Which are the best universities in Birmingham for international students?

Universities in Birmingham on our Top 50 UK list include University of Birmingham and Aston University. Compare their rankings, fees and intakes in the table on this page.

How much does it cost to live in Birmingham as a student?

For the Student visa you must show £1,171 per month for living costs (up to nine months) because Birmingham is outside London. Actual costs depend on your accommodation and lifestyle.

What are the intakes for universities in Birmingham?

September/October is the main intake. Many universities also offer January intakes for selected postgraduate courses.

What IELTS score do I need to study in Birmingham?

Most universities ask for IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 overall depending on the course, and top universities can ask for 7.0 or more. PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted.

How can GIEC Global help me study in Birmingham?

GIEC Global offers free counselling, university shortlisting, SOP help, application support and Student visa guidance for universities in Birmingham.

Top Universities in Birmingham for International Students

Q: Can international students work while studying in Birmingham?

Yes. Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays.

Q: Can I stay and work in the UK after my degree?

Yes. The Graduate Route visa lets eligible graduates stay and work — currently two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates (reducing to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027) and three years for PhD graduates.

Why study in Birmingham?

Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city, with a young and diverse population, a growing business and tech sector and excellent transport links.

Birmingham is home to 2 of the universities in our Top 50 UK list for international students, so you can choose between different teaching styles, campus types and fee levels in the same city.

Top universities in Birmingham for international students

University of Birmingham — QS 2026: #76. Granted its Royal Charter in 1900, Birmingham was England’s first “civic” or red-brick university.
Aston University — QS 2026: #395. Aston traces its roots to 1895 and received its Royal Charter in 1966.

Compare universities in Birmingham

This table compares the universities on this page by ranking, approximate international tuition fee, intakes and typical English requirement. Fees and requirements change every year and vary by course, so confirm the latest figures on each official website.

University	Ranking	Tuition fee (international)	Intakes	English requirement
University of Birmingham	—	—	—	—
Aston University	—	—	—	—

Entry requirements to study in Birmingham

Undergraduate: good Class 12 / high-school results (top universities expect very high grades), or an international foundation year. Applications go through UCAS.
Postgraduate: a relevant bachelor’s degree — leading universities usually expect the equivalent of a UK 2:1, while many others consider around 55–60% from recognised Indian universities.
English: usually IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 overall depending on the university and course; PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and English waivers are accepted by many universities.
Documents: passport, transcripts, statement of purpose, references, CV, and a portfolio for creative courses.

Cost of studying and living in Birmingham

International tuition at the universities listed here ranges from about £19,000 to £34,000 per year, depending on the university and course. Business and humanities courses are usually cheaper than laboratory, engineering, MBA and medical courses.

Cost	Estimate
Living costs for the Student visa (outside London rate)	£1,171 per month · £10,539 for 9 months
Tuition fee	See the comparison table above
Visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge	Paid with the visa application (check GOV.UK)

Living costs in Birmingham are generally lower than in London, which helps your budget go further — especially for accommodation and transport.

Intakes and application deadlines

September/October is the main intake. Several universities on this page also offer a January intake for selected postgraduate courses. For most other undergraduate courses the UCAS equal-consideration deadline is in late January, while postgraduate applications are usually open on a rolling basis. Apply 8–12 months ahead for the best chance of offers and scholarships.

Work while you study and after graduation

Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time in official vacations, and Birmingham offers part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, campus roles and internships. After graduation, the Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in the UK — currently two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates (reducing to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027) and three years for PhD graduates.

Student life in Birmingham

You will find Indian groceries, restaurants and cultural events, plus easy rail links to the rest of the UK. England’s excellent rail network makes weekend trips easy.

How GIEC Global helps you study in Birmingham

GIEC Global’s UK counsellors help you shortlist the right universities in Birmingham, check eligibility, write a strong SOP, apply for scholarships, prepare for credibility interviews and complete your Student visa application — free of cost.