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Study in Leicester
Chloe Lane
Updated Jun 18, 2024Save
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QS Best Student Cities ranking: =94th
Known for its rich history and green surroundings, Leicester boasts two leading universities; University of Leicester and De Montfort University, which both feature in the most recent QS World University Rankings®.
Have you studied in Leicester? Share your experience.
Best universities in Leicester
More about Leicester
Leicester is home to two top universities: University of Leicester and De Montfort University. This year, its best score is earned in the student mix indicator.
Number of universities ranked by QS
2
Highest-ranked institution
University of Leicester (=285th in the world)
Population
509,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$19,000
Desirability rank
79th
Employer Activity rank
146th
Affordability rank
70th
Student View rank
102nd
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Leicester?
Plenty of employment opportunities
Several large companies have their headquarters in Leicester and there are plenty of jobs available for graduates in the retail, food and drink and manufacturing industries.
Good transport links
With excellent rail and road transport links it’s easy to travel across the UK. London is an hour away by train and East Midlands Airport only takes 25 minutes to get to.
The diversity of its students
International students make up 30 percent of the students at Leicester’s universities and the city also earns a high score for student mix.
The city’s history
History lovers can enjoy the King Richard III visitor centre where the King's remains were found in 2012. You can also learn more about the city’s history in Leicester Castle.
Cost of studying in Leicester
Studying in Leicester isn’t cheap, with tuition fees costing international students an average of US$21,800 per year.
The cost of living in Leicester is fairly high, but significantly lower than other cities in the UK, such as London. According to Numbeo, a one bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost around £570 per month, compared to £1,660 per month in London.
Life and culture in Leicester
If you’re looking for something to do after lectures have finished, there is always plenty to entertain you in Leicester.
Those interested in history will be able to enjoy the King Richard III visitor centre, built around the former car park where his remains were found in 2012, as well as Leicester Castle (which is only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre).
Those who are more into sports will be able to study in close proximity to the King Power Stadium, home to the world-renowned Leicester City FC. Plus, the Leicester Tigers rugby union team play a prominent role in the city’s sporting history.
Anyone who likes a bit of retail therapy in their spare time will love Leicester’s Highcross shopping centre, with over 120 shops, plenty of restaurants and even a large Cinema de Lux where you can unwind with your friends. Leicester also has an excellent nightlife, teeming with a large variety of bars and nightclubs, making it a hit with students.
Leicester has excellent public transport links, making travel easy when you want to explore the surrounding areas, or even travel further afield, with direct trains to London St Pancras taking just over an hour.
Testimonials
Careers in Leicester
Prominent sectors in Leicester include the food and drink industry, manufacturing, IT and retail, meaning there are plenty of employment opportunities for graduates in Leicester.
The city is home to prominent engineering firms including Jones & Shipman and Transmon Engineering; major UK fashion retailer, Next, and the world’s biggest crisp factory, Walkers Crisps.
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As Content Editor for TopUniversities.com and TopMBA.com, Chloe creates and publishes a wide range of articles for universities and business schools across the world. Chloe has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Reading and grew up in Leicestershire, UK.
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