THE University of Leicester, located in the vibrant city of Leicester, UK, is renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge research, high-quality education and a welcoming international community. The university has developed a strong reputation for its academic programs in various disciplines, including science, humanities, law, business and social sciences.
Leicester is famous for its contributions to research, particularly in areas such as genetics, space science and archaeology. Its Research Excellence Framework (REF) rating places it among the UK’s best universities for impactful research, and students benefit from learning in an environment that drives real-world change. For example, the university played a central role in the development of genetic fingerprinting and continues to lead advancements in health, environment and technology.
The university offers career-focused programs designed to equip students with practical skills and industry connections that prepare them for success after graduation. With strong links to various industries and professional sectors, the University of Leicester offers students valuable internship, networking and career guidance opportunities.
Description of the scholarship:
- Host university: University of Leicester;
- Host country: United Kingdom;
- Level of study: Undergraduate level;
- Type of scholarship: Partial financing;
- Scholarship value: Check the details below;
- Eligible countries: International students;
- Available topics: All subjects;
- Application deadline: The stock market is open.
The University of Leicester International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship 2025 is a merit-based scholarship designed to recognize and reward outstanding academic performance. Specifically designed for international students, this scholarship offers financial assistance to help cover tuition fees, making the journey to a UK education more accessible. Students who exceed the standard entry requirements for their chosen undergraduate program are automatically considered for this award, with no additional application necessary.
This renowned institution is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, research-driven learning and a welcoming international environment. The university’s dynamic campus provides students with access to innovative teaching methods, world-class research opportunities, and career-focused programs that prepare graduates for global success.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Financial support: The University of Leicester International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship offers a substantial reduction on tuition fees of £5,000 per year, potentially rising to £15,000 over a three-year period. This financial support allows students to focus on their academic goals without the same level of financial pressure.
- No application required: Students meeting the eligibility criteria are automatically considered for the scholarship upon acceptance into the undergraduate program of their choice, meaning there is no need to submit a separate scholarship application. This streamlined process makes it accessible to more students without requiring additional paperwork.
- Recognition of academic excellence: This scholarship is designed to recognize the hard work and dedication of high-achieving students, providing an incentive to those who go above and beyond standard entry requirements. By rewarding academic excellence, the University of Leicester encourages a learning environment filled with motivated and capable individuals from around the world.
Eligibility requirements
THE International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship is available to students classified as international for fee purposes, with specific eligibility criteria that ensures only the most qualified applicants receive the award. The main eligibility requirements include:
- International student status: The scholarship is open to students classified as international for pricing purposes. This excludes UK or EU students who are not subject to international tuition fees.
- Enrolling in full-time undergraduate courses on campus: Applicants must enroll in a full-time, on-campus undergraduate program starting September 2025. Some programs, such as Medicine and LLB Masters, are excluded from eligibility.
- Academic success: To be eligible, students must achieve grades at least two grades higher than the standard A-level entry requirements for the program to which they are applying. For example, if the program requires ABB as a standard entry requirement, applicants will need to obtain the equivalent of AAA in their international qualifications.
- Time limit: The scholarship is awarded for a maximum duration of three years. This does not apply to additional years, such as those required for stays, industrial internships or foreign exchange programs.
- Reward not cumulative: In cases where a student is eligible for multiple University of Leicester scholarships, only the highest award will be applied. The International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship cannot be combined with other scholarships. Recipients should therefore be aware of this when evaluating their scholarship offers.
Application process
One of the most attractive aspects of the University of Leicester International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship is the automatic consideration. Here’s how the process works:
- Apply for an undergraduate course: To be eligible for the scholarship, you must first apply for a full-time undergraduate program at the University of Leicester. Applications can be submitted through the UCAS system, where students can select their preferred courses and submit their academic qualifications.
- Meet academic requirements: Make sure your final grades meet or exceed the required level for your chosen course. The standard equivalent of the A level required for eligibility is AAA, which translates to the respective equivalent qualifications for students from various international education systems. The Leicester Admissions Office will evaluate credentials to confirm eligibility.
- Automatic consideration: Once admitted and confirmed as meeting the academic criteria for the scholarship, eligible students are automatically entered into the scholarship selection pool. There is no need to submit a separate application form or additional documents apart from the initial admission application.
- Submit final results: Upon receipt of your final exam results, submit them to the University of Leicester for verification. This step is crucial to confirm that you meet the academic threshold required for the scholarship.
- Acceptance of scholarship offer: Successful applicants will receive a scholarship notification along with their tuition fee statement. If you are awarded the scholarship, your tuition fees will be reduced by £5,000 per year for up to three years of study, provided you maintain a satisfactory academic record.
Terms and conditions
Although the University of Leicester International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship offers generous benefits, there are several terms and conditions to keep in mind:
- Non-transferable and non-renewable: This scholarship applies strictly to tuition fees and is only valid for a maximum of three years. It cannot be transferred to another program, academic year or university.
- No coverage for catch-up or suspension years: If a student must repeat a year or suspend their studies, the scholarship will not apply to these additional periods. Recipients must complete their studies within standard deadlines.
- Conditional on compliance with the conditions of the offer: In cases where students receive a conditional offer, they must meet all specified conditions to be eligible for the scholarship.
- Automatic confiscation if combined with other scholarships: As mentioned, the International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship cannot be combined with other scholarships. Students receiving multiple scholarships will only receive the highest scholarship.
Official website:
For more information, please visit the official university website: https://le.ac.uk/study/undergraduates/scholarships-bursaries-discounts/international-undergraduate-merit-scholarship
