Frequently asked questions

The Birmingham Summer Research programme is an intensive, supervised research experience where students work on a defined/ chosen project with an academic or research team over the British summer.  It is designed to give you hands-on experience of research methods, laboratory experience, critical thinking and academic communication.

The programme is open to international students. Students from our exchange partners and students from other universities who meet the eligibility criteria can apply.
 It is aimed at highly motivated undergraduate students who are in their second or penultimate year and want a structured research experience.

You will join an ongoing research project under supervision, which may involve literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, lab work, fieldwork or contributing to publications and presentations.
You will be expected to work independently, while receiving regular guidance, feedback and training from your supervisor or research group.

Each project may have a different duration, running for 6, 7, or 8 weeks, and normally starting from June 22, 2026. You must be available for the full duration of your allocated project. Please check more details on our dates and fees page.

Yes, the Birmingham summer research programme is designed to accredit you with 30 UK (15 ECTS, 7.5 US) credits.

Summer research experience helps you develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, problem-solving, teamwork and academic communication, all of which are valued by employers and postgraduate admissions tutors. 
You can reference your project on your CV, in personal statements, and in applications for honours projects, master’s and PhD programmes, internships, etc.

You must be an international student, registered at a recognised higher education institution and in good academic standing with at least equivalent to a 2:1 / 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Projects may have prerequisites for good knowledge of the subject. Please check our entry requirements for more details. 

Currently, the summer research programme is only open to international undergraduate students in their second or penultimate year of degree at their home institution.

Birmingham summer research programme is open only to international students. If you are accepted onto the programme, you may need a visa and proof of English language proficiency, depending on your nationality. Please check our visa advice page for more details.

Interested students from our exchange partners will have to be nominated to apply for the programme. The nominations are completed by your home university (usually your study abroad/international office team). Please check with them to ensure you have been nominated; the nomination deadline is 5th April 2026.

Yes, we welcome applications from students at universities that do not hold an exchange agreement with us. Before applying, please check our entry requirements and full terms & conditions and proceed to apply.

You should have a high academic standing, at least equivalent to a 2:1 / 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or international equivalent in the two prior academic years in a full-time higher education. Demonstrate good subject knowledge and a good understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods through a personal statement.
 

We offer a variety of projects across a range of disciplines, depending on the projects and staff availability. Currently, the projects are available in the College of Medicine and Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences. Please see the full list of available research for 2026.

Yes, you will produce a research output such as a written report, poster, presentation, or contribution to a wider project output, and present it at a symposium held at the end of your programme. 
This is a chance to showcase your findings, practise communicating research to different audiences, and receive feedback from staff and peers.

Yes, you will receive an academic transcript upon the successful completion of the research programme.

Please check our how to apply page for more details.

You will need to submit

• academic transcripts for at least two prior years of your full-time higher education demonstrating high academic standing, at least equivalent to a 2:1 / 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
• English language proficiency certificate/ proof
• 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

You should explain why you are interested in the research area, what relevant skills or experience you bring (for example, coursework, lab skills, programming, prior projects), and what you hope to gain from the Birmingham summer research programme beyond academic credit.


Please check our dates and fees page for more details.

Yes, we will shortlist the applications and invite you for an interview with the host school/ supervisor, who will make the final decision after the successful completion of the interview.

Yes, please check dates and fees page for more details.

The programme fee does not include accommodation, food, and miscellaneous costs for the duration of the programme; you should budget for them. Please find the estimated costs on our dates and fees page.

Depending on your nationality, length of stay and funding, you may need a UK visa or other immigration permission to join the programme.
You are responsible for meeting any immigration requirements, but the university’s international team can provide guidance and, where needed, supporting documentation. Please check our visa advice page for more details.

You may cancel your place on the programme, and we will provide a refund to the payee of your fees, if you notify us in writing that:

• You are exercising your right to cancel within 14 days from payment.
• You do not meet the English language requirements (proof required).
• Your visa application was unsuccessful (proof required).

Read our full Terms & Conditions

Yes, once you have received your offer letter and your University of Birmingham student ID (a seven-digit number on your offer letter), you can apply for accommodation through the Accommodation Portal.

Please note that you will need to register for an account using the same email address used during the University application process.

If you currently have a conditional offer, you can apply, given that you know you can provide missing documents (usually an English certificate) and that you meet the conditional requirements.