although competition for the higher-value awards is strong. The discount applies to tuition only and cannot be used for accommodation or living costs.
To be considered, you must be classified as an international student for fee purposes, hold a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible taught master’s starting in September, and be self-funded or partially funded, since fully sponsored students are not eligible. The university looks for an excellent academic record, normally at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or its equivalent, together with strong professional and personal achievements. MBA and fully online courses are not eligible.
Applications open to offer holders and run in rounds, so applying early is wise. You apply online after receiving your course offer, submitting a separate application for each offer you hold, including a short statement on why you want to study at Leeds. The scholarship can also be combined with some other Leeds awards, up to a maximum of full tuition.
Eligibility
- Classified as an international student for tuition fee purposes (not open to UK fee-status students).
- Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible taught master's course (including MRes) starting in September.
- Self-funded or partially funded; fully sponsored students are not eligible.
- Excellent academic record, normally predicted or achieved at least a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent.
- Strong professional and personal skills, evidenced through work experience and/or extracurricular activities.
- MBA programmes and fully online courses are not eligible (the MBA has its own separate scheme).
- If you hold offers for more than one course, a separate scholarship application is required for each.
Benefits & Coverage
- Tuition fee reduction of GBP 3,000, GBP 6,000, or GBP 16,000.
- Applied to the first year of study, with up to 500 awards available.
- Recognition of academic and personal achievement at a Russell Group university.
- Can be combined with some other Leeds awards up to a maximum of 100% of tuition.
- Join a large, diverse international community drawn from over 140 countries.
- Note: the award is a tuition discount only and cannot be used towards maintenance or accommodation costs.
Required Documents
- A conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible Leeds taught master's.
- Completed online scholarship application form (a separate form for each course offer you hold).
- A short statement (around 100 words) on why you want to study at Leeds and why you should be considered.
- Evidence of professional and personal achievements, such as work experience or extracurricular involvement, where relevant.
How to Apply
- Apply to an eligible taught master's at the University of Leeds and obtain a conditional or unconditional offer.
- Wait for notification that scholarship applications are open; all offer holders are emailed when the cycle opens.
- Complete the online International Excellence Scholarship application form, including your short statement.
- Submit a separate application for each course offer you hold.
- Apply within the published round (the scheme normally runs two rounds, for example late February and mid-May); applying early is recommended.
- Await the decision, which is communicated by the published notification dates for each round.
Frequently asked questions
Is University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarship fully funded? +
This scholarship is listed as partial funding. The listed award is: Tuition discount of GBP 3,000, GBP 6,000, or GBP 16,000; Applied to your first year's tuition fees.. Coverage can change between cycles, so confirm the details on the official page.
What degree levels does University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarship cover? +
This scholarship is listed for: Master's.
When is the application deadline? +
The application deadline listed here is May 31, 2027. Deadlines move, so always verify the date on the official page before planning your application.
Who can apply? +
Key eligibility points from this listing: Classified as an international student for tuition fee purposes (not open to UK fee-status students); Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible taught master's course (including MRes) starting in September; Self-funded or partially funded; fully sponsored studentโฆ See the Eligibility section above for the full requirements.
How do I apply? +
Apply directly through the official portal linked on this page. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application fee, so treat any request for payment as a scam and use official channels only.
Answers are based on this scholarship's listed details. Always confirm on the official page.
