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 of 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:

  1. Researching your course, the university and funding opportunities
  2. Applying to study at the university of Birmingham 
  3. Applying for your visa to study
  4. 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.

SEARCH UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

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.

SEARCH POSTGRADUATE COURSES

Foundation pathways

Foundation pathways at the University of Birmingham offer a route to undergraduate study, taught by Birmingham academics with full access to campus facilities and University life.

The University of Birmingham partners with Kaplan International Pathways for the Admissions process, ensuring global applicants receive expert guidance and support.

Pathways are taught by Birmingham staff, maintaining high-quality teaching and standard entry requirements, with no changes to delivery.

APPLY THROUGH KAPLAN FOR OUR FOUNDATION PATHWAYS

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.

EVENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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.

INTERNATIONAL FEES

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.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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.

LIVING COSTS

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.

For international students holding a conditional offer where English is a requirement, we offer flexible Presessional English courses as an alternative qualification to entry.

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:

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

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 AN UNDERGRADUATE COURSE

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.

APPLY FOR OUR POSTGRADUATE COURSES

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.

INTERNATIONAL TUITION FEE DEPOSITS

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.

CLEARING 2024

  • An image of vale village lake on a nice sunny day

    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.

    Apply for accommodation

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.

VISAS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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!

VISAS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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. 

  • Male student with a laptop

    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 online registration

  • Student sat under lamp in study space

    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.

    Find out more about Right to Study

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!

Confirmation details

It is very important to bring along all your confirmation details, such as:

  • Your arrival date and time
  • The address and directions to your accommodation

Documents and personal details

Important things to bring along with you include:

  • Your passport
  • Offer letter
  • CAS
  • TB test certificate?
  • Accommodation paperwork
  • Student finance documents
  • Passport photographs
  • Any extra documents needed for your visa
  • Other documents you may need, such as a driving licence.

Money

When you travel, its important to have a means to pay for things such as public transport and your day-to-day spending. Card payments are accepted in most places, so you can use your own debit or credit card, or pay using your phone through apps such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Medicines and medical details

If you take any medication or have any prescriptions for things such as glasses or contact lenses, don’t forget to bring both the medicine and the details with you. Once you’re here in Birmingham, you’ll be able to continue your prescriptions through your local doctor. See our Health and Wellbeing page for more details.

What to pack for your first year at university

What to pack for your first year at university

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.

UK COUNCIL FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AFFAIRS

Getting to campus

If you are travelling from any 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.

CAMPUS MAPS AND DIRECTIONS

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.

VISAS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

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.

ID CARDS

  • A marquee during welcome week

    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!