Research Degrees & Scholarships Office
Advice for International Students

General Student Visa and Tier 4 Points Based System

Please note from April 2009, all International applicants will come under a new UK visa system. Please click here opens in a new window for further information on obtaining a student visa under the UK immigration system.

ATAS certificate

The UK government introduced the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) on 1 November 2007. Non EU/EEA nationals planning to undertake postgraduate study in the UK in certain science, engineering or technology disciplines will need to acquire an ATAS certificate before they can apply for a Visa, Entry Clearance (EC) or Extension of Stay (EoS). Click here opens in a new window for further information.

English Language Qualifications

If you come from a country where the first language is not English on your arrival at the
University you must:

  1. provide evidence of your English language ability at Registration.
    The minimum English language requirements for admission to a research degree at the University of Leeds are the British Council IELTS band score 6.0 (with not less than 5.5 in any component) or Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) 83 (with not less than 21 in Listening, 21 in Writing, 22 in Reading and 87 in Speaking). However, some Schools may require English language qualifications above the stipulated minimum. 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 opens in a new windowand then taking IELTS. Once you have achieved the relevant standard you may proceed to registration. Additional fees are required for pre-sessional courses.
  2. take a University English Language Test at the Language Centre within one month of
    registering for your research degree     in order to identify whether any additional help with
    English language is necessary. Following the test you may be required to attend lunchtime classes.
    Please ask at Research Student Administration opens in a new window (0113) 343 4006, or the
    University’s Language Centre (0113) 343 3251 for further information on this test.

International Student Office

The University of Leeds has an International Student Office which offers a range of support services for international students.

Download the International Pre-Arrival Guide opens in a new window

Download the International Life at Leeds Magazine opens in a new window

 

 

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