Quick Answer: University of Leicester offers several scholarships for Omani students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Alumni Scholarship (10% tuition discount), and subject-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-May, requiring academic transcripts, personal statements, and IELTS scores of 6.0-6.5.

Introduction

For Omani students aspiring to study in the UK, the University of Leicester presents an exceptional opportunity with its diverse scholarship programs designed specifically for international students. As one of the UK's leading research universities, Leicester has consistently ranked in the top 30 UK universities and welcomes over 4,000 international students annually from more than 100 countries.

This comprehensive guide explores all available University of Leicester scholarships for Omani students in 2026, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and insider tips to maximize your chances of securing financial support for your UK education journey.

About University of Leicester: Why Omani Students Choose Leicester

The University of Leicester, ranked 27th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, has established itself as a premier destination for Middle Eastern students. With over 95 years of academic excellence, the university is particularly renowned for its contributions to space science, archaeology, and medical research.

Key highlights that attract Omani students include:

• Strong Middle Eastern connections: Over 200 students from Gulf countries currently enrolled
• Research excellence: 78% of research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
• Graduate employability: 94% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months
• Cultural diversity: Active Islamic Society and Middle Eastern student communities
• Location advantages: Just 1 hour from London, with lower living costs than southern England

Complete List of University of Leicester Scholarships for Omani Students 2026

1. International Excellence Scholarship

Award Amount: Up to £5,000 per year Eligibility: Omani students with exceptional academic records Requirements:

• Minimum 85% in final year of secondary education or bachelor's degree
• IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component) or equivalent
• Conditional or unconditional offer for full-time study

Application Process: Automatic consideration upon admission application submission

2. Leicester Global Study Scholarship

Award Amount: £3,000 (one-time payment) Eligibility: First-year international students from developing countries, including Oman Requirements:

• Demonstrated financial need
• Academic merit (minimum 80% in previous studies)
• Personal statement explaining financial circumstances

3. Alumni Family Scholarship

Award Amount: 10% tuition fee discount Eligibility: Omani students whose family members are Leicester alumni Requirements:

• Parent, sibling, or spouse must be University of Leicester graduate
• Proof of family relationship required
• Valid for undergraduate and postgraduate programs

4. Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Computing Scholarship

Award Amount: £2,500 per year Eligibility: Omani students enrolling in engineering or computer science programs Requirements: Strong mathematics background and 80%+ academic performance

Business School Excellence Award

Award Amount: 20% tuition fee reduction Eligibility: MBA and MSc students with professional experience Requirements: Minimum 3 years work experience and GMAT/GRE scores

Medical Sciences Scholarship

Award Amount: £4,000 per year Eligibility: Students pursuing medical or life sciences degrees Requirements: Exceptional academic performance in science subjects

Application Timeline and Deadlines for 2026 Entry

Key Dates for Omani Students:

January 2026: Scholarship applications open March 15, 2026: International Excellence Scholarship deadline April 30, 2026: Subject-specific scholarship deadlines May 31, 2026: Final deadline for most merit-based scholarships June-July 2026: Scholarship results announced September 2026: Academic year begins

Important Considerations for Omani Students:

• Ramadan timing: Plan application submissions considering Ramadan dates in 2026 (February 28 - March 30)
• Document authentication: Allow extra time for document attestation from Omani Ministry of Education
• Visa processing: Apply for UK student visa immediately after scholarship confirmation

Application Requirements and Documentation

Essential Documents for Omani Students:

1. Academic Transcripts

   • Original certificates from Omani Ministry of Education
   • English translations (certified)
   • Grade conversion charts if applicable

2. English Language Proficiency

   • IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0 overall (5.5 each component) for undergraduate, 6.5 overall (6.0 each) for postgraduate
   • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80 (undergraduate) or 90 (postgraduate)
   • Valid for 2 years from test date

3. Personal Statement

   • 500-750 words explaining academic goals
   • Connection to chosen field of study
   • Future career aspirations in Oman or internationally
   • Financial need justification (for need-based scholarships)

4. Letters of Recommendation

   • Two academic references
   • One professional reference (for postgraduate applications)
   • Contact information for referees

5. Financial Documentation

   • Bank statements (last 6 months)
   • Sponsor letters if applicable
   • Currency conversion to GBP

Tips for Omani Students to Strengthen Scholarship Applications

Academic Excellence Strategies:

• Highlight research experience: Emphasize any research projects completed in Oman
• Showcase leadership: Include roles in student organizations, community service
• Demonstrate cultural bridge-building: Explain how you'll contribute to Leicester's diversity

Cultural Considerations:

• Islamic facilities: Mention appreciation for Leicester's prayer facilities and halal dining options
• Professional goals: Connect your studies to Oman's Vision 2040 development plans
• Regional expertise: Highlight knowledge of Gulf region markets and opportunities

Living Costs and Additional Financial Support for Omani Students

Estimated Annual Expenses (2026):

• Accommodation: £4,500-£8,000 (university halls vs. private)
• Food: £2,500-£3,500 (including halal options)
• Transportation: £600-£1,200
• Personal expenses: £1,500-£2,500
• Total living costs: £9,100-£15,200 per year

Additional Financial Support Options:

1. Part-time work: Up to 20 hours per week on student visa
2. University employment: Campus jobs prioritized for international students
3. Emergency hardship funds: Available for unexpected financial difficulties
4. Oman government scholarships: Check with Ministry of Higher Education for bilateral agreements

Special Considerations for Omani Students

Visa and Immigration:

• Student visa requirements: CAS from Leicester required after scholarship award
• Healthcare surcharge: £470 per year for NHS access
• Biometric enrollment: Available at VFS Global centers in Muscat

Cultural and Religious Support:

• Islamic Society: Active community with 300+ Muslim students
• Prayer facilities: Dedicated prayer rooms on campus
• Halal dining: Multiple halal options in university catering
• Cultural events: Regular Middle Eastern cultural celebrations

To explore more scholarship opportunities and compare different institutions, you can browse all universities offering programs for international students.

Conclusion

The University of Leicester offers substantial scholarship opportunities for Omani students, with awards ranging from £2,500 to £5,000 annually. With applications opening in January 2026 and deadlines spanning March to May, early preparation is crucial for success. Start gathering your documents now and craft compelling personal statements that highlight your academic achievements and cultural contributions to maximize your chances of securing financial support for your UK education journey.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Leicester offers scholarships worth up to £5,000 annually for Omani students in 2026

🎓 Over 200 students from Gulf countries currently study at University of Leicester

💰 Annual living costs for Omani students range from £9,100-£15,200 in Leicester

📈 94% of Leicester graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation

🏆 University of Leicester ranks 27th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

🌍 Leicester welcomes over 4,000 international students from more than 100 countries annually

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Leicester scholarships as an Omani student?

Most Leicester scholarships require no separate application - you're automatically considered when you apply for admission. Submit your university application by March 15, 2026, for the best scholarship consideration. Ensure you meet minimum requirements like 85% academic performance and IELTS 6.5. Some subject-specific scholarships may require additional documentation or personal statements explaining your financial need or career goals.

What is the minimum IELTS score required for University of Leicester scholarships?

The minimum IELTS requirement varies by scholarship level. For undergraduate scholarships, you need IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component. For postgraduate scholarships, including the International Excellence Scholarship, you need IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component. TOEFL iBT alternatives are 80+ for undergraduate and 90+ for postgraduate programs.

How much money can Omani students save with Leicester scholarships?

Omani students can save between £2,500-£5,000 annually through merit-based scholarships, with some receiving up to 20% tuition fee reductions for business programs. The International Excellence Scholarship offers the highest individual award at £5,000 per year. Combined with lower living costs in Leicester (£9,100-£15,200 annually), total savings can reach £8,000-£10,000 compared to other UK universities.

When do University of Leicester scholarship applications open for 2026 entry?

Leicester scholarship applications open in January 2026, with the earliest deadline being March 15, 2026, for the International Excellence Scholarship. Most subject-specific scholarships have deadlines between March 31 and April 30, 2026. Final deadlines for merit-based scholarships are May 31, 2026. Results are typically announced between June-July 2026, allowing time for visa applications before September 2026 start dates.

Are there specific scholarships for Omani students studying engineering at Leicester?

Yes, the Engineering and Computing Scholarship specifically targets Omani and international students enrolling in engineering or computer science programs. This scholarship provides £2,500 per year and requires a strong mathematics background with 80%+ academic performance. Additionally, the broader International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000) is available to engineering students who meet the 85% academic threshold and IELTS 6.5 requirements.

What documents do Omani students need for Leicester scholarship applications?

Omani students need academic transcripts certified by the Ministry of Education with English translations, IELTS/TOEFL scores valid for 2 years, a 500-750 word personal statement, two academic reference letters, and financial documentation including bank statements. For postgraduate scholarships, you may also need professional references and GMAT/GRE scores. All documents must be submitted by the scholarship deadline, typically between March-May 2026.

How does Leicester support Omani students culturally and religiously?

Leicester provides comprehensive support for Omani students through its active Islamic Society with 300+ Muslim students, dedicated prayer rooms on campus, multiple halal dining options in university catering, and regular Middle Eastern cultural celebrations. The university also offers specialized support services for international students, including orientation programs, academic writing workshops, and career guidance tailored to students planning to return to Oman or work internationally.

Can Omani students work while studying at Leicester with scholarship support?

Yes, Omani students on UK student visas can work up to 20 hours per week while maintaining their scholarship eligibility. Leicester prioritizes campus employment opportunities for international students, offering roles in libraries, student services, and research assistance. Part-time work can earn £8-12 per hour, providing additional income of £160-240 per week to supplement scholarship funds and reduce overall study costs.

Key Takeaways

✅ Apply early - scholarship applications open January 2026 with March-May deadlines for best opportunities

✅ International Excellence Scholarship offers up to £5,000 annually for students with 85%+ academic records

✅ No separate scholarship applications needed - automatic consideration upon university admission application

✅ Leicester provides strong cultural support with Islamic facilities, halal dining, and Middle Eastern student community

✅ Multiple scholarship types available including merit-based, need-based, and subject-specific awards

✅ Living costs in Leicester (£9,100-£15,200) are lower than London while maintaining high education quality

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