Your journey to Birmingham
Your future starts here.
This journey to Birmingham timeline is designed to give you an in-depth insight into what the process of applying to the University if Birmingham is like.
This timeline has been split up into 4 phases, each covering a specific aspect of the application process and getting to the University of Birmingham, from both an undergraduate and postgraduate perspective.
The four phases will cover the following aspects:
- Researching your course, the university and funding opportunities
- Applying to study at the university of Birmingham
- Applying for your visa to study
- Traveling to the UK
Phase 1: Research and preparation
Explore undergraduate courses
If you are interested in studying on an undergraduate course, you can explore our wide range of courses below.
You can apply to one of our undergraduate courses through UCAS.
Explore postgraduate courses
If you are interested in studying on a postgraduate course, you can explore our wide range of courses below.
You can apply to one of our postgraduate courses through our website.
*Some taught courses may charge a £50 application fee.
Meet us in your country
You do not need to travel to the UK to meet us. We regularly travel overseas to meet international students, so you can meet us when you are visiting your country.
You can also join us at one of our online events or chat to a current student online. Wherever you live, there are plenty of ways to find out what studying at Birmingham is really like.
Research financial opportunities
Studying at university requires you to pay for your tuition and cover your living expenses therefore it is important to research this in advance.
Explore tuition fee costs, and any funding opportunities like loans and scholarships on our international fees page.
Research scholarships
We offer a wide range of scholarships for international students, to help celebrate outstanding achievements and help in making education more accessible to students around the world.
Research cost of living in Birmingham
If you are planning to become a student at Birmingham, living costs will also be a main area to consider when allocating your finances.
Our living costs and money advice pages have all the information you may need when it comes to managing your finances.
English language entry requirements
In order to undertake a programme of study here at the University, you will need to demonstrate that you have a suitable level of English proficiency.
For both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, you can demonstrate your level of English with IELTS/TOEFL/PTE or alternative qualifications.
Explore international entry requirements
To find out the entry requirements for international students, including alternative qualifications and English language skills, you can view our entry requirement pages.
Phase 2: University application process
Supporting documents
Whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme, you will need to provide us with some supporting documents:
These supporting documents will include a results' transcript, personal statement, your references, copy of your English language certificate if needed, as well as a copy of your passport details.
How to apply for an undergraduate course
If you are interested in studying on an undergraduate course, you can find out more information by exploring our how-to guide linked below.
How to apply for a postgraduate course
If you are interested in studying on a postgraduate course, such as a postgraduate taught, research or short course, you can find out more information by exploring our how-to guide linked below.
Receiving offers
Once you have applied, you will receive an email with information about the outcome of your application!
If you have received an offer, you can begin your journey to studying with us in Birmingham!
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Once you have accepted your offer you will receive your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS).
If required, make sure you provide any additional information required for the CAS.
Remember, if you are doing a postgraduate taught course you will need to pay your tutition fee deposit before you can receive your CAS.
You can find out more about tuition fee deposits linked below.
Clearing is also an option
If you don't get the grades you were hoping for, you could still apply for an undergraduate degree through Clearing.
Check back to see if Clearing will be available this academic year.
Accommodation: International Guarantee Scheme
As an international student, you will be guaranteed accommodation in your first academic year of study. To qualify you will need to have firmly accepted your offer to study with us. Find out more about accommodation options available to you below.
Phase 3: Visa application
Start your visa application
Before you start your visa application, make sure that you check which route you would like to apply for i.e. student route visa, standard visitor.
Once you have received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) you can proceed with beginning your visa application.
Supporting documents
Once you have all the supporting documents you have (listed on the visas page) you can begin your visa application.
Ensuring you have all the required documents prepared will make your visa application smoother and easier!
After you've finished your applications
If you have applied for your visa and everything has been submitted and approved, then congratulations, you are one step closer to studying in Birmingham!
Before you travel:
There are a few things to consider before you travel to the UK. It is really important to do these before you travel and will make your journey to Birmingham a lot smoother.
Complete online registration
By making sure to complete your online registration, you are confirming that you will be studying with us and agree to abide by our regulations.
You will be asked to confirm your personal and programme details, as well as how you will fund your tuition fees. You will also be asked to upload a passport-style photo for your student ID.
Use the link below to help you complete your registration. Here you will also be able to find more information on the process and any help if you need it.
Complete My Right to Study
As an international student, you will need to prove that you have the right to study in the UK and at the University of Birmingham.
My Right to Study lets you upload documents for the International Student Team to check. Each time you upload a document, they’ll contact you to let you know if it’s been approved or rejected.
When everything is uploaded and checked, you’ll get a confirmation email you can keep in case you need it. Then you’ll be good to start your studies.
What to pack?
Now that you are ready to travel to the UK, you can check out our helpful guide on what to pack!
You probably already know some of the things you’re going to pack, such as your clothes and home necessities, but remember there are a few more necessities you may need!
Phase 4: Travelling to the UK
Pre-departure Orientation
Before you leave your home country to come to the UK, there will an opportunity to attend any University of Birmingham pre-departure orientation sessions.
Travel arrangements
Make sure you book your flights in advance and make any travel arrangements.
Make sure you have all your documents so when you go through passport control you are best prepared.
To help prepare you when you land in the UK, you can check our the UK Council website for International students linked below.
Getting to campus
When you arrive in the UK, we have airport collections running from both London and Birmingham. If you are travelling from any other city, you can use trains to get to Birmingham.
We have our own train station on campus called 'University' which can take you to and from the city centre. Here you can get on a train direct to London, the airport and many other cities in the UK.
Exploring campus
Our campus map will help you find your way around our Edgbaston and Selly Oak campuses. It shows you buildings, study space locations, opening times and real-time travel information.
Collect Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Once you have arrived in the UK, you will be able to collect your BRP if your course is 6 months or longer.
For students who are studying on shorter courses, you will receive a stamp on your passport upon arrival.
Find out more on collecting your BRP below.
Arrival and Orientation at the University
When you arrive at the University, you will have the chance to move into your accommodation and get settled in.
Within your first week at Birmingham, you will have the opportunity to attend an orientation session for international students.
During your first few days, you can also complete any necessary administrative tasks, such as collecting your ID card and getting your timetable for your classes.
Congratulations you made it!
Now your university experience begins! You’ll have the opportunity to take part in Welcome Week. This will include a suite of events and activities designed to help you settle in, meet other students, and explore our clubs and societies. Your College, School or Department will also offer a programme of induction events and activities to give you details specific to your area of study and allow you to meet the relevant staff as well as other students in your study area.
Explore other aspects of student life at Birmingham below!
