Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)
Welcome to the Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)—your official pathway to the University of Leeds, a prestigious Russell Group institution. Whether you are looking to fast-track your bachelor’s degree, save on living costs, or secure a globally recognized qualification, LISC provides the academic support, English language preparation, and cultural transition you need to succeed.
1. Why Choose the University of Leeds?
Investing in an overseas education is one of the most important decisions for your future. The University of Leeds offers world-class academics combined with outstanding career prospects.
- Elite Global Status: Proud member of the Russell Group, representing the UK’s leading research-intensive universities.
- High Employability: Ranked in the Top 5 most targeted UK universities by top graduate employers.
- Outstanding Support: LISC provides small class sizes (max 25 students), personalized tutoring, and a free Student Assistance Programme (SAP) with 24/7 mental health support.
| Evaluation Metric & Ranking Body | Rank / Result | Year / Source |
| QS World University Rankings | 86th in the World | 2025 |
| THE Most International Universities | 31st in the World | 2026 |
| The Complete University Guide | 21st in the UK | 2026 |
| Targeted by Top Graduate Employers | Top 5 in the UK | 2021 |
| REF (Research Excellence Framework) | 90% rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ | 2021 |
2. Leeds vs. Other UK Cities: The Smart Financial Choice
When comparing destinations, Leeds offers the perfect balance of a vibrant, world-class student city (home to over 60,000 students) and remarkable affordability. Compared to London or Manchester, choosing Leeds can save you thousands of pounds a year—funds you can reinvest in travel, networking, and career building.
| City | Estimated Monthly Living Cost (Rent included) | Average Monthly Student Accommodation | Monthly Transport | Cost Evaluation & Financial Insight |
| Leeds | £805 – £1,280 (Avg. ~£890) | £400 – £700 | £50 – £70 | Extremely high ROI. Compact city center, easily walkable. |
| London | £1,200 – £2,000+ | £600 – £1,200 | £100 – £150 | Extremely high rent and transport costs. Heavy financial pressure. |
| Manchester | £900 – £1,400 | £450 – £750 | £60 – £80 | Similar northern city to Leeds, but property prices are rising. |
| Birmingham | £850 – £1,350 | £400 – £700 | £55 – £75 | Similar living costs to Leeds, but slightly higher transport fares. |
3. Tuition Fees & Advance Payments
We offer transparent fee structures for all our pathway programmes. Start dates are flexible, with intakes typically in September, November, and January.
Pathway Programme Tuition Fees (2025-2027)
| Programme | Pathway Route | Duration | 2025/26 Fees | 2026/27 Fees |
| International Foundation Year (IFY) | Business, Law and Social Studies | 2 semesters | £22,900 | £23,900 |
| International Foundation Year (IFY) | Science, Engineering and Computing | 2 semesters | £23,500 | £24,500 |
| International Year One (IYO) | Business Management / B.M. with Marketing | 2 semesters | £25,250 | £26,250 |
| International Year One (IYO) | International Relations and Global Development | 2 semesters | £24,250 | £25,250 |
| International Year One (IYO) | Biological Sciences / Civil Engineering | 2 semesters | £27,500 | £28,500 |
| Pre-Masters | Business | 2 semesters | £27,250 | £28,250 |
Initial Advance Payments
To secure your place and receive your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) for your UK Student Visa, the following initial payments are required:
| Initial Payment Item | Amount | Notes |
| Security Deposit | £1,000 | Covers damages; refundable balance at the end of the programme. |
| Administration Fee | £260 | Non-refundable initial fee. |
| Advance Tuition Fee | £6,000 | Deducted from your initial tuition fees. Required for CAS issuance. |
| Total Payment Before CAS | £7,260 | Total required upon accepting the offer. |
4. Premium Student Accommodation: Brotherton House
LISC partners with Study Inn to offer Brotherton House, an all-inclusive, premium student residence. Your weekly rent covers superfast Wi-Fi, utilities, room cleaning, fresh bedlinen, and exclusive access to a gym, yoga room, wellness spa, and 24/7 CCTV security.
| Room Type (Apartments/Studios) | Key Features | Tenancy | Weekly Rate (2026 est.) |
| Gold En-suite | Private room/bathroom, Luxe Lounge (shared kitchen/TV/PS), top floor | 51 weeks | £190 |
| Gold Plus En-suite | Gold features + extra space, top floor | 51 weeks | £195 |
| Platinum En-suite | Private room/bathroom, Luxe Lounge, larger space | 44 / 47 weeks | £205 |
| Platinum Plus En-suite | Platinum features + higher/top floor | 51 weeks | £205 |
| Diamond En-suite | Private room/bathroom, large square footage | 51 weeks | £210 |
| Sapphire En-suite | Largest square footage among shared apartments | 51 weeks | £235 |
| Sapphire Plus En-suite | Largest size + higher/top floor | 51 weeks | £240 |
| Diamond Plus Studio | Private kitchenette, top floor | 51 weeks | £285 |
| Sapphire Studio | Larger private kitchenette | 51 weeks | £300 |
| Sapphire Plus Studio | Largest private kitchenette + higher floor | 51 weeks | £305 |
5. Scholarships to Support Your Journey
LISC and the University of Leeds reward high-achieving students with generous scholarships, both when you join LISC and when you progress to the University.
| Scholarship Name | Value / Benefits | Eligibility & Conditions |
| International Regional Scholarship | £5,000 off first-year tuition | Automatically awarded to IYO/IFY progressors from eligible countries. |
| International Excellence Scholarship | £3,000, £6,000, or £16,000 off tuition | Competitive award for students with outstanding academic achievement. |
| Alumni Bursary | 10% tuition fee reduction | For returning University of Leeds graduates pursuing further study. |
6. International Year One (IYO): Fast-Track to Year 2
The International Year One (IYO) is our most innovative and time-efficient programme. Equivalent to the first year of a UK bachelor’s degree, this 9-month programme allows you to progress directly into Year 2 at the University of Leeds.
In 2025, 94% of IYO students successfully met the progression requirements.
IYO Progression Grade Requirements
To smoothly transition to Year 2, you must achieve specific academic and English grades during your time at LISC.
1. Business Management / Marketing Progression
| Progression Degree (University of Leeds) | Award | Required Overall Grade | Required English Grade | Specific Module Requirements |
| Business Management with Marketing BA (Hons) | BA (Hons) | 60% | 65% overall (min 55% in all skills) | Pass in all modules |
| Business Economics BA (Hons) etc. | BA (Hons) | 40% – 50% | – | Pass in all modules |
2. International Relations Progression
| Progression Degree (University of Leeds) | Award | Required Overall Grade | Required English Grade | Specific Module Requirements |
| International Relations BA (Hons) | BA (Hons) | 55% | 65% overall (min 55% in all skills) | Pass in all modules |
| Global Development BA (Hons) | BA (Hons) | 55% | 65% overall (min 55% in all skills) | Pass in all modules |
3. Biological Sciences Progression
| Progression Degree (University of Leeds) | Award | Required Overall Grade | Required English Grade | Specific Module Requirements |
| Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) | BSc (Hons) | 60% | 60% overall (min 50% in all skills) | None |
| Genetics / Microbiology BSc (Hons) | BSc (Hons) | 60% | 60% overall (min 50% in all skills) | None |
4. Civil Engineering Progression
| Progression Degree (University of Leeds) | Award | Required Overall Grade | Required English Grade | Specific Module Requirements |
| Civil Engineering BEng / MEng | BEng/MEng | (Varies by module) | 60% overall (min 50% in all skills) | 60% in Eng. Maths & Modelling, 40% in all other modules |
| Civil and Structural Engineering BEng | BEng (Hons) | (Varies by module) | 60% overall (min 50% in all skills) | Same as above |
7. Global Entry Requirements
Entry to LISC is based on your high school credentials and English proficiency. If your English does not quite meet the criteria, we offer an online English Language Preparation course (6 to 16 weeks).
- Standard English Requirement: IELTS for UKVI (Academic) 5.0 overall (min. 5.0 in writing).
Academic Requirements by Country (For International Year One)
| Country / Region | Academic Qualification Required (International Year One) | Additional Notes / Maths Requirements |
| Japan | High School Leaving Certificate + 1 year further study. | Maths I/A: 3.0/5.0, or Maths II/B/III/C: 2.0/5.0 for relevant paths. |
| China | Year 12 (Senior High 3) 60%+ in 4 key subjects + Gaokao 60% (or 1 yr further study). | Year 11 requires International Foundation Year first. |
| Hong Kong | HKDSE score of 3333 (excluding native language). | Grade 3 in Maths required for Business/STEM. |
| Taiwan | Senior High 3 (70%) + GSAT score 50, or 1 year further study. | Vocational high school criteria also available. |
| India | Year 12 HSC with 65% or above. | Direct entry possible without further study. |
| South Korea | High School 3 Grade C (70%) + 1 year further study. | CSAT 70%+ also accepted. |
| International Baccalaureate | IB Diploma 26 points (or 28 points depending on pathway). |