University of Birmingham and South Africa

English Language

You will need to demonstrate a certain level of English language, either through an English test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, or we may be able to accept your previous or alternative qualifications as evidence. Please view the entry requirements for specific programme requirements, and details on our presessional English language courses.

For study on our Foundation and Undergraduate programmes, English language at grade 5 (or C) or above in the South African National Senior Certificate (SA NSC or IEB) (or pre-2008 in the Senior Certificate) is sufficient to meet the standard English language requirements.

For Postgraduate programmes, South African nationals with a degree from South Africa or another English speaking country (as on the University's approved list) are not required to submit an English Language test.

Foundation Pathways

Applicants who possess high school leaving qualifications equivalent to UK A Levels will not normally be considered eligible for one of our Foundation Pathways. However if you choose to take a Foundation Pathway as an adjustment year, you would be required to have the South African National Senior Certificate (SANSC) with matriculation with 666666, to include Mathematics for the Engineering and Physical Sciences pathway.

If you have achieved English Language at grade C, you will not be required to take an additional English proficiency test (for the 4-year programme).

For further information see the Birmingham International Academy website.

Undergraduate

We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations, the International Baccalaureate (IB), or a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our Foundation Pathways, for entrance to undergraduate programmes.

Applicants who hold the South African National Senior Certificate (SA NSC or IEB) (or pre-2008 the Senior Certificate with matriculation) will be considered for entry onto our undergraduate degree programmes. Students need these grades in 5 subjects, not including Life Orientation.

Grade equivalencies are as follows:

A*AA = 77766
AAA = 77666
AAB = 76666
ABB-BBB = 66666

Please note:

• For Medicine country specific requirements, please visit our Applying to Medicine website.
• For Dentistry, please see the general entry requirements listed on the Dental Surgery course page.

Postgraduate Taught

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

 

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Funding

Find out more about fees and funding for undergraduate, postgraduate taught or postgraduate research courses, or click here for information on international tuition fees.

Scholarships

To reward outstanding achievement and to help ensure that fears about finance do not constrain our students, we are pleased to offer a number of prestigious international scholarships.

Use the links below to search our funding and scholarship databases:

Search the undergraduate funding database
Search the postgraduate funding database

There are lots of ways to find out more about Birmingham. We run regular live chats where you can ask us any questions you might have about your application or the University. Visit our Live Chats page to find out when the next events are.

Birmingham Representatives

The University of Birmingham contact for South Africa is Amy Mitchell-Bell.

To contact Amy with your questions, please email Africa@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Our representatives in South Africa can provide advice on studying in the UK and, more specifically, at the University of Birmingham. They will also be able to assist you with your programme and visa application.

Global Education Head Office
11A 7th Avenue
Parktown North
Randburg
Johannesburg
2193
South Africa
Contact person:  Panos Manoussis
Email: panos@global-education.co.za
Ph: +27(0)11 268 6545 / +27(0)83 200 4825

Global Education Cape Town 
Cube Workspace
Office 111
183 Albion Springs
Corner Main Road &, Albion Springs Close
Rondebosch
Cape Town
7700
Contact person:  Ashleigh Blume
Email: ashleigh@global-education.co.za
Ph: +27(0)21 140 1530

 

Global Education Durban
Spaces Umhlanga
2 Ncondo Place
Ridgeside
Umhlanga
4319
Contact person: Miguel Rodriues
Email: nico@global-education.co.za
Ph: +27(0)82 573 6537 / +27(0)31 830 5556

Birmingham Visits

Our beautiful campus is open to the public throughout the year, so if you are in the UK and would like to visit, you can book onto a campus tour. We run regular live chats as an opportunity to talk to our staff. Please visit our Live Chats page to find out when we will be available for online events, which include live chat and videos.

Student Experience

The University of Birmingham is a fantastic choice for your academic study. Our thriving campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, too.

Beautiful surroundings and fantastic facilities

When you step onto campus, you are immersed in our historic red-brick buildings and glorious green spaces. You'll find our Edgbaston campus both a peaceful and vibrant place to spend your time, whether it's studying on one of the lawns, or enjoying a hot drink in one our many cafes.

When you are on campus, you are in the heart of University life - it's the perfect place to meet friends, whether it's to have a bite to eat, discuss your seminar notes or meet up before heading off to a sports club or society.

You can also take advantage of our fantastic facilities on campus. Study in our state-of-the-art academic library with its stunning views over campus, or go for a swim after lectures at our brand new £55 million Sport and Fitness Club.

Student societies

Many nationality groups form student societies during their time at the University of Birmingham. 

The student societies are an excellent way to keep in contact with home and also provide an opportunity to highlight your culture and customs in the UK. Student societies are also a useful point of contact for prospective students to Birmingham who may want to contact current students for information.

Careers

We offer dedicated support for international students, including an international careers consultant and a team of international student ambassadors. We will support you in developing the skills you will need to fully prepare for the working world or further academic study, whether this is in your home country or elsewhere.

Our Careers Network researches jobs all over the world. We host fairs, workshops and presentations, which are attended by many large, global companies that offer opportunities worldwide. We also offer a huge database of information on employers, vacancies and industry trends in a range of countries.

Alumni

The University of Birmingham has many strong alumni groups all over the world. Alumni groups are an excellent way of keeping in contact with the University and with other graduates from Birmingham who live in your country. Some alumni groups meet on a regular basis for social and professional events.

If you would like to meet up with University staff when they are in your country or you would be willing to help promote the university at education exhibitions, we would also like to hear from you. You can find out if there is an alumni group in your country or join our alumni mailing list on the Alumni website.