Information for international undergraduate students

We provide information and services to help you prepare for Leeds. You’ll receive practical advice on travel, our welcome services and what you’ll need to bring with you when you arrive.  

We offer a range of online events and recordings that you can access to get a better idea of what student life is really like at Leeds. 

You can also view our International offer holder events and activities for opportunities to connect with the University and other students, both online and in your country.

As a truly international University, we have offices in China, India, Malaysia and Nigeria, as well as a global network of representatives who can advise you about studying here.

You can find out more about life as an international student at Leeds – chat to our friendly Link to Leeds student ambassadors and read about personal experiences on student ambassadors’ blogs.

We offer support and activities to welcome you and help you get settled in during your first weeks in Leeds.

As well as the welcome activities run by your school, you’ll be invited to our international orientation, a programme of talks, tours, webinars and social events to help you meet people and make you feel at home. Find out more about how we'll support you on our arrival pages.

There are lots of ways to make friends at the University.

Through our University Buddy Scheme, you can be matched with another student and start making connections. 

You can also enjoy interests and hobbies through the many clubs and societies available at Leeds University Union, and you can meet students from all around the world at our weekly Global Café. We also offer support to help international families feel at home.

We offer support to help you throughout your time at Leeds, including visa and immigration advice, and activities specifically for international students. 

As an international student, you may need a Student visa.

Before you apply for your visa, you’ll need to accept your unconditional offer via UCAS.

We'll then be able to issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The earliest that we can issue your CAS is six months before the start of your course. Once you have this, you can apply for a Student visa.

If you wil be studying an undergraduate course with an integrated Masters, in certain subject areas you will be required to apply for ATAS (the Academic Technology Approval Scheme). Your offer letter will confirm if your course requires ATAS.  

For further information on your visa application and UKVI regulations, visit Applying for a Student visa.

The University has specialist visa advisors who can answer questions about visa applications and advise on documents required at any stage in the process. Email visa advisors via studentvisaadvice@leeds.ac.uk.

Pre-sessional English courses Our pre-sessional English courses can help you improve your English language level and prepare you for life and study at a UK university.

You’ll benefit from:

• help to improve your level of academic English so you can meet University entry requirements, if needed, and perform effectively on your degree
• opportunities to practise the skills you’ll need for your academic studies, such as writing assignments, listening to lectures and giving presentations
• becoming familiar with Leeds and building a community of friends before your degree begins.

On our undergraduate pre-sessional course, you’ll study with other students preparing for undergraduate courses and adapt to study at a UK university ahead of your degree.

We offer on-campus pre-sessional courses from six weeks to a full academic year; we also offer an online pre-sessional.

The length of course you need depends on your current level of English and the level required for your degree. For more information, entry requirements and how to apply, visit Undergraduate pre-sessional English courses.