International students

Welcome to our global community of students and staff at Leeds. We have more than 13,000 international students from 173 countries, making our campus one of the most diverse and multicultural in the UK.

Check our 10 things to help you get started page to find out what steps all students need to complete.

On this page, you can find information to help you prepare for your journey, plan your first weeks and make the most of your time in Leeds.

Your visa   

Visa information

If you require a visa to study in the UK, you must allow plenty of time to find out what you need to do, apply for the correct visa or make any changes needed (for example, if you need to extend your visa or your circumstances change).

If you’re a new student, read our visas and immigration information.

If you currently have a student visa and need to extend or make a change to it, visit the visa information page.

It’s also important that you’re aware of your student visa responsibilities, which you must comply with to maintain your permission to study in the UK.

Make sure you follow the right steps when you apply for your visa by reading our visas and immigration information:

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Our Admissions team will issue your CAS after you’ve accepted your unconditional offer. If you’re a Masters student, you’ll also need to have paid your tuition fee deposit or provided your exemption evidence (for sponsored students).​​​​​

You don’t need to contact us to request a CAS. If we have all the information we need, we'll issue your CAS as soon as we can. If we require any further details from you, we’ll contact you by email.

Prepare for Leeds

When to arrive

Plan to be in Leeds in the recommended arrival week. Arriving in good time will give you the opportunity to explore the city, settle into your accommodation, and attend International Orientation and welcome and induction sessions hosted by your school.

What to bring

We know there can be a lot to remember when you’re packing for university. To help you, we have put together a list of what to bring, including important documents and items you might need.

Travel to Leeds

Visit our Travelling to Leeds page to find out more about the different ways you can travel to our campus.

Airport pick up service

We know how tiring travelling can be, so we offer a free airport pick-up service to help you have a smooth arrival in Leeds. You can book the service if:

  • You're a new international student or international postgraduate researcher coming to Leeds for the first time.
  • You're arriving at Leeds Bradford Airport or Manchester Airport only. If you’re flying to   another airport, please check our travel pages for information on how to reach Leeds.

University Buddy Scheme

Apply for the University Buddy Scheme to be matched with a new or current Leeds student before you arrive, or at any point during your time at the University. The University Buddy Scheme offers a fantastic opportunity to meet someone new who shares similar interests to you. You’ll also get invited to our exclusive programme of buddy social events.

Support for families

Leeds has plenty to offer families, including great schools, facilities and activities. Check our support pages for parents, guardians and families to find out more about applying for schools, arranging childcare, ways to meet other parents and discover our family-friendly campus.

Support for disabled students

In the UK, ‘disabled’ is a broad term and covers a variety of conditions, illnesses and impairments. You may not have previously considered yourself disabled in your home country. But if you feel that you have a condition that may affect your learning at Leeds, you may be able to access support from the University. Find out more about support for disabled international students or email the Disability team at disability@leeds.ac.uk to discuss your circumstances.

Your first weeks at Leeds

International Orientation

Our International Orientation programme will help you have the best possible start in Leeds. Join webinars, talks, workshops, tours and social events to help you feel at home and meet new people. Our online webinars and sessions will be available to book onto from 1 August.

Meet people and get involved

Studying at university is more than a time to develop academically. It's a time for meeting new friends, growing as a person and discovering new ways of living. Find out more about the many opportunities you have for meeting people and getting involved.

Don’t miss Global Café, a regular event where you can relax, chat, and connect with your student community.

Your finances

Budgeting and cost of living

To avoid financial difficulties and make sure you have enough money to support yourself (and any family with you) throughout your studies, you’ll need to know what costs to expect.

Paying your fees

Find out how to pay your fees safely with an online card payment or by using Flywire to pay by bank transfer. Don’t use third party agents to transfer payments to the University as this significantly increases your risk of being exposed to financial crime.

Protect yourself from fraud and scams

Over a third of students in the UK have been targeted by fraud, scams and phishing. Each year some international students are tricked by criminals pretending to be from an official authority in the UK or their home country, and they lose significant amounts of money. 

Don’t become a victim. Learn how to spot the warning signs and what to do if you're targeted. Check our essential guidance on fraud and scams now to stay protected and keep your finances safe. 

Money for when you arrive

It may take some time to open a UK bank account, so make sure you arrange money for when you arrive.

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account in the UK is not compulsory. However, there are benefits to opening a UK bank account, such as not paying transaction fees for cash withdrawals or bank transfers. Read more about how to open a bank account in the UK, and find out about digital and high street banking options as well as the different bank accounts available for international students.

Sign up for one of the Money and Banking webinars offered as part of international orientation to get tailored information on banking and budget management.

Healthcare in the UK

Registering with a doctor

Register with a doctor and a dentist when you arrive in Leeds. The process can take some time so it’s important you start as soon as possible.

Sign up for one of the Healthcare and wellbeing webinars offered as part of international orientation. The session will guide you through how to register with a doctor and dentist in the UK. You’ll also learn how to access medical and wellbeing services while you’re in Leeds.

Healthcare and your immigration status

Find out what healthcare you can get in the UK, what is free, and what you might need to pay for. It’s important to understand how the UK health system works so you know where to go if you feel unwell and what support is available to you.

All international students are recommended to take out health insurance, but this is essential if you have a visa for less than six months.

Check our medical services pages for more information on vaccinations and where to get healthcare. 

Working during study

Work and your visa

Depending on how much time you need to dedicate to your studies, you might be able to work while in the UK. Whether you can work in the UK will also depend on your visa status. Make sure to check whether your visa allows you to work during your studies. Find out more about work and your visa.

Jobs and work experience

Our Careers Service has useful information about finding a job and work experience. With a team of career experts and student peer support assistants, the Careers team can help you find out more about work, placements and graduate work opportunities.

You can also use Joblink to find work. It’s an employment agency, run by Leeds University Union, which provides staff for businesses across Leeds.

Help, support and advice

Student Information Service

The Student Information Service is here to support you before you arrive, when you first get to campus, and throughout your time at Leeds. If you have any questions, this is the best place to start.

When you arrive on campus, make sure to visit one of our information points in person. Our friendly team will be there to help you settle in and give you all the support you need to start your student journey in Leeds.

Student visa advice

The Student visa advice team is the only team on campus that can offer immigration advice. They provide visa and immigration advice before you arrive and throughout your degree. 

Link to Leeds

Talk to our current students to help you prepare for your studies at Leeds through Link to Leeds. Our ambassadors have written blogs on a range of topics, so you can read about their experiences studying with us. You also can contact them via email, attend live events or chat to them via the website.

International offer holder events and activities

Take part in a range of global or regional offer holder events and activities, online and in person, including pre-departure briefings, Q&As and offer holder groups. You’ll have opportunities to hear from staff in our international teams, alumni and current students.

Our international teams

We have teams based in Leeds and overseas that can offer you general support and advice in your country or region.

English language support

We provide free English language workshops and consultations that you can fit around your studies to help you develop your academic language skills during your degree. Our Language Zone also has resources and activities for practising and developing English for everyday life as well as academic situations.