Information for international postgraduate researchers

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

Visit International offer holder events and activities for opportunities to connect with the University and other students, both online and in your country.

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

A free airport pick-up service is available for all new international postgraduate researchers arriving in Leeds for the first time. You will also receive a welcome food box to help you settle in during your first day in Leeds.

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

As well as the welcome activities run by your school, you’ll be invited to our international orientation, a week-long programme of talks, tours and social events to help you meet people and feel at home.

If you are arriving before or after September, you can access our international orientation resources, which include information about living in the UK, in addition to on-demand webinars on finance and banking, healthcare and disability support.

There are lots of ways to make friends at the University. Through our University Buddy Scheme, you can be matched with another postgraduate researcher and start making connections.

You can enjoy interests and hobbies through the many clubs and societies 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. 

You can contact our Student Information Service before and after arrival with any questions related to your student experience. Our friendly team will be able to answer any questions you may have or put you in touch with the right team at our University who can best assist you.

You can find out more about life as an international student at Leeds by chatting to our friendly Link to Leeds student ambassadors or reading their blogs.

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

When you accept your offer, we will then 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. 

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.

Our pre-sessional English courses can help you meet the English language requirements of your postgraduate degree and prepare you for life and study at a UK university.

You’ll benefit from:

• developing your academic research skills in the context of your research subject area to help you perform more effectively in your degree
• opportunities to experience and adapt to academic study in the UK ahead of your postgraduate degree
• learning on campus, becoming familiar with University systems, services and facilities before you begin your degree.

Our summer courses are tailored to your subject area, so you learn academic English that specifically prepares you for your degree.

Summer courses are full-time over ten or six weeks and entry requirements vary depending on the language requirements and subject area of your degree.

Courses are also available online, or for longer periods, but these options may not be tailored to your subject area.

For more information, entry requirements and how to apply, visit Postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.