University of Birmingham, founded in 1900, is a public research university in Birmingham, England. As a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, University of Birmingham is ranked in the top 100 globally by QS Rankings and among the top 10 in the UK by US News. The University of Birmingham has over 350 undergraduate and 600 postgraduate programs across its five colleges
University of Birmingham Rankings
University of Birmingham is a prestigious university in the UK that has consistently ranked among the top 100 higher education institutions in the world. Given below are some of the rankings of University of Birmingham as published by independent agencies:
Ranking Agency |
Ranking 2023 |
QS World University Rankings |
#91 |
Best Global Universities US News |
#89 |
World University Rankings THE |
#108 |
Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom, US News |
#9 |
University of Birmingham Ranking Comparison
The table provides a subject-wise ranking comparison of the University of Birmingham, University of Glasgow and University of Leeds:
Discipline |
Subject Rankings of University of Birmingham |
Subject Rankings of University of Glasgow |
Subject Rankings of University of Leeds |
Anatomy and Physiology |
#49 |
#18 |
#51 |
Engineering - Mineral and Mining |
#51-60 |
#142 |
#44 |
Medicine |
#64 |
#51 |
#121 |
Business and Management studies |
#116 |
#151 |
#70 |
Engineering and Technology |
#126 |
#149 |
#108 |
Natural Sciences |
#132 |
#118 |
#128 |
Computer Science and Information |
#151 |
#140 |
#201 |
Economics and Econometrics |
#151 |
#118 |
#151 |
Check out detailed comparison of:
University of Birmingham Programs
University of Birmingham offers around 350 undergraduate courses, over 600 postgraduate courses and 140 research courses. The University offers three research degrees - MRes, MA/MSc by research, and Doctor of Philosophy. The programs at University of Birmingham are offered through six colleges:
University of Birmingham Research
According to REF (Research Excellence Framework) 2021, 15 study areas at University of Birmingham ranked in the top 10 in UK for their research projects. The study areas include Physics ranking in 1st position, Computer Science, Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, Health Services and Primary Care, Engineering, Law, Public Health, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Social Work and Social Policy, Theology, Philosophy and Religious Studies.
University of Birmingham Campus
University of Birmingham comprises two main campuses at Edgbaston and Sally Oaks and covering 672 acres. In addition to this, the University has campuses at Stratford-upon-Avon, Ironbridge, Coniston (Cumbria) and Ansty (Coventry). The University has also established an international campus in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC).
- The main campus features a state-of-the-art library, world-class sports facilities, fitness centres and a dedicated student hub.
- The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is home to renowned works by artists like Monet, Manet, Renoir and others. Events like lunchtime concerts, evening lectures and literature workshops are held here.
- Lapworth Museum of Geology at the University of Birmingham is one of the oldest specialist geological museums in the UK. The Bramall Music Building houses a 450-seater auditorium hosting events round the year including concerts and comedy shows.
- Edgbaston campus also features Winterbourne House and Garden, which is a botanic garden and a heritage site in England.
University of Birmingham Accommodation
The university offers accommodation at its three student villages - Pritchatts Park, The Vale, and Selly Oak. Approximately 6,000 rooms are available at these three student villages. Types of rooms offered range from en-suite, shared bathrooms, and studio apartments.
Students can also choose between self-catered and shared meal plan. Students are charged an overall accommodation fee depending on the room type. The fee also covers high-speed WiFi, basic room insurance, utility bills, and 24 hour security.
Check: Student accommodation at University of Birmingham
On-Campus Accommodation
Undergraduate accommodation fees for the year 2022-23 is given in the table below -
Type of Room |
Price Range in GBP |
Price Range in INR |
Shared Bathroom |
3,670- 7,030 |
3.67 to 7.03 lakhs |
En-suite Bathroom |
6,620- 8,330 |
6.62 to 8.33 lakhs |
Studio Apartment |
7,600- 9,600 |
7.6 to 9.6 lakhs |
Postgraduate accommodation fees for the year 2022-23 have been detailed in the table below -
Room Type |
Total Cost in GBP |
Total Cost in INR |
Shared Bathroom |
6,820 |
6.82 lakhs |
En-suite |
7680 |
7.68 lakhs |
Studio |
10,190- 13,680 |
10.19 to 13.68 lakhs |
Off-Campus Accommodation
If you prefer to have your own space, the university offers off-campus accommodation. These are typically shared with other students, and each apartment has its own kitchen and bathroom facilities. The apartments are fully furnished, and all utility bills and internet access are included in the rent.
Type of Accommodation |
Cost GBP/Week |
Cost INR/Week |
Studio Apartment |
100- 270 |
10 thousand- 27 thousand |
Ensuite |
85- 180 |
8 thousand- 18 thousand |
Apartment |
70- 300 |
7 thousand- 30 thousand |
University of Birmingham Admission Process
University of Birmingham accepts applications for undergraduate courses through the UCAS portal. In case of postgraduate programs, prospective candidates can apply directly through the University website.
University of Birmingham UG Admission
Particulars |
Undergraduate Admission Requirements |
Admission Portal |
UCAS |
Application Fee |
GBP 22 (~2,115 INR) for single course |
Minimum GPA |
Minimum overall score of 65-70% |
Minimum IELTS score |
6.0 with 5.5 in each band |
Additional Requirement |
Academic letter of reference | Personal statement |
University of Warwick PG Admission
Category |
Requirement |
Application Portal |
Online Portal |
Application Fee |
50 (~4,800 INR) |
GPA Requirement |
GPA of 50% or above |
English proficiency test scores |
IELTS- 6.0- 7.0 |
Standardized Exam Scores |
GMAT score of 650 |
Additional Requirements |
Statement of Purpose | 2 reference letters (1 academic LOR) | Work samples and research proposal (for research programs) | Resume |
University of Birmingham Cost of Attendance
The University charges an annual Program fee which covers the cost of tuition, examination and graduation charges. The membership charge for the Guild of Students is also included in the overall program fee. The average tuition fee at the University of Birmingham is in the range of 19.2 to 42.4 lakhs INR. The table below provides a detailed list of international student tuition fees for the academic year 2022-23 –
Fee |
Undergraduate Fees in GBP |
Postgraduate Taught in GBP |
Postgraduate Research in GBP |
Band 1 (Class) |
21,000 to 21,780 |
21,150 to 22,950 |
20,340 to 21,480 |
Band 2 (Intermediate) |
22,500 to 24,600 |
23,850 to 25,740 |
22,380 to 24,660 |
Band 3 (Laboratory) |
25,860 to 28,560 |
26,640 to 28,530 |
26,040 to 28,980 |
Band 4 (Clinical) |
46,320 |
n/a |
n/a |
Cost of Living in UK
International students planning to study at University of Birmingham need have a minimum of GBP 1,023 per month to cover accommodation and living expenses. Approximate cost of living in UK and of necessary items like food, rent and clothing have been given below:
Particulars |
Average monthly Cost in GBP |
Average monthly Cost in INR |
Rent |
760 GBP to 1,350 GBP |
60,999 INR to 1,08,355 INR |
Food |
230 GBP |
18,347 INR |
Mobile Phone & Internet |
85 GBP |
6,850 INR |
Stationery Items |
50 GBP |
3,669 INR |
Clothing & Laundry |
115 GBP |
9,180 INR |
Transportation (Monthly Pass) |
75 GBP |
5,974 INR |
Miscellaneous |
50 GBP |
3,669 INR |
University of Birmingham Scholarships
The University offers numerous scholarships for international students planning to study in UK. The scholarships and grants are offered by the University as well as individual departments or colleges. Since many Indian students chose to study here, the University of Birmingham offers several scholarships and grants specifically for candidates from India. These scholarships have been mentioned in the table below:
Name of the Scholarship |
Award Value |
Application Deadline |
JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships |
Rs.1,00,000/- to Rs.10,00,000/- |
Closed |
Lady Meherbhai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarships |
Rs 3,00,000/- to Rs 6,00,000 |
Closed |
Ravi Shankaran Fellowship Program |
Full tuition along with stipend and one-way international travel costs |
Closed |
Sean & Claire Henry MBA Scholarship (University of Birmingham Business School) |
GBP 31,500 |
Closed |
University of Birmingham-India Outstanding Achievement Scholarship |
GBP 2,500 towards tuition fees |
July 29, 2022 |
Apart from these, the following colleges and schools also offer bursaries and scholarships to international students -
- College of Engineering and Physical Science
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences
- College of Arts and Law
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences
- Birmingham Business School
Indian students can also opt for other scholarships in UK such as British Council, Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth shared scholarships.
University of Birmingham Placements
At University of Birmingham, approximately 85% students are employed in a full-time job or are pursuing full-time studies. Services offered by the University of Birmingham career center includes the following -
- CV and job application advice
- Graduate Mentoring
- Skills training for postgraduates
- Career Fairs and Employer presentation
In addition to this, the University offers one-to-one sessions with Career Counselors. Online resources such as career action planning tools and self-enrolment career development courses are also offered so that students can plan on their own.
Explore: Jobs in UK for International Students
University of Birmingham Alumni
The University of Birmingham Alumni Association has over 350,000 members from all parts of the world. The members have access to an array of benefits such as discounted annual membership at the University’s sports and fitness centre and access to services offered by the Media centre at a reduced rate.
Alumni members are also invited to a host of events such as reunions, professional networking evenings, pub nights and the very popular annual House of Lords reception. Apart from that, the University also offers advice and support to Alumni who are looking to set up their own business.
University of Birmingham Notable Alumni
Alumni Name |
Designation |
Achievement |
Sir Paul Nurse |
Biochemist |
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, President of the Royal Society |
Lorna Sage |
Writer |
Whitbread Prize for Biography, Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature |
John Lewis |
Retailer |
Founder of the John Lewis Partnership, Commander of the Order of the British Empire |
Andy Wilson |
Filmmaker |
BAFTA Award for Best Director, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series |
Matthew Goode |
Actor |
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series, Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries |
Chris Addison |
Comedian |
Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Newcomer, British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Actor |
University of Birmingham has been challenging and developing great minds for over a century now. The university also recently opened its second campus in Dubai in September 2018. In doing so, it became the first global top 100 and Russell Group University to establish a campus in Dubai. The university has maintained a tradition of innovation and has consistently broken new ground in research. By pushing forward the boundaries of research, the university has proclaimed itself as an excellent study abroad destination.
FAQs
Ques. How do I apply to the University of Birmingham?
Ans. International students can apply to the University of Birmingham online through the UCAS application system. Applications must be submitted by the deadline, and students must provide transcripts, references, and a personal statement.
Ques. What are the admission requirements for the University of Birmingham?
Ans. Admission requirements vary by program, but generally, international students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet English language proficiency requirements. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as standardized test scores or work experience.
Ques. What scholarships are available for international students at the University of Birmingham?
Ans. University of Birmingham offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities for international students, including merit-based scholarships, country-specific scholarships, and research funding. Some popular scholarships for international students include the Birmingham Masters Scholarship, the Commonwealth Scholarship, and the Chevening Scholarship.
Ques. What programs does the University of Birmingham offer for international students?
Ans. University of Birmingham offers a wide range of programs for international students, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees in fields such as business, engineering, law, and more. Some popular programs for international students include MBA, computer science, and psychology.
Ques. What support services does the University of Birmingham offer for international students?
Ans. University of Birmingham provides a range of support services for international students, including pre-arrival information and advice, airport pickup, visa and immigration advice, academic and language support, and cultural and social events. The International Student Advisory Service is available to help with any issues or concerns you may have during your studies.