There are two ways to apply to Leeds Arts University as an international student:

  • Through UCAS for undergraduate (degree level) courses OR
  • You can use our application forms below to apply for any course (postgraduate, undergraduate, Foundation Diploma and Extended Diploma) 

For details of entry requirements by country, please see Information by Country

If you need any assistance completing the form please contact the International team at international@leeds-art.ac.uk.

Further Education

Extended Diploma in Creative Practice

International student application form

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

International student application form 

Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Animation

International student application form

BA (Hons) Comic and Concept Art

International student application form

BA (Hons) Creative Advertising

International student application form

BA (Hons) Creative Writing

International student application form

BA (Hons) Fashion Branding with Communication

International student application form

BA (Hons) Fashion Design

International student application form

BA (Hons) Fashion Photography

International student application form

BA (Hons) Filmmaking

International student application form

BA (Hons) Fine Art

International student application form

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

International student application form

BA (Hons) Illustration

International student application form

BA (Hons) Photography

International student application form

BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance

International student application form

BA (Hons) Textile Design

International student application form

BA (Hons) Visual Communication

International student application form

Postgraduate

MA Animation

International student application form

MA Creative Practice

International student application form

MA Digital Fashion

International student application form

MA Fine Art

International student application form

MA Graphic Design

International student application form

MA Illustration and Graphic Novel

International student application form

MA Photography

International student application form

MA Worldbuilding and Creature Design

International student application form

Entry Requirements

Requirements for course levels

Please select your course level of interest from the list below to see the entry requirements. 

If your qualification is not listed here or for details of entry requirements by country, please see Information by Country

Academic Requirements for Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

We will consider all international qualifications specific to your country or region that are equivalent to those below. Please see Information by Country to check the entry requirements for your country. 

At enrolment you should normally have achieved:

  • A-levels: You are required to achieve a minimum of 72 UCAS points. This is equivalent to two or three A levels (typically DDD). You will also need four GCSE’s including English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or equivalent international qualifications) OR;
  • International Baccalaureate: An overall score equivalent to at least 72 UCAS tariff points OR;
  • US curriculum: High School Graduation Diploma with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Your application must be supported by a portfolio of work

You will also need:

Academic Requirements for BA (Hons) Undergraduate courses

We will consider all international qualifications specific to your country or region that are equivalent to those below. Please see Information by Country to check the entry requirements for your country.

At enrolment you should normally have achieved one of the following:

  • A-levels: 112 UCAS points (BBC) including an art/design-related subject 
  • European Baccalaureate: 70%
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: Successful completion of the IB Diploma Programme with a minimum of 26 points or the equivalent of 112 UCAS tariff points, including an art/design-related subject 
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM 
  • BTEC Diploma: DD
  • UAL Extended Diploma: Merit
  • UAL Foundation Diploma: Distinction

We will consider students who do not have art/design as part of their main study but have a portfolio that demonstrates their potential to succeed.

You will also need:

  • Evidence of your English Language ability equivalent to IELTS 5.5 with no component less than 5.5. Please see English Language for details of accepted qualifications
  • A short portfolio (application images)
  • One reference to support your application from an academic teacher, tutor or counsellor


Applicants for BMus (Hons) Popular Music Performance will also need:

  • Pass a Leeds Arts University digital audition in the year prior to entry demonstrating a high level of performing ability – equivalent to ABRSM/Rockschool/Trinity Grade 8.

  • Your Grade 5 Theory will be assessed through your practical performance of an original song, instrumental composition, or arrangement of an existing song that has been uploaded to a suitable video sharing platform (YouTube, Vimeo or Weibo) for remote review. Depending on the outcome, the requirement for a formal Grade 5 Music Theory qualification may be waived.

Academic Requirements for Postgraduate courses

At enrolment you should normally have achieved:

  • An undergraduate UK honours degree or international equivalent, usually in a subject related to your proposed course of study or;

  • A degree-equivalent postgraduate diploma /professional qualification

You will also need:

  • Evidence of your English Language ability equivalent to IELTS 6.0 with no component less than 5.5. Please see English Language for details of accepted qualifications
  • A short portfolio (application images) 
  • One reference to support your application from an academic or a creative practitioner

Applicants who hold a degree from another discipline or have experiential learning in lieu of a degree that can demonstrate appropriate knowledge and skills may also be considered for entry, subject to an interview and/or the submission of a satisfactory portfolio of work in support of their application.

Other Information

English Language requirements

If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate your English language ability.

This is an essential part of your application for visa purposes. Please see our English Language page for details on how you can fulfil this requirement. 

What happens next? Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

We assess your application against our academic requirements and invite shortlisted candidates to upload/submit their portfolio. 

We will then review your application and send you your decision. Assuming you are successful, we will be in touch with the conditions of your offer!  

After receiving your offer – if you would like to find out more about studying at Leeds Arts University you’ll have the opportunity to chat with our International Team and we'll answer any queries you may have regarding your offer, your course, Leeds Arts University - or anything else. 

What happens next? BA (Hons) Undergraduate courses

We assess your application against our academic requirements and invite shortlisted candidates to upload/submit their portfolio. 

We will then review your application and send you your decision. Assuming you are successful, we will be in touch with the conditions of your offer!  

After receiving your offer – if you would like to find out more about studying at Leeds Arts University you’ll have the opportunity to chat with our International Team and we'll answer any queries you may have regarding your offer, your course, Leeds Arts University - or anything else. 

What happens next? Postgraduate courses

We assess your application against our academic requirements and invite shortlisted candidates to upload/submit their portfolio. 

We will then review your application and send you your decision. Assuming you are successful, we will be in touch with the conditions of your offer!  

After receiving your offer – if you would like to find out more about studying at Leeds Arts University you’ll have the opportunity to chat with our International Team and we'll answer any queries you may have regarding your offer, your course, Leeds Arts University - or anything else. 

Preparing and submitting your portfolio

Your portfolio is an important part of the application process. It is a collection of your work demonstrating how your skills and ideas have developed over time and helps us to evaluate your potential to succeed.

Your portfolio could include the following:

  • A selection of art and design work completed as part of a course of study at school or University
  • Work you have done out of personal interest
  • Copies of pages from your electronic or paper notebooks or sketchbooks
  • If you wish, your submission can also include work in progress

Please submit your portfolio or samples of work by sending a link or attachments to international@leeds-art.ac.uk (*.doc, *.pdf or *.jpg formats only). Please include your full name (UCAS ID if appropriate) and the course you are applying to in the subject line.

If the images are too big for an email, please send them via WeTransfer.

Please see the portfolio guide section for further details.