Students from around the globe
Leeds is an international and intercultural campus. Students come from all over the world to make use of our outstanding facilities, including our extensive research library, laboratories and computing facilities. They come to a university with an international reputation for its excellent teaching and research, situated in the heart of a vibrant and affordable multicultural city.
The Faculty of Biological Sciences has many years experience training PhD and Masters students from around the globe. We have welcomed students from around 45 countries to the Faculty including:
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore , South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden ,Taiwan, Turkey, USA, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
International students express very high levels of overall satisfaction; 95% would recommend Leeds (International Student Barometer, 2010).
In this section we have included information we hope will be of use to prospective biological sciences students from overseas including sections on fees and scholarships, student support, accommodation and real students' experiences. Please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate School if you still have any further queries.
Lagos? Leipzig? Lanzhou? Leeds? Wherever you are, you can be part of the University of Leeds Global Community! This is the place to network, share ideas and plans, find out what's happening in our vibrant multicultural University and and city and meet new friends before you arrive in Leeds. Join the University of Leeds Global Community on Facebook.
Worldwide Partnerships
Leeds was a founder member of Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) which includes research-led institutions in North America, South East Asia, Europe and Australia. It is chaired by our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Arthur.
We like to share our research with partners and broaden our own knowledge by working with others. Our research draws on collaborations with prestigious academic institutions while adding value to companies around the globe. Our academics are in high demand acround the world.
International Guide
If you are thinking about coming to Leeds download our International Guide (Pdf) to find out more. Read about life at Leeds and the reasons why over 4,000 international students are studying here this year.
International Entry Requirements
Masters Courses
All applicants should normally have, or expect to achieve a First Class or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree (or equivalent). Applicants with equivalent relevant professional experience are encouraged to contact the Graduate School Office prior to applying.
For advice on whether your qualifications are suitable for entry to our degree programmes, please contact Masters admissions enquiries.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must have evidence of an English qualification or other proficiency in English, equivalent to GCSE grade C or above to gain entry to the University of Leeds. The two most commonly used qualifications are IELTS and TOEFL.
Minimum English Language requirements for all postgraduate degrees in the Faculty of Biological Sciences are:
- TOEFL (internet-based) - a total score of 92, with no less than: 21 in listening and reading, 22 in writing, and 23 in speaking
- IELTS - score of 6.5 overall (with not less than 6.0 in any component)
- PTE: Pearson Test of English Academic: an overall score of 64, with not less than 60 in each of the four skills.
Leeds Language Centre
The University of Leeds Language Centre provides a range of English for Academic Purposes Pre-sessional courses which are designed to help international students develop the necessary language and academic study skills required for successful study on a taught postgraduate degree programme at the University of Leeds. Courses are offered throughout the year with starting dates in September, January, April, July or August.
For further information, please see the Language Centre's website or contact the Language Centre.
The University International Office offers further general advice on English language requirements for study at the University of Leeds. You can also download the Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy 2013.
Fees and Funding - Overseas Fees
What do Masters courses cost?
The cost of a Masters degree varies by course; you will get details of your fees with your offer letter.
| Biological Sciences International Student fees 2012 - 13 (overseas fees) | |
|---|---|
| MSc Bioscience | £16,200 |
| MSc Biotechnology | £16,200 |
| MSc Human Disease and Therapy | £16,200 |
| MSc Infection and Immunity | £16,200 |
| MSc Plant Science and Biotechnology | £16,200 |
The academic fee covers tuition and exam costs as well as membership of the students' union. International students will pay a higher fee than UK students as the fees for UK and European Union (EU) students are subsidised by the UK government, but international students may be eligible for financial help via international scholarships.
Financial help
The majority of our students are self-funded, or funded by their employer or national government. However, several additional sources provide either fully-funded or part-funded scholarships for overseas applicants. Search the online postgraduate scholarships database for scholarships to international students- you may be eligible.
When to pay
Fees must be paid in full before you can register as a postgraduate student, unless you will be paying for yourself. If you are self-supporting you can pay fees in two instalments, the first payable at registration.
If you are supported by your government, employer, or other sponsor, you should provide a letter from them addressed to the University, confirming that the fees will be paid directly to the University of Leeds.Sponsors cannot pay by instalments.
Disclaimer
The information provided is for general guidance purposes only. The University believes the information provided is accurate at the time of publication. The University cannot accept liability for any inaccuracies.
Masters International Scholarships
The Faculty of Biological Sciences offers scholarships of £2000 to overseas Masters students commencing a programme of study within the faculty in September 2013. This scheme is open to students of all nationalities. It does not apply to students paying Home/EU fees.
The terms of the scheme are:
- Hold an offer of a study place and commence a programme of study in the Faculty of Biological Sciences in September 2013 and be fully registered on 1st December 2013.
- Be a self-funded full-time student paying full overseas-rated fees.
- The scholarship will be paid in the form of a deduction from the tuition fee charged by the University.
- No separate application is necessary-your application will enable us to consider you for the scholarship.
The Faculty of Biological Sciences International Scholarships are not available to students who have other University of Leeds scholarships or bursaries or who have secured alternative external sources of funding e.g. government sponsorship. Only one Faculty of Biological Sciences Scholarship may be awarded per student. The Faculty reserves the right not to award scholarships if candidates do not meet the required criteria.
University postgraduate scholarships online database
Masters students from overseas may be eligible for other scholarship schemes - search the University postgraduate scholarships database to find out more.
Disclaimer
Information relating to scholarships does change from time to time. Whilst the University endeavours to keep this information as up to date as possible, the University cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies.
International Student Support Services
Many years experience has taught us that international students have particular needs and the University offers a full range of services to help you before you arrive and once you are here.
Preparing for Leeds
International pre-arrival guide 2012-13 (download PDF)
Make sure you are prepared before you start your course. This guide is full of information about what to do before you arrive, and much of it can be done in your own country. With details on immigration, finance and what to do when you get here, you can start to get ready for life at Leeds.
International student handbook 2011-12 (download PDF)
Information about the country, the city and the University. This comprehensive guide for all new international students gives you a step-by-step guide to help you in your first few weeks and beyond. We are situated in the heart of a vibrant and multicultural city, so read this guide and you will feel at home right away.
Take a look at our International Office website for more information and advice on how to get the most out of your student experience.
Once you are here
International students benefit from a wealth of academic and pastoral support within the Faculty.
You will have access to the personal tutor system, to careers advice and skills training, to opportunities to develop industrial and professional links, and to a range of personal development opportunities, including our distinctive Leeds for Life scheme. Postgraduate students benefit from the support from the University Careers Centre.
Visit the International Office website for useful information and events and activities.
And don't forget that the experienced Graduate School team is here to help you in whatever way we can. Please don't hesitate to contact us.
After graduation
Graduation isn't the end of the story by any means. We are in regular contact with more than 150,000 alumni in over 175 countries.
Join our online alumni community after graduation and enjoy strong friendships and supportive networking opportunities long after you have left us.
Postgraduate accommodation for overseas students
We understand the importance of finding the right living environment to help you settle in, study effectively and enjoy a good social life. We believe University accommodation offers unrivalled value for mone, but some postgraduate students may prefer to rent private accommodation. Private accommodation can sometimes be cheaper and can be a good option for some postgraduates.
Overseas postgraduates: our guarantee
New international postgraduates paying fees at the full international rate have a guaranteed place in University accommodation during their first year, subject to certain conditions. The University Accommodation Office offers detailed information and guidance for postgraduates. Take a look at the options before deciding which one is best for you.
If living in the UK is new for you you might also find it useful to take a look at What to expect in student accommodation.
University of Leeds Overseas
Overseas Offices
The University has a network of representatives across the globe who can provide information on all matters relating to life in Leeds, and where you can find out specific information for your country.
Visits to your country
The International Office at the University of Leeds regularly travels overseas to meet with prospective students and advise them about life as an international student in Leeds. Overseas visit schedule.
International Masters Students talk about their experiences
The Faculty of Biological Sciences has trained PhD and Masters students from around the globe over many years. Students from over 30 countries have joined us to develop their scientific understanding and further their careers.
Recent students share their experiences below...
Anusha Panjwani (India): Msc Infection and Immunity now studying for a PhD.
Charlotte Ndribe: (Nigeria): MSc Biodiversity and Conservation now a PhD student/doctoral assistant, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Ahmed Abouserwel (Libya) : MSc Bioscience Infection and Immunity now studying for a PhD in Dentristry at the University of Leeds.
