Supporting sponsors of international students

At Birmingham, we recognise the value and importance of establishing strong relationships with sponsorship bodies that provide financial support to students studying at our institution.

We take pride in our partnerships with international and national Government Ministries and Embassies, non-profit Governmental Organisations, as well as public and private institutions, foundations, and organisations.

As a world top 100 university, and one of the UK’s most internationally diverse universities, we have developed an understanding of the specific challenges faced by international sponsors and students. Each year, the university welcomes on average over 400 new sponsored international students. Our sponsored students come with support from approximately 75 organisations across 40 countries around the world.

We're home to over 700 sponsored students on our programmes, highlighting our global appeal and commitment to sponsor partnerships. We are dedicated to working collaboratively with sponsors to continually enhance our services for them and their students.

I found the experience at Birmingham enlightening...I have changed quite a lot and become a better person because I have been through these experiences...I learned a lot culturally as we had students from China and Africa in the class and we could learn so much about their countries and backgrounds, that’s one thing I enjoyed a lot! Its a great experience and at the very end of it is humbling
Abdulaziz, BEng Chemical Engineering, Sponsored by a petroleum and natural gas company in Saudi Arabia

Recognising the importance of fostering strong relationships with sponsors, we provide a dedicated single point of contact service. Our team is readily available to address sponsor queries regarding applications and programs of study. This ensures there is seamless communication with the university.

We excel in assisting with inquiries, applications, insights into entry requirements, and supporting pre-departure and arrival for sponsored students. We provide regular academic student progress reports in addition to formal transcripts and document verification services.

Our team offers dedicated support to arrange visits for sponsors to come to our campuses. During these visits, they’re able to meet with our team, academic staff, and students. If you are an existing sponsor supporting students at the University of Birmingham or are looking to reach out to us for the first time, you are welcome to contact our team by emailing: sponsors@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
The University of Birmingham is a globally esteemed institution. With a history of welcoming international students since 1900 and boasting one of the largest international student communities in the UK, our commitment to providing a world-class education is reflected in our consistent ranking within the top 100 globally. You can find out more about our league tables and international rankings on our website.
We maintain close collaboration with various organisations globally. Our sponsorship partners encompass a diverse range, including:

Aramco Saudi Arabia

Bolashaq Scholarship Kazakhstan

Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency

Majlis Amanah Rakyat Malaysia

Oman Cultural Attaché

Said Foundation

Saudi Arabian Cultural Bureau

Turkish Education Consultancy Office London
Single Point of Contact: The University of Birmingham offers streamlined communication with a single dedicated contact managing and coordinating administrative matters efficiently.

Strategic Guidance: Our team works in partnership to understand strategic goals and find solutions. Receive expert advice from our team who can guide you and your students through the application process and journey at Birmingham.

Partnership Agreements: Birmingham has dedicated agreements with over 20 sponsor partners which comprise both broad Memorandums of Understandings and more bespoke agreements centred on specific opportunities in particular Schools or Departments.

Visit to our Campuses: Gain firsthand insights by visiting our campuses, exploring facilities, and meeting staff.

Comprehensive Academic Reporting: Receive detailed academic progress information comprising up to three reports per academic year, offering insights into your students’ progress.

Progress Monitoring and Updates: Our dedicated staff monitor indicators such as attendance and academic performance to providing regular updates to sponsors on students' successful progressions and completion.
Ensuring sponsor organisations stay well-informed about their students' progress is a priority for us. As a result, we offer regular student progress reports. To request these reports, sponsoring organisations can email sponsors@contacts.bham.ac.uk, attaching their preferred report template. Our team will then coordinate with the relevant department to ensure accurate and timely completion.

For transcripts, we can provide them for undergraduate and master's students at the end of each academic year on request and after confirmation by departmental exam boards. Sponsors are also invited to register for use of the University’s Verify system which can be used to verify student attendance, check qualifications, and view degree documents.
Navigating the complexities of visas is of crucial importance for sponsored students and at the University of Birmingham, we extend dedicated support through our International Student Team (IST).

For expert guidance on visa applications and extensions, students are encouraged to directly reach out to the IST. Please be aware that the IST team, specialising in visa-related matters, will engage with students directly to provide tailored advice and comprehensive support throughout the process. Our commitment is to ensure a seamless visa experience.
Our dedicated Finance Office Accounts Receivable team is committed to providing comprehensive finance and invoicing support to sponsors. This includes issuing invoices to sponsors for both student tuition fees and accommodation where relevant.

To ensure a smooth financial process, all new and returning sponsored students must provide evidence of their sponsorship at the beginning of each academic year or on the anniversary of their start date.

For any queries regarding invoicing and payments, sponsors are invited to contact the Accounts Receivable team via the following email: accountsreceivable@bham.ac.uk.