Leeds International Study Centre is the University of Leeds' pathway centre, run with Study Group. It teaches international foundation years and pre-master's programmes to students who are not yet ready for direct entry to Leeds. Teaching includes academic English and study skills alongside subject modules, and students get access to the university's libraries. Reach the progression grades and you move on to a Leeds degree, a Russell Group university.
Leeds, United Kingdom
Official website: leedsisc.com
Pathway centre run with Study Group
University of Leeds (Russell Group)
Leeds, West Yorkshire
£20,000 – £26,000
International students, pathway programmes, per year
£11,000 – £14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on leedsisc.com before you apply.
International Foundation Year (Business, Economics and Law)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
International Foundation Year (Engineering and Physical Sciences)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
International Foundation Year (Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
Pre-Master's (Business and Management)
Pre-MastersDuration
6 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
A pathway into a Russell Group university.
Foundation routes across business, engineering and humanities.
Life in a big student city with a strong music scene.
Students who meet the grades progress into Leeds undergraduate or master's degrees.
Leeds graduates work in finance, law, engineering and the city's large public sector.
Graduates can stay in the UK on the Graduate visa.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
The university sits just north of the city centre, with the Parkinson Building's white tower as its landmark. Hyde Park and the student areas of Headingley and Woodhouse are a short walk away.
Leeds has a big student population, cheap-ish rent for a major city and plenty of live music. Trains reach London in about two and a quarter hours, and the Yorkshire Dales are close.
CAS from University of Leeds
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Leeds ISC accepts applications year-round, but popular routes fill before each intake. Apply at least three months ahead to leave time for the CAS and visa.
Most programmes start in September or January; some foundation routes run only from September.
A UK Student visa, sponsored by University of Leeds. Once you hold a CAS, apply online, show funds held for 28 days, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. Most decisions come back within three weeks from outside the UK.
Business, economics and engineering foundations are the most popular, plus the business pre-master's. Foundation entry needs good secondary school results and IELTS 5.5; the pre-master's needs a bachelor's degree. Progression grades vary by Leeds degree.
Study Group offers some merit scholarships on pathway fees. Ask when you apply, since awards change by intake.
