University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham Commonwealth Scholarship

As the university is a proud partner sponsor of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, it is celebrating by providing a generous master's scholarship. The award aims to help international students with their financial concerns.

The scholarship will be a GBP 3,000 tuition fee discount. It's on offer to all international students who come from a country that is participating in the 2022 games. To be eligible, students must be pursuing a taught master's degree at the university in the 2022/23 academic year.

Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games will take place in Birmingham city from 28 July to 8 August 2022. It's an ideal location as Birmingham is at the centre of the UK, where it has already hosted several world-class international events.

The university will be the main campus village for the Games where numerous athletes and spectators will visit the campus. The Games will also provide many opportunities for the university and local area – students can get involved by volunteering to gain invaluable work experience.

World-leading research institution

The University of Birmingham is known globally for its immense contribution to research. Research is undertaken across a broad range of disciplines, from the arts to engineering.

Birmingham is one of the founding members of the global network of research-intensive institutions, Universitas 21. It has also produced 11 Nobel Prize winners, each who have pioneered work that has transformed our world.

Teaching excellence

Students are taught by academic staff who are involved in world-leading research, giving learners an immersive and insightful educational experience.

Those who study at Birmingham get the chance to be part of a world-leading academic community. More than 1000 options are available, covering undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research, and integrated foundation study programmes.

Academic colleges

• College of Arts and Law – home to Birmingham Law School
• College of Engineering and Physical Sciences – home to departments such as computer science and metallurgy and materials
• College of Medical and Dental Sciences – home to Birmingham Medical School
• College of Life and Environmental Sciences – home to departments such as biosciences and sport, exercise, and rehabilitation sciences
• College of Social Sciences – home to Birmingham Business School

The university also offers the following courses:

• Postgraduate distance learning
• Continuing professional development
• MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses)

There is also the Birmingham International Summer School (BISS). This provides opportunities for international students to get a taste of university life in the UK.

Academic criteria

The University of Birmingham welcomes undergraduate applications from students with A levels or equivalent qualifications. Students can find the entry requirements on the specific web page of their chosen course.

English language criteria

International students will need a good level of English language proficiency to study at Birmingham. This can be shown through an English language test.

Depending on the chosen course, undergraduate students will generally need:

• IELTS – overall score of 6.0–7.0, with no band lower than 5.5–7.0
• TOEFL – overall score of 80–95, with no score lower than 19–23 in each band (reading, writing, speaking, and listening)
• PTE – overall score of 64–67, with no score lower than 59–67 in all four skills
• Or equivalent

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Birmingham is also accepting the TOEFL ‘At Home' test, the IELTS Indicator and Password English.

The campus environment offers a fantastic place to study and call home. There is a friendly community atmosphere, along with plenty of facilities to support living and learning. It's a picturesque location, with several historic red-brick buildings along with many green spaces.

Campus facilities include:

• Libraries – with more than 1.8 million print and 500,000 online books
• Bramall Music Building – 450-seat auditorium
• Barber Institute of Fine Arts – gallery featuring works by artists such as Monet and Van Gogh
• Sport and fitness club – state-of-the-art facilities such as a swimming pool and climbing wall

Accommodation

All new undergraduate international students are guaranteed accommodation in their first year of study. There are three student villages which are safe, friendly and a short walk to campus. Self-catered or meal-plan options are available.

Guild of Students

Birmingham's students' union provides student support, along with many activities and opportunities. There are hundreds of societies and sports groups to join, as well as local volunteering projects.

Birmingham provides several scholarships dedicated to international students. These are to reward academic excellence and to support overseas students who may have financial barriers.

Awards include:

• Global master's scholarships – Up to GBP 10,000 for master's study
• Sports scholarships
• Dubai campus scholarships

There are also different awards available for students from different regions. This includes outstanding achievement scholarships for students from countries such as Nigeria, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Middle East and Turkey.

Several colleges and departments offer scholarships, including those for undergraduate students studying within the school or department of chemical engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or physics and astronomy.

Students are encouraged to check what awards are available, along with the eligibility requirements.