University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026-27  Applying

Applications must be submitted through the route stated on the relevant Course Search or admissions guidance page. 

Information about typical application routes for each cohort is provided in this section. Where collaboration agreements exist, or an arrangement is in place with an employer for an apprenticeship course, applications may be made via other routes (for example, directly to the University) and with differing deadlines. However, the principles in this policy and in any school or faculty admissions policy or admissions guidance still apply unless otherwise stated. 

Applicants are advised to consider any relevant scholarship deadlines and the time needed for visa processes to be completed (if applicable) to ensure that they apply in sufficient time for their application to be considered before these deadlines. If an applicant intends to apply for funding, they are advised to submit their application for a place at least two months before any specific scholarship deadline.

Some courses may charge a non-refundable application fee. Where an application fee applies, it will be displayed on the relevant Course Search, course information or admissions guidance page. Applications to courses with an application fee will not be considered until the University has confirmed receipt of the payment. 

Undergraduate applications

For the majority of undergraduate courses (including full-time extended degrees), applications should be made via UCAS and should be received by the deadlines of:

• 15 October 2025 by 6pm (UK time) for most Medicine and Dentistry courses, including foundation routes for UK students on to clinical programmes taught by the School of Medicine and the School of Dentistry
• 14 January 2026 by 6pm (UK time) for all other courses

If places are still available, some academic schools may consider applications after 14 January 2026. Applicants should seek the school’s advice before making a late application. For further information, refer to the undergraduate application guidance.

Applications to the International Foundation Year should be made directly to the University through the online application portal. Applicants must choose which undergraduate degree course they wish to join before submitting an application. For further information, refer to the International Foundation Year application guidance.

Applications for our part-time undergraduate courses or foundation year ​​​​​should be made directly to the University via an online application form. More information about part-time study is outlined in the Part-time study section of this policy.

Taught postgraduate applications

Applications for taught postgraduate courses should be made directly to the University through the My Leeds Portal. 

Courses may have an application deadline, which will be stated on Course Search and applicants should check this before submitting an application. Some courses operate staged admissions deadlines throughout the academic year (see the Gathered field section for more information).  

Places are limited and, where necessary (for example, due to unprecedented demand), the University reserves the right to amend application deadlines. Details of any amendments made to original deadlines will be stated on Course Search. 

For further information, refer to the taught postgraduate application guidance.

Postgraduate research applications

Applications for postgraduate research programmes or a period of study as a visiting postgraduate researcher should be made directly to the University through the online application portal, with the exception of applications for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsychol), which must be made to the Clearing House.

Research degree programmes can begin on one of four standard start dates a year (1 September, 1 October, 1 February and 1 April), though some programmes, schools or faculties limit their entry points to one or two of these dates. Please check the relevant graduate school website for details.

If, due to exceptional circumstances, an applicant is required to start their research degree programme on a date other than those outlined previously, a formal request may be considered by the Head of Faculty Graduate School (or their nominee). Exceptional circumstances include, but are not limited to, external funders or employers requiring a specific start date.  

Where an applicant experiences a delay in arriving to start their studies, the University would consider whether this could be accommodated within the normal procedures for late starts and not require a change of start date.

Applications should normally be received no later than four months prior to the relevant start date. The University will not be able to ensure the relevant checks are undertaken, and the application processed, if the application is received within four months of the chosen start date.

For further information, refer to the postgraduate research application guidance.

​​​​Incoming Study Abroad applications

Applications for the Incoming Study Abroad programme should be made directly to the University through the online application portal. For further information, refer to the Incoming Study Abroad application guidance.

Leeds International Summer School (LISS) applications

Applications for the Leeds International Summer School should be made directly to the University via an online form. For further information, refer to the LISS application guidance.

Language Centre applications

Applications for Language Centre pre-sessional English language courses should be made directly to the University through the My Leeds Portal.

Applications for the General English programme should be made directly to the University via an online form.

For further information, refer to the Language Centre application guidance.

The University of Leeds offers a number of alternative routes in order to widen access to higher education:

Access to Leeds (A2L)

Applicants who believe they meet the Access to Leeds criteria should apply to the scheme as soon as possible following submission of their UCAS application. A2L applicants receive special consideration from Admissions Tutors and may be eligible for a reduced offer. The alternative offer will be conditional upon the applicant successfully completing the Access to Leeds module and making the University of Leeds their firm choice. Those receiving a ‘standard offer’ in addition to the Access to Leeds offer will remain eligible for the ‘standard offer’ (only) if they choose the University of Leeds as their insurance choice or fail to pass the A2L module.

Realising Opportunities (RO)

Applicants already participating in the Realising Opportunities scheme receive the same special consideration and alternative offer as A2L applicants (see A2L section) but must successfully pass the required elements of the RO programme. RO applicants retain their alternative offer whether they make Leeds their firm or insurance choice.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

The University’s Alternative Entry Scheme, run by the Lifelong Learning Centre in conjunction with teaching schools, allows applicants who do not have the relevant formal qualifications to draw on their life and work experience to demonstrate their potential for success. To be eligible for the scheme, an applicant must meet both of the following criteria:

• Be applying for a course that specifies on Course Search or in the school or faculty admissions policy or admissions guidance that prospective students may use the Alternative Entry Scheme 
• Have been out of compulsory education at school or college for three or more years.

Applicants will need to successfully complete assignments to demonstrate their skills and understanding in relation to their chosen discipline. The scheme also includes tests in English and mathematics for those who do not meet the relevant requirements. 

Admissions staff for the applicant’s intended course will usually refer the applicant to the Lifelong Learning Centre if they are eligible for the Alternative Entry Scheme. 

The scheme is not open to applicants who have returned to education and taken three A-levels (or equivalent) within the last three years. In such cases, the application is judged against the standard entry requirements of the course (including the possibility of an alternative offer if the applicant meets eligibility criteria for Access to Leeds). The scheme may, however, be used by those who have taken fewer than three A-levels in the last three years and those who meet A-level requirements but who lack the minimum requirements for English and/or mathematics. 

The same principles of admission apply to part-time entry; however, this section of the policy identifies key areas where alternative processes and procedures are required for part-time applications. Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK should note that the University does not sponsor applicants for part-time courses as standard practice. 

Undergraduate part-time applications

The Lifelong Learning Centre manages the admissions process for part-time students. All academic decisions are made by admissions tutors/academic staff. The roles of admissions tutors and admissions staff are as outlined in the University roles and responsibilities section of this policy. 

Applications for most part-time courses should be made directly to the University using an online application form. Applicants who are uncertain about the qualifications acceptable for part-time undergraduate courses should email the Lifelong Learning Centre via lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk. Applications for part-time undergraduate study can be made throughout the admissions cycle. Applicants are strongly advised to check admissions deadlines with the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Applicants will typically be invited for a short interview; they will be informed of the outcome of this, and of any further conditions for entry, as soon as possible following the interview. 

Taught postgraduate part-time applications

Applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis should refer to Course Search to check whether their intended course is available part-time before making an application. Applications must be submitted through the My Leeds Portal following the guidance in the Application routes and deadlines section of this policy. 

Postgraduate research part-time applications

The University welcomes applications from applicants who wish to undertake a postgraduate research programme on a part-time basis. In order to offer flexibility, two part-time study models are available:

• 0.5 FTE (studying at the equivalent of 50% of a full-time postgraduate research programme).
• 0.75 FTE (studying at the equivalent of 75% of a full-time postgraduate research programme). 

Applicants who are interested in part-time study can discuss the models at the point of application to determine which is most suitable.

An assessment will be undertaken to ensure that the necessary facilities are in place to enable the project to be undertaken successfully on a part-time basis.

A small number of programmes are not available to be studied part-time. Applicants are therefore encouraged to contact the relevant faculty admissions team for advice if a part-time route is not listed as an option within the online application form.

The offer letter will confirm the tuition fee for the duration or first year of studies on a course. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees yearly subject to inflation and/or the government raising the tuition fee cap throughout the course. 

We must confirm the correct residency status for all our students to the UK government. A student’s residency can be deemed either home (UK) or overseas. A student's residency status determines their fee status, which is whether they are liable to pay tuition fees at the UK or international rate. Fee status is determined using the details provided on the application form. Where further information is required to determine fee status, an applicant may be contacted to provide additional information. If an applicant disagrees with the fee status assigned, they can appeal. For more information, visit our fee assessment page.

All applicants are expected to have made arrangements to meet the tuition fee payment requirements before accepting their offer. Applicants should be confident that they will be joining the course and that they are able to evidence that they meet the financial requirements for a Student visa before making any payments, including a tuition fee deposit, if applicable, as a refund may not be possible. Please see the limited eligibility criteria for a refund of the tuition fee deposit on the tuition fee deposits for Masters applicants page. For information about tuition fee payment options, please visit our tuition fee payment schedule page. 

As a UK education institution, the University of Leeds is legally required to comply with all sanctions regimes imposed by UK law. This means that we cannot accept funds directly or indirectly from a UK financial sanctions target. Our banks may also require that we do not accept funds, directly or indirectly, from financial sanctions targets designated as such under other sanctions regimes, including those imposed by the EU and US. These checks are also undertaken to ensure the University complies with the UK anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing legislations and its own Anti Money Laundering Policy.

As part of the controls implemented to ensure that no relevant financial sanctions regimes are breached, and to ensure our bank will accept payments, we must take collect payment details, including the source of any funds, from certain students and postgraduate researchers in advance of payment being received. This allows us to confirm that no sanctions regimes will be breached by our acceptance of a payment. If a sanctions breach is identified, the applicant may not be able to proceed with their application to study at the University.

If we require advance payment details and source of funds checks, we will notify applicants after they apply.   

An offer of study does not guarantee that we can accept payment. 

More information can be found on the financial screening to comply with sanction requirements page.

The University strives to broaden access to scholarships and other financial support in an effort to minimise the impact of any financial barriers to study. For details of financial support we offer, please see one of the following:

• undergraduate funding
• taught postgraduate funding
• postgraduate research funding.

There may also be scholarships or bursaries available through the academic school, details of which are on the schools’ websites. Further support is available via the Sanctuary Scholarship for forced migrants applying for undergraduate or taught postgraduate study who are unable to access mainstream funding. 

Students and postgraduate researchers, whether full-time or part-time, can apply for a repayable government loan. The Student Loans Company (SLC) will undertake a full eligibility check when an application is submitted.

An undergraduate Tuition Fee Loan covers the full amount of tuition fees and is paid directly to the University by the Student Loans Company. Eligible undergraduates can also apply for a Maintenance Loan to help towards living costs, and this is paid directly to students at the start of each term. See the student finance website for more details.

The Postgraduate Masters Loan, for eligible taught Masters students, and the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan, for eligible postgraduate researchers, are to help with the cost of study, including tuition fees and living expenses. These loans are paid directly to students and postgraduate researchers, split equally into three instalments over the academic year.

Student visa sponsorship

International students and postgraduate researchers require a Student visa to study in the UK, unless they hold alternative acceptable UK immigration permission. It is the applicant’s responsibility to determine whether they require a visa to study at the University.

As noted in the Documentation and references section of this policy, the University requires additional information from applicants who require Student visa sponsorship and who have previously studied in the UK under a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa at any time in the past. This information will be used to ascertain whether an applicant can be sponsored for further study on a Student visa. As we typically perform these checks after an offer is made, applicants should be aware that an offer of a place does not mean that their Student visa sponsorship is confirmed. Where the UKVI allows exceptions to its policy, the University reserves the right to make its own assessment on whether these are applied and whether we will assign a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) (see the following section).

CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and tuition fee deposits

The University reserves the right to charge a tuition fee deposit.

In order to apply for a Student visa, applicants require a CAS from the University. To receive a CAS, applicants must have accepted an unconditional offer (which must be a firm choice for undergraduate applicants), provided all required information (eg passport details) and passed all compliance checks, if applicable. In addition, taught postgraduate applicants must either pay a tuition fee deposit or provide evidence that they are fully funded by a University-recognised sponsor no later than four weeks before the start of their course. Postgraduate research applicants must either provide evidence of funding from a scholarship or sponsor or confirm that they are able to self-fund their studies. We may also ask applicants to provide financial evidence documents; failure to provide suitable evidence may result in the University being unable to issue a CAS.

Those studying a pre-sessional course at the University of Leeds Language Centre before starting their academic course may be required to pay the deposit or provide sponsorship evidence before the pre-sessional, with deadline information provided on the Language Centre website.

Meeting the deposit and funding evidence deadline does not guarantee that applicants will be able to arrive in time for the start of their course. For this reason, applicants are advised to pay the deposit or provide appropriate funding evidence, and be able to evidence any financial requirements in line with UKVI requirements, as soon as possible after accepting their unconditional offer. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they have enough time to apply for a visa, travel to the UK and commence their studies on time. As the tuition fee deposit is non-refundable, applicants should be sure about their commitment and ability to study before paying the deposit.

For more details about deposits, sponsorship evidence and the limited circumstances in which a deposit may be refunded, please see our tuition fee deposits page.

The University reserves the right not to issue a CAS if there will not be enough time for the applicant to arrive in Leeds by the latest possible start date for their course.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Applicants who are subject to immigration controls to be in the UK may require an ATAS certificate in order to undertake postgraduate study in certain subject areas. Please see the Non-academic requirements section of this policy for further detail.

The University recognises that someone’s age (if under 18) or safeguarding position may need to be taken into account. Where an applicant is under 18 on 1 October of the year of entry, additional conditions or restrictions may arise following an age-related risk assessment; for example, in respect to module choice or admission to certain programmes. Please see our Safeguarding policy (PDF) and our Information for applicants under 18 (PDF).

A signed parent/legal guardian consent form must also be provided before a place can be confirmed, with evidence of parental relationship submitted alongside the consent form.

UKVI guidance states that students on a Student visa must be 16 or over. Accordingly, the University cannot assign a CAS for anyone under 16 and those requiring a Student visa must be aged 16 or over in order to be considered for sponsorship. 

For applicants under 16 on 1 October of the year of entry who do not require a Student visa, additional conditions and processes may also apply.

The University may ask applicants to declare any previous criminal activity. For the majority of courses, the applicant is only required to declare any relevant unspent criminal convictions when they wish to accept an offer. Information about why this information is requested and the process is on our declaring criminal convictions page and in the University’s Applicants and students with criminal records policy.

For specific courses and some areas of research, the applicant must declare any previous criminal activity at the application stage. This is in order for the relevant committee in the academic school to verify that the criminal activity will not be a barrier to study or meeting any professional, regulatory or statutory requirements. Additionally, applicants may be required to perform certain checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service and/or overseas equivalent where relevant. The University will send further instructions as part of the admissions process where this is the case.

The University encourages and welcomes applications from disabled people. The University supports the social model of disability and in line with the Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone with a physical or mental impairment which is long-term (lasting or expected to last 12 months or more) and which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Although some conditions, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis (MS) from the point of diagnosis, are expressly deemed to be disabilities for the purposes of the Equality Act, the definition of disability may also include epilepsy, diabetes, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), amongst others.

The University aims to be as inclusive as possible through its application process, learning and teaching. We aim to take an anticipatory approach to reduce the need for applicants, students and postgraduate researchers to request individual support. However, the University also makes individual reasonable adjustments to help disabled applicants have full and equal access to our admissions procedures and courses. 

Applicants are encouraged to disclose their disability on the application form so that reasonable adjustments and/or other support requirements can be made/considered. Information about disability is not used when considering academic eligibility for the chosen course. Instead, it is reviewed in order to identify potential study-related support requirements, possible reasonable adjustments and/or eligibility for disability-related support funding, so that the University can ensure the applicant is supported effectively on the course. 

Applicants are not required to disclose their disability if they do not wish to. However, applicants who choose not to declare their disability should be aware that without this information it may be more difficult, or in rare cases impossible, for the University to provide appropriate support and/or make reasonable adjustments. Disabled applicants are also advised to email the University’s Disability Services team via disability@leeds.ac.uk once an application has been submitted, to discuss any support requirements they may have in relation to the course for which they have applied.  

If any applicant feels that their disability has meant that they faced exceptional circumstances which should be taken into account by the University when considering their application, they should refer to the Applicant and student support section of this policy, specifically the section Applicants who have faced exceptional circumstances.

The following section gives an overview of some key areas of support available to applicants and/or students and/or postgraduate researchers of the University. General guidance on support can be found on our Wellbeing and support page.  

Applicants in need of health-related support

This section deals with non-disability-related health matters and additional support needs. Applicants with a health-related issue should contact the relevant academic school as soon as possible if their health is likely to impact on their ability to engage with the admissions process. 

If any applicant feels that their prior ill health has meant that they faced exceptional circumstances which should be taken into account by the University when considering their application, they should refer to the Applicants who have faced exceptional circumstances section.  

Applicants who have faced exceptional circumstances

If any applicant feels that any disability, ill health, or other personal circumstance (for example, bereavement, or other difficult home or family circumstances) may have affected their education, or grades received in examinations, they are advised to notify the relevant exam board or awarding body of those circumstances.

Whilst an applicant is also welcome to notify the relevant admissions team of the circumstances, via a verified statement or, for undergraduate applicants, the UCAS reference, the University will assume that the relevant board/body has taken these mitigating circumstances into account when awarding the final results, and it will be these final results that will be used when making a decision. If an applicant feels that this has not been the case, and can provide evidence to support this, please contact the relevant admissions team to discuss this further.

Undergraduate applicants are also encouraged to check their eligibility for the Access to Leeds scheme, which offers additional consideration for applicants based on their personal circumstances.

Care experienced students – those who are currently in care or have experience of being in care – may be able to access a range of support from the University. For further information, see our care experienced and estranged students page or email the Plus Programme team via careleavers@leeds.ac.uk. 

Estranged students – those who have no communication or functioning relationship with their biological parents – can access a range of support from the University. For further information, see our care experienced and estranged students page or email the estranged students support inbox via estrangedstudents@leeds.ac.uk.

Applicants who are pregnant or have young children

In line with the University’s policy on support for pregnant students and students with very young children, applicants who are pregnant are advised to inform the relevant school admissions team at an early stage. This is so that consideration can be given to appropriate support being available from the start of their course. 

Guidance for trans applicants

The University will be required to carry out identity checks as part of the admissions and registration process. Admissions staff may also be required to advise the relevant Admissions Operations Manager of a change of details in order to verify any previous documentation; however, this will be undertaken confidentially and with sensitivity. Full guidance to support trans students can be found on the Equality and Inclusion Unit website.

Applicants who do not wish to disclose their trans identity to the faculty/school admissions team but require their details to be updated should email the Admissions Enquiries team via study@leeds.ac.uk.

Mature and part-time applicants (undergraduate only)

The University encourages and welcomes applications from mature students (defined as those who are over the age of 21 at the time of starting their course) for both full-time and part-time study, and the Lifelong Learning Centre offers a great deal of support, including impartial and confidential educational and careers guidance.

Both mature and part-time applicants can receive support with admissions, with the transition into university, and throughout their period of study. This specialist support from the Lifelong Learning Centre complements the full range of services offered through faculties, University services and the Student Union.

We will typically consider re-applications to the University. Those who have previously been made an offer are not guaranteed to receive an offer when they reapply.

Any decision on the eligibility of applicants who have previously held an offer of a place but failed to achieve the academic conditions at the first attempt will be an academic judgement made by the relevant school. Such applicants should be aware that no guarantee can be given that another offer will be made, and that the conditions and any other terms of any future offer may differ to those of the original. Previous applicants to Access to Leeds are welcome to reapply to the scheme in subsequent cycles. 

Applicants who have been withdrawn from their earlier studies due to academic failure (including foundation year students who have not achieved the necessary grades to be permitted to progress to their chosen progression route) may apply for re-entry to the University. However, they cannot apply to the same or a closely related course – that is, where over half of the compulsory modules are identical – or, for postgraduate research applicants, to the same or a closely related research area. Applicants who previously left the University due to non-academic reasons (for example, ill health or financial reasons) will not be subject to this condition. When assessing applications from former students, all relevant factors will be considered, including previous study, and applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants should make the admissions team aware at the point of application if they have previously studied at the University.  

Applicants who have been permanently excluded (expelled) from the University (whether for disciplinary reasons, under the Referred Student Procedure, for unsatisfactory attendance and engagement, or for reasons of academic misconduct, fitness to study or fitness to train or practise in a professionally regulated discipline) are not permitted to reapply. If an applicant reapplies, this will contravene their responsibilities to avoid misrepresentation (as outlined in the Applicant and student responsibilities section of this policy) and they will be rejected or have any outstanding offer(s) revoked. Former students and postgraduate researchers who are unclear on whether they are permitted to reapply should email the Student Cases team via studentcases@leeds.ac.uk for further information. 

Applicants who require a Student visa and have previously studied at the University under a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa will be subject to academic progression checks to ensure UKVI compliance. If an applicant had been withdrawn due to academic failure, they would not typically be considered for re-entry to the University if they would require a further Student visa, as this may not meet UKVI academic progression requirements. Please see the Documentation and references section of this policy for further information. 

Where relevant, school or faculty admissions policies or guidance include additional information about reapplications and former students. 

The eligibility of students who are undertaking a further attempt at an entry qualification is an academic decision taken by the relevant school. Applicants in this situation should check the relevant school or faculty admissions policy or admissions guidance.

The University considers a deferred applicant as an offer-holder who wishes to change their year of entry to the following academic year, or an applicant who applies for the following academic year from the outset. 

Such applicants should be aware that no guarantee can be given that another offer will be made, and that the conditions of any future offer may differ to those of the original.

Applicants seeking deferred entry must engage in the full admissions process (including any required attendance at interviews) during the cycle in which they apply. 

Undergraduate deferral requests

Undergraduate applicants who wish to defer following the submission of their application may be required to do so before the confirmation of a place. English language qualifications must be valid at the revised start date. 

Undergraduate applicants who request deferral for more than one academic year will be required to reapply via the same route originally used to apply, eg UCAS.

Undergraduate courses operating a gathered field approach (see the following Gathered field section) may not accept applications for deferred entry or requests to defer after an offer has been made. Applicants who wish to be considered for entry in the following academic year to a course that does not permit deferred entry will need to apply/reapply via the same route originally used to apply, eg UCAS, once that application cycle opens. Where applications for deferred entry are not accepted, this will be stated on Course Search. 

Taught postgraduate deferral requests

Taught postgraduate offer-holders cannot usually defer entry; they will need to reapply via the same route originally used to apply, typically the applicant portal, if they wish to be considered for entry in the following academic year.

It is not possible for taught postgraduate applicants to apply for deferred entry from the outset. 

Postgraduate research deferral requests

Deferral of a place of study is at the discretion of the relevant school. Start dates can only be deferred for a maximum of two years (from the date of application submission) before a new application must be submitted.  All programmes and schools have set start dates and some funding offers are specific to certain start dates and this should be taken into account when seeking a deferral. 

The University reviews its courses on a regular basis. The latest course information can be found on Course Search or the course information or admissions guidance page. The final details of course modules, including methods of teaching and assessment and specific content, are typically published each May in the University’s Module and programme catalogue. Some of our courses are currently being refreshed as part of an innovative project that will enhance the education and experience we provide for students. In exceptional circumstances where a course is withdrawn during the admissions cycle or there are significant changes to a course once an applicant has accepted an offer of a place, we will be in further contact. For more information, see the Course terms and conditions.

Applications are assessed by admissions staff on the basis of information provided on the application form, including supporting documents. All applicants are given fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate relevant skills and provide supporting information where required. In some cases, the selection process may include other steps (for example, an interview) in addition to the information provided on the application form.

Applications submitted and completed by the appropriate deadline are considered equally against the selection criteria and in the context of the number of available places.

Please note that achievement or predicted achievement within the required qualifications does not guarantee an offer of a place.

For applications to taught courses, the criteria for assessment may vary across different courses and full details are provided in the relevant school or faculty admissions policy or admissions guidance or on Course Search. Refer to Course Search to understand how applicants may demonstrate that they have the skills, knowledge and attributes that we consider will enable them to become successful students on our degree courses.

Some applicants who are unsuccessful in gaining a place on their chosen course may be passed to admissions teams for other courses in which the applicant may be interested.

For postgraduate research applications, the outcome of the assessment can depend on various factors, including an interview, the availability of suitable supervisors, adequate resources and facilities, and the fit of an applicant’s research proposal with the research strategy of the relevant school. Resources could include, but are not exclusive to, equipment, library collections, computing facilities and software. Ethical issues of a proposed study may also be considered. Applications will be considered under arrangements specified by each Faculty Graduate School Committee and set out in the Code of Practice for Research Degree Candidatures.

In order to determine an applicant’s potential to perform strongly on their chosen course, a range of contextual information may be considered when the University assesses an application, such as educational and socio-economic background. For UK undergraduate applicants, this includes Low Participation Neighbourhood (LPN) data as discussed in the Applicants from Low Participation Neighbourhoods (undergraduate only) section of this policy.

Applicants from an LPN are not required to undertake any further application process or provide any additional information; however, they are advised to check their eligibility for the Access to Leeds scheme, through which they could receive a larger grade reduction in their offer and access to a pre-entry academic support module.

As explained in the Admissions considerations and Application routes and deadlines sections of this policy, the Access to Leeds programme uses contextual data within the eligibility criteria.

Where required, the personal statement of the application form should enable us to assess the nature of the applicant’s interest in the academic subject and is an important part of the selection process. It is essential that applicants take this opportunity to demonstrate their enthusiasm and aptitude for the academic subject. Where applications show similar academic achievements, we may use the statement in order to differentiate between applicants. 

Interviewing of applicants varies across the University; some courses interview all suitable applicants and others may interview an applicant if it will help inform whether an offer should be made.  

Where an interview forms part of the selection process, this gives applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and aptitude for the course and gives the University the opportunity to ensure that the applicant understands the nature and demands of that course. Applicants invited to interview can obtain further information about the interview process from the relevant school or faculty admissions team, admissions policy, admissions guidance or Course Search.  

Interview methods may vary depending on the circumstances and/or geographical location of the applicant. For example, interviews may take place on a one-to-one basis, via video conferencing, by telephone or as part of selection events. 

Some applicants (for example, disabled applicants, applicants who are pregnant etc.) may require adjustments during the interview process (for example, a sign-language interpreter) to ensure they are provided with full and equal access. Academic schools are responsible for making reasonable adjustments. 

Email the University’s Disability Services team via disability@leeds.ac.uk for further advice or information regarding disability-related adjustments. Email the Equality and Inclusion Unit via equality@leeds.ac.uk for advice on other adjustments.

Where the number of high-quality applicants exceeds the number of places available, a gathered field may be implemented. All applications will be reviewed collectively after the submission deadline so that each application can be assessed based on its strength relative to others regardless of when it was received. This ensures that we give every applicant equal consideration in order to recruit a balanced student population with the greatest potential to succeed. Where a course uses a gathered field, the date by which the decision will be made will be advertised. The school or faculty admissions policy, admissions guidance or Course Search will detail if a gathered field process is used for a course, including the relevant dates. 

For taught postgraduate courses, academic schools may operate a staged admissions process involving a series of gathered fields, with all applications received by the deadline for each stage assessed competitively against one another. Information will be provided on Course Search if this process is in place. 

For some courses, other assessment methods may be used, such as tests, auditions, or portfolios. Where applicable, this will be detailed in the school or faculty admissions policy or admissions guidance or on Course Search.

The assessment of applications to apprenticeship courses may involve employer assessment and the selection process may vary from the standard described here; however, detail of any variation is provided in the relevant school or faculty admissions policy or admissions guidance or on Course Search.

Communications during the application process

Applicants will receive confirmation from the University and, where applicable, UCAS, that their application has been received. Admissions teams may also contact the applicant if further information is required to process the application, therefore applicants must notify the University of any contact detail changes.    

Offers

Any offer made will be communicated via an offer letter and, where applicable, through UCAS or the applicant portal. Information on how to accept the offer can be found in the offer letter.

A conditional offer means that the University will offer a place to the applicant providing certain conditions are met. Each offer is specific to an applicant’s individual qualifications and circumstances. Usually, conditions are based on the completion of outstanding qualifications or meeting English language requirements and may state specific grades and/or subjects/modules required. Other non-academic conditions may apply. Applicants under the age of 18 at the start of their studies will have additional conditions attached to their offer that relate to safeguarding. Please see the Age and safeguarding section for more information. The offer may also contain exceptions, which are additional admissions requirements or information relating to the offer. Failure to meet the requirements of an exception may result in the withdrawal of an offer and/or exclusion from the University.

Details of deadlines to meet offer conditions can be found in the Confirmation section of this policy.

An unconditional offer means that an applicant has met the entry requirements and has been accepted on to a course at the University of Leeds, subject to the fulfilment of any offer exceptions or non-academic requirements. 

A combined offer may be made for a summer pre-sessional English language course and a taught postgraduate course, whereby the pre-sessional is used to meet the English language requirements of the taught postgraduate offer. If the applicant declines or fails to attend the pre-sessional, the English language condition will be reinstated in the taught postgraduate offer.

Unsuccessful application

Applicants will receive an unsuccessful application response (usually via UCAS, email or the applicant portal) if the University has decided not to offer them a place on the course. Applicants can be unsuccessful for many reasons, and many of the courses at the University receive far more applications than the number of places available.

Feedback

Unsuccessful applicants may want feedback on the reason for this outcome; however, as applications are often rejected due to the applicant not meeting published entry requirements, applicants are requested to check Course Search requirements or the relevant faculty/school website in the first instance.

Initial feedback is provided to all unsuccessful applicants who apply for a taught postgraduate or pre-sessional English language course via the applicant portal.

Withdrawn application or offer

An application may be withdrawn by either the applicant or the University. If the University withdraws an application, the reason will usually be communicated either directly to the applicant or via UCAS. In cases where applicants are required to attend an interview as part of the application process, applications may be withdrawn if an applicant fails to attend without making contact with the University, or if an applicant is unable to attend and an alternative date cannot reasonably be found.  

The University reserves the right to withdraw an offer at any point before the applicant has accepted it. An offer may also be withdrawn at any point if it is found that an applicant has failed to comply with the applicant responsibilities outlined in the Applicant and student responsibilities section of this policy, or if UKVI policy means that the University is not able to sponsor an international applicant for a visa, or if in the University’s opinion the applicant has failed to comply with any other essential requirements outlined in this policy. 

The previous information does not prejudice the University’s right to rely upon published disclaimers relating to delivery of courses and services.

The University will consider all applications fairly and effectively in line with the procedures outlined in this policy. Unsuccessful applicants may wish to request feedback to understand the reason for the outcome of their application and the process for this can be found in the Decisions and communications with applicants section of this policy, under the Feedback heading.

If, following receipt of feedback, applicants wish to challenge a decision to reject their application, they should email the Head of School for the academic school to which they applied, detailing the nature of their complaint. The complaint must be made within 14 days of the decision and contact details can be found via the University’s faculty contacts page.

When a complaint is received, the Head of School (or nominee not involved in the admissions process) will review the decision to reject the applicant. Following this review, the Head of School (or nominee) will email the applicant giving the reasons for their decision, normally within 14 days.

Applicants who remain dissatisfied may submit a further complaint to the University’s Head of Student Cases within 14 days of the Head of School’s response. Email the Head of Student Cases via studentcomplaints@leeds.ac.uk. The Head of Student Cases (or nominee) will not review academic or professional judgements that have been made but will review matters relating to process. The Head of Student Cases (or nominee) will aim to provide a response – a reasoned judgement – within 20 working days of receiving a complaint. This judgement will represent the University’s final decision on the matter. The Head of Student Cases will report the outcomes of any reviews they conduct to the Recruitment and Portfolio Steering Group.

The course start date is indicated clearly in the offer letter alongside the period of study and applicants must ensure that they are able to attend their course from this date. University teaching periods can be found in the University’s Almanac; however, students and postgraduate researchers may be expected to arrive prior to this date in order to undertake key induction activity. The University reserves the right to refuse admission to those offer holders who arrive after the required start date. Should there be any possibility of a delay to arrival, offer holders should seek advice from the appropriate school student support office or graduate school office before travelling or applying for a visa.

Undergraduate confirmation

Applicants who meet the conditions of their accepted offer by any relevant deadlines will have their place confirmed. Undergraduate offer-holders who make the University of Leeds their insurance choice and meet the conditions of their offer will be made unconditional but will not be placed with Leeds unless their firm choice institution rejects them. 

Applications from those students who have not quite met the required grades may be reviewed and their places may be confirmed if there are places still available on their chosen course. Alternatively, the admissions team may make a change of course offer to a different programme or pass the application on to the Lifelong Learning Centre or International Pathways Centre for consideration for a foundation year offer. Contextual data (as referenced in the Use of contextual data section of this policy) may be considered when allocating any remaining places.

Applicants whose results will not be sent to the University via UCAS are encouraged to email evidence of their results to the relevant school admissions team as soon as possible, regardless of whether they feel they have met the conditions of their offer. Applicants must typically meet the conditions set by the University by 3 September 2026, even if the offer is for deferred entry to the following application year. If a course has a different deadline for meeting offer conditions, applicants will be informed. 

Some courses may not be able to confirm a place in the upcoming academic cycle if an applicant who did not meet the offer condition with their initial results receives an improved final grade after a re-mark or appeal. In such cases, the applicant may be offered a deferred place or be asked to reapply.

Taught postgraduate confirmation

Applicants must typically meet all conditions set by the University by six weeks before the course start date. Any course-specific deadlines will be detailed in the offer letter, the relevant school or faculty admissions policy or admissions guidance and/or on Course Search.