University of Birmingham
Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Cost of Living£ 16,248
- Tuition Fee From£ 19,740
- Country Rank-
- Batch Strength32,130
- Global Diversity24.5%
- Gender Ratio42:58
Overview
About
Established in 1900, the University of Birmingham is a prestigious public research university located in Birmingham, England. It is a founding member of the Russell Group and is recognised for its tradition of innovation, world-class research, and exceptional teaching. The university offers a vibrant, leafy campus just minutes from the city centre and is home to over 38,000 students from nearly 150 countries. Its facilities include renowned institutes, museums, and a diverse, multicultural student community.
Things To Know About The University Of Birmingham
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Year of Establishment |
1900 (with roots tracing back to 1825) |
|
Type |
Public Research University |
|
Global Recognition |
Member of the Russell Group; ranked among top UK universities |
|
Student Population |
Over 38,000 students, with 10,000+ international students from 150+ countries |
|
Campus Size |
276 acres, Edgbaston campus (main campus) |
|
Acceptance Rate |
13–15% (competitive) |
|
Top Courses |
Engineering, Economics, Medicine, MBA, Data Science, Law |
|
Scholarships |
29+ options including International Scholarships & Hardship Funds |
|
Placement Rate |
86–87% of graduates employed or in further study within 15 months |
|
Famous Alumni |
10 Nobel Prize winners; contributions in fields like physics and chemistry |
|
Campus Facilities |
Modern library, sports centre, on-campus train station, career services |
University of Birmingham Programmes
The University of Birmingham offers an extensive range of programmes, including nearly 350 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate courses across a variety of fields. These span Engineering, Medicine, Business, Law, Arts, Social Sciences, and more. The university is structured into five academic colleges:
- College of Arts and Law
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences
- College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- College of Social Sciences
Some of its top-ranked disciplines include Chemical Engineering, Sociology, Medicine, Performing Arts, and Sports Science.
University of Birmingham Scholarships
International students can access a range of scholarships, including merit-based awards and country-specific scholarships. These scholarships help cover tuition fees and living expenses, with details and eligibility criteria available on the university’s official website and through dedicated international recruitment officers.
|
Scholarship Name |
Award |
Eligibility Summary |
|
125th Anniversary Scholarship |
£5,000 (All PG) £7,000 (CS PG) |
Indian students, full-time PG, overseas fee payer, UK campus start in Sept/Oct 2025 |
|
Commonwealth Scholarship |
Full tuition, travel, and living costs |
75% UG score, citizen of eligible Commonwealth country |
|
Charles Wallace India Trust Bursaries |
Up to £1,000 |
Indian students in CWIT disciplines, within age limit |
|
GEES Scholarships |
£2,000 tuition fee waiver |
UG/PG offer in Geography, Earth, Environmental Sciences, Indian domicile |
|
Inlaks Scholarships |
Up to $100,000 |
Indian students, course-specific criteria |
|
JN Tata Endowment Loans |
₹1 – ₹10 Lakhs |
Indian UG degree, <45 yrs, min 60% in last exam |
|
Lady Meherbai D. Tata Scholarships |
₹3 – ₹6 Lakhs |
Indian women, PG abroad, strong academics, 2+ yrs work experience |
University of Birmingham Admissions 2025
Admission for the year 2025 are open, here’s a quick look at the admission deadlines and basic requirements for international undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Admission Deadlines 2025
- Undergraduate (UCAS): June 30, 2025
- Postgraduate: July 4, 2025
Admission Requirements for International Students
- Undergraduate: Completion of 12th standard (or equivalent) with strong academic results, English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.0–7.0 or equivalent), personal statement, and references.
- Postgraduate: Relevant bachelor’s degree with a good academic record of at least 55%, English proficiency (IELTS 6.5–7.5 or equivalent), and supporting documents such as a statement of purpose and references.
University of Birmingham Fees
The University of Birmingham’s tuition fees vary depending on the course and level of study.
- Undergraduate: GBP 19,000–26,000 per year
- Postgraduate: GBP 19,000–32,000 per year
- Living costs are estimated at around GBP 10,224 per year.
University of Birmingham Placements
The University of Birmingham has an impressive employability rate of 86%, with most graduates hired within six months. Known for producing job-ready professionals, its alumni work across top global firms in tech, finance, healthcare, and more earning an average starting salary of £32,000 per year.
|
Category |
Details |
|
Top Employers |
EY, Deloitte, NHS England, BBC, Amazon Web Services, HSBC, AstraZeneca, etc. |
|
Top Sectors |
Business Development, Education, Engineering, IT, Entrepreneurship |
|
Key Graduate Skills |
Project Management, Strategic Planning, Marketing, Business Strategy, etc. |
University of Birmingham Rankings 2025
The University of Birmingham continues to be recognised globally for its academic excellence and research impact. It stands out for subject-specific strengths and overall reputation, ranked among the top universities in both global and national league tables. Here’s a quick look at its key rankings for 2025.
|
Ranking Body |
Position |
|
QS World University 2026 Rankings |
76th globally |
|
Times University Guide 2025 |
22nd in the UK |
|
Guardian University Guide 2025 |
36th in UK |
University of Birmingham Notable Alumni
The University of Birmingham is home to a thriving global alumni network of over 300,000 graduates, many of whom have made remarkable contributions across science, media, politics, business, and the arts. Its alumni work with leading global organisations such as Google, AWS, EY, and Amazon, and include award-winning scientists, celebrated actors, renowned broadcasters, and influential public figures.
Here are some of the most well-known names from the University of Birmingham’s alumni community:
|
Name |
Profession / Achievement |
|
Maurice Wilkins |
Nobel Prize-winning biophysicist |
|
Chris Tarrant |
English broadcaster and TV presenter |
|
Tamsin Greig |
British actress |
|
Ben Shephard |
Television presenter |
|
Ann Widdecombe |
Former UK Minister of State for Employment |
|
Matthew Goode |
British actor |
|
Desmond Morris |
Zoologist and ethologist |
|
Tim Curry |
Actor and singer |
|
Mo Ibrahim |
British-Sudanese businessman and philanthropist |
|
John Stewart Bell |
Renowned physicist |
|
Victoria Wood |
Comedian and actress |
|
Paul Nurse |
Nobel Prize-winning geneticist |
University of Birmingham Campus Life
The University of Birmingham has a beautiful 250-acre campus with modern facilities, sports centres, cafes, shops, and green spaces. Students enjoy a lively campus life with 500+ clubs and societies, cultural events, and quick access to the city centre. Its international community, helpful support services, and great transport links improve student life.
Ranking
The University of Birmingham continues to uphold its global reputation in 2025, securing impressive positions across major university rankings. It is ranked #94 in the US News Best Global Universities, #76 in the QS World University Rankings in 2026, and #101 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World Rankings. Domestically, it ranks #12 in The Complete University Guide and #36 in The Guardian University Guide, reflecting its academic strength, student satisfaction, and graduate prospects.
With top 100 global placements in subjects such as Engineering, Clinical Medicine, Law, and Arts and Humanities, Birmingham stands out as a world-class destination for higher education.
University of Birmingham Ranking by US News & World Report 2025
The University of Birmingham is ranked #94 in the Best Global Universities 2025 by US News & World Report. This ranking is based on multiple indicators, including academic reputation, research output, and international collaboration.
|
Ranked by The US News and World Report |
Rank |
|
Gastroenterology and Hepatology |
14 |
|
Surgery (tie) |
34 |
|
Endocrinology and Metabolism (tie) |
48 |
|
Arts and Humanities (tie) |
51 |
|
Economics and Business |
66 |
|
Physics |
72 |
|
Space Science (tie) |
72 |
|
Clinical Medicine |
73 |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
78 |
|
Biology and Biochemistry (tie) |
79 |
|
Public, Environmental and Occupational Health |
79 |
|
Immunology |
95 |
|
Water Resources (tie) |
98 |
|
Education and Educational Research |
100 |
University of Birmingham Ranking by THE Guardian 2025
According to The Guardian University Guide 2025, the University of Birmingham ranks #36 among UK universities. This is a slight improvement from its #37 position in 2024.
|
Ranked by THE Guardian |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Accounting and Finance |
26 |
19 |
18 |
|
Business and Management |
36 |
36 |
27 |
|
Chemical Engineering |
15 |
12 |
9 |
|
Civil Engineering |
36 |
31 |
23 |
|
Economics |
21 |
18 |
20 |
|
Electronic and Electrical Engineering |
35 |
36 |
22 |
|
Law |
38 |
32 |
27 |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
30 |
22 |
19 |
|
Medicine |
32 |
26 |
27 |
|
Physics |
10 |
12 |
7 |
|
Politics |
22 |
34 |
35 |
|
Sociology and Social Policy |
65 |
50 |
34 |
University of Birmingham Ranking by THE Complete University Guide 2025
In The Complete University Guide 2025, the University of Birmingham is ranked #12 in the UK and #14 in 2024, reflecting its strong academic reputation and student satisfaction.
|
The Complete University Guide Rankings |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
UK University |
12 |
14 |
14 |
|
Accounting and Finance |
26 |
22 |
29 |
|
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering |
8 |
8 |
10 |
|
Biological Sciences |
22 |
20 |
18 |
|
Business and Management Studies UK |
17 |
19 |
17 |
|
Chemical Engineering |
5 |
6 |
5 |
|
Civil Engineering |
19 |
21 |
15 |
|
Communication and Media Studies |
10 |
6 |
10 |
|
Computer Science |
6 |
7 |
18 |
|
Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
16 |
8 |
6 |
|
Law |
23 |
22 |
18 |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
12 |
12 |
16 |
|
Medicine |
24 |
19 |
26 |
|
Nursing |
10 |
15 |
14 |
|
Physics and Astronomy |
5 |
4 |
7 |
|
Psychology |
22 |
23 |
21 |
|
Sociology |
18 |
13 |
50 |
University of Birmingham QS Ranking 2026
The University of Birmingham is ranked #76 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, marking an improvement from #84 in 2024. Additionally, it is ranked #38 globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings for Sustainability.
|
Ranked by the QS World Ranking |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Accounting and Finance |
79 |
71 |
51 |
|
Biological Sciences |
145 |
127 |
101 |
|
Communication and Media Studies |
51 |
101 |
51 |
|
Engineering and Technology |
119 |
119 |
114 |
|
Global MBA |
141 |
151 |
151 |
|
Law and Legal Studies |
101 |
101 |
101 |
|
Mathematics |
151 |
148 |
101 |
|
Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering |
82 |
85 |
101 |
|
Medicine |
67 |
69 |
51 |
|
Nursing |
51 |
51 |
51 |
|
Performing Arts |
51 |
49 |
51 |
|
Pharmacy and Pharmacology |
90 |
94 |
51 |
|
Physics and Astronomy |
136 |
113 |
101 |
|
Politics |
101 |
101 |
51 |
|
Sociology |
76 |
100 |
101 |
University of Birmingham Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2025
In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, the University of Birmingham is placed at #101, showing progress from its #108 position in 2023. Subject-specific rankings for 2025 have not been released, but in 2024, Birmingham was among the top 100 globally for Engineering and Computer Science.
|
Ranked by |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
|
Arts and Humanities |
63 |
67 |
90 |
|
Clinical and Health |
66 |
74 |
66 |
|
Engineering |
96 |
100 |
126 |
|
Law |
101 |
99 |
75 |
|
Life Sciences |
101 |
101 |
101 |
|
PG Business and Economics |
101 |
101 |
101 |
|
PG Computer Science |
176 |
151 |
176 |
|
Psychology |
70 |
71 |
72 |
Year
QS Ranks
US News Ranks
2025
#80
-
2024
#80
#94
2023
#91
#89
2022
#90
#89
2021
#90
#91
Facilities
The UOB has two main campuses that span 672 acres at Edgbaston and Sally Oaks. The university also maintains campuses in Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge, Coniston (Cumbria), and Ansty (Coventry). The university also has a well-developed campus in Dubai International Academic City. The university’s campus is constantly buzzing with events and activities. A winter festival held on campus during the winter and a summer ball featuring live music and a fair during the summer are two notable events. Additionally, the university frequently hosts student socials, sporting events, and family fun days. Club evenings, workshops, fairs, debates, and other social events are all regularly scheduled by the Guild of Students. More than 500 student organisations are supported by the Guild of Students at the university. From Acapella, Anime & Manga, Harry Potter, Pokemon, Shakespeare, and kickboxing, to Archeology, Neuroscience, and Psychology, the student organisations and societies cater to a wide spectrum of interests. The university offers 55 sports clubs in addition to ranking in the top 7 in UK university sports. To get a better look into other university’s amenities, here are some more details about the University of Birmingham facilities listed below -
- Modern sports facilities, exercise centres, a student hub, and world-class athletic facilities are all found on the main campus.
- Renowned pieces by famous artists including Monet, Manet, and Renoir may be found at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. This location hosts activities like lunchtime concerts, evening talks, and literature seminars.
- One of the first specialised geological museums in the UK is located at the university; it is called the Lapworth Museum of Geology.
- A 450-seat theatre in the Bramall Music Building hosts performances all year round, such as concerts and comedy acts.
- Winterbourne House and Garden, an English botanic garden and heritage site, is another component of the Edgbaston campus.
Notable Alumni
Courses
Admission
The University of Birmingham, ranked #76 in QS 2026, is a competitive institution with a 13%-15 % acceptance rate and over 38,000 students from 150+ countries. It offers intakes across all major seasons, with UG applications via UCAS and PG applications through the university portal. Indian applicants need 75%–90% in Class XII for UG and 50%–60% in a bachelor's degree for PG.
University of Birmingham Admissions 2025 Highlights
- Global Ranking: #76 in QS World University Rankings (2026).
- Campus Size: 672 acres in Birmingham, England.
- Student Community: Over 38,000 students, with 31% international representation from 150 countries.
- Top Recruiters: Capgemini, Unilever, Royal Mail, IBM, Deloitte.
- Courses Offered: BA, BSc, BEng/BTech, BBA, LLB, MBBS, MA, MSc, MBA, LLM, MPhil, and more
- English Language Requirements: IELTS (6.0–7.0), TOEFL iBT, PTE (scores vary by program).
- Acceptance Rate: Selective admissions process, varies by programme.
University of Birmingham Application Deadlines 2025
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham, applying before the official deadlines is essential. Whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme, complete your application and submit all required documents on time.
|
Degree |
Deadline |
|
Undergraduate |
30th July 2025 |
|
Postgraduate |
4th July 2025 |
University of Birmingham Visa Requirements for International Students
International students who have accepted an offer from the University of Birmingham must apply for a Student Route visa (previously known as the Tier 4 visa) to study in the UK.
Visa Type
- Student Route Visa (formerly Tier 4)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, students must meet all of the following:
- Academic Offer: Hold an unconditional offer from the University.
- English Language Proficiency: Meet the university’s English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
- Financial Requirements: Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Issued by the university after offer acceptance.
Points-Based System
You must score 70 points to be eligible:
- 50 points for a valid CAS from a licensed sponsor (University of Birmingham)
- 10 points for financial proof
- 10 points for meeting English language requirements
Financial Proof
You must show evidence of:
- Funds covering tuition fees + living expenses (currently set by UKVI)
- The money must be held for at least 28 consecutive days
- The end date of this 28-day period must fall within 31 days before your visa application date
Additional Requirements
- TB Test: Required for students from certain countries (as per UKVI regulations)
- ATAS Certificate: Needed for specific postgraduate courses in sensitive subject areas (e.g., certain Engineering or Science programmes)
University of Birmingham Application Process 2025
Undergraduate Applications
- Application Route: UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- UCAS Code: B32
Step-by-Step Process:
- Register on the UCAS website.
- Complete your application – including your personal details, academic history, and a personal statement.
- Submit the application by the relevant UCAS deadline.
- Receive offers from universities through the UCAS Hub.
- Choose your offers – select a firm choice and an insurance choice.
- Respond to offers by 4 June 2025 (for September 2025 intake).
Postgraduate Taught Applications
- Application Route: University of Birmingham’s Online Application Portal (for most courses)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Select your programme from the university's postgraduate course list.
- Fill in the online application form.
- Upload required documents, including:
- Academic transcripts
- Two references (usually academic)
- Personal statement
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS)
- Submit the completed application before the programme-specific deadline.
Note: Courses like MA Social Work and PGCE must be applied for via UCAS or other designated platforms.
Scholarship
The University of Birmingham offers a wide range of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These include merit-based, need-based, and country-specific awards, designed to support students from around the world in achieving their academic goals.
The University of Birmingham Scholarships for Undergraduate International Students
|
Scholarship Name |
Amount Disbursed & Deadline |
Eligibility |
Granted As |
|
India High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarship |
£5,000 (approx. ₹5.25 lakh) Deadline: 31 May 2025 |
Indian students with an offer for any full-time UG programme (UK campus) Firm UCAS choice Overseas fee-payer |
Tuition fee discount (first year only) |
|
India GEES Undergraduate Scholarship |
£2,000 (approx. ₹2.10 lakh) Deadline: TBC |
Indian students with a firm offer for GEES UG programmes Meet all academic conditions |
Tuition fee waiver |
|
University of Birmingham India Outstanding Achievement Scholarships |
₹2.51 lakh |
Indian Standard 12th IELTS/PTE Transcripts Passport Personal Statement (4000 characters) |
Tuition and fees covered |
|
LLB and LLB for Graduates Scholarships |
₹3.14 lakh Deadline: 30 April 2024 (Check for 2025 cycle) |
Law students only Official transcripts Personal statement LORs Passport English proficiency |
Tuition and fees covered |
|
Brockhouse Scholarship |
₹1.05 lakh Status: Closed (Check for 2025) |
For Engineering students Case-by-case basis |
Tuition and fees covered |
|
Computer Science International Excellence Scholarship |
£3,000 (approx. ₹3.08 lakh) Deadline: 30 June 2025 |
Computer Science applicants 95% overall in Standard 12 English proficiency Academic transcripts |
Tuition fee discount (Semester 1) |
The University of Birmingham Scholarships for Postgraduate International Students
|
Scholarship |
Value / What It Covers |
Who Can Apply |
Key Conditions |
|
125th Anniversary Scholarship |
£5,000 (all taught Master’s) £7,000 (MSc Computer Science) |
Indian students with a taught Master’s offer (Sept/Oct 2025 start) |
• Full-time study at UK campus • Overseas-fee payer |
|
Birmingham Commonwealth Scholarship |
Tuition-fee waiver + travel & living allowance |
Citizens of eligible Commonwealth countries |
• Minimum 75 % in relevant UG degree • Full-time Master’s at Birmingham |
|
India Birmingham Chancellor’s Scholarship |
20 × £10,000 awards (10 for Birmingham Business School, 10 for other faculties) |
Indian students entering a full-time PG programme (Sept 2025) |
• Firm offer, pay £3,000 deposit • Overseas-fee payer, funds for living & visa costs |
|
India GEES Scholarship (PG) |
£2,000 tuition-fee waiver |
Indian students admitted to a taught Master’s in GEES |
• Firm offer, pay deposit (if applicable) • Overseas-fee payer |
|
125th Anniversary High Fliers (International) |
£5,000 tuition-fee discount |
High-achieving applicants from selected countries (incl. India) |
• Self-funded, firm UCAS choice |
|
Charles Wallace Trust Bursaries & Fellowships |
Up to £1,000 for travel, accommodation, other costs |
Students in CWIT-supported disciplines |
• Meet CWIT age & discipline criteria |
The University of Birmingham Scholarships Deadline
The University of Birmingham offers a wide range of scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These scholarships are highly competitive and come with strict eligibility criteria and deadlines. Missing the deadline may mean missing out on financial aid that could significantly reduce your tuition or living expenses.
Key Scholarship Deadlines to Remember:
- India High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarship: 31 May 2025
- Computer Science International Excellence Scholarship: 30 June 2025
- LLB and LLB for Graduates Scholarships: 30 April 2025
- India Birmingham Chancellor’s Postgraduate Scholarship: 31 May 2025
- 125th Anniversary Scholarships: Rolling deadlines – apply soon after receiving your offer
- India Outstanding Achievement Scholarships (UG): No fixed deadline, but early application is advised
- GEES Scholarships (UG & PG): Deadline to be confirmed
- Commonwealth Scholarship: Annual cycle, dates vary by country
- Charles Wallace India Trust Bursaries: Varies by programme and funding round
The University of Birmingham Scholarships Application Process
-
Apply to Study First
- Apply for your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University of Birmingham.
- Receive a student/application ID upon submission.
- Some scholarships require an offer or at least a submitted course application before you apply for funding.
-
Submit a Separate Scholarship Application (if required)
- Scholarships like the Birmingham Master's Scholarship require a separate application form.
- You will need to provide:
- Course application ID
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- English language certificates
- Deadlines vary (e.g., 30 April 2025 and 31 July 2025 for Birmingham Masters Scholarship).
-
Automatic Consideration for Some Scholarships
- Scholarships such as the 125th Anniversary Scholarship do not need a separate application.
- Eligible students with an offer are automatically considered.
-
Check Individual Scholarship Requirements
- Each scholarship has its own:
- Eligibility criteria
- Application process
- Deadline
- Always read the official guidance on the scholarship’s webpage.
-
External Scholarships
The university also supports scholarships from:
- Governments
- Charities
- Companies
- Partner organisations
- These are managed externally with separate application processes.
After Application
- University panels review applications based on:
- Academic merit
- Professional achievements
- Other criteria
- Scholarships are typically awarded as:
- Tuition fee discounts
Living stipends (where applicable)
Finances
Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of Birmingham. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal marketplace for international student loans, if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!
Accommodation
There are several student accommodations in Birmingham near University of Birmingham that are fully equipped for your needs. These student accommodations offer a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.
UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Birmingham is influenced by a number of variables, most of which are influenced by your spending habits and financial situation. To live comfortably in Birmingham, it is recommended to have a monthly budget of between £971 - £1,019 (excluding tuition). Glance through the table below for a detailed rundown of the various expenses that students face -
|
Particulars |
Cost (Monthly) |
|
Off-Campus Accommodation |
£ 680 |
|
On-Campus Accommodation |
£ 608 |
|
Transportation |
£ 60 |
|
Food Cost |
£ 390 |
|
Entertainment |
£ 42 |
|
Groceries |
£ 112 |
|
Clothes |
£ 70 |
|
Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation |
£ 1,354 |
|
Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation |
£ 1,282 |
|
Annual Cost of Living |
£ 16,248 |
The above data is fetched from Cost of Living in Birmingham on UniAcco