Entry requirements
Programme eligibility
Join us for 6, 7, or 8 weeks during the British summer to engage in hands-on research projects and explore potential postgraduate study or research careers.
To be eligible, interested students will need to
- Demonstrate relevant coursework or subject alignment with the chosen project.
- Meet the academic requirements (including minimum GPA and personal statement and English language requirement) as below.
- Have a high research inclination with interest in progressing to postgraduate research.
- Secure successful approval through the final interview with the host school/ supervisor.
Academic requirements
Academic requirements
All applicants must submit
- an academic transcript for at least two prior academic years in a full-time higher education demonstrating high academic standing, at least equivalent to a 2:1 / 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
- a personal statement (max. 400 words) demonstrating–good subject knowledge, good understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods and the reason why you wish to attend the Birmingham Summer Research Programme at the University of Birmingham.
The final stage of the selection process will include an interview held by the school/ supervisor; providing the final decision point of accepting the student into the programme.
In any case, borderline applicants will need to meet at least the entry requirements for the study abroad semester from that country.
Please note that an ATAS certificate is not required for UG research, but maybe required for postgraduate research projects.
English language requirements
English language requirements
To demonstrate the required level of English proficiency for the Summer Research Experience, applicants are normally asked to provide a valid English language certificate. The level of English needed for this programme usually matches the undergraduate entry requirements for the relevant subject area.
Below are examples of acceptable certificates:
- B2 English Certificate issued by your home institution (only suitable if you are currently studying at an EU exchange partner university). Students nominated or applying from a non‑EU country may be eligible to take the University of Birmingham’s online English Proficiency Test. The test includes four components, costs £50, and provides instant results. Please contact us for further information.
- Psychology and Medical Sciences: IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Computer Science, Chemistry, and Materials Science: IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any band.
We would also accept equivalent English tests and alternative English language qualifications. Please contact us if you would like to check whether a specific qualification is acceptable.
Meeting the required English proficiency level is a programme requirement to ensure you can fully participate in the research experience. It is not related to visa requirements.
For information about visa requirements for this programme, please visit our designated guidance page or contact us directly.