The Geology Department welcomes applications from international students. We offer three-year BSc or four-year MGeol undergraduate degree courses in a range of geoscience subjects. International students interested in applying for admission to our PhD programme should go to our page for prospective PhD students for the appropriate information.

Elisa Davis (Botswana), MGeol Applied and Env. Geology, 2005. Currently working for Horizon, in Dubai.

International students are an important part of our campus life and make up more than 16% of the University’s full time undergraduate students each year. In the Geology Department, we have graduated many international students who have gone on to successful professional careers. Our past students have come from all over the world including Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, China, Egypt, France, Gabon, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Oman, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania, Trinidad, and the USA.

Students from all nations are made to feel very welcome in Leicester which is a vibrant University in one of Britain's most up-and-coming multicultural cities. Leicester is located in the heart of England only 70 minutes north of London.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the entry requirements?
• How should I apply?
• Where can I get help in my country with my application?
• What accommodation will be available for international students?
• How much will it cost me and how can I fund my studies?
• Where else can I find out information about being an international student at Leicester?

What are the entry requirements?

Entrance requirements for international students are the same as or equivalent to those for UK students – see Entry Requirements. We have extensive experience of evaluating qualifications from all over the world, so please contact us (details to the right) with full details of your qualifications if you have a query about your eligibility.

Applicants whose first language is not English should normally include in their qualifications one of the following:

• GCSE English (grades A-C)
• British Council IELTS (International English Language Testing System; 6.0 or above)
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language; 234 or above on the new scale)

The University also accepts a wide range of other English language qualifications. If you do not yet meet our English language requirement, you can bring your English up to the level needed by taking the University of Leicester English Language Programme with the English Languate Teaching Unit. The Unit also provides courses for those that wish to improve their English during their degree. For further details and to apply

For those that do not meet the entry requirements for our degrees we also run a Sciences Foundation Year Programme (UCAS code CFG0). This is a course designed for international students and passing the Foundation Year entitles you to automatic entry onto all our Geology degree programmes. Entry requirements are typically two A-levels or equivalent in any subject. For further details see the prospectus page for the Sciences Foundation Year Programme

How should I apply?

It is recommended that prospective applicants contact us before they make a formal application if they have any questions about their eligibility.

Full degree applicants should apply through UCAS (the University and Colleges Admissions Service):

• www.ucas.com
• enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
• Tel: +44 (0)871 468 0 468 (Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 18:00, UK time)
• Customer Service Unit, UCAS, PO Box 28, Cheltenham GL52 3LZ.
• You can apply on-line using the Apply application service.

For the Sciences Foundation Year Programme you can either apply through UCAS or non-EU international students can contact the International Office to receive an application form.

Where can I get help in my country with my application?

The University of Leicester has agents worldwide who can provide information on the University and help you with your application; a list of agents is available at the International Office.

British Council offices worldwide can provide information about studying in the UK and also provide information on potential funding sources.

What accommodation will be available for international students?

All students are guaranteed a place in University accommodation provided that you have confirmed an offer of a place at Leicester by 1 September. Further information at: www.le.ac.uk/admissions/ugprospectus07/placetolive.html

How much will it cost me and how can I fund my studies?

• Living expenses
  The cost of living in Leicester is very reasonable compared with many other cities in the UK. It is very difficult to estimate living costs because every student has different expectations. As a guide the University of Leicester estimates that for 2007-8 £600/month would cover living costs for a student lifestyle, including accommodation, food, local travel, books/stationery and modest clothing, leisure and personal expenses.
• Fieldwork
  Geoscience is a field-based subject and all our degrees incorporate a significant amount of fieldwork for which you will need to budget for transport, food and accommodation. As all our degrees differ you should contact us if you require estimates of fieldwork costs for the degree that you are interested in. You will need some geological equipment (hard hat, compass-clinometer, hammer and goggles) and outdoor clothing (boots and waterproofs) for which you should budget ~£200 in total.
• Tuition Fees
  European Union (EU) students pay the same tuition fees as UK students, subject to being granted Home/EU fee status as a result of normally being resident in the EU. For further details see www.le.ac.uk/fees/undergraduate.html
  
  EU students may be eligible for financial support towards paying their fees – see www.le.ac.uk/fees/eu.html
  
  International students from outside the EU pay international fees. A discount is available to students who pay their fees in full before or at registration.
• Scholarships and Awards
  A range of scholarships and awards are available to international students once they have been offered a place in the Geology Department. See the links on the left hand side of the International Office scholarships page for further details.
  
  The British Council may provide information about funding sources in your country.

Where else can I find out information about being an international student at Leicester?

• The University prospectus provides further details for international students.
• The International Office can answer all questions related to international students and will be pleased to hear from you.
• The University’s webpage with information specifically for mature students.
• The Student’s Union International Students Association. This lively society organizes regular social events including trips to London and other tourist destinations in the UK, dances, talent shows, football games, etc.