University of Leeds

Type of Opportunity: SSU Exchange
Date Posted: August 13, 2026
Deadline: October 10, 2026
Current Opportunity: Yes
Website: University of Leeds Exchange Student Webpage

Location: Leeds, England
Open Term(s): Spring 2027

Application Deadline: October 10, 2026

Requirements: Students must have completed at least one semester of study at SSU and have a 3.0 GPA.

The University of Leeds, established in 1904, is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK. They are renowned globally for the quality of their teaching and research. The strength of their academic expertise, combined with the breadth of disciplines they cover, provides a wealth of opportunities and has a real impact on the world in cultural, economic, and societal ways.

The University of Leeds strives to achieve academic excellence within an ethical framework informed by our values of integrity, equality and inclusion, community, and professionalism.

Every year, more than 9,000 international students choose to study at the University of Leeds, making their campus one of the most diverse and multicultural in the UK. By enrolling, you'll join a community of outstanding academics. They're among the top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2021. They're also part of the Worldwide Universities Network, which comprises 16 research-intensive institutions and addresses issues of global significance.

Information Sessions:

The University of Leeds will host online information sessions. Join in to find out more about living and studying in Leeds. For more information and to join in, visit the University of Leeds Information Session site. Students can also view a previously recorded session here. 

• Monday 21st September, 3:30-4:30pm (BST)/ 7:30-8:30am (PT)
• Wednesday 23rd September, 8:30-9:30am (BST)/ 12:30-1:30am (PT)
   

Academic Information:

Be sure to visit the University of Leeds' "What Can I Study?" web page. 

The University of Leeds offers a wide range of majors and classes for exchange students, including Studio Art, Biology, Kinesiology (Sport and Exercise Sciences), Chemistry, History and Classics, Media and Communication, Film, Computer Science, Education, Electrical Engineering, English Literature and Creative Writing, Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies, Criminal Justice, Business, Math, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and Social Policy. 

Though Communications and Media, and Psychology are available majors, classes are very limited, so students intending to study these areas should be very flexible and anticipate only taking two classes per semester in that area. 

Students intending to study Chemical and Process Engineering, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering must attend the full year. 

Students with a major in Art or Design who wish to take Design modules will be asked to submit a portfolio for approval prior to submitting their online application. Please refer to the academic subject guidance on the Leeds website. The deadline for students to submit their portfolio to the School of Design for Semester 2 is 16th October 2026. There are no studio Fine Art modules running in Semester 2. 

Program highlights: Get access to Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies, Pharmacology, Fashion, East Asia Studies, Food Science and Nutrition, Medieval Studies, Law, Linguistics, Product Design, Performance and Cultural Industries, International Studies, Philosophy and Ethics, and Religious Studies too! You can also take language classes in Arabic, Ancient Greek, Latin, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Czech, British Sign Language, French, Egyptian, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Ukrainian, Persian, Russian, and Quechua. 

Tips to keep in mind:

In the UK, Australia, and some other countries, classes are referred to as "units" or "modules", and majors are called "courses". Many also offer undergraduate degrees on a three-year timeline, so generally Year/Level 1 classes are equivalent to lower-division, and Year/ Level 2 and Year/Level 3 classes are considered upper-division. Many classes are offered each semester (listed as Semester 1 or Semester 2), however, some classes are yearlong only, and semester exchange students would not be eligible to take those classes. Just like at SSU, students must meet any listed prerequisites in order to take a class. Students should anticipate taking the majority of their classes within one department and can anticipate being able to take one class outside of their department, as long as they are flexible. It is not uncommon for your grade to be based on just a final exam, or a final exam and one project. Though students can participate in this program for the Fall semester only, grades will not be posted until June or July the following year. If students are graduating in the same Fall semester they are studying abroad, this will result in a delay in graduation. 

United Kingdom Credits  to CSU Unit Equivalencies 
10 credits = 3 units
15 credits = 4 units
20 credits = 5 units

Estimated Costs:

The estimated costs below are based on an anticipated maximum amount. Students who choose to be more budget-conscious can choose to spend somewhat less in some categories. For Housing information, be sure to visit the host university site. 

Important Dates:

Be sure to check out the University of Leeds' Term Dates page. 

Spring 2027 (Semester 2):

Final Application Deadline: October 10, 2026
Host Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
Anticipated Onsite Orientation: January 18, 2027 (required; plan to arrive prior)
Class Start Date: January 25, 2027
Anticipated End Date: June 4, 2027 (depending on exam schedule)

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