University of Leicester
Originally a walled medieval city, modern Leicester is pedestrian friendly and the most ethnically diverse city after London. Enjoy an international food scene along Narborough Road or check out the film festivals at the Phoenix Cinema.
While on exchange, visit nearby Bradgate Park for theatre productions and living history weekends, visit the ruins of Bradgate House, and check out the university's local archaeological dig. Leicester is a socially inclusive university and is ranked as one of the top 200 university in the world.
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Your Turn - On Exchange in the UK - submission for 2015 video contest
Jeremy Woo
Program details
Areas of Study:
American studies, archaeology, astronomy, art history, biochemistry, biology, biomedical science, chemistry, communications, computer science, criminology, economics, engineering (aerospace, electrical, mechanical, software), English, European studies, film studies, french, geography, geology, history, international relations, law, management studies, math, natural science, neuroscience, physics, political science, psychology, sociology, Zoology.
Languages: French, Italian, Spanish,
Restricted Courses: Please see the information online regarding course restrictions.
Course Information:
Courses at Leicester are called "modules". Leicester prefers students take a full course load of 60 Leicester credit units per semester. One UCalgary half course equivalent = 12 Leicester credits. Course information can be found on their exchange website and in their module database.
The academic year is divided into two semesters. The autumn semester runs from early September to mid-December (except for engineering, geology and math courses, which end in mid-January). The Spring semester runs from mid-January to late June.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
The University of Leicester provides helpful cost-of-living information online. Please note that the tuition fees listed do not apply to you, as your tuition is paid to the University of Calgary at the same rates you would normally pay.
Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations etc in your budget planning.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
On-campus accommodation is guaranteed for exchange students. Choose from catered (includes 14 meals a week) or self-catered, shared or single rooms, with or without private bathroom.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the University of Calgary, who have completed at least one full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).
Students apply to UCalgary first, then we nominate accepted students who have met the minimum requirements to our partners. Once you have been nominated to Leicester, you will then apply directly to their exchange program. For more details on Leicester's application click here.
Students traveling on passports from countries that don't have English as a first language must prove their English proficiency. For more information about Leicester's requirements click here.
Leicester has received accreditations from Coeliac UK for their gluten free kitchen as well as from Stonewall Diversity Champions program to support LGB members of the campus community. The annual pride parade ends at campus!
The UK has laws protecting LGBTQIA2S+ people from discrimination and is a marriage equality country. Here are some supports for LGBTQIA2S+ students on campus.
Leicester has an accessibility office for students with disabilities.
There is a peer mentor program as well as academic tutors assigned to students.
Getting around
Leicester is 1 hour 5 minutes from London by direct train link, where you can also transfer to the Eurostar for easy access to Europe.
The closest airport is East Midlands which has cheap flights to Europe and is serviced by a direct airport bus from the main bus station.
When you arrive, there is a free pickup service you can sign up for at Heathrow Airport, or come 3 days earlier and take the London arrivals tour, exploring the highlights of London before being brought to campus. There are other cultural tours around the UK throughout term you can also enjoy.
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Sydney Guthrie
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.