Entry Requirements

To be accepted you will need to meet the general Birmingham International Summer School entry requirements as well as specific entry requirements of your chosen academic programme where applicable.

You must:

  • Be currently enrolled at a university studying an undergraduate programme.

  • Be aged 18 years or over at the start of the programme.

  • Be of good academic standing (based on a translated transcript, verified by your university).

  • Demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency. Please refer to information below.

  • Demonstrate relevant academic-specific requirements. Please check below for further information.

English Language Requirements

In order to join the Birmingham International Summer School you will need to demonstrate your level of English proficiency with one of the following English Language tests/qualifications:

English Language Qualifications
Qualification Minimum grade requirement
 IELTS  6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in every band
 TOEFL IBT  80 overall with a minimum of 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in speaking and 19 in writing
 Pearson Test of English (PTE)  PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills

 

Alternative English Language qualifications may also be accepted, including the following:

Alternative English Language Qualifications
Qualification Minimum grade requirement
GSCE English (or Edexcel IGCSE English) Grade C
GCE O Level English Grade C 
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE English: First Language  Grade C
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE English: Second Language Grade C
International Baccalaureate English: Standard/Higher Level, First/Second Language Grade 5
ESOL Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) / C1 Advanced 169 with no less than 162 in any component
CET Level 4 Grade 530
CET Level 6 Grade 500
TEM Level 4 Grade 60
HKDSE Level 3 with a minimum of 3 in each band

For more information about equivalent English Language requirements, please contact the BISS office.

Academic Requirements

To be accepted onto one of the following BISS programmes, students must demonstrate relevant subject background as detailed below with a transcript in English:

The Biomedical Science Research Challenges

Academic backgrounds in biosciences, bioengineering, public health, pharmaceuticals and medicine will be considered.

Global Environmental Issues

Students must be studying environmental science, environmental engineering, public health, biosciences or other related topics at undergraduate level.

Mathematical Finance & Financial Time Series Analysis

The programme operates at 'beginners' level' but students are required to have prerequisites of calculus, probability and statistics, or have the equivalent level of knowledge.