Established in 1904, with origins dating back to 1831 through the Leeds School of Medicine and the Yorkshire College of Science, the University of Leeds stands among the largest and most respected universities in the United Kingdom. As a distinguished member of the Russell Group, Leeds is globally recognized for academic excellence and research impact.
The University has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize on three occasions, honoring its outstanding contributions to higher education and transformative research. Today, it hosts a vibrant and diverse student community, including 14,400+ international students from 137 countries, fostering a truly global campus culture.
According to the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF), an impressive 90% of Leeds’ research is classified as world-leading or internationally excellent. Academically, the University is organized into seven faculties, covering a broad spectrum of disciplines and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.
Renowned for its strong industry connections, the University of Leeds ranks among the top UK universities targeted by major employers, reflecting its commitment to graduate employability. With a powerful global alumni network of 357,000+ graduates across 197 countries, Leeds counts world leaders, pioneering scientists, bestselling authors, award-winning actors, and accomplished professionals among its former students—further cementing its international reputation.