Research 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. With students from many countries studying here it means the University has a very culturally rich environment and students benefit from the experience of working with different cultures and nationalities.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences has many years experience training PhD and Masters students from around the globe. We have welcomed students from over 30 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.

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 , overseas offices and real students' experiences. Please do not hesitate to contact the Graduate School if you still have any further queries.

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

PhD / MSc by Research

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 Research Postgraduate (PhD) Admissions .

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need an English language qualification to gain entry to the University of Leeds. The two most commonly used are IELTS and TOEFL. Acceptable minimum qualifications for admission to a research degree at the University of Leeds include:

• IELTS - score of 6.0 overall (with not less than 5.5 in any component)
  
• TOEFL (iBT) 87 (minimum score required in each section - Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 22, Writing 21)

Those who have not yet achieved the relevant scores in IELTS or TOEFL may nevertheless work towards the necessary standard by undertaking a pre-sessional course of an appropriate length in the Language Centre and then taking IELTS. Once you have achieved the relevant standard you may proceed to registration. Additional fees are required for pre-sessional courses.

Please contact Research Student Administration (0113) 34 36534, or the University’s Language Centre (0113) 343 3251 for further general advice on English language requirements for study at the University of Leeds.

Fees and Funding - Overseas Fees

What do PhD/Masters by Research degrees cost?

The cost of a PhD/MSc by Research varies depending on the individual research project; you will get details of your fees with your offer letter.

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. The bench fee covers the lab costs associated with the research project and vary depending on the nature of the project. Your chosen supervisor will be able to provide a breakdown of the costs.

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 or contact Research Postgraduate (PhD) Admissions .

When to pay

Fees must be paid in full before you can register as a postgraduate research 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.

International Scholarships for Research Students

Fully-Funded International Research Scholarship (FIRS)

The University of Leeds offers 9 fully-funded places each year for outstanding international students. The competition usually closes in January and the successful candidates will start their studies the following October. Applicants must have or be expecting to receive the equivalent of a first class degree and must meet the language requirements at point of application.

Information can be found on the University postgraduate scholarships database

University postgraduate scholarships online database

Research 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 2011-12(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 the same academic and pastoral support within the Faculty as home students.

You will have access to the same personal tutor system, to careers advice, skills training and a range of personal development opportunities. All postgraduate students benefit from the support of the Graduate Training and Support Centre and the University Careers Centre.

Visit the International Office website for useful information and events and activities.

And don't forget that 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 money, 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. The University also has overseas offices in New Delhi, Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur.

Visits to your region/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.

Biological Sciences students from China

The Faculty of Biological Sciences has its own Leeds-based China Liaison Officer who can help with queries:

Dr. Bing Liu
China Liason Officer
Faculty of Biological Sciences
Email: B.Liu@leeds.ac.uk
Web: information for students from China