Study in UK
Birningham
Education and quality of academic institutions and community
Birmingham is home to world-class academic institutions offering diverse programmes in research and professional fields. Renowned for academic excellence, the city combines rigorous education standards with innovative teaching methods. The University of Birmingham is ranked 11th on the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and Birmingham hosts two modern campuses for Arden University, positioned conveniently in the city’s centre. Students benefit from modern facilities, global connections, and strong industry ties that enhance career prospects. Birmingham’s vibrant cultural and professional environment enriches learning, fostering critical thinking and creativity. Birmingham is home to over 12,600 international students, making it one of the largest international student communities in the UK. With a welcoming atmosphere and high-quality institutions, Birmingham stands out as a top destination for higher education.
Tuition fees and scholarship opportunities
Tuition fees for international students in the UK are generally lower than in the USA, but can still be a significant expense. The UK has a tiered fee system where tuition fees vary depending on the level of programme, but also varies significantly depending on the institution. Undergraduate fees for international students can range from £10,000 – 35,000 GBP per academic year. Meanwhile, postgraduate degrees typically have higher tuition fees, and can range from £10,000 – 50,000 GBP per academic year.
Generally, scholarships for undergraduate study are offered directly through institutions. These can be searched for on a specific university’s website. Scholarships are generally awarded based on academic merit and excellence. A good resource for finding scholarships based on subjects, institutions or nationality is the Study UK website.
Additionally, the UK offers a range of scholarships to help students cover the cost of their education. Notable scholarships for international students wanting to study in the UK are listed below:
Chevening
Chevening Scholarships provide opportunities for international students from a wide range of countries to attend a fully-funded master’s degree in the UK. Offering academic excellence, cultural exchange, and networking opportunities, the program empowers scholars to drive positive change in their home countries while experiencing the best of UK education and society.
GREAT Scholarships | Study UK
Great Scholarships are offered at a variety of institutions across the UK, and offer nationals from 18 countries the opportunity to have £10,000 GBP towards their tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate course. In the 2025-2026 academic year, over 200 scholarships will be offered by over 70 universities across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
The Commonwealth Scholarships Commision in the UK (CSC) offers citizens of low and middle income Commonwealth countries scholarships to attend higher education in the UK. Funded by the UK government, CSC supports academic excellence and professional development, allowing recipients of the scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies and research through PhD programmes.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (students) – Erasmus+
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship programme is a unique and prestigious scholarship programme for international students to pursue a joint master’s or PhD at multiple universities across the UK and Europe. They typically include periods of study, research, traineeship and thesis preparation, with a range of scholarships going towards tuition, visa costs and living expenses. Use the search tool on the Erasmus website to find scholarships specific to the UK.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Birmingham is generally affordable compared to other major UK cities, with students typically spending between £800 and £1,200 per month on rent, food, transport, and leisure. University accommodation costs range from £105 to £200 per week, while a studio flat in the city centre can be around £950 per month plus utilities.
Food costs around £30 to £50 per week, and bus fare costs around £1.50 for a single ticket. Birmingham offers many affordable leisure options, including free parks and museums.
Student Visa and immigration policies
To be eligible to apply for a UK student visa, you must provide evidence of financial stability to pay your tuition fees and support your living costs. You are required to have one-year’s tuition for your course, which is shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) form. You will also need to show evidence of having £1,023 per month (or £1,334 for courses in London), for up to 9 months. Please note that after 2 January 2025, this will increase to £1,136 GBP (and £1,438 GBP for courses in London).
To apply, you must provide evidence of:
- Acceptance of a course from a licensed institution
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Valid passport and travel documents
- English language test results (SELT, English GCSE or proof of completing a degree-level qualification in English)
- Parent consent if you are under 18
Applications can be made up to six months before the start date of your course, with a decision on your visa typically being given 3 weeks after completing the application. A student visa costs £490 GBP to apply from outside the UK.
Post-Study Immigration Policies
If you are over 18 and undertake a degree-level course, you can stay in the UK for up to 5 years on a student visa. After this, you can switch to a Graduate visa which will allow you to stay in the UK for 2 years after successfully completing your course (or 3 years if you hold a doctoral qualification). You can apply for a graduate visa if you meet the following criteria
- You are in the UK
- You current hold a UK student visa
- You studied a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with your Student visa
- You institution has told the UK Home Office you have successfully completed your course
You must apply before your Student visa expires. You will need to provide your identity documents. If you are ineligible for a Graduate visa, you can check the Check if you need a UK visa – GOV.UK website for other types of visas that the UK offers.
Job opportunities (during and after studies)
When on a Student visa, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during the holidays. While studying, popular part-time jobs for students are tutoring, retail and hospitality, as they offer flexibility and help to cover living expenses. Universities may also provide on-campus job opportunities or internships relevant to students’ fields, such as student ambassador roles or research assistant positions.
The UK has a diverse economy and offers a wide range of opportunities across industries such as healthcare, technology, finance and beyond. The Graduate visa allows students to work or look for employment for up to 2 years after graduating (3 years for doctoral qualifications).
A common route of employment following the completion of your studies are through graduate schemes. These are entry level training programmes available to individuals with degrees, which provides you with hands-on experience, a structured training programme and a route to develop your talent and skills as a future leader at a company. These schemes generally last from 1 to 4 years and recruitment generally begins in the summer, while some companies recruit all year round or when a position becomes available.
- Student and graduate websites for vacancies and tips for applying
- Your university careers service
- Employer events or careers fairs at your university
- National recruitment exhibitions – network and build your professional reputation
- Follow companies on social media
- Speak to someone at a company you’re interested in
Safety and security
Birmingham has the second highest crime rate in the UK, rated at 57% higher than the national average. Crimes involving robbery in particular are much more common in this city. In recent years, Birmingham’s crime rate has steadily increased, so it is essential that students remain vigilant and aware of high risk areas.
The most crime-abundant areas are South Yardley, Stockland Green, Handsworth and Birchfield. To stay safe, ensure that all of your locks are working and of good quality before moving into a property, and keep your keys safe and on your person rather than in a hidden spot outside of your residence. Also take care to keep your valuables and mobile phones out of sight when in public and to refrain from walking in non-lit areas at night. Try not to carry too much cash on your person.
Language requirements
The language primarily spoken in the UK is English, with countries having other native languages as well such as Welsh, Irish or Gaelic. All UK universities teach and assess their programmes in English. International students wishing to study at UK institutions are expected to demonstrate proficiency in English speaking, reading and writing with a qualification equivalent to the CEFR level B2, or a 5.5 – 6.0 IELTS score. Please note however, that some universities or colleges may require higher scores and some programs may have specific language requirements.
The UK offers international students a vibrant multicultural society which fosters inclusivity and global connections. UK universities attract high numbers of international students and continue to encourage international collaboration. From world-class museums, music festivals, and historic landmarks to diverse cuisines and sporting events, there’s something for everyone. Students can use the extensive train or bus connections to explore cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester or enjoy the scenic countryside.
Birmingham offers a vibrant social and cultural lifestyle, combining rich history with modern attractions. The city is home to a diverse arts scene, featuring galleries like the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and theaters such as the Birmingham Hippodrome. It hosts renowned festivals, including the Birmingham Literature Festival and the Frankfurt Christmas Market. With lively nightlife, eclectic dining options, and thriving music scenes, it caters to all tastes. Parks, canals, and community events further enhance its dynamic atmosphere, making it ideal for students and visitors alike.
Birmingham offers a vibrant social life filled with unique activities. Students can discover cultural landmarks like the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery or the historic Jewellery Quarter. The Birmingham Hippodrome hosts renowned festivals throughout the year, such as the Birmingham Literature Festival and the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Music enthusiasts can enjoy gigs at Symphony Hall or the O2 Academy. Food lovers will find everything from Digbeth Dining Club’s street food to Michelin-starred restaurants and one can explore Cannon Hill Park or take lovely strolls along the canal. With lively nightlife, diverse dining options, and thriving music scenes, this dynamic city caters to all tastes.
Accommodation availability and options
The cost of accommodation in the UK varies widely depending on location, type of housing, and lifestyle preferences. In larger cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham, prices tend to be higher. In contrast, smaller cities and towns, such as Leicester or Nottingham, offer more affordable housing options.
In Birmingham, single shared-bathroom bedrooms in university accommodation range from £105- 200 GBP per week, though this can vary significantly depending on the university, distance from campus and the city centre, and the size. As Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK, there is no shortage of housing options for students. A studio flat in the city centre will cost around £950 GBP per month, with utilities being an extra £150 on top. An average three-bedroom flat will cost around £1,770 GBP, with split utilities and bills costing around £80 per person. Sharing larger flats with flatmates is a great way to make friends and is popular among students looking for more affordable living options. It is worth considering that with private accommodation, you may need to pay for rent all year round as opposed to only during term time with university accommodation. Sites such as Zoopla, OnTheMarket, GumTree and Rightmove are popular places for students to look for private accommodation- you can filter by cost, area, number of rooms and more.
Healthcare system and student insurance
The UK healthcare system provides international students access to the National Health Service (NHS), which offers comprehensive medical services, including general practitioner (GP) consultations, emergency care, and hospital treatment. To access the NHS, students need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This covers most healthcare services but excludes dental and optical treatments, which may require additional payment.
Students are encouraged to register with a local GP upon arrival for easy access to healthcare. For added protection, many students opt for private health insurance to cover services not included in the NHS, such as specialised treatments, faster access to elective procedures, or private consultations. Universities often provide guidance on securing insurance and navigating healthcare options.
The NHS emphasises preventive care and public health, ensuring students have access to vaccinations, mental health support, and chronic illness management. Pharmacy services are also widely available, offering both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Climate and weather conditions
The UK experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild seasons. Summers are warm, averaging 15–25°C, while winters are cool, with temperatures around 0–7°C. Rainfall is consistent year-round, so a waterproof jacket and appropriate footwear is essential. Snowfall is rare in the south of the UK, but students living in Northern England or Scotland should be mindful of colder weather and higher chances of snow.
Connectivity to home country (flights and travel costs)
Birmingham is an ideal city for international students seeking strong travel connectivity to their home countries. The city is serviced by Birmingham Airport, which offers direct flights to numerous destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. For students from countries with no direct routes, connecting flights through major hubs like London, Amsterdam, or Dubai are convenient and frequent. Travel costs are often competitive, especially with student discounts available on some airlines such as United and StudentUniverse. Birmingham’s excellent rail and coach networks further enhance accessibility, making it simple to reach airports or explore other UK cities at affordable rates. A return ticket from Birmingham Airport to Hong Kong can be as cheap at £440 GBP, however, prices can vary significantly therefore it is advised to book well in advance.
Recognition of degrees internationally
The recognition of degrees can vary significantly from one country to another, depending on several factors. These include the mode of study (such as online or in-person programmes) and the specific list of approved universities and degree programmes as outlined by a country’s Ministry of Education or relevant authority. Therefore, students should ensure that the degree they pursue is recognised both in their home country and in any other regions where they might plan to work or further their education.
The UK national agency for international qualifications and skills is a useful resource to determine whether your existing credentials, and the program you wish to pursue, are recognisable in and outside of the UK.