University of Alabama Birmingham - INTO USA

Top young university

For the second consecutive year, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has been named the top young university in the U.S. It has also ranked as 12^th in the world, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 2019 Young University Rankings.

With UAB covering about one quarter of downtown Birmingham it is safe to say that students will get to know their new home very well. UAB has 22,000 students, 23,000 employees and is the largest single employer in the state of Alabama. Its annual economic impact is larger than USD 7.15 billion.

A sustainable campus

UAB's new classroom and office space, University Hall, has received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The new College of Arts and Sciences building is the first LEED-certified building on the campus.

The university is aiming to save as much energy, water and resources as possible, as well as generating minimal waste. UAB Sustainability's strategic plan works to design, build and maintain buildings that are safe and healthy places for people that at the same time have a positive impact on the environment.

A variety of pathway programs, undergraduate and postgraduate programs are available for international students to help them qualify for degree-level study in the U.S.

Direct Entry Undergraduate

Students who meet the necessary entry requirements and English language proficiency levels can apply directly to UAB for entry onto undergraduate programs in a variety of subjects and disciplines.

Direct Entry Postgraduate

Students looking to gain direct entry onto a postgraduate course at UAB will need to be able to satisfy the entry requirements and English language level needed.

International Year One

Students can earn degree credits while improving their academic and English skills. Additional support is given so students can graduate at the same time as UAB domestic students. Depending on their English language proficiency, students can take a tailored pathway program (up to three semesters) for entry onto their undergraduate program.

Undergraduate Transfer Program

Those who have already completed college or university courses and want to transfer to UAB can take the Undergraduate Transfer Program where they can transfer degree credits.

Graduate Pathway Program

This program equips international students with the academic and language skills they need to study a graduate degree. They will also prepare for GMAT/GRE tests, if it is required by the program. There are one and two semester options, depending on the English language abilities of students.

Academic English Program

Students can develop their English language, academic and critical thinking skills so that they can be successful in U.S. higher education.

To be eligible for study a pathway program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, students need to meet a small number of entry requirements.

Direct Entry Undergraduate

Academic requirements: high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 2.75 (additional requirements may be necessary depending on the course/program).

English language requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (overall with at least 5.5 on each section), a minimum TOEFL score of 77 or equivalent.

Direct Entry Postgraduate

Academic requirements: Undergraduate degree, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE and GMAT scores if needed by a particular program, additional materials and references may be needed depending on the qualification applied for.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 6.5, minimum TOEFL score of 80 or equivalent.

International Year One

Academic requirements: high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 2.0

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 5.0, a minimum TOEFL score of 50 or equivalent.

Undergraduate Transfer Program

Academic requirements: minimum GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 12 college or university transfer credits.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 5.0-6.0, a minimum TOEFL score of 50-77 or equivalent.

Graduate Pathway

Academic requirements: Depending on the course, students need to have completed their first degree, diploma or equivalent, have equivalent to a GPA of 2.5, and meet any other specific program requirements.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 5.5, a minimum TOEFL score of 65 or equivalent.

Academic English

Students need a high school diploma or equivalent.

To support high-achieving international students, the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a range of helpful scholarships to support tuition fees and living expenses. Students are encouraged to check the availability and eligibility requirements for each scholarship. Awards include:

Regional Scholarship

Up to USD 9,000 is available for eligible students on a pathway program.

International Scholarship

Up to USD 7,500 is available for eligible students who directly enroll as a first-year degree-seeking student.

IB Scholarship

Up to USD 2,500 is available for eligible students who directly enroll as a first-year degree-seeking student.

UAB Continuing Success Scholarship

Up to USD 3,000 is available for eligible students who successfully complete an International Year One program and meet the progression requirements.

Campus

International students will be able to enjoy all the University of Alabama at Birmingham's campus has to offer. It's home to many green spaces and over 4,400 trees, so has been named a Tree Campus USA university by the Arbor Day Foundation for five straight years. Located close to downtown Birmingham, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Buildings

UAB is always improving its infrastructure for the benefit of the community. New buildings include the Collat School of Business and School of Nursing, and there is an upcoming Genomic Medicine and Data Research building. All are well-equipped with top learning facilities and resources.

Opened in 2015, the impressive Hill Student Center is full of fantastic amenities. There are dining facilities, a stadium-style theater, a technology store, a bookstore and spaces for activities, gatherings and services.

Extra-curricular

There's an abundance of exciting activities for students to get involved with outside of the classroom. The UAB Recreation Center was included in the 50 Best RECs College Consensus 2018. More than 250 student clubs and organizations are running, as well as 20 club sports and 18 Division I sports teams.

Dining

13 on-campus restaurants offer students a plethora of dining options, that cater to a wide range of preferences and requirements. There are all-you-can-eat and food-on-the-go options, which can be paid for using the university ONE card, so there's no need to worry about carrying cash all of the time.

Health and wellbeing

UAB has recently refurbished the Student Health Services and Counseling and Wellness Center. The center is based over 23,000 square feet and is dedicated to providing students with support related to health and wellbeing.

Accommodation

All UAB halls of residences are conveniently located on campus, so students can easily reach the buildings and facilities they need as well as downtown Birmingham. Most International Year One students are required to live on campus.

Pathway programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is designed to help international students prepare for successful study at U.S. degree-level. 17 of the graduate programs are ranked within the top 25 in America by U.S. News & World Report's 2020-2021 Best Graduate Schools list.

The University is committed to ensuring that students graduate with more than just a degree. They are well-prepared to enter the professional world equipped to face the challenges it brings, where they have the skills and experience that employers look for.

Career services

During their time at UAB, students can make the most of the career support available. Helpful staff and resources mean that students have opportunities to network with employers and gain invaluable industry experience. Services include:

• Career fairs
• Planning tools
• Job listing website
• On-campus interviews
• Personal advice
• Internship and work experience opportunities