Leeds International Study Centre expands into new city centre location offering improved experience to international students

• Leeds International Study Centre (ISC) for progression to the University of Leeds moves to city centre location, placing international students at the heart of the student-centric city.
• University of Leeds and Study Group renew their partnership to deliver pathway programmes at Leeds International Study Centre for a further five years.
• Knight Frank, Fisher German LLP and Study Group broker lease for University of Leeds International Study Centre to move to exceptional new facilities in the centre of Leeds.

Leading international education specialist Study Group announces a new city centre location for the Leeds International Study Centre for progression to the University of Leeds at 8 Park Row, central Leeds.

This move will provide international students with state-of-the-art facilities, ideally located within one of the UK’s cities consistently voted as one of the best for students. The relocation comes as Study Group and the University of Leeds renew their partnership for another five years, ensuring continued delivery of international education excellence.

State-of-the-art facilities and seamless student experience

Responding to a 25% increase year-on-year in international student numbers, the International Study Centre is expanding into newly refurbished premises at 8 Park Row, a historic building in the heart of Leeds. Set to open for the 2025-26 academic year, the new facility places students within walking distance of Leeds Central Station, the newly pedestrianised City Square, lively shopping and dining hubs like Leeds Trinity and easy access to public transport provides straightforward travel to student accommodation.

Just a 10-minute walk from the University of Leeds’s campus, the building’s architectural style seamlessly aligns with the university’s 1930s-era structures, such as the iconic Parkinson Building. This proximity and continuity will contribute to providing students with a cohesive experience as they progress from the International Study Centre to undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Leeds.

The International Study Centre will occupy multiple floors of the building, offering 24 classrooms, breakout spaces, and dedicated space for the academic team. The building, recently refurbished to modern sustainability standards, includes features such as energy-efficient air conditioning, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging points, and a BREEAM rating of "Very Good." The fitout will be closely overseen by Study Group which has invested significantly in the green credentials of the building, including a green levy, greatly contributing to local environmental improvements overseen by Leeds City Council.

A renewed 5-year partnership focused on growth

The move comes as Study Group and the University of Leeds renew their partnership for a further five years. The focus on long-term commitment and growth is reflected in the recent launch of a new International Year One (IY1) in Civil Engineering and the upcoming Pre-Masters Programme (PMP) set to welcome the first students in January 2026, opening the doors to a wide range of degree programmes at the University of Leeds.

July Behl, Chief Partnerships Officer at Study Group commented: “To say that we value our partnership with the University of Leeds would be an understatement – we are extremely proud to work with such a prestigious institution and our investment into the exceptional facilities at 8 Park Row are a statement of what this partnership means to us and how much we are committed to continue to provide world-class international education. The quality of the building, its location and architecture mean that we can provide a seamless higher education experience to our students and provide them with the best possible environment for them to succeed and go on to do great things.”

Eamon Fox, Partner and Head of Development at the Leeds office of global property consultancy Knight Frank commented: “This letting is a ringing endorsement of the quality of 8 Park Row, one of the most elegant buildings within the professional core of Leeds.  A comprehensive refurbishment inside has created an attractive contemporary office environment while retaining the best original features. The building’s exemplary green credentials and its overall future-proof specifications, are perfect for any business.”

David Laws, Partner and Head of National Offices at Fisher German, commented: “Following an extensive evaluation of options within Leeds city centre, 8 Park Row provided a logical choice to accommodate the operational needs of the Study Centre. The relocation from Wellington Place, Leeds will enable students and staff to occupy a prime city centre location in a recently refurbished building that provides excellent amenities and flexibility. The new facility will continue to support students progressing to the University of Leeds.”