Deciding where to apply to a university in the UK can be a daunting process, however, one of the first things applicants are looking for is the acceptance rate. With so many great options to choose from Russell Group universities and others, it’s important to look at each university’s acceptance rate to gauge how likely you are to be admitted.
Based on the University admission data, we’ll take an in-depth look at the University of Leeds’s acceptance rate across various student demographics.
Admissions Process at the University of Leeds
The University of Leeds has a holistic admissions process that looks at a variety of factors beyond just grades. They review each applicant’s academic record, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and reference letters for undergraduate programmes.
For postgraduate applicants, they focus more heavily on prior academic achievement and research potential.
The admissions tutors aim to make fair and consistent decisions for every applicant via UCAS application. They use contextual data about an applicant’s background to help inform their decision.
This provides crucial insight into challenges a student may have faced that affected their grades, like attending an underperforming school or having difficult personal circumstances.
What is Leeds University’s Acceptance Rate?
In the 2022-2023 admissions cycle, the overall undergraduate acceptance rate at the University of Leeds was 51%. This means that just under half of the students who applied were offered a place. This is one of the highest acceptance rates among universities in the Russell Group.
In 2023, Leeds Univeristy received 69955 undergraduate applications. They offered a place to 35569 students.
The acceptance rate varies across different courses, with some being more competitive than others. But generally, the university receives 5 applications for every 1 offer made.
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Leeds University Acceptance Rate For EU Students
EU students faced a 57% undergraduate acceptance rate at Leeds in 2022-2023. This was significantly higher than the overall rate, meaning EU applicants had better chances of admission.
At the postgraduate level, EU students saw a 53% acceptance rate for taught programmes. For research programs, the EU acceptance rate dropped to 25%.
The higher undergraduate rate for EU students reflects the admissions policies favouring those from within the UK and EU. But at the graduate level, acceptance rates converge regardless of origin.
Leeds University Acceptance Rate For International Students
For international applicants outside the EU, the 2022-2023 undergraduate acceptance rate was 61%. This was higher than the overall rate since international students make up a large portion of the undergraduate applicant pool.
The Masters acceptance rates for international students were 47% for taught programmes and 15% for research programs. These rates are significantly lower than for Home and EU students.
Getting into Leeds as an international student remains competitive. But strong academics, English skills, and fit with the program’s priorities can help boost your chances.
Leeds University Acceptance Rate For Postgraduate
Let’s look at postgraduate programmes. Leeds receives over 80000 postgrad applications every year from the UK and all over the world. The overall postgraduate acceptance rate at the University of Leeds in 2023 was 48%.
For UK students the acceptance rate was 70% and for EU 53%, for taught postgraduate programmes. For postgraduate research, it dropped to just 33%.
International students saw a 47% acceptance rate for postgraduate programmes and 15% for research programmes.
So Leeds receives many more applications than it can accommodate, particularly on the research side. Applicants with proven research potential published academic work, and strong references tend to have the best chance of admission.
Acceptance Rate by Gender
In 2022-2023, the University of Leeds had a gender split of 57% female and 43% male among undergraduate applicants.
The undergraduate acceptance rate for females was 49%, slightly higher than the 44% rate for males.
At the postgraduate level, acceptance rates by gender varied by programme but were generally on par for males and females.
So female applicants have a slight edge at Leeds, especially for undergraduate programs. But gender is just one of many factors the university considers holistically.
Leeds University vs Russell Group Universities
How does the Leeds acceptance rate compare to other prestigious Russell Group universities in the UK?
The average Russell Group acceptance rate is around 20-30% for undergraduate programmes. Leeds’s 51% rate is significantly above, it’s one of the highest in the group.
For postgraduate programmes, the average Russell Group acceptance rate is 35%. Leeds’ taught program rate of 48% is well above that, but its postgraduate research rate of 33% aligns with the average.
After looking at these percentages we can conclude that Leeds University is easier to get into than Oxford, Cambridge, Kings College London, and Imperial.
Why Is the Acceptance Rate Important for Leeds University?
The acceptance rate is a key indicator of selectivity and prestige for a university like Leeds. A lower undergraduate rate portrays Leeds as more exclusive and desirable.
Acceptance rates also impact ranking systems. Leeds is keen to maintain its reputation as a world top 100 university. Keeping acceptance rates in line with competitor schools helps attract funding, students, and faculty.
Additionally, acceptance rates affect enrollment management. Leeds must balance yield rates and class sizes. So targeting certain acceptance rates for programs allows them to shape each incoming class.
The Admissions Gap: Independent vs. State School Applicants
There is a notable gap in acceptance rates between independent and state school applicants at Leeds. In 2022-2023, the acceptance rate for independent school students was 57%. For state school applicants, the rate dropped to just 45%.
Leeds considers this 12 percentage point gap unacceptable. They are working to increase access through new contextual admissions practices. The goal is to level the playing field for disadvantaged applicants.
Final Thoughts
The University of Leeds boasts strong academics and an international outlook. Its admissions process balances academic records with a holistic review.
Acceptance rates at Leeds remain competitive across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Applicants can maximize their chances by demonstrating their fit with the university’s values and priorities.
Monitoring acceptance rates by demographics provides insight into who gets admitted. Leeds strives to make its prestigious programmes accessible to all promising students regardless of background.
FAQ
Is the University of Leeds difficult to get into?
The University of Leeds is one of the easiest to get into in Russell Group. For undergraduate courses, it has an overall acceptance rate of around 51%. So while not the most competitive, Leeds does receive more applications than it can accommodate.
Is Leeds a big University?
Yes, the University of Leeds is one of the largest universities in the UK. It has over 38,000 students enrolled, including 11,000 international students from more than 140 countries. Leeds has an extensive alumni network of over 260,000 graduates worldwide. Its large research community includes over 4,500 academics and researchers.
Is Leeds a part of Russell Group Universities?
Yes, the University of Leeds is one of the 24 prestigious universities that make up the Russell Group in the UK. As a Russell Group member, Leeds can attract top students and faculty from across the UK and globally.