Study abroad at University College Birmingham

Learn more about studying at University College Birmingham as an international student.

University College Birmingham campus view
University College Birmingham logo

Key facts

  • Type
    Public
  • International students
    3100
  • Nationalities
    70
  • Total programs
    80
  • University ranking
    Not ranked

Study abroad at the University College Birmingham

University College Birmingham (UCB) is a small, modern university nestled in the bustling heart of Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city. It's an innovative institution with a mission to help students achieve their dreams.

The University offers an excellent array of courses in popular disciplines like business, finance, tourism, aviation, sports, health, and the arts - UCB is the perfect place for those seeking hands-on, career-focused education.

The campus houses state-of-the-art lecture halls, extensive libraries, and modern laboratories for practicals. Additionally, there are also dedicated spaces for sporting activities and a variety of student support initiatives.

Illustration depicting a student navigating the journey of higher education. Elements include a diploma, graduation cap, magnifying glass with a puzzle piece, books, a "Hi!" speech bubble, and a university building in the background.

Why study at the University College Birmingham

  • Accredited degrees

    a number of degrees are awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university

  • Award-winning institution

    Winner of the international category (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023)

  • Small institution

    UCB offers a tight-knit and intimate learning environment to lend a personal feel to your studies

  • Industry partnerships

    Strong connections with leading organizations to provide students with invaluable career opportunities

  • Prime Location

    Birmingham city center is bursting with activity and opportunity

Location

University College Birmingham

Summer Row, Birmingham, B3 1JB, United Kingdom

Birmingham is a vibrant and diverse metropolis with an impressive range of attractions to explore. It's packed with modern shopping destinations, countless restaurants, popular social venues, and beautiful green spaces.

Illustration of famous landmarks like a tower, a classical building, and a modern skyscraper; a location marker, interconnected on a map-like layout with trees and clouds.

Scholarships at University College Birmingham

  • Continuation Scholarship

    Official page

    Provides a £2,000 award on progression from 1st to 2nd year and again from 2nd to 3rd year. Exclusively for international undergraduate students (overseas fee status) who commenced their full-time undergraduate programme in September 2025; applied automatically, no application needed.

  • Dean's Award

    Official page

    Provides a 50% discount on first-year tuition fees. Available to international students with overseas fee status joining a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programme; undergraduates need a minimum of 144 UCAS tariff points. Covers September 2026 and February 2027 intakes.

  • Early Action Scholarship

    Official page

    Tiered award (up to £2,000–£4,500 combined) for new full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, or International Foundation Diploma students who meet early payment deadlines. Open to international students with overseas fee status only ("Home fee payers are not eligible"); applies to the first year of study for September 2026 or February 2027 intake.

  • NextGen Innovator Scholarship

    Official page

    Awards 25% of first-year tuition fees to international undergraduate or postgraduate students (overseas fee status required; home fee payers excluded) who demonstrate creativity and innovation, via a personal statement application. Deadline 31 August 2026 for the September 2026 intake, with a separate February 2027 intake option.

  • Rising Talent Scholarship

    Official page

    Awards 25% of first-year tuition fees to new international undergraduate or postgraduate students (overseas fee status required; home fee payers excluded) who show academic promise, via a personal statement application. First year of study only; deadline 31 August 2026 for September 2026/February 2027 intakes.

  • Short Course Alumni Scholarship

    Official page

    Provides a £500 award to students returning to UCB for a degree programme after completing a Summer School, fee-paying CPD, or other fee-paying short course at UCB. Open to international students (classified as international for tuition fee purposes) progressing into an undergraduate or postgraduate programme; no cap on the gap between the short course and the degree.

  • Vice-Chancellor's Award

    Official page

    Covers the full tuition fee for the first year of study. Open to international (overseas fee-paying) students only entering a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme; undergraduate applicants need 144 UCAS tariff points (or international equivalent). For September 2026 or February 2027 intake.

All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the university's official scholarship page for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.

Fees

Fee information

  • Undergraduate tuition

    £14,000 per year

  • Postgraduate tuition

    £15,000 per year

Illustration of education and financial elements including a graduation cap, trophy, diploma, books, a piggy bank, stacks of cash notes, and coins, representing fees and funding.

What is the cost of living near University College Birmingham?

Category Cost  (in British Pound Sterling)
Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre£934
Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre£702
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse)£155
Internet (60 Mbps unlimited)£34
Mobile phone plan (data + calls)£16Range: £8 to £50· Birmingham average
Monthly public transport pass£71
Monthly grocery basket£107
Coffee shop drink£4
Cinema or cultural event ticket£11
Gym membership£26

Indicative monthly costs per person.

Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced) and numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).

Visa requirements for the University College Birmingham

Many international students will require a visa to study in the UK, and this is a vital step of your study abroad journey. Make sure you understand the requirements you may need to meet before applying.

Life at the University College Birmingham

The University boasts a multicultural student community. There are over 1,000 overseas students enrolled at UCB, representing around 20% of the entire student population. The diverse environment enriches the learning experience and broadens perspectives for all students and staff.

When it comes to accommodation, UCB guarantees a place in a modern residence building The Maltings to all new students, regardless of whether they are undergraduate or postgraduate. The residences are furnished and equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable living experience.

The international office provides a comprehensive range of support services tailored to the needs of overseas students. From guidance on visa applications and regulations to social and cultural integration, the dedicated team is always ready to help.

Illustration showing aspects of student life, including a student with a book and pencil, various books, a laptop, fast food, and iconic educational symbols like a graduation cap and a university building.

Facilities

  • All Weather Sports Pitches
    • Badminton Courts
    • Athletics Track
    • volleyball courts
    • Basketball Courts
  • Healthcare & Medical
    • Physiotherapy
    • Counselling & Mental Health Services
  • Praying Rooms
    • Language Center
    • Chaplaincy
    • Skills classes
    • Pre sessional English Academic skills courses
    • Group Praying Rooms
    • Individual Praying Rooms
    • Workshops
  • Food & Restaurants
    • Restaurants
    • Cafe’s
    • Bars
  • Clubs & Organisations
    • Clubs & Organizations
  • Library
    • Group Study Rooms
    • Computer labs
    • Quiet Areas
    • Individual Study Rooms
  • Sports Facilities
    • Sport facilities
    • Natural Turf Soccer Pitches
  • Fitness Centre
    • Spin Studio
    • Fitness Classes
    • Fitness Center Physiotherapist
    • Personal Trainers
    • Machines
    • Treatment Rooms
    • Free Weights
  • Tutoring Support
    • Peer & Buddy Program
    • Academic Tutoring & Support
    • Student Tutoring & Support
  • IT Support
    • Campus Wireless Connectivity
    • Loan Laptops

Student reviews for the University College Birmingham

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