Karia Kiritbhai Study Abroad Course Expert
Study Abroad Course Expert
The University of Sheffield, situated in South Yorkshire, England, is a public university that is focused on research, and has around 30,000 students. The level of competitiveness for admissions is moderate, with an acceptance rate of 85%. The University's most famous programs are in Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, and Social Sciences. The graduation rate is around 78–82%, and graduates report starting salaries ranging from around INR 32–36 lakhs (£29,000–33,000).
Located in West Yorkshire, the University of Leeds is another major public university focusing on research with a student population of about 39000. The admissions process is somewhat more selective than Liverpool, with an acceptance rate of approximately 64–77%. Some of the flagship programs are in Business, Engineering, Law, and Media Studies. The graduation rate is about 75–80%, and graduates earn about INR 33–37 lakhs (or £30,000–34,000) per year in early career earnings.
| University of Sheffield | University of Leeds | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 6 Out of 10 | 5.9 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 16 The Guardian 2026 # 92 QS World University 2026 # 108 Times Higher Education 2026 | # 28 The Guardian 2026 # 86 QS World University 2026 # 118 Times Higher Education 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 96 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 106 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 19 for Law by The Guardian 2026 | # 92 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 96 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 34 for Law by The Guardian 2026 |
| Programs | UG Programs -59 PG Programs -55 | UG Programs -129 PG Programs -164 |
| Acceptance Rate | 85.0 % | 56.7 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-550 GRE-306 IELTS-6 PTE-61 TOEFL-88 | GMAT-600 GRE-299 IELTS-6 PTE-60 SAT-1200 TOEFL-88 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 30875 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 31190 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24545 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 34592 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 35277 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 4236 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate employability ranks: #121-130 | Graduate Employability Ranking 2023: 52; University of Leeds is one of the top public universities in Leeds, United Kingdom. It is ranked #86 in QS World University Rankings 2023. Average Salaries Of :
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| application requirements | 2 reference letters; CV; Supporting statement of 300-500 words | Minimum 60% in bachelors for admission in PG; Letter of Intent, Statement of Purpose, CV, at least 2 references |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Sheffield University Management School | Leeds University Business School |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.3/10 Read 20 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 56 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 21 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 151 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 201 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 11 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 102 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 61/90TOEFL - 88/120 | GMAT - 600/800IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 64/90TOEFL - 88/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -35840 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -49598 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Sep 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For September Intake) Jan 5, 2026 (Application Deadline For February Intake) | Jul 31, 2026 (Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Sheffield | University of Leeds |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1905 | 1904 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 13:1 |
| Male:Female | 46% Male, 54% Female | 40% Male, 60% Female |
| Location Facts | Two campus areas: Western Bank (main) and St George’s. The main campus is located in the heart of city, surrounded by many green spaces gardens, parks and woodland area. | Campus is 10 minutes away from Leed’s city center; well-connected with regular public transport services; it has Parkinson Building, Maurice Keyworth Building, Great Hall and Post-war buildings |
| Library | According 2017-18 annual report: 1.1 million collections; 3.2 million visits; 3,532 study spaces; 5.6 million digital library searches; 12.1 million digital downloads; 216,000 books loaned | 5 libraries with 3900 study spaces; Brotherton library: for arts, social sciences, and law; Edward Boyle library: for science and engineering; Health Sciences Library: for medicine and health-related subjects; Laidlaw Library: for group work, bookable space and on-site academic skills support, St James University Hospital Library: supports university’s research & teaching staff, medical & healthcare students and employees of the Hospital trust; |
| Campus Life | Student’s Union has 350 clubs and societies; bars, cafe, and restaurants; box office for tickets to concerts and performances; events; student council; support services. The university also offers opportunities to indulge in volunteering, DJing, Dancing, Sports, involving in faith groups, Faishon, and Film making. | University’s union has over 300 clubs and societies; Free counseling, mental health support groups, workshops, etc; discounted access to university’s sports center: The Edge; Sports Park Weetwood for outdoor sports; various sports clubs and programs; University has shops, cafes, bars, nightclubs, theatre, spa, hairdressers, bank and a student advice center on-campus |
| Hostel | #Rooms - Shared Bathroom - $4200 #Rooms - En-Suite+ - $7879 #Rooms - Delux+ - $8473 | #Self Catered En-Suite Room - $1404 #Catered En-suite Room - $2460 |
| Famous Alumni | David Childs (former Managing Partner of Clifford Chance); Lindsay Ashford (author); Hilary Mantel (two times Booker Prize winner); Glenn Moore (comedian); Any Johnson (pilot); Helen Sharman (first British astronaut); Sir Donald Bailey (inventor of the Bailey Bridge), Lord Florey (Nobel Prize laureate), Sir Hans Krebs (Nobel Prize laureate), etc. | George Porter (Nobel Prize in Chemistry); Wole Soyinka (Nobel Prize in Literature); Archer John Porter Martin (Nobel Prize in Chemistry); Emma Mackey (actress); Tony Harrison (poet); Alan Yentob (former BBC executive); Piers Sellers (NASA astronaut) |
| City Life | Sheffield is known as the “steel city”; home to the world’s oldest football club: Sheffield FC; has the largest theatre complex of the UK. It is not only the 4th largest city in England but also one of the safest cities. The city is also known for having the cost of living 10% lower than the national average. The unemployment rate of the city is 4.2% | Leeds is the largest city of West Yorkshire in Northern England; located approximately 170 miles north of Central London; 30 minutes away from Leeds Bradford international airport; 1 hour away from Manchester airport; Unemployment rate in 2019 was 4.1%; it is the 8th largest engineering center and 2nd largest printing manufacturing center in UK |
| Weather |
University of Sheffield vs University of Leeds
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Leeds typically falls within the global top 100-150 ranking, with noted strengths in Business, Social Sciences, Law, Engineering, and Arts & Humanities. The University of Sheffield is also generally in the global top 100-150 ranking, and achieves specific recognition in Engineering, Architecture, Social Sciences, and Medicine. Both institutions are high-quality Russell Group universities, however, Sheffield is particularly strong in STEM and architecture, while Leeds is stronger in business and the social sciences.
General Information
The University of Sheffield is a large research-intense university that opened in 1905, with approximately 30,000 students. It has a strong engineering school, medical research initiatives, and has integrated college life experiences on city campuses. The University of Leeds, founded one year before Sheffield in 1904, is slightly larger with around 39,000 students, and ranked among the most diverse subject portfolios in the UK.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
The University of Sheffield and the University of Leeds are both moderately selective institutions. The acceptance rate for Sheffield is around 85%, with Engineering, Medicine, and Architecture being the most selective areas. Admission rates for Leeds are a little more selective at 64-77%, with Business, Law, and Engineering being the most popular career-driven areas. Leeds has larger numbers of intently focused international applicants than Sheffield making the competition for entrance slightly more competitive in general, however, Sheffield has high selectivity for more technical-driven professional employment in Technical Programs and Medical Programs.
Research Impact & Facilities
Both are Russell Group members and R1-level research universities. Sheffield is especially strong in engineering, advanced manufacturing, architecture, and medical research, with international collaborations in materials science and aerospace. Leeds is a leader in climate research, business, social sciences, and engineering, with large interdisciplinary research centres. Sheffield has more technical-science prominence, while Leeds offers broader applied and policy-oriented research visibility.
Cost & Financial Aid
For international students, tuition fees are broadly similar at both institutions: around £22,000–28,000 annually depending on the subject. Living costs are also comparable, with Sheffield slightly more affordable than Leeds. Both universities offer merit-based scholarships; Leeds has a larger portfolio of awards across faculties, while Sheffield emphasizes STEM and international excellence scholarships.
Career Destinations & Graduates' Success
Sheffield graduates are highly employable in engineering, architecture, healthcare, and research-intensive fields, benefiting from industrial ties to advanced manufacturing and aerospace. Leeds graduates excel in business, law, finance, media, and social sciences, supported by strong employer links in the UK and Europe. Sheffield has a STEM and technical edge, while Leeds provides stronger outcomes in business, professional services, and creative industries.
