Success for Leeds in world ranking

We have retained our position among the top 100 universities in the new QS World University Rankings 2020.

10,000 international students choose to study at Leeds every year

In a year that saw more than half of UK universities in the influential global ranking drop down the table, Leeds consolidated its position of joint 93rd in the world, moving up the list of UK universities for the third year in succession, to 15th.

Leeds also saw its score for academic reputation increase.

Our international strategy – International Leeds – is led by Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: International. He said: “Leeds has a truly global outlook, building powerful global partnerships with researchers, universities and other organisations across the world.

“We have a strong academic reputation, attracting the very best minds, and we are part of a number of international research networks, which help develop these new connections and opportunities.

“And every year, 10,000 international students choose to study with us, making Leeds one of the most diverse and multicultural universities in the UK. We are known for our student experience and support, equipping them to succeed in a competitive global employment market.”

Support for international students

International scholarships are available to encourage the brightest students worldwide, in addition to those available to all students irrespective of their background.

Leeds also runs an international foundation year to help prepare undergraduate students for the demands of studying for a UK degree, and runs the Link to Leeds scheme to help international students prepare for, and settle into, life on campus.

Funding success

Leeds has been ranked in the top three UK universities for global funding success, according to recent research.

Awards from the Global Challenges Research Fund and the Newton Fund include research aimed at improving the quality of life for people in developing countries.

Leeds has now received more than £45 million from the Global Challenges Research Fund during the past five years.

We also received more than €19m in funding from the prestigious and highly selective European Research Council (ERC) in 2018. The figure placed Leeds in the top 10 recipients of ERC funding among UK universities for the first time.

Global community

Leeds is home to a global community of staff and students, with a worldwide network of 256,000 alumni playing a valuable role in supporting Leeds.

Reflecting this international community, Leeds was ranked in the top 40 most international universities in the world in March by Times Higher Education.

Global engagement

Leeds has continued to strengthen international partnerships through high-profile meetings and collaborations this year.

Notably, we signed a new partnership agreement with one of Europe’s largest research and educational institutions.

The alliance with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany will develop new research collaborations and exchange opportunities for undergraduate students, postgraduates and staff.

Our joint school with Southwest Jiaotong University also continues to flourish, and a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed last year between the School of History at Leeds and North West University in China, creating new opportunities for Chinese students to study in Leeds.

And moves towards closer international research and teaching collaborations were forged through the signing of an MoU with Shanghai International Studies University (SISU) in China during an official visit to Leeds in October.

Further information

Further details of our performance in the QS World Rankings 2020 is available on the QS website

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