Your guide to applying

• Read our Entry requirements page to find out our general requirements and see which qualifications we accept. Many courses accept a range of qualifications, not just A-levels.
• Use Course Search to check the specific entry requirements for your course as the minimum grade requirements can vary depending on the course.
• Check if you're eligible for one of our contextual admissions schemes, if you're a UK student from a background that is less represented at university. These schemes could offer you the chance to study a degree with lower entry requirements than listed on our course pages.

Visit the International entry requirements page for information about the qualifications we accept and our English language requirements.

If you’re aged 21 or over when you begin your studies, you’re classed as a mature student. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time programmes.

Your life and work experience mean there are alternative entry routes available other than formal qualifications, including a foundation course, a validated access course and the Access to Higher Education Diploma.

For specific entry criteria, please search for your course.

You can also find out about study options and support for mature students.

If you will be under the age of 18 on 1 October in the year of entry on your course, see our guidance for applicants aged under 18.

If you have an unspent criminal conviction, you may need to declare it to us.

Having a criminal conviction will only rarely stop you from studying at Leeds but it is usually required when we make you an offer that you wish to accept. For a small number of our courses, you'll need to declare it during the application process.

Find out more about declaring a criminal conviction.

Apply online through UCAS for full-time courses. 

International students should also apply through the UCAS system in the same way as UK students. Reach out to our Overseas Teams for support about applying from your country or region.

Your application should include a reference from your current (or most recent) educational provider, unless otherwise agreed with the admissions team before you apply. If you have any questions about providing a reference, please contact the admissions team using the contact details on Course Search.

We will also usually require you to write a personal statement explaining your interests and motivations to apply for the course – find advice about writing your personal statement.

As part of your application, you can provide supporting documents, such as your:

• Academic certificates and transcripts (UK mature and international applicants)
• English language certificate (international applicants)
• Passport (international applicants)

If you are an international applicant who requires a Student visa and you have previously studied in the UK on a Student visa (or equivalent), you can also provide your previous immigration documents, such as your:

• Visa
• Share code
• BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

UCAS guidance

UCAS provides comprehensive information on the entire application process, from choosing your university and course right through to starting university and settling into student life.

Video transcript: Applying through UCAS — University of Leeds

For a part-time course, you’ll need to apply directly to the University via our online application form. Find the form and guidance on the Part-time and foundation year courses page.

Application dates and deadlines vary throughout the year so please visit the application dates and deadlines page for the latest information.

We’re typically happy to receive applications for deferred entry, which can be submitted during your last year at school. We’d encourage you to use your personal statement to explain your reasons for taking a gap year. Please note that you’ll still need to meet any conditions of your offer in the academic year in which you apply.

Many of our academic schools will consider requests to transfer onto a course from another university. You usually need to show that you've met the course's standard first-year entry requirements and that you're performing well in your current degree, which must be relevant to the new course.

For further information, get in touch with the relevant admissions team using the contact details on your course page.

We advise that your school includes information about your mitigating circumstances in the reference that they write as part of your UCAS application and, where possible, expect that this should have been taken into consideration by the exam board so that any adjustments could be made during assessment and marking.

If you’d like to discuss your situation, please contact the admissions team for your course, using the contact details on your course page.