Masters International Excellence Scholarship 2027 | Study in United Kingdom — University of Leeds
Five hundred scholarships sounds like a large number until a student realizes just how many strong applicants are chasing exactly that same pool every year.
About the Scholarship
The University of Leeds runs one of the larger scholarship programmes by volume among UK universities, offering around five hundred International Excellence Scholarships each cycle to self-funded or partially funded international students. Awards are set at three thousand, six thousand or sixteen thousand pounds, applied as a reduction to first year tuition fees for an eligible full-time taught master’s course starting in September. Because the scheme runs across two separate application rounds, students who miss the earlier deadline still have a genuine second opportunity to apply.
Scholarship Benefits
- A tuition fee reduction of three thousand, six thousand or sixteen thousand pounds
- Coverage applied to the first year of an eligible taught master’s programme
- Two separate application rounds, giving applicants more than one chance to apply
- Open to a wide range of taught master’s courses across the university
- Assessed on professional and personal merit, not just academic grades alone
Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible full-time taught master’s course starting in September 2027
- Be classified as an international student for tuition fee purposes
- Be self-funded or only partially funded by another source
- Demonstrate strong professional and personal skills through work experience or extracurricular activities
- Apply within either of the two published application rounds
- Not already hold funding that fully covers your tuition fees
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship is available across a wide range of taught master’s programmes at Leeds, spanning business, engineering, science, social sciences, arts and other faculties, with the exact list of eligible courses confirmed on the university’s scholarship page each cycle.
Required Documents
- A confirmed offer letter for an eligible taught master’s course
- Proof of international fee status
- A completed International Excellence Scholarship application form
- Evidence of relevant work experience or extracurricular achievement
- Academic transcripts already submitted as part of your course application
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for and receive an offer on an eligible Leeds taught master’s course starting September 2027
- Prepare evidence of your professional and personal achievements ahead of time
- Submit the scholarship application before the round one deadline at the end of February for the earliest decision
- If you miss round one, submit before the round two deadline in mid-May instead
- Wait for the university’s notification, which follows shortly after each round closes
- Confirm your course place and accept the scholarship once notified
Selection Process
Leeds reviews each completed scholarship application against the applicant’s academic offer, professional experience and extracurricular record, awarding one of the three fee reduction tiers to successful candidates across two separate rounds rather than a single annual cutoff.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Apply in round one wherever possible, since earlier decisions give more time to plan finances and visas
- Use real examples of work experience or extracurricular leadership rather than general statements
- Confirm your specific course is included in the current list of eligible programmes before applying
- Keep your application concise but evidence based, focusing on concrete achievements
- Compare this with the University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship if you are considering other northern England universities
- Look at Great Scholarships Pakistan if your country also appears on that separate scheme
Frequently Asked Questions
How many scholarships does Leeds award each year?
Approximately five hundred International Excellence Scholarships are awarded across the two application rounds each cycle.
What are the scholarship amounts?
Awards are three thousand, six thousand or sixteen thousand pounds, applied toward first year tuition fees.
Does the scholarship cover more than one year of study?
No, it is paid as a reduction for the first year of study only.
Can I apply before receiving a course offer?
No, you need a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible master’s course before applying.
Are there two separate deadlines?
Yes, there is a round one deadline in late February and a round two deadline in mid-May.
Can the award be used for living costs?
No, the scholarship can only be used as a tuition fee reduction and not for maintenance or accommodation.
Does holding the scholarship come with any extra obligations?
No, there is no separate ambassador role or reporting requirement attached to the award beyond normal enrollment as a Leeds student.
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes, the scholarship is open to self-funded or partially funded international students from any country, provided the course and fee status criteria are met.