Scholarships and waivers

International Merit Scholarships

More Than 100 International Merit Scholarships Available

At University College Birmingham, we believe exceptional talent deserves exceptional opportunity.

That's why we’ll be offering more than 100 merit-based scholarships for ambitious international students for the September 2026 and February 2027 intakes and all future academic years

These scholarships offer life-changing financial support designed to help you achieve your goals and unlock your potential here at University College Birmingham.

Whether you've achieved outstanding academic results, demonstrated exceptional leadership, launched innovative projects, championed sustainability initiatives, or shown the determination to make a real impact in your community, there could be a scholarship waiting for you.

Our 100+ Merit Scholarships

For 2026/27 and all future academic years, we are offering 100+ merit-based scholarships spread across the following awards.

Vice 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.

Open for programmes starting in September 2026 and February 2027.

Find out more

Dean’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.

Open for programmes starting in September 2026 and February 2027.

Find out more

Sustainable 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.

Open for programmes starting in September 2026 and February 2027.

Find out more

Women 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.

Open for programmes starting in September 2026 and February 2027.

Find out more

Rising Talent Scholarship

The Rising Talent Scholarship recognises high-potential international students who show the ambition, academic promise and commitment to succeed in their studies and beyond.

Open for programmes starting in September 2026 and February 2027.

Find out more

NextGen Innovator Scholarship

The NextGen Innovator Scholarship recognises and supports ambitious international students who can demonstrate creativity, enterprise and the potential to develop new ideas that make a positive impact in their chosen industry, profession or community.

Open for programmes starting in September 2026 and February 2027.

Find out more

GREAT Scholarship

In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, University College Birmingham is offering one GREAT Scholarship to students from Pakistan applying for one of our Postgraduate programmes.

Open for programmes starting in September 2026.

Find out more

Early Action Scholarship

Our Early Action Scholarship is available to all new international students who meet the payment deadlines.

Open for programmes starting in September 2026 and February 2027.

Find out more

Alumni Scholarship

From 2025/26, the new Alumni Scholarship will replace the Undergraduate to Postgraduate Waiver. Students who have completed a degree programme* at UCB and progress to a new degree programme will receive either a 25% or a 20% tuition fee scholarship, depending on their academic achievements.

*Degree programmes can be an International Foundation Diploma, an Undergraduate Programme or a Postgraduate Programme.

Applicable to students starting a programme in September 2025 or later.

Find out more

Continuation and Short Course Scholarships

Continuation 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.

Applicable to students starting a programme in September 2025 or later.

Find out more

Short Course Alumni Scholarship

A scholarship is available for international students returning to UCB for a degree after completing a Summer School, fee-paying Continuing Professional Development (CPD) or another type of fee-paying short course.

Applicable to students starting a programme in September 2025 or later.

Find out more

How to apply

For full guidance and to make an application, please click on the individual scholarship pages above.

Please note that application deadlines for the Vice Chancellor’s Award, Dean’s Award, Women in Leadership Scholarship and Sustainable Development Scholarship for the September 2026 intake have passed.

Discover more

International application

Students from outside the EU can apply to us directly while undergraduate applicants can also apply via UCAS. Read our step-by-step guide here.

Visas and immigration

Once you have made your decision to study at University College Birmingham, you will need to make final arrangements, which are likely to include obtaining a visa.

University student support

Whatever help you need, our support teams are committed to giving you the advice, skills and practical tools to discover your full potential.

Accommodation for international students

International students studying at University College Birmingham for the first time will be offered accommodation in our halls of residence.

Online payments

The University has selected Flywire, an international money transfer provider, as our online payment partner that you can use to pay for your tuition and accommodation fees.

We provide a range of support to encourage access to our courses, from academic and sporting scholarships to different awards for international students.

Chat with our students

Find out what it's like to study at University College Birmingham by chatting with our current students and staff.