Support for students
University College Birmingham provides a range of support designed to encourage individuals to access programmes of study at undergraduate and postgraduate level and to be successful in their studies. Part of this support is in the form of financial support and other benefits.
£5k Cost of Living Allowance
At University College Birmingham, we believe the cost of living shouldn’t hold you back from achieving your goals. That’s why we’re providing UK full-time undergraduate students starting in September 2025 with £5,000 each to support expenses like food, bills, and transport—completely free, with no need to pay it back.
Scholarships and bursaries
Available to eligible home and EU students, our scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate excellence in academic and sporting achievements.
Sporting Excellence Scholarship
Find out moreScholarships for International Students
In addition to the schemes above, we also offer a range of scholarships and fee waivers exclusively for international students.
Students must have overseas international status and have received an offer to study on a full-time course at University College Birmingham in the current/upcoming academic year. Visit the pages linked below to view the full eligibility criteria and application process for each scholarship.
Scholarships for February 2025 entry
International Scholarship Award
Open to all undergraduate and postgraduate international students, this £1,000 fee waiver is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Find out moreEarly Payment Discount
A £500 tuition fee discount available to all undergraduate and postgraduate students who pay their full tuition fee prior to the early payment deadline.
Find out moreHigh Achievers Scholarship
Tuition fee discounts ranging from £3,000 to a full year’s fee waiver, available for undergraduate students who demonstrate high academic attainment.
Find out moreSustainable Development Scholarship
Are you passionate about sustainability? This special scholarship programme has been developed for our international postgraduate students who can demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development.
Find out moreScholarships for September 2025 entry
Early Action Scholarship
Our Early Action Scholarship is available to all new international students who meet the payment deadlines.
Find out moreVice Chancellor’s Award
The prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award scholarships aim to recognise and support outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to the betterment of society.
Find out moreDean’s Award
The generous Dean’s Award scholarships aim to recognise and support outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and a commitment to the betterment of society.
Find out moreSustainable Development Scholarship
Are you passionate about sustainability? This special scholarship programme has been developed for our international postgraduate students who can demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development.
Find out moreWomen in Leadership Scholarship
The Women in Leadership Scholarship aims to empower future female leaders. The Scholarship is designed to support and celebrate international women students who are passionate about making a difference and leading change in their communities and professions.
Find out moreAlumni Scholarship
From 2025/26, the new Alumni Scholarship will replace Undergraduate to Postgraduate Waiver. If you are progressing from international foundation diploma to an undergraduate programme or an undergraduate programme to a postgraduate programme, you will receive either a 25% or a 20% tuition fee scholarship, depending on your academic achievements.
Find out moreContinuation Scholarship
From 2025/26, all returning international students on an undergraduate programme will receive a £2,000 scholarship for their 2nd and 3rd years of study.
Find out moreFee waivers and awards
Available to eligible home and EU students, fee waivers are designed to offer a discount on student's tuition fees based on eligibility. No application is necessary as the discount will be applied at enrolment.
The Kick-Start Scheme
For new students starting a full-time undergraduate course, University College Birmingham will provide financial support in the form of the ‘The Kick-Start Scheme’. Eligible UK students will receive credit of up to £800, which can be used on a dedicated website to purchase course-related materials or on certain items within University College Birmingham. The great news is these funds don't need to be paid back!
Find out moreDigital Award
University College Birmingham is piloting the provision of a Digital Award to selected groups of students. Eligible students will receive a £280 Digital Award that can be used to purchase a laptop or tablet from the Kick-Start website.
Find out moreUndergraduate to Postgraduate Waiver
For courses starting in 2024/25, University College Birmingham students who achieve a first class Honours degree will receive a 20% discount off their postgraduate fees. All other students will receive a 15% discount.
This applies to all alumni of University College Birmingham*. No application is necessary. We will apply the discount at enrolment.
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