Birmingham ranks among the 50 best student cities worldwide according to QS Top Universities, and there's a good reason for that. Located in the West Midlands, Birmingham is England's second-largest city with over one million people. For international students and expat families, it offers something increasingly rare: the convenience of a major city without London prices, plus you can actually get around without spending half your day on transport. The city combines metropolitan perks with a genuine community feel. You'll find lower living costs than in most major cities in the country and surprisingly good access to the countryside when city life gets overwhelming.
The best universities in Birmingham
Birmingham is home to five universities, each with its distinct strengths. There's the University of Birmingham, and then Birmingham City University, which is broad-based with strong programmes in art, design and computer science. South and City College Birmingham focuses on professional training with flexible scheduling, including part-time courses and apprenticeships that actually lead to jobs. Aston University built its reputation as a research institution and became England's first College of Advanced Technology in 1956. Newman University stands out for its Catholic values emphasis ‘inclusiveness and tolerance', though it's smaller than the others.
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South and City College Birmingham
University of Birmingham
Founded in 1900 after receiving its Royal Charter, the University of Birmingham emerged from Queen's College (School of Medicine and Surgery, established 1828) and Mason Science College (founded 1875). Don't let the 1900 date fool you, though - this institution has deep roots in Birmingham's academic landscape.
The university offers programmes across five colleges: arts and law, social sciences, engineering and physical sciences, life and environmental sciences and medical and dental sciences. It's ranked 80th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, with particularly strong performance in areas such as Sports-Related Subjects, Dentistry, and Theology.
What sets Birmingham apart is practical accessibility. It's the only place in England where a main-line railway serves the university directly. The train station connects you to Cardiff and Nottingham without city centre detours.
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International students at University of Birmingham
International tuition fees at University of Birmingham
Birmingham City University
Starting life as Birmingham College of Art in 1843, Birmingham City University (BCU) gained university status in 1992. It ranks 1001st to 1200th in QS World University Rankings 2025 and 801st to 1000th in Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Those numbers might not impress, but they don't tell the whole story.
BCU is genuinely broad-based, with strong programs across art, design, computer science, business, health, and education.
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South and City College Birmingham
South and City College Birmingham (SCCB) operates as a further education college rather than a university, but it deserves serious consideration for international students seeking practical qualifications or university preparation. The college offers 25 hours per week courses for international students with conditional university offers who don't currently meet English language requirements.
SCCB resulted from merging South Birmingham College and City College Birmingham, creating one of the largest further education providers in the West Midlands. It serves over 25,000 students across multiple campuses with programmes ranging from basic English language courses to higher education degrees.
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South and City College Birmingham
International students at SCCB
Birmingham Newman University
Birmingham Newman University represents something different in Birmingham's higher education landscape. Founded in 1968 as a teacher training college, it gained university status in 2013. It earned a 71st spot in The Guardian University Guide 2025 and 124th out of 130 UK universities in The Complete University Guide 2025.
Don't dismiss Newman based on size or rankings. This Catholic university serves around 3,000 students on a single campus in Bartley Green, southwest Birmingham. The small scale creates a genuine community atmosphere that larger institutions can't match.
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International students at Newman
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.
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 England after completing your degree, ask your department for advice on how to apply for the Innovator Founder visa.
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Fees and scholarships at Birmingham universities
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.
University of Birmingham
The cost of tuition for an international student at the University of Birmingham varies depending on your chosen programme and level of study. When you're made an offer to study, your yearly tuition fee will be quoted on your offer letter.
There are four fee bands - class, intermediate, laboratory and clinical - and prices differ depending on whether you're an undergraduate, postgraduate taught or completing postgraduate research. In short, the standard student fees for full-time international students for the academic year 2025/26 are as follows:
- Band 1 (class): from £22,110 to £23,660
- Band 2 (intermediate): from £24,340 to £29,340
- Band 3 (laboratory): from £28,130 to £31,050
- Band 4 (clinical): £50,360
Fees are different for courses within the Birmingham International Academy remit, which include arts, social sciences, business and law, engineering and physical sciences, as well as medical, life and geo sciences.
Good to know:
For postgraduate studies, international students need to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Aston University
If you can't afford the total fees ranging between £17,000 and £45,000 applied by Aston University, there are several scholarships available to help you finance your studies.
In fact, the university is investing over £5 million in scholarships to help international students achieve their ambitions. They offer a range of international scholarships that you can apply for.
Birmingham City University
Tuition fees cover standard tuition, examination costs and Students' Union memberships at Birmingham City University. Fees for non-UK students are higher, however, as the university doesn't receive external support from the government. The amount you'll pay also varies based on what course you're completing - you can find all courses at Birmingham City University here.
During your application, you will need to complete a Fee Status Questionnaire to determine your fee status.
Birmingham Newman University
For 2025/26 and 2026/27, international undergraduate tuition is £12,500 with a £1,500 scholarship, and international postgraduate tuition is £13,500 with a £5,500 scholarship. These figures make Birmingham Newman University one of the most affordable university options for international students in the UK.
South and City College Birmingham
Given that South and City College Birmingham is a further education college, international students will find tuition fees here significantly lower compared to the universities listed above in this guide.
A-levels, vocations, T-levels or university-level courses are available here, and fees vary depending on what you're studying and at what level.
Entry requirements for Birmingham universities
There's a variety of choices for international students in Birmingham, but eligibility requirements differ hugely depending on where you decide to go.
University of Birmingham
As with most universities in England, you will need to prove that you have a sufficient level of English. For this, you can either provide an English proficiency certificate (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 to be accepted at the University of Birmingham.
Generally speaking, English 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.
Birmingham City University
International students require an IELTS 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) depending on the programme you apply for, though some may require higher scores.
Undergraduate applications require a £28.50 fee, while postgraduate applications are free.
Birmingham Newman University
Birmingham Newman University's international admission requirements include proof of sufficient English proficiency, presentation of appropriate educational certificates such as A-levels or International Baccalaureate, and meeting individual course entry requirements.
Aston University
Aston University requires international students to have academic qualifications equivalent to UK standards, a minimum English proficiency score (e.g., IELTS), sufficient funds for tuition and living costs and a Student visa.
Specific eligibility varies by program, so checking the course page for detailed requirements, including GPA and subject prerequisites, is crucial.
Overseas students can check the exact eligibility requirements they need to meet based on their country of origin.
South and City College Birmingham
South and City College Birmingham has more flexible eligibility requirements than universities, with programmes designed for students needing additional preparation. English language requirements vary by programme but generally start from intermediate level.
Visa, enrollments and other helpful information in Birmingham
All international students, including EU students, need a visa to study in England. The government's UK Visas and Immigration Service has a tool on its website that helps you determine whether you need a visa, depending on your country of origin, passport and country of residence.
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. Check your university's website for enrollment deadlines and other pre-departure information, such as student accommodation booking.
For undergraduate courses, visit the UCAS website, which allows students to apply to several universities with one application.
Good to know:
Postgraduate applications are made directly to individual universities, not through UCAS.
Important:
Book your accommodation as early as possible, as the best private apartments and student halls fill up quickly. You should receive an answer from universities around April and May, with until early June to accept or decline offers.
Student life in Birmingham
You won't get bored quickly in Birmingham. The city hosts numerous musical and cultural events throughout the year. If you enjoy shopping, meet friends at the Bullring shopping centre, where you can dine, shop, attend events or shelter from the rain.
Love chocolate? Cadbury originated from Birmingham, and you can visit Cadbury World to see behind-the-scenes chocolate making. While promoted as a family activity, adults enjoy it just as much.
If you've dreamed of visiting Hollywood's Walk of Fame, Birmingham has its own version on Broad Street: the Walk of Stars! This installation honours notable people from Birmingham or with significant connections to the city. The same street features several nightclubs, and with university campuses nearby, you can socialise with friends and return to your accommodation safely.
Good to know:
Looking for a convenient base to explore the UK? Birmingham's excellent transport links mean you can reach most major UK destinations efficiently, with London just over an hour away by train.
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