Register as a student

Registration is the official process of becoming a student at university. Registration means you can officially confirm your place on your course, check your personal information and let us know how you'll be paying your tuition fees.

When to register

Registration varies depending on whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student.

Undergraduate students

Undergraduate students can register from 4 September until 30 October 2023.

Taught postgraduate / taught Masters students

Taught postgraduate students, for example, taught Masters students, can register from 1 August until 30 October 2023.

Postgraduate researchers

Postgraduate researchers can register up to one month before their start date. For example, if your start date is September 2023, you’ll be able to register from 1 August 2023. You’ll be contacted by your Graduate School letting you know when registration is open for you.

How to register 

Whether you’re a new or returning student, you’ll need to register online every year.

If you’re a new student, you’ll need to activate your IT account before you register. 

New students   

To become a fully registered student at the University of Leeds, all new students must complete:

  1. Online registration (OLR)
  2. Online identity check (OLIC) 

You’ll need to provide your student number, a passport photograph and copies of your identity documents.

The online identity check proves you have the right to study at the University and is needed for a number of reasons, including: 

  • Confirming your registration and attendance to the Student Loans Company (SLC) to release the first instalment of your Maintenance Loan and Tuition Fee Loan, providing you’ve been assessed as eligible to receive SLC funding. Failure to complete OLR and OLIC will delay payment of your funding, so please do this as soon as possible.
  • Completing a Right to Study check for UKVI compliance. 

You can collect your student card on campus after a staff member has checked your documents. If you’re an international student, you’ll be able collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) at the same time where applicable. You’ll receive an email to book an appointment to collect your student card and/or BRP after a staff member has completed your ID check.

Returning students

If you’re a returning student or you're doing a year abroad or in industry, you are required to register online.

If you are a student who is returning to start a new programme at a higher level, for example if you completed an undergraduate course with us and you reapply to begin taught postgraduate or research postgraduate studies, you are required to complete the identity check as well as online registration.

Important documents checklist 

Don’t forget to bring your:  

  • student number   
  • course offer letter   
  • passport or other photo ID  
  • original academic certificates (if required)  
  • device to access your online Student Finance England (or equivalent) notification, as it may be needed 
  • sponsorship confirmation letter (if your tuition fees are being paid by another organisation)   
  • accommodation contract (if you’re living in student accommodation) 
  • National Insurance number (if you have one). 

For international students, please view our additional international student checklist.

Finally, don’t forget to complete your module enrolment if you are studying on a course with optional or discovery modules