Home > Current students > International students > Scholarships

Each year the University provides a number of Scholarships and Bursaries to international students to cover a proportion of the tuition fee for the first year of study.

In addition to Scholarships provided by the University there are a number of alternative sources of funding for which international students may apply, such as British Council and home government awards. More information on these is given in Other sources of funding for international students and Awards for postgraduate study.

Birmingham City University will be offering a number of country specific bursaries to international students from Africa, South East Asia and South Asia. For further details please contact bcuinternational@enquiries.co.uk.

We also offer the following bursaries:

Technology Innovation Centre Bursaries
We have a number of bursaries for well qualified international students of up to 20% reduction off fees for students

Level: Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Subjects: All TIC Programmes

Countries: All

Loyalty Bursaries
A loyalty bursary of 15% will be offered to the University’s international graduates continuing onto one of our postgraduate courses. This is also available to students who have successfully completed a National Diploma, HND, Foundation Degree or Foundation Year and progress onto one of our degree courses

Subjects: All Birmingham City University Programmes

Countries: All

Terms & Conditions

Other sources of funding for international students

In addition to the scholarships and bursaries offered by the University, there are a number of other organisations that award funding to assist international students wishing to study in the UK. In this section we provide information about some of the main sources of funding to which you may apply, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. There are many organisations large and small that may be able to offer assistance, from governments and international organisations such as the European Commission, UNESCO and WHO, to voluntary organisations and charities.

To find out about scholarship opportunities for students wishing to study overseas, you should in the first instance contact your own Ministry of Education and your nearest British Council Office or British Embassy/High Commission. The British Council Funding Your Studies website provides links to information on the main sources of funding, and includes a UK Scholarships Database which may help you in your search. You may download a PDF version of the booklet Sources of funding for international students from the British Council. Another source of information you may find useful is UKCISA: The Council for International Education.

Competition for scholarships and grants to study in the UK is very fierce. Most grant-making organisations require applicants to meet strict criteria in order to be eligible for funding. If your application does not show that you meet these criteria, then you will not be considered for an award. If you do meet the criteria, then you will be considered along with other candidates. Scholarships will generally be granted to those who demonstrate superior need or individual merit.

You should consider the following points when you apply for funding:

• Apply only to those funding organisations whose criteria you meet. Try to target those sources where your chances are strongest;
• Start looking in good time and apply early. You should begin looking eighteen months before you intend to start your studies in the UK. In most cases you will have to apply at least a year before your course starts. Always make sure you make your application before the deadline;
• Ensure that your application is accurate and complete, and includes all necessary supporting documentation. If the grant-making body has its own application form, then use it;
• Bear in mind that most grant-making organisations only give small amounts of money, and it is unlikely that they will cover the whole or even the major part of the cost of your studies.

Good luck in your applications!

Awards for postgraduate study

The following is a selection of postgraduate studies awards offered through the British Government for which prospective students of the University may be eligible. Remember that this is not an exhaustive list. To find out about other sources of funding consult the British Council UK Scholarships Database. The website of the Association for Commonwealth Universities may be useful to students of Commonwealth countries.

British Chevening Scholarships

The British Chevening Scholarships, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and administered by the British Council, are prestigious awards which enable talented graduates and young professionals from overseas to study in the UK and gain skills which will benefit their countries. The aim is to bring to the UK present and future leaders, decision-makers and opinion-formers, especially from those countries with whom the UK's economic relations are expected to develop.

The Chevening programme provides around 2,300 new scholarships each year for postgraduate studies or research at UK Institutions of Higher Education. Some of these are jointly funded with private companies, universities, trusts, foundations and other grant-making organisations, and will be advertised in those countries where they are offered. Altogether, British Chevening Scholarships are available in 160 countries worldwide. Awards can cover tuition fees only or tuition fees and living allowances.

In order to be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship you must:

• be a graduate with proven academic skills;
• be committed to return to your country and contribute to its socio-economic development by using the skills and knowledge acquired in the UK;
• be established in a career, with a track record of excellence and achievement, and the prospect of becoming a leader in your chosen field. The vast majority of Chevening scholars are aged 25 - 35 years old;
• be able to demonstrate how the scholarship will benefit your country on your return;
• have good English language skills

You should be aware that competition for the Scholarships is intense, and only 1 out of every 25 applicants is successful. If you wish to apply for a Chevening Scholarship you should contact your nearest British Embassy/High Commission or British Council office. More information is available on the British Chevening Scholarships website.

Commonwealth Scholarships & Fellowships Plan

If you come from a Commonwealth country or British dependent territory, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Scholarship. These scholarships are funded by the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. They are for postgraduate study and research, so you will need a university degree or equivalent qualification. If there are no undergraduate courses in a particular subject in your region or country you may, exceptionally, be able to apply for support to take a first degree.

Grants are for one to three years and usually cover the cost of travel, tuition fees and living expenses. Additional allowances may be available in cases of special need or for married students.

You may obtain further information and application forms from the Commonwealth Scholarships & Fellowships Plan (CFSP) website.

Overseas Research Student Awards Scheme (ORSAS)

These awards, funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), are for postgraduate study leading to a higher degree at a British university. Selection is based solely on academic merit and research potential.

Awards cover the difference between the cost of home and overseas tuition fees, and do not cover living costs. They are made for one year in the first instance, and are renewable for a second or third year subject to satisfactory progress.

Further information can be obtained from the Universities UK website or directly from UCE once an offer has been made.