The University of Birmingham welcomes applications from students from Iraq. The University has distinguished alumni from Iraq and has been actively engaged in working with Iraqi universities to support their development and build relationships.
Entry requirements
Scholarships
Exchange links with Iraq
Visits to Iraq
Student life at Birmingham
Birmingham alumni activities in Iraq
Contact us
Representatives in your country
Entry requirements
The following information is for guidance only and should be used together with the University's general entrance requirements and any specific degree programme requirements.
Please note: If you have taken exams which are from another country's national education system (eg the Arbitur from Germany or SAT and AP exams from the USA) you should consult the country specific section for that country for qualification equivalence information. If you are unsure about the acceptability of your qualifications for entry to Birmingham please contact us for further details.
Foundation
Students who have obtained an overall average of 85% in the Sixth Form Baccalaureat/Iraqi high school leaving certificate (to include 85% in Mathematics for our Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway) will be considered for entry to the Foundation Programme before progressing to their chosen undergraduate degree programme.
Please visit the Birmingham Foundation Academy website for more information.
Undergraduate
The University will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations and the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to undergraduate programmes.
We will consider students who have successfully completed a recognised Foundation programme, such as the Birmingham Foundation Academy, or have successfully completed at least two years of study at a recognised Iraqi university.
Postgraduate
Students with a good four year honours degree with minimum of 75% from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham.
English Language
You may be required to provide evidence of your English ability. See the entry requirements page for specific programme requirements.
Scholarships
The University of Birmingham offers a range of part-fee scholarships for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. For full information and to apply, please see the Scholarships section.
The University of Birmingham is a founder member of the British Universities Iraq Consortium. As a member of BUIC we are pleased to be working closely with the Higher Committee for Education Development (HCED) in Iraq to facilitate study opportunities for students supported by the Prime Minister’s scholarship initiative. Students who have been awarded a scholarship by HCED can apply through BUIC using the dedicated BUIC application form which can be found on the BUIC website.
Chevening Scholarships are currently available for application from Iraqi students wishing to undertake postgraduate study in the UK, further details can be found on the British Council website.
Visits to Iraq
Staff from the University of Birmingham visit different countries throughout the year to meet with students, schools and universities. For full details of visits, please see the Meet us in your country section.
Student life at Birmingham
There is a thriving student community at Birmingham and we very much look forward to you being part of it. To hear what student life is like for our students, have a look at what our students say. Also, if you are unable to travel to campus yourself, visit our You Tube Channel to watch films of our beautiful campus.
Student societies
Many nationality groups form student societies during their time at the University of Birmingham. This is an excellent way to keep in contact with home and also provides an opportunity to highlight your culture and customs in the UK.
Student societies are also a useful point of contact for prospective students to Birmingham who may want to contact current students for information.
For a full list of student societies please visit the Birmingham Guild of Students website.
Birmingham alumni activities in Iraq
The University of Birmingham has many strong alumni groups all over the world. Alumni groups are an excellent way of keeping in contact with the University and with other graduates from Birmingham who live in your country. Some alumni groups meet on a regular basis for social and professional events.
If you would like to meet up with University staff when they are in your country or you would be willing to help promote the university at education exhibitions, we would also like to hear from you.
You can find out if there is an alumni group in your country or join our alumni mailing list on the Alumni website.
Contact us
The University of Birmingham contact for Iraq is Emma Heathcote. To contact Emma with your questions, please email: international@bham.ac.uk.
University of Birmingham Representatives in Iraq
British Council offices in Iraq
The British Council has offices in many countries throughout the world which are able to provide you with advice about studying in the UK. Most offices also have an education library and Internet facilities where you can consult university material. The British Council can also provide advice about funding opportunities.
For more information visit the British Council's website.
Name: Zainab Talib Al-Sharify
Nationality: Iraqi
Course: PhD in Chemical Engineering
Zainab Talib Al-Sharify "I chose Birmingham University because it is one of the most famous universities around the world, and since childhood I had a dream to study at Birmingham University like my Dad - he did his M.Sc. and PhD at Birmingham University, I lived with him in Birmingham for five years during his study, and since that time I worked hard to get a scholarship to do my PhD in Birmingham…. I love Birmingham University and all the people here.
The first six months of my study were the most challenging part of my study and I needed support from my supervisor, he was really helpful and he encouraged me always. After that I really enjoy my work especially the experimental work even some times if the result is not that good and I repeat them to double check the result I feel happy to do them.
I am living in private flat with my lovely husband. I like the beautiful garden in front of my flat.
I love Birmingham, everything here are wonderful, the people, the nature, the shops…etc. I can't count everything that I like in Birmingham because there are so many things that you can talk about Birmingham.
I enjoy helping other people, and I joined my colleagues in the Brim Dine with me in Brindley Place as a volunteer, I was really happy and I enjoyed every second of that day. I would be really happy if I can help with any other work for the University as a volunteer or as a part in a conference work.
I would like to say to any student think to study in UK ….if you want to build your future come to Birmingham University, you will enjoy your time during studying.
It is really a good opportunity to study in Birmingham, you will learn everything you need in the subject you like and you will learn from the environment as well, you will enjoy life in Birmingham - the students and staff are so kind and helpful."