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How to apply for Masters courses  Applying for Masters courses

This information is for entry in 2026.  

Before you apply, we recommend you read the University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026-27. 

International applicants: if you are an international applicant, we recommend you use the services of our overseas representatives to make your application.  

Step 1 – find your course

Our full list of Masters courses can be found in Course Search. 

Entry requirements, start dates and fees vary so please check the details carefully.  

Step 2 – check the application deadline

Applications for the 2026/27 academic year will typically open on 1 October 2025.  

  • If you are an international student, you will typically need to apply by the deadline of 31 July 2026. However, some courses may have an earlier application deadline, which you should check on Course Search before applying.
  • If you are a UK student, you will typically need to apply by the deadline of 11 September 2026. However, some courses may have an earlier application deadline, which you should check on Course Search before applying.  
  • If you are also applying for a scholarship, ensure your application is submitted at least one month before the scholarship deadline.        

Step 3  – check the entry requirements

Entry requirements are specific to each course. Check the requirements for your course via Course Search.  

Before you apply, please make sure you will be able to meet the following requirements:  

Step 4 – prepare your supporting documents 

Make sure you have all required supporting documents scanned and ready to upload with your application.  

All documents should be in English or accompanied by certified translations into English.  

You must have: 

  • Official degree certificate and academic transcripts. If you are still studying, you must provide a partial/interim transcript. The name on your degree certificate must match your identity documents. Please include a grading scale if it is not clear from your transcripts.  
  • Evidence of English language proficiency. If you do not yet hold a suitable qualification, you can still submit an application. You will be asked to provide evidence later in the process. 

If you are an international student and have previously studied in the UK, you must also have scanned copies of:   

  • UK visas. 
  • Immigration share code or BRP. 
  • CAS.  

Depending on the course you apply for, you may also be asked to provide additional documents, such as a CV or references. Please check the specific document requirements for your course on Course Search. 

Step 5 – apply on the applicant portal

You should apply for your chosen course through the applicant portal.  

You can save your application at any point. However, your application will be deleted after 200 days if not submitted.  

If you have a scholarship deadline, please indicate this on your application form in the funding section so that we can try to prioritise your submission. 

If you experience any difficulties, please email the Admissions Enquiries team at study@leeds.ac.uk. 

Declaring a criminal conviction 

If you have an unspent criminal conviction you may need to declare it to us. This is usually required when we make you an offer that you wish to accept. For a small number of courses, you will need to declare when you apply. Having a criminal conviction will only rarely stop you from studying at Leeds. Find out more about declaring a criminal conviction. 

What happens next? 

We aim to make decisions within three to five weeks if all necessary documents have been received.  

You will be contacted directly if we require any further information or wish to invite you for an interview or audition. You will receive an email asking you to check your applicant portal for more details.  

Receiving a decision  

We will notify you of our decision by email and in the online application portal. If your application is successful, you will be able to view your offer letter in the Application Decisions section of the portal.  

Accepting your offer and meeting conditions  

If you receive an offer, you can accept it in our online application portal.  

For international students, if your offer is conditional, you must meet your offer conditions by the 7 August 2026 deadline.  

If you are an international student and you accept an unconditional offer, we will ask you to pay a tuition fee deposit or provide appropriate exemption evidence by the 21 August 2026 deadline.  

If you plan to take a summer pre-sessional course, you can find out more about the application deadlines for these specific courses on the pre-sessional pages. 

For UK students, although there is no deadline, you should aim to meet any conditions as soon as possible and in advance of the course start date. 

Please note that we do not permit deferrals.