University of Leicester - UK

The University of Leicester, founded in 1921, is a mid sized, research intensive university in the East Midlands, UK. It serves over 20,000 students, including a diverse international body, and employs around 4,000 staff. The university is renowned for its inclusive ethos—20% of students come from disadvantaged backgrounds—and its commitment to social mobility and access.

Leicester consistently ranks in the UK Top 30: #25 in THE UK (2025), joint #191 globally in THE rankings, #27 in the Sunday Times, and #36 in the Complete University Guide. It earned the Daily Mail University of the Year 2025 award, reflecting excellence in teaching, student experience, research, and social inclusion. Additionally, it holds a Gold in TEF 2023 and maintains high student satisfaction, especially in course management and student voice categories.

Academically, Leicester excels in medicine, archaeology, physics, biological sciences, and space science. It’s home to Europe’s largest university-based space research facility and pioneers innovations like genetic fingerprinting and contributions to space missions and COVID 19 research. The campus spans 69 acres of green space, offering modern facilities: David Wilson Library, sports centres, botanic gardens, Innovation Hub, and the new Space Park Leicester in partnership with industry giants.

Leicester’s central location and excellent UK connectivity make it an attractive base, complemented by affordable living costs, a culturally rich city with over 100 nationalities, and strong graduate outcomes.