UNITED KINGDOM · BIRMINGHAM

University of Birmingham

public · Founded 1900 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Birmingham is a top-100 global, research-intensive Russell Group university founded in 1900. It offers a vibrant student experience on a beautiful campus in an affordable major UK city, with strong programs in Engineering, Medicine, Law, Business, and the Arts.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1900
Students: 38,000
International students: 11,000
Acceptance rate: 55%
Tuition (intl): €22–35k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Birmingham · United Kingdom

A Comparative Corpus-based Study on the Use of Phrasal Verbs by Turkish EFL Learners and L1 English Speakers

This study investigates the usage of phrasal verbs (PVs) by Turkish learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) compared to native English speakers. Using corpus linguistics, the research compares spoken and written language samples to identify patterns of overuse, underuse, or avoidance of PVs by learners. The aim is to provide data-driven insights that can inform teaching methodologies and the development of learning materials for EFL students. The findings highlight specific areas where Turkish learners' PV usage differs from native speakers, particularly in the spoken register, and offer practical recommendations for educators and learners. The research focuses on identifying the most frequently used phrasal verbs, adverbial verb particles (AVPs), and lexical verbs (LVs) in both learner and native corpora. It aims to understand whether Turkish EFL learners' choices in PVs align with those of native speakers and to pinpoint any tendencies towards underuse, especially in spoken contexts. This comparative analysis seeks to address the challenges learners face with PVs due to their complexity, multiple meanings, and syntactic structures, offering a corpus-informed approach to improve language teaching and learning.

University of Birmingham · United Kingdom

A linguistic and discursive analysis of the humour in Arabic novels written in vernacular: examples of e-Arabic genre

This research examines the linguistic features of humor and satire within a contemporary literary genre known as e-Arabic literature. It explores how the use of Information Technology and Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) has influenced Arabic culture and its literary landscape, specifically focusing on the emergence of this new genre. The study positions e-Arabic literature as a subfield of humor within Arabic literature, contributing to theories of humor and highlighting e-Arabic as a new variety of Arabic within the broader context of CMC. The research investigates how Arabic writers use satire and humor to raise awareness of social and political issues in their cultures. It also analyzes the specific use of rhetorical questions, interrogative phrases, and punctuation in crafting unique and creative humorous and satirical writing styles. Furthermore, the research delves into the factors contributing to the popularity of political satire in e-Arabic literature and its potential impact on societal change. Data is drawn from novels originating from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria, written in various Arabic vernacular dialects. The findings indicate a significant use of satirical and humorous discourse in these vernacular novels, often linked to critiques of religious institutions and political systems. The study identifies linguistic tactics like juxtaposition, contradiction, and implausibility as key devices employed by writers to generate humor and construct satirical criticism.

University of Birmingham · United Kingdom

Adaptation as reception—or, Lady Bird as The Tempest

This research explores the concept of 'found adaptation,' where an audience member perceives one work as an adaptation of another, even if the creators did not intend this connection. It argues that audience reception can be a powerful force in shaping adaptive relationships, moving beyond traditional notions that focus solely on the production side. The article examines the relationship between Greta Gerwig's film *Lady Bird* (2017) and William Shakespeare's play *The Tempest*, suggesting that viewing them through each other's lens can deepen the understanding of both. By analyzing thematic connections such as parent-daughter dynamics, female agency, and forgiveness, the research proposes that adaptation is a process involving both creators and receivers. It posits that these audience-generated connections, termed 'found adaptations,' can be as meaningful and insightful as officially acknowledged adaptations, highlighting the creative power of the receiver.

University of Birmingham · United Kingdom

African Literature in the Digital Age: Class and Sexual Politics in New Writing from Nigeria and Kenya

This PhD thesis examines the evolving landscape of African literature published in the digital sphere. It focuses on new writing from Nigeria and Kenya, exploring how themes of class and sexual politics are represented by contemporary authors. The research analyzes the unique characteristics of digital literary production and contrasts the perspectives and agendas of this new generation of writers with those of previous generations. The study aims to bridge a gap in existing literary scholarship by providing a substantive analysis of the digital experience within African literature, considering its impact on both psychic and material realities.

University of Birmingham · United Kingdom

Arthur Hugh Clough: A Critical Biography

This PhD program offers an in-depth study of the life and works of the English Victorian poet Arthur Hugh Clough. You will explore the pressures of expectation he faced, his academic journey at Rugby School and Oxford, and his eventual career as an examiner. The research will focus on Clough's early shorter poems and his later, longer works that grappled with intense religious doubts. You will also examine his significant influence on subsequent poets, including T.S. Eliot, and how his work foreshadowed the experimental techniques and fragmented subjectivities characteristic of Modernism.

University of Birmingham · United Kingdom

Catholicism and anti-Catholicism in Cheshire during the Long Reformation, c.1560 – c.1720

This doctoral thesis examines the presence and practice of Catholicism in Cheshire, England, during the period known as the Long Reformation, roughly from 1560 to 1720. Catholicism was a prohibited minority faith during this era, and its practice could lead to significant penalties. While it remained outlawed for another century, the 1720s marked a shift in the intensity of anti-Catholic persecution, making it a logical endpoint for this study. The research challenges previous historical understandings by demonstrating the limited impact of anti-Catholic measures in Cheshire. It shows that only a small fraction of Catholics faced penalties, initially through imprisonment in the Elizabethan era and later through property seizure. The study also highlights the diverse forms of Catholicism beyond the traditional gentry-led recusant model, including 'church papist' and plebeian-led groups, suggesting a stronger and more varied Catholic presence in the county than previously acknowledged. Furthermore, the thesis differentiates the level of religious coexistence within the broader community. It finds limited integration in matters of faith and family life, but greater integration in everyday secular activities. The study also explores the engagement of Cheshire Catholics with major national events of the period, such as the Civil War, the Popish Plot, and Jacobitism.

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

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full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Birmingham?

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International undergraduate tuition fees range from approximately £22,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on the program. Postgraduate fees vary. Medicine and dentistry programs have higher fees. Scholarships are available.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Birmingham?

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Living costs in Birmingham are estimated between £10,000 and £14,000 per year. This makes it one of the more affordable major UK cities for students.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

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For IELTS Academic, a typical score is 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component. For TOEFL iBT, it's typically 88 overall, and for PTE Academic, it's usually 67 overall. These requirements can vary by program.

What are the academic entry requirements for international students?

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For undergraduate programs, typical requirements are A-levels (AAB-AAA) or their international equivalent, with exact grades varying by program. For postgraduate programs, a 2:1 undergraduate degree (UK equivalent) is usually required, and professional experience may be valued for some courses.

Does the University of Birmingham offer scholarships for international students?

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Yes, the university offers several scholarships, including the Birmingham Global Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000 per year for undergraduates), the Engineering International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000 for engineering students), and the Chancellor's International Scholarship (50% tuition fee reduction for postgraduate applicants).

University of Birmingham

Why study here

Student life

For international students

Programs

A Comparative Corpus-based Study on the Use of Phrasal Verbs by Turkish EFL Learners and L1 English Speakers

A linguistic and discursive analysis of the humour in Arabic novels written in vernacular: examples of e-Arabic genre

Adaptation as reception—or, Lady Bird as The Tempest