If you’re planning to study in UK but don’t want the high living costs of London, Birmingham is the perfect alternative.
Known as the “Second City of the UK”, Birmingham is vibrant, affordable, and full of opportunities. It’s home to some of the best universities in the country, offering world-class education, multicultural student life and great career prospects.
For Indian students, Birmingham offers the right mix of academic excellence, affordability and diversity — plus, it’s one of the most welcoming cities for international students.
Let’s explore the top universities in Birmingham, UK for the 2025–26 academic year, along with their courses, rankings, fees and scholarships.
Top Universities in Birmingham
1. University of Birmingham
Global Rank (2025): Top 100 (QS World University Rankings)
Acceptance Rate: Around 13–15% (competitive)
Founded in 1900, the University of Birmingham is one of the UK’s leading Russell Group universities, known for research excellence and employability. It offers a wide range of programs in Engineering, Business, Medicine, Law and Computer Science.
Top Courses
- MBA and Business Management
- Computer Science & AI
- Mechanical and Civil Engineering
- Law and International Relations
- Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
Fees (2025–26):
- Undergraduate: £24,000 – £32,000 per year
- Postgraduate: £25,000 – £38,000 per year
Scholarships
- India Outstanding Achievement Scholarship (£4,000)
- Global Masters Scholarship (£10,000)
- Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships
Why Indian Students Love It:
- World-ranked research university
- Strong career connections
- Beautiful, green campus in Edgbaston
2. Aston University
Global Rank (2025): Top 400 (QS Rankings)
Acceptance Rate: Around 50–55%
Located in the heart of Birmingham, Aston University focuses on practical, career-oriented education. It’s one of the UK’s most employability-focused universities, offering placements, internships, and real-world learning.
Top Courses
- Business & International Marketing
- Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence
- Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
- Finance, Accounting & Economics
- Psychology
Fees (2025–26):
- Undergraduate: £20,000 – £25,000 per year
- Postgraduate: £22,000 – £30,000 per year
Scholarships
- Aston India Scholarship (£3,000 – £5,000)
- Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship (Up to £10,000)
- GREAT Scholarships (India)
Why Choose Aston:
- Excellent graduate employability
- Central Birmingham location
- Strong Indian student community
3. Birmingham City University (BCU)
Global Rank (2025): Top 800
Acceptance Rate: Around 75%
BCU is known for affordable tuition, creative courses, and modern facilities. It offers hands-on programs in Art, Design, Architecture, Media, Engineering and Business — making it a great choice for students who want both creativity and career skills.
Top Courses
- Fashion & Interior Design
- Business & Marketing
- Architecture & Construction
- Computer Science & Cybersecurity
- Media & Film Production
Fees (2025–26):
- Undergraduate: £16,000 – £21,000 per year
- Postgraduate: £18,000 – £25,000 per year
Scholarships
- BCU International Scholarship (£2,000 – £3,000)
- South Asia Scholarship (£1,500 – £3,000)
Why Indian Students Love BCU:
- Affordable and creative university
- Practical learning focus
- Industry-linked programs
4. Newman University Birmingham
Global Rank (2025): Top 1,000+ (Teaching-focused institution)
Acceptance Rate: Around 85–90%
A small but welcoming university, Newman University offers a close-knit community with excellent teaching support. It’s perfect for students looking for personalized attention and affordable tuition.
Top Courses
- Education & Teaching
- Psychology & Counselling
- Business & Humanities
- Sports Science
- Theology & Philosophy
Fees (2025–26):
- Undergraduate: £13,000 – £17,000 per year
- Postgraduate: £15,000 – £20,000 per year
Scholarships
- Newman International Scholarship (£2,000 – £3,000)
- Country-specific awards for Indian students
Why Choose Newman:
- Affordable, student-friendly university
- Focus on teaching and employability
- Supportive learning environment
5. University College Birmingham (UCB)
Global Rank (2025): Top 1,000+
Acceptance Rate: Around 80%
Specializing in hospitality, culinary arts, business, and tourism, UCB offers hands-on training and real-world experience. It’s one of the few UK universities with its own student-run restaurants and hotels for practical learning.
Top Courses
- Hospitality & Hotel Management
- Tourism & Events Management
- Business & Marketing
- Culinary Arts
- Sports & Fitness Management
Fees (2025–26):
- Undergraduate: £14,000 – £20,000 per year
- Postgraduate: £16,000 – £23,000 per year
Scholarships
- International Academic Excellence Scholarship (£2,000 – £5,000)
- UCB India Award
Why Choose UCB:
- Excellent practical training
- High graduate employment rate
- Ideal for hospitality and business students
Why Study in Birmingham?
Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest student city, offering top-quality education and vibrant multicultural life at a lower cost than London.
Key Advantages
- Home to 5 major universities and 80,000+ students
- Cost of living 30–40% cheaper than London
- Strong Indian student community
- Excellent public transport and part-time work options
- Close to major UK cities like Manchester and Oxford
Average Living Costs in Birmingham
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost |
| Accommodation | £500 – £900 |
| Food & Groceries | £200 – £300 |
| Transport | £50 – £100 |
| Utilities & Internet | £60 – £100 |
| Leisure & Personal | £100 – £200 |
| Total | £900 – £1,400 per month |
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Birmingham
- Chevening Scholarships – Fully funded master’s program
- GREAT Scholarships (India) – Worth £10,000
- Commonwealth Scholarships – For postgraduate students
- University-specific scholarships (Aston, Birmingham, BCU, etc.)
Apply early (before February 2025) to maximize your scholarship chances!
Why Indian Students Choose Birmingham
- Prestigious universities with global recognition
- Affordable living compared to London
- Safe, friendly, and culturally diverse city
- Excellent internship and job opportunities
- Active Indian community and student support services
Conclusion
Birmingham is not just an affordable city, it’s a global education hub that offers the perfect balance between academic excellence and student life.
From world-class research at the University of Birmingham to hands-on learning at Aston and BCU, students can find the perfect match for their goals and budget.
If you’re planning to study in the UK 2025–26 intake, let Stubard guide you through the process from course selection to scholarships, visa, and accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top universities in Birmingham, UK?
Top universities include the University of Birmingham, Aston University, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham, and Newman University.
2. Is Birmingham good for Indian students?
Yes, Birmingham is one of the most student-friendly cities in the UK, offering affordable living, diverse culture, and quality education.
3. How much does it cost to study in Birmingham?
Tuition fees range from £16,000 – £32,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
4. What is the cost of living in Birmingham for students?
Living costs are around £900 – £1,400 per month, much cheaper than London.
5. Which Birmingham university is best for business studies?
The University of Birmingham and Aston University are top-ranked for Business and Management programs.
6. Are there scholarships for Indian students in Birmingham?
Yes, universities like Aston, Birmingham, and BCU offer India-specific scholarships worth up to £10,000.
7. Can Indian students work while studying in Birmingham?
Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
8. Why should I study in Birmingham instead of London?
Because Birmingham offers high-quality education, lower costs, and the same global opportunities — just without the London price tag.