University of Birmingham

Established in 1900, the University of Birmingham has been striving to pursue and share knowledge through outstanding teaching, mentorship and world-leading research. The university is one of the original ‘redbrick' universities, and a part of the prestigious Russell Group of elite research institutions in the UK. The university has a thriving student population of more than 30,000 every year, with over 10,000 of them hailing from overseas from around 150 countries. The university shares a historical relationship with India, stretching all the way back to 1909 when a cohort of Indian students arrived to study for degrees in mining and commerce.

The university is an international Top 100 university – ranking 84th in the recent QS World University Rankings and 14th amongst UK universities. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings places the university 101st out of more than 1,400 international universities. The US News and World Report: Best Global Universities ranked the university 89th out of over 1,500 universities internationally across 81 countries.

Study options at the University of Birmingham are offered in the areas of arts and law, engineering and physical sciences, life and environment sciences, medical and dental sciences, and social sciences. Outside of classrooms and their academic routines, students have the opportunity to be part of sports clubs and make use of a range of sports and fitness facilities.

The University of Birmingham's ground-breaking research constantly pushes the boundaries of knowledge. The 10 Nobel Laureates among the university's staff and alumni have contributed to some of the greatest scientific discoveries, including the Higgs Boson and Gravitational Waves. The university's research provides innovative solutions to the challenges faced in the region and across the globe.

World-leading research institution

The University of Birmingham is known globally for its immense contribution to research. As an original member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, Birmingham undertakes leading work across a broad range of disciplines, from the arts to engineering.

Birmingham is also one of the founding members of the global network of research-intensive institutions, Universitas 21. It has also produced 10 Nobel Prize winners, each who have pioneered work that has transformed the world.

Teaching excellence

In 2018, the university achieved a Spotlight Award in the Global Teaching Excellence Awards (GTEA), for its ‘exemplary vision for achieving teaching excellence across the whole institution'.

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 900 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. Entry criteria for each programme will differ depending on its subject area and the requirements set out by each department. 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

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:

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

The university was a proud partner sponsor of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and has marked the occasion by providing a generous master's scholarship in partnership the UK Department for International Development (DFID). The award aims to help international students with their financial concerns, encouraging them to study in the United Kingdom.

The scholarship is available to all citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries enrolling on a selection of Birmingham's degree courses, and covers full tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, air travel to and from the UK, and several other benefits. Applications for students who will be studying in the UK starting in September/October 2024 are open, and are submitted online.

Birmingham and the Commonwealth Games

The Commonwealth Games took place in Birmingham city from 28 July to 8 August 2022. Birmingham was an ideal location for the games because is at the centre of the UK, and it had already hosted several world-class international events.

The university was used as the main campus village for the games, and numerous athletes and spectators visited the campus. The games provided many opportunities for the university and local area, including opportunities for student volunteering.

90 percent of graduates from the University of Birmingham find employment or continue their studies within six months of graduation. Students can see destinations data for first-degree students on the university's graduate destinations graph.

Career support

Throughout their studies and beyond, students benefit from high-quality career resources and guidance. Graduates can also utilise the services for two years after finishing their studies.

Careers services include:

• Advice appointments

• Career planning workshops

• Recruiter events

• Careers fairs

• Industry sector events

• Application and interview support

• Work experience opportunities.

There are even international careers advisors who are dedicated to supporting overseas students with their training and development. They help students advance their careers in their home countries or elsewhere.