University of Alabama at Birmingham

Our story is one of remarkable growth in size, quality, reputation and impact. In a little more than four decades, UAB has transformed from its modest beginnings as an extension center into a doctoral research university and academic medical center. And we have the same audacious vision that led our founders to dream big dreams-To educate, advance discovery, care for the sick, respond to the needs of our community and establish Alabama as a progressive economic center that can change the world.We are glad you are here and excited about your contributions to academic and extracurricular life here in Birmingham. You are joining a diverse and ever-growing population of international students on campus representing over 80 countries.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) traces its roots to the 1859 founding of the Medical College of Alabama and the 1936 opening of the Birmingham Extension Center of The University of Alabama. In 1945 the Medical College of Alabama was moved from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham and the Universitys Medical Center was founded. Later, in November of 1966, the Extension Center and the Medical Center were merged to form the "University of Alabama in Birmingham," an organizational component of The University of Alabama (in Tuscaloosa). In 1969 UAB became an independent institution, one of the autonomous universities within the newly created three-campus University of Alabama System.Today, UAB is a comprehensive urban university with a nationally recognized academic health center. UAB is the only public, four-year degree granting university in the states largest metropolitan area. UAB is the largest research institution in the state of Alabama and the university is the largest employer in Birmingham.UAB’s vision is to be an internationally renowned research university — a first choice for education and health care.UABs mission is to be a research university and academic health center that discovers, teaches and applies knowledge for the intellectual, cultural, social and economic benefit of Birmingham, the state and beyond.

We offer a broad array of programs and support services designed to help alleviate many of the stressors of being an international student. Our staff is the best source of advice and information on topics such as maintaining student immigration status, online course enrollment, minimum hours requirements, on- and off-campus work authorization, internships, post-completion and STEM extension optional practical training (OPT) work authorization, applying for a Social Security card, obtaining an Alabama driver license, paying US income taxes on scholarships and graduate student assistantships, and many more. The Forms and Information Sheets found here contain the answers to many common questions.

UAB pursues the frontiers of education, research and health care and strives to be one of the most dynamic and productive universities of the 21st century.Our strategic plan, UAB21, is our pledge to prepare our students and community for the challenges of a new world economy: global literacy, biotechnology and biomedical science, energy, transportation, materials engineering, information technology, computing security and entrepreneurship. These goals are fueling record enrollments, attracting exceptional faculty and strengthening community partnerships.Our faculty create a culture of innovation and collaboration that embraces social responsibility and entrepreneurial principles.UAB faculty are teachers, scholars, researchers, clinicians and entrepreneurs who earn the highest honors in their fields, lead professional societies and provide exceptional mentoring and training.