

Birmingham, England
The first civic university to receive a Royal Charter, Birmingham pioneered the concept of a campus university in 1900. University of Birmingham is a Russell Group research university based in Birmingham, holding a Silver Teaching Excellence Framework rating. Birmingham's Edgbaston campus — with its iconic clock tower — set the template for modern British universities. It has particularly strong connections to industry and a proud record in nuclear physics.
In the latest rankings, University of Birmingham is positioned #76 in the QS World Rankings 2026; #98 in the THE World Rankings 2026; #18 in the Guardian University Guide (UK).
The university has approximately 40,025 students, with a diverse international community representing 104 nationalities — 31% of the student body. The largest international cohorts come from China, India, and Saudi Arabia.
University of Birmingham currently lists 350 courses on CourseOptions, spanning 80 undergraduate and 270 postgraduate programmes. There are 17 scholarships available for international students.
Graduate outcomes are excellent: 91% of graduates go into employment or further study within 15 months, and the median graduate salary is £31,500, rising to £38,700 after five years.
Student satisfaction is strong, with an NSS teaching satisfaction score of 88% and a continuation rate of 92%.
Traditional campus feel in the UK's second city. Diverse, welcoming, with a strong international community.
University of Birmingham is ranked #76 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026 and #11 in the UK by the Complete University Guide.
| Ranking System | Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #76 |
| Times Higher Education 2026 | #98 |
| Guardian University Guide (UK) | #18 |
| The Complete University Guide (UK) | #11 |
Source: QS, THE, CUG, Guardian — Updated January 2026
83.3% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
| Time After Graduation | Median Salary | UK Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months | £31,500 | £28,980 | +9% |
| 3 years | £32,400 | £29,808 | +9% |
| 5 years | £38,700 | £35,604 | +9% |
Source: HESA Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) 2025
These figures represent institution-wide averages across all subject areas and study modes. Actual graduate outcomes vary by course and cohort. For course-specific data, visit Discover Uni at Discover Uni.
Has an 83% overall satisfaction rate according to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025.
Source: National Student Survey (NSS) 2025.
These figures represent institution-wide averages across all courses and may not reflect satisfaction for a specific course. For course-level data, visit Discover Uni at Discover Uni.
31.2% of students are international, representing 104+ countries. Total international students: 12,485.
| Countries | Students | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| China | 6,950 | 55.7% |
| India | 1,170 | 9.4% |
| Saudi Arabia | 395 | 3.2% |
| Hong Kong | 355 | 2.8% |
| Malaysia | 250 | 2% |
| Canada | 230 | 1.8% |
| Nigeria | 210 | 1.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | 200 | 1.6% |
| Indonesia | 185 | 1.5% |
| United States | 160 | 1.3% |
Source: HESA official data.
We found 3 scholarships you may be eligible for based on your location.
Financial support for care leavers entering university
Open to all international students
Musical tuition for talented musicians in non-music disciplines
For students from: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Deadline: 19 June 2026Musical tuition for talented musicians in non-music degrees
For students from: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Deadline: 19 June 2026Explore courses, compare universities, and find scholarships at CourseOptions.com
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