Study in Birmingham, The United Kingdom

About Birmingham

Birmingham is a city in the West Midlands of England. Its population grew by 6.7% between the last two censuses, to around 1,144,900 in 2021, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Its universities describe it as the UK's second city, and Aston University notes that it is one of the youngest major cities in Europe.

Students choose Birmingham for career-focused degrees in the city centre, a large and diverse student population and a central location in England, with good bus, train and tram connections.

Studying in Birmingham

Our directory lists three universities in Birmingham, all teaching in English. Examples:

• Aston University has its campus on one site in the city centre and also teaches in London and online. It describes itself as career-focused, and students from more than 120 countries study there. Undergraduate and postgraduate students are guaranteed accommodation, provided with the partner Unite Students.
• Birmingham City University (BCU) focuses on practice-based learning and, according to the university, has around 31,000 students from 100 countries. It includes the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. For 2026-27 it offers a guaranteed £5,000 scholarship to self-funding international undergraduates, applied as a fee discount of £3,000 in year one and £2,000 in year two.
• University College Birmingham (UCB) has over 10,000 students from around 90 countries and specialises in vocational courses in higher and further education, as well as apprenticeships.

Cost of living for students

According to the ONS, the average monthly private rent in Birmingham was £1,099 in August 2026, and £830 for a one-bedroom home.

• University housing: Aston guarantees accommodation to its undergraduate and postgraduate students. UCB offers first-time international students a place in halls of residence if they hold an offer, return the agreement, deposit and pre-payment by the offer date and come without dependants.
• Living costs for a visa: for a Student visa, courses outside London require proof of £1,171 a month (for up to nine months) for living costs.
• Transport: Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) sells Swift student passes with discounted bus, tram and multi-modal tickets (Direct Debit, 4-week and term tickets) for full-time students aged 18 or over. Proof of full-time study is needed; NUS and student union cards are not accepted.

Getting around and daily life

Birmingham has a network of buses, trains and trams, and Aston's city-centre campus is within walking distance of the city's main attractions. Single bus fares in England are capped at £3 on participating services until the end of 2026, and at £2 from 1 January 2027. Birmingham Airport has more than 130 direct routes.

Degree students from outside the UK need a Student visa, which costs £558 from outside the UK; whether and how much they may work depends on the course and on term time. After graduating, the Graduate visa allows a stay of two years for applications made by 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027. For short courses, visitors may study for up to six months at an accredited institution, including English courses, and the Short-term study visa (£228) covers English courses of more than six and up to 11 months.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Birmingham?

Our directory lists Aston University, Birmingham City University and University College Birmingham, all with campuses in or near the city centre.

How much does it cost to rent in Birmingham?

According to the ONS, the average private rent was £1,099 a month in August 2026, and £830 for a one-bedroom home.

Are there scholarships for international students in Birmingham?

Yes. For example, Birmingham City University gives a guaranteed £5,000 scholarship to self-funding international undergraduates starting in September 2026 or January 2027.

Is there a student discount on public transport in Birmingham?

Yes. TfWM Swift student passes give full-time students aged 18 or over discounted bus, tram and multi-modal tickets.