University of Leicester Ranking 2027: QS, THE, Subject Rankings and What They Mean for Indian Students

University of Leicester Ranking for 2027

The University of Leicester ranking is #314th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 34th among 93 UK universities ranked, a rise of 12 places from the previous edition. This is the most current globally comparable ranking available as of June 2026.

Across the major independent ranking bodies, Leicester consistently ranks in the top 35 in the UK and the top 200-350 globally.

Get My university Shortlist in 60 Secs

0%

Choose your dream country

Please select a country

UK

USA

Germany

Australia

Ireland

New Zealand

Canada

UAE

France

Sweden

Italy

Other

When do you want to study abroad?

Please select an option

Sep 2026 (Recommended)

Jan 2027

Sep 2027

2028 or later

What's your highest level of education?

Please select an option

Bachelor's

Master's

MBBS / MD

Diploma

12th Grade

10th Grade

What do you want to study?

Please select a course

Select your current city

Please select your city

 

Please Enter Your Name

 

IN +91 UAE +971 QA +974 SA +966 KW +965 OM +968 BH +973

Please Enter a Valid Number

 

Please Enter Your Email

How Leap will help you

Personalised University Shortlist

Express Applications with Quicker Admits

End-to-End Application Support

Continue

Beyond the overall figures, two credentials stand out. In the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, Leicester received Gold, making it one of a small number of UK institutions nationally to achieve TEF Gold alongside a top-30 REF performance. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 89% of Leicester's research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent, placing it 30th in the UK for research quality.

The QS 2027 edition also saw Leicester's Employer Reputation score rise significantly and its Employment Outcomes improve, both indicators that feed directly into graduate hireability in the UK and in India.

Counselor insight: The 12-place QS 2027 rise matters more than the absolute number. When Indian students present their degrees to a UK employer, employers look at brand recognition and Employer Reputation score, not just the league table position. Leicester's Employer Reputation improvement in QS 2027 is a direct signal that UK hiring managers are rating its graduates more favorably.

Subject Wise University of Leicester Rankings

Overall university rankings give you a general signal, but subject rankings tell you whether your specific program is genuinely competitive. Leicester's performance varies significantly by subject, strong enough globally in certain fields to stand alongside much higher-ranked institutions.

Archaeology at Leicester is a genuinely world-class program. A global rank of #26th (QS 2026 by subject) means Leicester outranks institutions that are ranked far above it in the overall tables. The 2012 discovery of the remains of King Richard III, led by Leicester's archaeology and genetics teams, gave the department international recognition it has maintained since.

For medicine, Leicester's program ranks #187 globally in QS (2026 by subject) and #101-125 in THE Medical and Health (2026), with 100% of chemistry research rated world-leading or internationally excellent in REF 2021. Clinical Medicine ranks 27th globally in the 2025 Shanghai Ranking of Academic Subjects.

For Computer Science and Engineering, the QS subject ranks of 401-450 (CS) and 451-500 (Electrical Engineering) are honest middle-tier positions. THE rankings for these subjects are notably stronger (251-300 for engineering; 251-300 for Computer Science), reflecting Leicester's research output even where QS brand scores are lower. Indian students targeting CS or engineering at Leicester should set realistic expectations: the program is a credible degree with solid employment outcomes, but it is not a top-10 UK CS destination.

Counselor insight: Indian students in Leicester's MSc Computer Science or Data Science programs consistently report that they find strong peer networks and Leicester's Work-Related Learning Guarantee useful, but competition for London tech internships is real. Leicester's location in the East Midlands means you need to be proactive about remote applications and travel to London assessment centers. The degree is solid; the hustle requirement is higher than at a Russell Group institution.

University of Leicester Ranking Compared to Similar UK Universities

Understanding where Leicester sits relative to the universities that Indian students commonly compare it against is more useful than reading the global rank in isolation.

Leicester outranks all of its regional East Midlands peers by a significant margin in every major ranking system. Coventry University and De Montfort University do not rank comparably on the international stage, which makes Leicester the clear academic leader in the region.

Against Nottingham and Sheffield (both Russell Group), Leicester ranks lower overall this reflects brand recognition and entry requirements as much as academic quality in specific subjects. For Archaeology and Medical Sciences, Leicester's subject rankings are competitive with or stronger than several Russell Group institutions.

Counselor insight: I've worked with students who rejected Leicester for a Coventry offer because they saw a scholarship covering half the Coventry fees. A year later, they were asking about the Post-Study Work visa which both offer. What they didn't calculate was the starting salary differential on their return to India: Leicester graduates typically command 15-20% more in Indian consulting and pharma firms, citing UK university prestige. Run the 5-year ROI, not just the year-one fee comparison.

What University of Leicester Ranking Means for Your Career and UK Graduate Visa

The University of Leicester is eligible for the UK Graduate Route visa (post-study work visa), allowing international students to remain in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhDs) after completing their degrees to work or seek employment. This applies to all UG and PG programs at Leicester.

On graduate employment, Leicester's own data is strong: 90% of students are working or continuing studies within three years of graduating (official university data). Leicester is ranked among the top 20 UK universities for employability in the Uni Compare 2025 Best Universities for Employability ranking.

All undergraduate students at Leicester receive the Work-Related Learning Guarantee a minimum of 100 hours of structured work-related learning embedded in their degree.

The Leicester Graduate City Project (LGCP) a coalition between the University of Leicester, De Montfort University, and Leicester City Council, connects graduates with East Midlands employers and won the top prize at the Local Government Awards 2023.

Counselor insight: UK employers interviewing Leicester graduates in finance, medicine, and law consistently recognize the university's research reputation. For Indian students returning home, the Leicester name carries weight in the NHS partner hospitals (Apollo Hospitals has a formal partnership with the university), which matters significantly for Medicine and Health Sciences graduates. For tech and consulting returnees, be clear about your GPA equivalent (Leicester uses UK classification: First, 2:1, 2:2) in your Indian job application. A first from Leicester translates to approximately a 70%+ CGPA equivalent on the UK scale.

For a full breakdown of graduate salaries and opportunities after studying in the UK, see Career Opportunities in the UK for Indian Students on LeapScholar.

Graduate Route Change from January 2027: Students starting a one-year master's at Leicester in September 2026 will typically apply for the Graduate Route after graduating in September 2027, following the 1 January 2027 cutoff. Their Graduate Route will be 18 months, not 2 years. PhD students retain 3 years. Plan your UK job search from month one of your course, not after graduation.

University of Leicester Fees and Scholarships for Indian Students 2026-27

Tuition Fees

The following fees are official figures from le.ac.uk for the 2026/27 academic year and apply to international (non-UK) students.

Leicester's annual living cost is significantly lower than London (approximately 40-50% cheaper) and notably cheaper than Manchester, Birmingham, and Nottingham. Leicester is ranked the cheapest university city in the UK for students in Unifresher's 2025 listing. For Indian families calculating total spend, this matters: the Rs.23.1 lakh/year living cost estimate is conservative for a careful spender.

Scholarships for Indian Students

Critical flag for Indian PG applicants: The International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship (£5,000) is explicitly NOT available for students domiciled in India. This exclusion is stated on the official Leicester scholarships page. Indian PG students should focus their applications on the Chancellor's International Scholarship (£3,000), the GREAT Scholarship (£10,000 via British Council), and Chevening.

Counselor insight: Many Indian students budget for the PG Merit Scholarship and are blindsided when they discover the India exclusion after receiving their offer. If you are a PG applicant from India, treat the GREAT Scholarship and Chevening as your primary targets and build your budget without the Merit Scholarship as a baseline. The Citizens of Change Scholarship is available for UG Indian applicants and is worth pursuing actively; it requires a separate supporting statement beyond the application.

See Fully Funded Scholarships in UK 2026-27 and Cheapest MBA in UK for Indian Students on LeapScholar for broader funding context.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students at University of Leicester

Undergraduate Entry (Class 12 to UG)

• CBSE/ISC minimum: 55-60% aggregate in Class 12 (equivalent to UK A-level requirements; the exact threshold varies by program)
• Medicine (MBBS): 80%+ in Class 12 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) significantly more competitive than standard UG entry
• IELTS: 6.0 overall (no component below 5.5) for most UG programs; 6.5 for some; 7.5 overall (no component below 7.0) for Medicine
• PTE Academic: 59+ overall accepted; TOEFL iBT: 88+ (with Medicine requiring 110+)

Postgraduate Entry (Indian bachelor's degree to PG)

• 2:2 equivalent: 55-60% aggregate in bachelor's degree (varies by program)
• 2:1 equivalent: 65-70% aggregate (required for most competitive MSc and MBA programs)
• First class equivalent: 70%+ (required for the PG Merit Scholarship but note the India exclusion above)
• IELTS: 6.5 overall for most PG programs; 6.0 accepted for some postgraduate certificates

For clarity on how your Indian percentage maps to UK grade classification, see Understanding the UK Grading System. For IELTS prep, see UK Entrance Exam Guide 2025-26.

Documents Checklist for Indian Applicants

Counselor insight: The most common document-related delay I see for Indian applicants is the provisional certificate. If you are in your final year when applying, get the provisional certificate from your registrar as early as possible; some Indian universities take 4-6 weeks to issue it. Leicester will accept it for a conditional offer but will require the final degree certificate before enrollment. Don't wait until results are out to request your provisional certificate.

Decision Framework: Should You Apply to University of Leicester?

Use the three scenarios below to match your profile against what Leicester realistically offers.

Scenario 1: Final-year BTech student (CBSE, 65% aggregate) targeting MSc CS or Data Science

You meet Leicester's entry requirements comfortably (65% is a strong 2:1 equivalent). Leicester's MSc Advanced Computer Science and MSc Data Science are STEM-designated programs. Leicester's CS subject ranking (QS 401-450) sits below top-10 UK CS schools. If your target employers are Google, Amazon, or top-tier investment banks, you will compete on the same job boards as graduates from higher-ranked CS programs. The Work-Related Learning Guarantee and placement year options help significantly. Leicester is a credible choice with realistic employability; it requires active networking effort.

Scenario 2: BCom/BBA graduate (70%+) targeting MBA or MSc Accounting and Finance

You qualify for the PG Merit Scholarship based on grades, but it is explicitly excluded for Indian-domiciled applicants. Do not build your budget around it. Leicester's School of Business offers programs at a lower fee range than many London schools (Rs.21.9 to Rs.27.5 lakh for most business PG courses), and Leicester city's low cost of living compensates meaningfully. The THE Business and Economics ranking (401-500 in 2026) is honest context: Leicester is a credible path to the Big 4 or top Indian consultancies; it is not the path to Goldman Sachs or McKinsey from campus recruitment.

Scenario 3: Science graduate (75%+ aggregate) interested in postgraduate Medicine or Biomedical research

Leicester's Medicine and Biomedical research credentials are genuinely strong. The university has a formal partnership with Apollo Hospitals, and Clinical Medicine ranks 27th globally in the 2025 Shanghai Ranking of Academic Subjects. For postgraduate research (MRes, PhD) in clinical medicine, genetics, or life sciences, Leicester is a strong choice. MBBS at Leicester for international students costs Rs.33.2 to Rs.36.25 lakh per year and requires IELTS 7.5. Confirm current UCAT/BMAT requirements directly on the medical admissions page before applying.

Leicester is not the best fit if your primary criterion is a Russell Group brand name, you are targeting highly competitive finance or law careers where rankings drive employer selection, or you need a part-time or online-only program.

Counselor insight: I get the question "Is Leicester worth it?" weekly. The honest answer: Leicester is a strong, credible UK university for most programs and a world-class institution in a few specific subjects. The ranking has been improving; QS 2027 is the best recent data point, and the 12-place rise is real. The trade-off for Indian students is that it is not a Russell Group institution, which matters for certain employer categories in the UK. But it costs Rs.10-15 lakh less per year than comparable London programs, and Leicester City gives you Rs.4-5 lakh in annual living cost savings. Over a 1-year master's, the total saving is significant.

For destination comparison, see Canada vs UK for Indian Students and Study in the UK: Colleges, Eligibility and Scholarships .

Planning Calendar: Leicester Application Timeline for Indian Students

The dates below apply to students targeting a September 2027 start at University of Leicester.

UCAS equal consideration deadline for most courses: 29 January 2027. Leicester-specific PG direct deadlines vary by program; check the course page. First-year students are guaranteed on-campus accommodation only if they applied before 1 September.

See UK Intakes 2026-27 for the full UK intake calendar.

Counselor insight: First-year students at Leicester are guaranteed on-campus accommodation only if they apply before 1 September. Indian students arriving for the September intake typically apply in April-May after receiving their CAS, which is very close to the deadline. Apply for accommodation the same week you receive your unconditional offer; do not wait for your CAS.

3 Takeaways About University of Leicester Ranking

1. Use QS 2027 as your headline ranking figure. Leicester's 314 global rank (34th UK) from QS 2027 is the most current data available and reflects a meaningful 12-place improvement. All competitor articles and many counselors are still citing QS 2026 (326). When citing Leicester's ranking to parents or shortlisting committees, use QS 2027.
2. Your subject ranking matters more than the overall rank. Archaeology (26th globally), Medicine (#187 globally in QS), and Life Sciences are genuinely strong at Leicester. CS (401-450 QS) and Engineering are credible but mid-tier. Apply to Leicester because it is a good fit for your specific program, not simply because it is in the UK top 35.
3. Verify your scholarship eligibility before building your budget. The International PG Merit Scholarship is excluded for India-domiciled students. Target the Citizens of Change Scholarship (UG), the GREAT Scholarship (PG), the Chancellor's Scholarship, or Chevening as the primary Indian-eligible routes. Build your base budget without any scholarship, then layer in the award if you receive it.

Verified by: LeapScholar's UK counseling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through university applications, scholarship applications, and UK Student Visa processes.

Have questions about University of Leicester ranking or UK university shortlisting? Book a free counseling session with a LeapScholar UK specialist at leapscholar.com/counseling

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Leicester Ranking