The University of Leeds consistently ranks within the world’s top 100 universities and is highly regarded for its excellence in both teaching and research. It has earned wide recognition within academia, with many parents and students particularly interested in its entry requirements and the level of competition for admission. GROVE Education provides an in-depth analysis of the University of Leeds’ rankings, tuition fees and entry requirements to help you comprehensively assess your study options in the UK.
University of Leeds Overview
Founded in 1904, the University of Leeds is one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions, and a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities. Located in the city of Leeds in northern England, the campus features modern facilities and offers a wide range of programmes across the arts, humanities, sciences, medicine, and business management.
Renowned for both outstanding teaching quality and world-class research, the University of Leeds also promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and strong links with industry. Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge in practice, broaden their global outlook, and develop into future leaders and professionals who can make meaningful contributions to society.
As an institution committed to international collaboration, the University of Leeds established a partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021. Together, they work to strengthen global health emergency preparedness, enhance public health protection worldwide, and apply cutting-edge science and innovation to address critical challenges. These initiatives not only highlight Leeds’ international impact in health sciences but also reflect its mission to serve the public good and advance global well-being.[1]
Source: University of Leeds
University of Leeds Global Rankings
The University of Leeds performs strongly in both international and domestic rankings. In the QS World University Rankings, it is placed 86th globally and 13th in the UK,[2] consistently remaining within the world’s top 100 universities. In addition, in the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the University of Leeds is ranked 123rd worldwide and 15th in the UK.[3]
According to the university, the latest QS results show that 31 subjects are ranked within the global top 100. These include Medicine, Politics and International Studies, Theology, Statistics and Operational Research, and Hospitality and Leisure Management. Of these, 12 subjects are placed in the world’s top 50, such as Geophysics, Geology, Earth Sciences, Development Studies, Petroleum Engineering, and Geography.[4] The subject-specific global rankings for the University of Leeds include:
- Geophysics: #14
- Geology: #15
- Earth and Marine Sciences: #20
- Development Studies and Petroleum Engineering: #22
- Geography: #23
- Communication and Media Studies：#33 [5]
- Marketing: #35 [6]
- English and Literature: #36 [7]
- Philosophy: #41 [8]
University of Leeds Reputation
The University of Leeds is widely recognised as a leading institution that combines academic excellence with a high-quality student experience, earning acclaim from numerous prestigious publications and academic awards.
In the 2025 Guardian University Guide, the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Leeds was rated among the best in the UK, praised for student satisfaction, teaching quality, graduate employability, and research strength. The guide highlighted that as many as 98% of graduates in Electrical and Electronic Engineering secured graduate-level employment or pursued further study within 15 months, positioning Leeds as a top institution in fields such as regenerative medicine, quantum technologies, robotics, medical electronics, and wireless communications.[9]
The university is also highly respected in climate and tropical meteorology research, contributing significantly to early warning systems for communities vulnerable to extreme weather, promoting smart agriculture, and tackling poverty and hunger. These efforts were recognised with the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education.[10] Leeds has also been commended for its research in transport studies and biomedical engineering, showcasing leadership across multiple disciplines. The university continues to nurture the next generation of climate experts and professionals, thereby strengthening its international influence.[11]
University of Leeds Tuition Fees
Tuition fees at the University of Leeds vary depending on student status and programme of study. Fees for UK students are substantially lower; for example, the 2025/26 academic year tuition fee for UK undergraduates is £9,535, subject to inflation and government regulations.[12] For international students, annual tuition fees range between £26,500 and £52,250, depending on the chosen course. Below are the 2026/27 tuition fees for selected programmes:
| Programme | Annual Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Ancient History, English Literature, Languages & World History, Philosophy, Education, Sociology, Politics | £26,500 |
| Art & Design, Music, Economics, Business Management | £28,750 |
| Actuarial Science, Mathematics | £29,500 |
| Accounting & Finance | £31,000 |
| Aeronautical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Environmental Science, Pharmacology, Psychology, Nursing, Food Science, Nutrition | £32,750 |
| Medicine and Surgery MBChB | £49,000 |
| Dental surgery BChD | £52,250 [13] |
As shown in the table, tuition fees for arts and business courses are relatively lower, while engineering, science, and medicine programmes are more expensive. The university offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help ease the tuition burden; however, students are still responsible for living expenses, including accommodation, transport, books, and personal costs.
Source: University of Leeds
Is the University of Leeds Hard to Get Into? Entry Requirements Analysis
When considering whether the University of Leeds is difficult to enter, past acceptance rates can serve as a reference. Between the 2017 and 2020 academic years, the university’s average acceptance rate was 64%,[14] suggesting a medium level of competitiveness. However, the university does not publish course-specific acceptance rates, and competition for popular programmes such as Business, Medicine, and Law is typically much more intense. Applicants are therefore advised to meet, or ideally exceed, the published entry requirements to maximise their chances of admission.
Academic Requirements
The University of Leeds primarily evaluates applicants on A-level results, generally requiring three A-level subjects with grades ranging from AAB to A*AA. Competitive programmes such as Mathematics, Engineering, and Medicine typically demand higher scores (AAA or A*AA), while programmes in the Arts and Nursing may accept slightly lower grades (ABB or BBB).[13]
The university also accepts the IB Diploma, as well as qualifications from the US, Canada, Australia and other mainstream global education systems. Students from Hong Kong may apply with HKDSE results. Some programmes have subject-specific requirements, so applicants should carefully check the official course criteria. To assess how competitive Leeds is, students may refer to the following qualification benchmarks:
| Qualification | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|
| A-Level | BBC to A*AA[15] |
| GCSE／IGCSE／GCE A-Level | 3 subjects at grades E to A*[15] |
| IB Diploma | Minimum 31 points[15] |
| HKDSE | 444 to 5*55+555[16] |
English Language Requirements
International applicants to the University of Leeds must meet specified English language proficiency standards. Most undergraduate courses require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no component below 5.5.[17] More competitive or specialised courses may require higher scores. In addition to IELTS, the university accepts a wide range of other English language tests and qualifications, including:
| Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 80 (Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 19)[17] |
| PTE Academic | Overall 60, with no component below 59[17] |
| LanguageCert Academic (SELT) | Overall 66, with no component below 60[17] |
| GCSE / IGCSE English | Grade C or 4[17] |
| A-level / AS-level English or English Literature | Grade C [17] |
| IB English A or Language and Literature | HL 4 or SL 5*[17] |
| HKDSE English | Level 4 or above[16] |
*For programmes requiring IELTS 7.0, IB SL English scores are not accepted, nor are English Literature and Performance or AB initio courses.
Source: University of Leeds
How to Apply to the University of Leeds
Applications to the University of Leeds open every September. All applicants, whether international or domestic, must apply via the UCAS system. It is recommended to closely monitor the application deadlines for each course, as some programmes may have earlier closing dates. The following documents are generally required, and should be prepared in advance to ensure a smooth application process:
- Basic information (including qualifications and academic transcripts)
- Personal statement
- Teacher references[18]
Before applying, students are advised to thoroughly review the courses offered by the university and select their target programme based on personal interests, strengths, and future career plans. When choosing a course, applicants should carefully check whether their qualifications and academic background meet the entry requirements. If current grades do not meet the requirements, students may consider completing the International Foundation Year (IFY). Upon successful completion, they can progress directly to their chosen degree programme without reapplying, which helps ensure a smooth transition into a full undergraduate course.[19]
For Advice on Applying to the University of Leeds, Contact GROVE Education
Overall, the University of Leeds consistently ranks among the top institutions in the UK and globally. The university provides detailed information regarding course design, entry requirements, and tuition fees. If students wish to learn more about the university’s reputation or assess how competitive admission is, they are welcome to contact GROVE Education. We provide personalised guidance based on each student’s background and goals, analysing their application strengths and helping to plan their route to admission—taking the first step towards a successful study experience in the UK!
Reference
1. World Health Organization - WHO and University of Leeds Strengthen Collaboration to enhance health emergency preparedness
2. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities
3. Times Higher Education - World University Rankings 2025
4. University of Leeds - Increased number of subject areas in global top 100
5. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Communication and Media Studies
6. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Marketing
7. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: English Language and Literature
8. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Philosophy
9. University of Leeds - Leeds named best in UK for electrical and electronic engineering
10. The Royal Anniversary Trust - University of Leeds
11. University of Leeds - Global weather research recognised by Queen's award
12. University of Leeds - Undergraduate fees
13. University of Leeds - Undergraduate courses
14. AdmissionReport - University of Leeds acceptance rates (2017-2020)
15. University of Leeds - Entry requirements
16. University of Leeds - Hong Kong
17. University of Leeds - Entry requirements
18. University of Leeds - How to apply
19. University of Leeds - International Foundation Year