University of Leicester Announces Major Update for Indian Students Ahead of January 2026 Intake

The University of Leicester has announced significant updates for Indian applicants for the January 2026 intake, introducing relaxed English language requirements and a simplified admissions pathway for postgraduate students.

Easier IELTS Waivers for Indian Students

Postgraduate applicants from India can now secure an IELTS waiver by achieving 70% in English in their Class 12 examinations from State Boards, CBSE, or ICSE.

Additionally, the university confirmed that study gaps will no longer pose a barrier for students seeking an IELTS waiver, even in cases of extended breaks between 12th grade and higher studies.

No English Test Required for Graduates of Top Indian Universities

Graduates from several leading Indian institutions are exempt from providing English proficiency scores. The list includes:

• Anna University
• Mumbai University
• Pune University
• Bangalore University
• University of Delhi
• University of Madras
• Indian Institutes of Management (IIM)
• Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)

New Affordable Tuition Fee Announced

For the January 2026 intake, tuition fees for Indian students have been set at £18,500, making it an attractive option for students seeking an internationally recognized qualification at a competitive cost.

Why Leicester?

The University of Leicester continues to maintain strong global recognition, ranked among the Top 25 UK Universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026).

The university also holds a Gold rating for teaching excellence in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.

With these student-friendly updates, the University of Leicester aims to make international education more accessible for aspiring Indian students.