Loughborough University is a public research university in the market town of Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. It has been a university since 1966, but it dates back to 1909, when Loughborough Technical Institute began with a focus on skills directly applicable in the wider world.
LU is a top 10 UK university and is a two-time Times and Sunday Times ‘University of the Year’.
Highlights
- Academic excellence: Loughborough is a top 10 UK university and is known for its world-leading research and excellent teaching.
- Strong industry links: Loughborough has strong links with industry, which gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and skills during their studies.
- Unrivalled sporting reputation: Loughborough is one of the world’s leading universities for sport. It has a strong sporting tradition and has produced many Olympic and Paralympic champions.

Important Dates
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Autumn Term | 2 October 2023 to 15 December 2023 |
Spring Term | 8 January 2024 to 22 March 2024 |
Summer Term | 22 April 2024 to 19 June 2024 |
Term Four (Postgraduate Taught Students Only) | 20 June 2024 to 27 September 2024 |
Rankings
UK Rankings
- 7th in the Complete University Guide 2023
- 10th in the Guardian University Guide 2023
- 10th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
World Rankings
- 212th in the QS World University Rankings 2024
- 351-400th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
LU is also ranked highly in a number of subject-specific rankings. For example, it is ranked 1st in the UK for Sport Science and 2nd in the UK for Business Administration by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
Courses
Popular Courses at Loughborough University
- Engineering:
- Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering
- Architectural Engineering
- Architecture
- Automotive Engineering
- Automotive Materials
- Bioengineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Product Design Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Science:
- Biosciences
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Business and Economics:
- Accounting and Finance
- Business Administration
- Business Analytics
- Business Economics and Finance
- Human Resource Management
- International Business
- Marketing Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Design:
- Architecture
- Creative Arts
- Design
- Fashion Design
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
- Product Design
- Humanities:
- English
- History
- International Relations
- Law
- Linguistics
- Psychology
- Social Policy
- Sociology
- Sport:
- Sport and Exercise Science
- Sport Business Management
- Sport Coaching
- Sport Development
- Sport Psychology
- Sport Sociology
- Sport Tourism
Fees
Tuition Fees
For international students at Loughborough University:
- Undergraduate courses (2023/24): £22,000 to £27,250
- Postgraduate courses (2023/24): £20,250 to £26,000
Cost of Living
The estimated cost of living for international students (2023/24) is around £12,500 to £15,000 per year.
Scholarships and Bursaries
LU offers various scholarships and bursaries to international students. For detailed information, visit the university website.
Tips for International Students
- Start planning your finances early. Understand the costs and budget accordingly.
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries that you are eligible for.
- Consider part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) during term time to cover living expenses.
- Get in touch with the International Student Support Team for guidance on studying and living at Loughborough University.
Admission
Admission Process
Undergraduate Applications
For undergraduate programs, students must complete a UCAS application.
Postgraduate Taught Applications
For postgraduate taught programs, students must apply directly to the university.
Postgraduate Research Applications
For postgraduate research programs, students must also apply directly to the university.
For detailed information and application procedures, please visit the Loughborough University admissions page.
Cut offs
Cut-offs
For LU, admission cut-offs typically vary by course and level of study:
- Undergraduate courses (for Indian students): 75% to 85%
- Postgraduate courses (for Indian students): 65% to 75%
Please note that these are general guidelines, and actual cut-offs may vary.
Factors Considered for Admission
LU considers several factors when making admission decisions:
- Academic grades
- Entrance exam scores (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL for international students)
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolio (for some courses)
It’s essential to check specific entry requirements for your chosen course on the university website.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Achieve strong academic grades.
- Strive for high scores on required entrance exams.
- Write a compelling personal statement highlighting your achievements and reasons for choosing Loughborough University.
- Obtain letters of recommendation from credible sources.
- Submit a portfolio of work if necessary.
Placements
Placements at Loughborough University
LU has a strong reputation for placements, offering students valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience with top employers in various industries. In 2022, over 1,700 Loughborough University students completed placements with prestigious companies and organizations, including:
- Amazon
- BAE Systems
- BMW
- Deloitte
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- HSBC
- Jaguar Land Rover
- KPMG
- Microsoft
- Rolls-Royce
- Unilever
LU students have also completed placements with renowned international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
Careers Network Support Services
The university’s Careers Network provides students with a range of support services to help them secure placements:
- One-to-one advice and guidance
- CV and cover letter writing workshops
- Interview practice
- Career fairs and networking events
- Access to the university’s online job board, listing hundreds of placement vacancies each year
Scholarship
Loughborough University International Scholarships
These scholarships are offered to outstanding international students applying for undergraduate degree programs at LU. The scholarships provide financial assistance by covering 25% of the tuition fees for the first year of study.
Loughborough University Global Excellence Scholarships
These scholarships are designed for international students with exceptional academic achievements applying for postgraduate taught programs at LU. The scholarships offer valuable support, covering 10% of the tuition fees for the entire duration of the program.
Loughborough University Research Scholarships
International students pursuing research degree programs at Loughborough University can benefit from these scholarships. They are comprehensive and cover both tuition fees and living expenses, providing substantial financial support for the duration of the research program.
For detailed information on eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and how to apply for these scholarships, please visit the Loughborough University Scholarships page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Loughborough University is a highly ranked university in both the UK and the world. It is known for its academic excellence, world-leading research, and strong industry links. The university is a great choice for students who are looking for a top-quality education and a bright future.
The entry requirements for Loughborough University vary depending on the course of study and the level of study. For undergraduate courses, the typical entry requirements are A-levels, BTEC, or IB qualifications. For postgraduate courses, the typical entry requirements are a good undergraduate degree and an IELTS or TOEFL score (for international students).
Loughborough University offers a variety of scholarships to international students, including the Loughborough University International Scholarships, the Loughborough University Global Excellence Scholarships, and the Loughborough University Research Scholarships.