Birmingham is ranked among the 50 best student cities worldwide by QS Top Universities. Located in the West Midlands, Birmingham is the second-largest city in the United Kingdom, with over one million people. Studying in Birmingham is an excellent choice because the Midlands city combines the convenience of a metropolis with the sense of a true community, lower cost of living, and proximity to nature.
Best universities in Birmingham
The city is home to five universities. Birmingham City University is a broad-based university offering subjects in art and design and computer science. The South and City College Birmingham is also broad-based but has the advantage of being a professional school. It offers many specialisations and adapts to students' schedules, offering half-time courses and apprenticeships. Aston University is a research university, and in 1956, it became the UK's first College of Advanced Technology. Newman University stands out for its commitment to Catholic values of “inclusiveness and tolerance”.
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The South and City College Birmingham
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900, right after it received a Royal Charter (an instrument of incorporation granted by The King, which confers independent legal personality on an organisation and defines its objectives, constitution, and powers to govern its own affairs). The higher education institution results from the emergence of Queen's College (School of Medicine and Surgery, founded in 1828) and the Mason Science College (founded in 1875). In addition to its excellent reputation, it has modern laboratories and equipment facilitating the learning experience of its students. The University of Birmingham offers a wide range of programs in its five colleges: arts and law, social sciences, engineering and physical sciences, life and environmental sciences, and medical and dental sciences.
As in most universities in the UK, you will need to prove that you have a sufficient level of English. For this, you can either provide an English proficiency degree (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or other) or pass an internal English language test. Be aware that the required English language level depends on the study programme. In addition to good grades, you must have soft skills and the will to be accepted at the University of Birmingham. Generally speaking, UK universities want strong-skilled and motivated students in their study field. For instance, in your motivation letter or interview, don't hesitate to talk about any internships you have completed, discuss your projects and ideas, and show enthusiasm that you aspire to bigger goals.
Good to know:
Birmingham is the only place in the UK where a main-line railway serves the University. The train station has direct services to Cardiff and Nottingham.
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Aston University
In 1985, Aston University was named the Birmingham Municipal Technical School. In 1956, it became the first College of Advanced Technology, a new higher education institution. Ten years later, the school received a Royal Charter. According to QS Top Universities, Aston University is among the 400 best universities in the world and has received five stars for excellence in education, employability, innovation, facilities, inclusiveness, and internationalisation.
All Aston University colleges (School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Life and Health Sciences, School of Languages and Social Sciences, Aston Business School, and Aston Medical School) are on a single campus. To enroll at Aston University, you must prove that you have a good command of English by providing one of these tests: TOEFL, IELTS, or their own test.
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Aston University is a career and entrepreneurship-focused higher education institution. If you are an international student who would like to know about setting up a business in the UK after completing your degree, ask your department for advice on how to apply for the Innovator Founder visa. Expat.com's article on work visas in the UK has information on the requirements and conditions for applying for the visa.
Good to know:
Aston University was awarded the “Best University Placement Service” in the UK (National Undergraduate Awards 2022).
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Fees, scholarships, and subventions in Birmingham
University of Birmingham
Tuition fees for your first year of study at the University of Birmingham vary between £19,180 and £44,100, depending on the chosen program. Note that the price might be adjusted upwards each year because of inflation. To help you finance your studies, the UK government can grant you a loan, or if you meet the requirements, you can apply for a tuition fee loan.
Aston University
If you can't afford the total fees ranging between £14,200 to £24,500 applied by Aston University, there are several scholarships available to help you finance your studies. You can also look for other non-university scholarships.
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Visa, enrollments, and other helpful information in Birmingham
All international students, including EU students, need a visa to study in the UK. The UK government UK Visas and Immigration Service has a tool on their website that helps you figure out whether you need a visa or not, depending on your country of origin, passport, and country of residence. Besides visa issuance, there is helpful and easily accessible information on Expat.com's England guide and the England forum, where you can discuss and get advice from hundreds of seasoned expatriates in the UK.
Start the university enrollment process early to avoid unnecessary stress, such as missing papers and the anxiety of running out of time. You will only have a few months to complete everything, including your visa application. So, check your university's website for enrollment deadlines and other pre-departure information, such as student accommodation booking. Also, visit the UCAS website for information regarding undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This website aims to allow students to enroll at several universities with the same record to reduce enrollment fees and offer an extensive database on each institution.
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Book your accommodation as early as possible, as the best private apartments and student halls run out fast. You should receive an answer from the university around April and May. You will have until the beginning of June to accept or reject the university's offer.
Student life in Birmingham
It's safe to say that you won't be quickly bored in Birmingham. Indeed, many musical and cultural events will occur during your stay. If you like shopping, meet your friends at the Bullring shopping centre, where you can dine, shop, attend an event, or protect yourself from the rain. Do you like chocolate? Well, Cadbury comes from Birmingham, and you can visit the Cadbury World while enjoying the behind-the-scenes of the making of your favourite treats. Even though Cadbury World is promoted as a kids' activity, we don't see why adults wouldn't enjoy it as much. If you've always dreamed of going to the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, there's an English equivalent on Broad Street: Walk of Stars! On this same street, you will also find several nightclubs. Some university campuses are nearby, so you can hang out with your friends and come to your residence safely.
Good to know:
Are you looking for a convenient city to help with your travelling plans to discover the UK? In under four hours, you can get to 90% of the UK from Birmingham.
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