Birmingham City University Admissions 2025: Application Deadline, Requirements & Costs

International aspiring applicants must apply for their applications by the deadlines specified. If an application is sent late, the dates are set appropriately. Below are the dates for enrolling on-time and late submissions.

Note: Deadlines vary depending on the course and can change frequently. We encourage students to check the school/department’s website for the exact deadlines.

Applicants should apply for undergraduate admission as early as possible, increasing their chances of getting selected. Make sure you get the visa clearance and complete the rest of the arrangements for your stay in the UK.

There are three ways one can apply for admission: Direct to the university, through a country representative and through UCAS.

 To apply for admission, prospective students need to provide certain documents as part of the application process to Birmingham City University. 

These documents include the following:

• Scanned copies of the applicant's previous education certificates (predicted scores/grade by the referee in case you're still pursuing under graduation)

• One academic and one employer reference

• Personal Statement

• GRE/GMAT scores

• Statement of Purpose

• CV/Resume

Although no previous work experience is needed for BCU's MBA international programme, having work experience will be beneficial. The general admission requirements have been listed below. One of the listed requirements has to be met for admission into the course.

• Minimum 2.2 honours degree from a British university or equivalent foreign institution in any subject.

• A graduate-level professional qualification in a relevant field of study.

• BCU approved pre-masters programme.

Note: Other types of qualifications may be considered on a case by case basis.

In Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023, Birmingham City University obtained 94th place and has been recognised among the top 100 universities in the United Kingdom for higher studies. The first place was obtained by the University of Oxford. This was followed by the University of St. Andrews and the University of Cambridge at the second and third positions. The university went several places down this year in The Guardian’s University Rankings 2023. This can be observed from the fact that the university which was placed at the 67th spot in 2022 has obtained the 100th position this time. In the Complete University Guide - University Ranking 2023, BCU was at the 89th spot, with an overall score of 53%.I

Birmingham City University has six campuses. City South Campus, University House, City Centre Campus, Birmingham School of Art, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and School of Jewellery are among the university's campuses and learning areas. Birmingham City University is categorised into four faculties, each of which provides several courses and specialisations. The university has to offer a plethora of study fields for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The university has a total of 19 schools. All schools and campuses under the university are international. It means that international applicants may a place in their dream course through either of the colleges on either of the campuses.

On-campus housing is available at Birmingham City University. It has nine halls of residence positioned throughout the city. Further, it offers a range of different facilities and amenities close by.

 The acceptance rate of Birmingham City University is 50-53%. This means that it is moderately diffcult to get into the university. The university has a longstanding reputation for delivering high-quality, student-centred education in a professional and conducive environment. Its excellent classes, cutting-edge infrastructure, top-notch faculty, emphasis on functional skills, and technical relevance produce some of the world’s most employable graduates. 50 of the courses offered at BCU are accredited by respected professional bodies. 

Birmingham City University (BCU) is a comprehensive, student-focused institution of higher learning. Hundreds of international students appreciate learning in its professional and welcoming setting. The university has over 29,000 students from over 100 different nations. The university is a diverse learning community that provides professional body-approved programs. The BCU’s curriculum allows students to acquire hands-on experience and build knowledge to help them succeed in the workplace.

More than 500 course options are available for international students at BCU. Aspirants may choose their programme and specialisation across various disciplines through the following faculties:

• Health, Education and Life Sciences

• Computing Engineering and the Built Environment

• Business, Law and Social Sciences

• Arts, Design and Media

Below are some unique facts about Birmingham City University that students must know:

•  Birmingham City has the largest public library in Europe making it the best place to stay to study in the UK.
• Applicants at Birmingham University have the chance to gain industry and professional practice experience through work placements, mentoring schemes and Study Abroad exchanges overseas programs. 
• Many of the Birmingham City University courses have internationally recognised accreditations, such as the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), and RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).
• The University also has an entrepreneurship team and incubator that supports students who want to work for themselves and want to start their startups or businesses. 

The university tries to review all applications as rapidly as possible and strives to answer sooner.

Undergraduate Decisions

Undergraduate application decisions are usually taken within 15 working days, although it can take longer if the school department has to evaluate the application or conduct interviews. Please bear in mind that the UCAS deadline for universities to judge applications received by the mid of January is the first week of May. You will be informed through UCAS as soon as a decision is taken via email and can be checked on the portal as well.

Graduate Decisions

From the day of application until the course start date, graduate applications can be considered at any time up. Hence, it is advisable to apply to the university well in advance. This will allow you to have plenty of time to apply for a study visa, seek and book accommodation, and arrange finances and the remaining admission requirements, if any, before flying to the UK.

Note: It is recommended to register with an active email ID and check it frequently for the latest updates on admission related information.

The Complete University Guide has ranked it in the top 100 programs in the UK in its Accounting & Finance and Business & Management Studies ranking since 2017. Similarly, The Guardian has also placed it under the top 100 ranking in the UK in its Accounting & Finance and Business, Management & Marketing ranking since 2017 and 2020 respectively. Both the ranking publishers have also placed it under the top 100 positions for engineering programme rankings. According to The Guardian, Business, Management & Marketing course is ranked at 95th position in 2023. The Complete University Guide ranked Business and Management Studies at 103rd position in 2023. 

Documents required to apply for MBA at Birmingham City University:

• Requires either a 3 or a 4-year bachelor’s degree (depending upon course requirements) with at least 55% scores (50% from top universities) from a recognised degree for Postgraduate Diploma, MBAs or Master’s Degree courses. Some courses will need the applicant to have higher grades.

• GRE/GMAT scores

• Statement of Purpose

• CV/Resume

• Scanned copies of the applicant's previous education certificates (predicted scores/grade by the referee in case you're still pursuing under graduation)

• One academic and one employer reference

• Personal Statement

Note: Document requirements may vary with different programs. Therefore, it is recommended to check the university's official website to understand the actual documentation required for the intended programme.

Applicants who wish to apply for MS at BCU can apply through the following ways:

Direct to the university: An online application form has to be completed and the same has to be submitted along with the scanned original academic transcripts and certificates. Applicants also need to complete the Equal Opportunity section, which the UK law requires.

Through a country representative: The in-country representatives can assist one in completing the application and applying for a visa. They will also give suggestions related to travel, living in the UK as well as studying abroad.

 Eligibility to apply for MS at BCU:

1. Requires either a 3 or a 4-year bachelor’s degree (depending upon course requirements)

2. Atleast 55% scores (50% from top universities) from a recognised degree. Some courses will need the applicant to have higher grades

3. Engineering courses need the applicant to possess a 3 or 4-year bachelor's degree, with 60% overall (55% from top universities)

4. English Language Proficiency score 

The Guardian has ranked its Electronic & Electrical Engineering programme at 35th position in the UK for 2023. The Complete University Guide has also ranked it among the best 100 programs in the UK in its Computer Science ranking in the last 5 years. Cicil Engineering has been ranked at 52nd position in 2022 and 2023. The Guardian has placed Mechanical Engineerig at 64th position.

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (Class XII) is required for most of the programs at Birmingham City University, with a minimum average of 55% based on the exam board. However, specific courses involve a higher score. 

Eligibility for BTech:

• Requires either a minimum of 65% in Mathematics is expected in the 10th grade from both the CBSE and the CICSE Board, or

• Mathematics at a minimum of 65% in the 12th grade is needed for BEng Telecommunication and Networks, or

• Both engineering classes require a minimum of 65% in the 12th grade, with 65% in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry

Documents required to apply for B.Tech at Birmingham City University:

• Transcripts

• Certificates

• References

• Portfolio

• Passport Copy

• Personal Statement

• Job records (if any)

• Interview (on invitation only)

Applicants can send the documents for admission in three ways: Direct to the university, through a country representative and through UCAS.

Standardised exams proving English proficiency and qualifying test scores:

Note: Minimum eligibility varies with different programmes and specialisations. Students are advised to check the exact eligibility requirements for the respective programme page on the university website.

 For international aspirants, the application fee for applying to various undergraduate courses via the UCAS admission portal is GBP 22.50 when using one course. The application fee is GBP 27 when applying for multiple courses via UCAS. Graduate applicants may apply directly through the university’s application portal free of cost. It means that the international aspirants are not charged any fee at the time of graduate application at Birmingham City University.

 Institutional grants are only open to self-funding students at Birmingham City University. They cannot be combined; only one benefit with a higher value is permitted at a time. Scholarships, student work, bursaries, discounts, and grants are among the financial aids accessible to international students at Birmingham City University.

Discussed below are some of the overseas student scholarships available in the United Kingdom:

International Undergraduate Grants for Non-EU Students

There are entrance scholarships for international students who are self-funding in September 2020. It has a monetary value of 2,000 GBP, which is used to cover the expense of tuition fees. Successful candidates can be selected based on their academic qualifications. ACCA and Conservatoire courses are exempt from this scholarship (Music and Theatre).

Undergraduate Scholarships

These are merit-based scholarships which are awarded every year to overseas students and are discounted against the first year's tuition fees cost. A student's academic background is checked in order to consider him/her for the scholarship. 

Amount: £2,000

International Postgraduate Grants for Non-EU Students

This scholarship, like its undergraduate equivalent, is worth 2,000 GBP and is offered to international students beginning in September 2022. Academic history and previous degree grade will decide selection and award amount, and such degree must be equal to a United Kingdom degree. PGCE and PCET, ACCA, MTL/MEL (Masters of Teaching and Learning/Educational Leadership), Conservatoire courses (Music and Theatre), and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in Health are also exempt. The below are the ratings used to assess the quantity to be awarded:

• A 1st-degree holder would earn 2,000 GBP

• A 2:1 degree holder would get 1,500 GBP

• A 2:2 degree holder can earn 1,000 GBP

Note: Scholarship deadlines and amounts may vary. For more details on the scholarship application process and deadlines, please visit the university’s scholarship webpage.

There are two ways to apply to postgraduate courses including PG Certificate, PG Diploma, MA, MSc, MMus, and MBA. These are:

Method 1: Self-Apply – Apply directly to the BCU website

Step 1: Complete the BCU Online Graduate Application Form for graduate programmes.

Step 2: Complete the Equal Opportunity section (do not leave it blank because it is a mandate by UK law).

Step 3: Submit the scanned form along with scanned academic transcripts and other required documents and certificates.

Note: Application forms are different for each course and are available on the respective course pages on the official university website.

Method 2: Apply with BCU Agent – Apply with the help of BCU Country Representative

The university has various in-country representatives that help students make their application as well as apply for a study visa. They also offer essential guidance related to travelling and living in the UK as well as studying abroad as part of the BCU curriculum.

You may seek this guidance on visit the university’s ‘Help in your Country’ page and look for Indian agents.

Both ways the applications are considered equally. The university does not favour or prefer any one method over the other.

Birmingham City University and the University of Central Lancashire are renowned institutions offering unique campus cultures and various academic programs. While they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of Birmingham City University and the University of Central Lancashire . Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:

(The comparison of fees was between the BTech course for UG and the MBA course for PG)

Some of the tips for students starting their first-semester at the Birmingham City University are:

• Students who applied for Birmingham City University must be humble and should interact with as many people as possible. Mainly beacause, the more people you talk to the better knowledge you get. 
• Attend as many gathering and parties as much as you can. 
• Applicants should avoid missing classess, as 70% of learning comes from students going to classes. 
• Students can get invovlved with extracuricular activities, i.e joing university clubs, sports etc. This will also look good on a portfolio in the longer run.