The University of Leeds is undoubtedly a shining star in the bright starry sky of exploring higher education around the world, attracting students from around the globe with its reputation for academic excellence, rich educational resources and unique campus culture. However, the University of Leeds has a challenging acceptance rate, with only a fraction of applicants successful in becoming ‘Leedsians’ each year. Whether it’s the diversity of subjects on offer or the quality of the student experience, the University of Leeds has rigorous admissions criteria to select students with real potential. A good understanding of the University of Leeds acceptance rates will help you assess the likelihood of successfully applying for and gaining entry to your chosen programme. This detailed guide reveals everything you need to know about the overall University of Leeds acceptance rate, historical trends in acceptance rates, admission requirements and data on variations in different areas.
University of Leeds Rankings
Officially founded in 1904, the University of Leeds is located in Leeds, the capital city of West Yorkshire, England, and is one of the largest public comprehensive research universities in the UK. The University of Leeds is one of the six famous red-brick universities in the UK. The University of Leeds is a founding member of the Russell Group of Universities. The University of Leeds is also a member of the White Rose University Alliance, the N8 University Alliance, RENKEI, the Central European Business Schools Alliance, the International University Climate Coalition and the World Association of Universities. The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s 10 most prestigious, most prominent and highest-quality research universities. It is known as one of the UK’s ‘Eight Research Engines’ and is ranked highly in several world rankings.
- Ranked 123rd in the world in 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- Ranked 82nd in the world in 2025 QS World University Rankings
- Ranked 23rd in the UK in 2025 Complete University Guide
Overall University Of Leeds Acceptance Rate
For the 2024 application cycle, the University of Leeds attracted 69,085 students to submit applications, of which 7,800 were successful, giving an overall acceptance rate of around 11.2%, an increase of 0.4% from last year. Of the applicants, 51,220 were home-grown students, demonstrating that UK students are particularly recognized for their career prospects and campus environment at the University of Leeds. This statistic not only highlights the attractiveness of the University of Leeds but also shows the relative transparency and fairness of the admissions competition.
University of Leeds Acceptance Rate for International Students
| Year | Applications | Offers | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 17,865 | 1,800 | 10.08% |
| 2022/23 | 16,945 | 1,760 | 10.39% |
| 2021/22 | 15,670 | 1,510 | 9.64% |
| 2020/21 | 15,635 | 1,540 | 9.85% |
| 2019/20 | 13,490 | 1,565 | 11.60% |
| 2018/19 | 12,910 | 1,355 | 10.50% |
The number of international student applicants to the University of Leeds has grown from 12,910 in 2018/19 to 17,865 in 2023/24, an overall increase of approximately 38%. This demonstrates that the international reputation and appeal of the University of Leeds continues to grow, with more international students choosing to apply to the University. There is a slow growth trend in admissions, from 1,355 in 2018/19 to 1,800 in 2023/24. However, with the rapid growth in the number of applicants, the competitive pressure has increased and the acceptance rate has declined slightly. International students are advised to focus on demonstrating their language skills and general background while improving their academic performance to improve their chances of admission to the University of Leeds.
Trends of University of Leeds Acceptance Rate
| Year | Applications | Offers | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 69,085 | 7,800 | 11.29% |
| 2022/23 | 67,565 | 7,345 | 10.87% |
| 2021/22 | 66,200 | 8,885 | 13.42% |
| 2020/21 | 62,250 | 8,385 | 13.47% |
| 2019/20 | 60,215 | 7,315 | 12.15% |
| 2018/19 | 61,220 | 8,115 | 13.26% |
Looking at the University of Leeds application data in recent years, the number of applicants to the University of Leeds has grown from 61,220 in 2018/19 to 69,085 in 2023/24, showing a steady trend of growth of around 12.8%. The acceptance rate has fallen from 13.26% to 11.29%, with a steady decline, especially after 2021/22. However, the number of places offered by the University of Leeds fluctuates between 7,315 and 8,885 per annum, suggesting that the University’s admissions policy is relatively static. Overall, the number of applicants to the University of Leeds has continued to increase, but the acceptance rate has decreased, suggesting that competition is getting tougher. For applicants, improving academic performance and demonstrating all-round qualities will be key to successful entry.
Majors with the Highest Number of Applicants
| Majors | Applications | Offers | Acceptance Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSC Management | 5,085 | 1462 | 28.75% |
| MSc Data Science and Analytics | 3,723 | 725 | 19.47% |
| MSc Advanced Computer Science | 3,467 | 515 | 14.85% |
| MA Society, Culture and Media | 3,421 | 911 | 26.63% |
| MSc International Marketing Management | 3,056 | 1383 | 45.26% |
| MSc International Business | 2,897 | 1503 | 51.88% |
| MSC Business Analytics and Decision Sciences | 2,894 | 933 | 32.24% |
| MSC Accounting and Finance | 2,789 | 728 | 26.10% |
| MA Culture Creativity and Entrepreneurship | 2,786 | 618 | 22.18% |
| MA TESOL Studies | 2,561 | 1252 | 48.89% |
The top three subjects at Leeds in terms of applicants were Management, Data Science & Analytics, and Advanced Computer Science, all of which had over 3,000 applicants and moderate acceptance rates. The acceptance rate for Data Science & Analytics and Advanced Computer Science was half that of International Marketing & Management. Society, Culture, and Media were quite popular among Leeds’ ace media schools, with 1,698 applicants and an acceptance rate of 37%. Communication and Media also had more than a thousand applicants.
Top Programs at the University of Leeds
Leeds Business School, or LUBS for short, is the strongest ace school of the University of Leeds and is also the world’s top business school through the three international accreditations of AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA (only 75 business schools in the world have been awarded this honor), and has trained many business elites such as Mark Tucker, Chairman of HSBC, Ralph Kugler, Chairman of Unilever, and Stephen Daintith, Chief Financial Officer of Rolls-Royce. Ralph Kugler, Chairman of Unilever, Stephen Daintith, Chief Financial Officer of Rolls-Royce, and many other business elites. The University of Leeds’ School of Communication and Media is one of the top media schools in the UK. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Leeds is ranked 5th in the UK and 34th worldwide for Communication and Media.
Admission Requirements for the University of Leeds
Undergraduate Requirements for the University of Leeds
Age Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 16 years of age or under 18 years of age and must be accompanied by a legal guardian in the UK.
Academic Requirements
- International Programmes: Normally, a minimum of three A-level subjects with grades between AAA-ABB; IB applications are accepted, and requirements vary according to program.
- Chinese students: Completion of Foundation Programme or Chinese First Year Programme with an average of 80% or above. Some undergraduate programs may accept Gao Kao scores of 75% to 85%.
Language Requirements
- IELTS 6.0 overall, 5.5 in each category
- TOEFL 87 overall, 20 in listening and reading, 22 in speaking, and 21 in writing
- PTE 60 overall, 56 in each category.
Material Requirements
- UCAS online application form: Personal information and educational background should be filled out in the UCAS system.
- Academic materials: high school transcripts, high school diplomas or proof of enrolment, and standardized test scores such as A-level, IB, etc.
- Language materials: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and other English language proficiency transcripts.
- Documents: Personal statement, one or two letters of recommendation.
- Other materials, portfolio, passport, proof of funds, etc., may also be required.
Postgraduate Requirements for the University of Leeds
Academic Requirements
- Degree requirements: a good UK bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:1) or international equivalent qualification
Language Requirements
- IELTS: Total score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any single subject.
- TOEFL: 88 points, 19 points in listening, 20 points in reading, 21 points in writing, and 22 points in speaking.
- PTE: Total score of 64, with no less than 60 in any subject.
Other Requirements
- Letters of recommendation: usually two letters of recommendation are required, and the recommenders should preferably be professors or work leaders.
- Personal statement: This should highlight your academic background, research interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing Leeds.
- Other materials, such as CVs, portfolios, research proposals, work certificates, internship certificates, etc., may be required; e.g., a portfolio is usually required for applications in art and design.
Tips for Increasing Your Acceptance Rate
To increase the probability of being admitted to the University of Leeds, students can start from the following aspects, combining their own background and application requirements, and try to show their own advantages and abilities:
- Improve your English language ability: Most programs require IELTS 6.5-7.0, and some majors (e.g., Law, Medicine) need more. If your English score is not up to standard, you can sign up for a language class in advance.
- Improve academic performance: Academic performance is the core element of admission, and it tries to improve the average score at the high school or undergraduate level. If your grades are a bit low, you can make up for it with a good personal statement and extracurricular experiences.
- Write an excellent personal statement: clearly indicate your interest in and fit with the program, and avoid templates. Emphasise experiences in academia, internships, or extracurricular activities that are relevant to the target course. And clearly express how the course will help you realize your career plans.
- Enrich extracurricular experiences: Showcase extracurricular activities (e.g., internships, volunteer activities) or skills (e.g., programming, project management) that are relevant to the program to enhance the competitiveness of your background.
Conclusion
The University of Leeds is a beacon of academic excellence and global recognition, and its competitive acceptance rate reflects its prestigious reputation. After browsing this guide, students will be able to prepare their applications in advance, choose their specialisms wisely and improve their chances of being accepted. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and become part of a vibrant and ambitious student community, Leeds University could be the perfect destination for your academic journey.
FAQ about University of Leeds Acceptance Rate
Is University of Leeds difficult to get into?
Yes, the University of Leeds is highly competitive, with an overall acceptance rate of 11.2% and the number of applicants increasing year on year.
What is the University of Leeds acceptance rate?
The University of Leeds has an acceptance rate of 11.2%. Courses in medicine, law, and business attract many applicants with a low acceptance rate. MA Social Research (Interdisciplinary): 100% acceptance rate MSC Disability Studies Rights and Inclusion: 94.7% acceptance rate
Which programme at the University of Leeds has the lowest acceptance rate?
- Sport and Exercise Medicine: 8.5% acceptance rate
- Economics and Finance: 10% acceptance rate
- Business and Public Service Interpreting and Translation Studies: 11% acceptance rate
What factors influence the acceptance rate at the University of Leeds?
Several factors influence the acceptance rate at the University of Leeds, shaping how competitive admission is for different programs. These include:
- Program Popularity
- Academic Requirements
- Course-Specific Requirements
- Demand from International Students
- Interview and Additional Assessments
What is the GPA required at the University of Leeds?
The University of Leeds also has GPA requirements for postgraduate admission. For example, a GPA of 3.5 is required for a 1st, 3.0 for a 2.1, and 2.5 for a 2.2.
