How to apply for Exchange programme

How to apply

As an incoming exchange student (non-fee-paying), you will need to be nominated by your home university (usually your study abroad/international office team) before applying for the programme. Please check with them to ensure you have been nominated.

Once the nomination is approved, we will send you a direct application link to apply for the Exchange programme.

When applying, students will need to upload:

• A copy of an official, most up-to-date Transcript of Records, signed and stamped;
• A copy of your passport valid for the whole period of your exchange;
• English Language Proficiency (ELP) certificate (if applicable).

To support you with your application, we have created a video below that takes you step by step through the process of becoming an exchange student at the University of Birmingham. Visit our frequently asked questions for common queries about the application procedure and offer letters.

Application deadlines: 

September intake: April 30

January intake: October 31

Please note: This process is not for applying to the University of Birmingham to study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

Receiving an offer

If you are joining us in Autumn, you can expect to receive your offer in July, but please note that in some cases it might take longer than that. If you are joining in January, you can expect to receive your offer letter between November and December.   Once you receive your offer and an ID number, you can start applying for the accommodation. 

If you receive a conditional offer, the reason will be explained in your offer letter. In most cases, this is because your English language certificate does not meet our entry requirements or because you have not submitted a passport that is valid for the full duration of your exchange. Once you provide us with a new certificate or an updated copy of your passport, we will upload it to your application, and our Admissions team will review it again.

We ask that you accept the conditional offer using the link in your offer letter, as you will not receive an unconditional offer unless requested. Please note that this process may take some time, as priority is given to applicants who have accepted their conditional offers.

What happens next?

You will receive a visa document after being unconditionally accepted. Please note that you might not receive an unconditional offer letter itself, but will get your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number (if you are a full-year student) or Standard Visitor Visa (SVV) letter (if you are a one-semester student) to apply for the visa. 

Not all students will receive letters at the same time. They are completed in no particular order, and we cannot expedite this process, but do not worry, you will have enough time to apply for the visa.

All the information you require prior to your arrival at the University will be sent to you electronically or made available online. You can also visit the Welcome pages on the University’s website, which contain useful information for students starting at Birmingham.

All students who have received an offer will be sent full details of the orientation events by email. It is important that you check your emails regularly, as some of our events will be tailored to you individually.