University of Leeds Offers Scholarships Worth Up to ₹19 Lakh for Indian Students

The University of Leeds (UoL) has introduced the International Excellence Scholarships for the 2026 academic year, targeting high-achieving international students, including those from India, with awards up to £16,000 (approximately Rs 18.83 lakh). Announced amid a surge in UK study applications from South Asia—up 15% year-on-year—the initiative aims to ease financial barriers for talented undergraduates and postgraduates pursuing full-time degrees.

With 500 scholarships available, the programme underscores Leeds' commitment to global diversity, drawing from its history as a Russell Group institution founded in 1904, known for research in fields like engineering, business, and life sciences.

Eligible applicants must be international fee-paying students with a conditional or unconditional offer for a master's degree (including MRes) commencing in September 2026. Exclusions apply to Leeds MBA programmes and fully online courses. Scholarships are tiered at £3,000 (Rs 3.53 lakh), £6,000 (Rs 7.06 lakh), or the top £16,000 award, allocated based on academic excellence, leadership qualities, and potential for impactful contributions in one's field.

Indian students, who formed over 10% of Leeds' 2025 international intake, stand to benefit significantly, especially given rising tuition fees averaging £25,000 annually for postgraduates. The merit-driven selection favours those with strong GPAs, extracurricular records, and personal statements outlining future goals.

Applications are open now via an online form, but candidates must first secure a course offer through Leeds' admissions portal. The process unfolds in two competitive rounds: Round One closes at 5 PM GMT on February 27, 2026, with notifications by March 27; Round Two ends at 4 PM GMT on May 15, 2026, with results by June 12. Successful recipients will have fees deducted directly, with no separate disbursement. Leeds emphasises early applications, as funding is limited and awarded holistically, often prioritising under-represented regions like South Asia.

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Ranked 118th in the QS World University Rankings 2026—climbing from 129th in 2025—Leeds boasts a vibrant campus with over 38,000 students and partnerships with 300+ Indian institutions, facilitating exchanges and joint research. For Indian applicants navigating post-study work visas under the UK's Graduate Route, these scholarships could prove transformative, covering up to 64% of fees and aligning with Leeds' 90% graduate employability rate. Full eligibility and application details are available on the official UoL scholarships page, urging prompt action as deadlines approach.

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