USA
Students from the USA will find plenty of attractions in the UK’s second largest city, home to 65,000 students.
Birmingham is a vibrant and multicultural city, with award-winning restaurants, busy bars and nightlife, international artists performing in our city, and a variety of sports – it’s home to a Premiership soccer team.
Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University (BCU) is a modern, forward-thinking UK university rooted in the heart of Birmingham. We combine academic excellence with real-world experience, empowering students to transform their lives and make a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.
We are known for career-focussed undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, professionally accredited courses and strong employer partnerships across business, healthcare, engineering, technology and creative industries.
Did you know we are rated 1st in the West Midlands for providing meaningful work experience placements? We provide opportunities for placements, live briefs and industry collaborations.
Scholarships for international students
Undergraduate
BCU is offering a scholarship of £5,000 to self-funding international undergraduate students joining BCU on a full-time degree. The scholarship will be applied as a tuition fee discount of £3,000 in year one and £2,000 in year two.
International undergraduate scholarshipPostgraduate
BCU is offering a scholarship of £3,000 to self-funding international postgraduate students joining BCU on a full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree. The scholarship will be applied as a tuition fee discount.
International postgraduate scholarshipEntry requirements for USA students
Essential documents for your application
How to apply
We advise you to apply as early as possible to maximise your chances of success. You should also take into consideration the time it takes to obtain visa clearance and make any other arrangements you need to before a lengthy stay in the UK.
For more information about how to apply and make your application, visit the application toolkit.
Direct to the university
You’ll need to complete an online application form, which can be found on your chosen course page. Visit the relevant course page and click ‘Apply online’
Find a courseThrough an education agent
We work with education agents who can guide and support you with your application to BCU. Use the button below to find official BCU representatives.
Find your representativeThrough the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may wish to register and apply through UCAS.
Apply through UCASFederal Student Loans for 2026-27
From the 2026–27 academic year (starting 1 July 2026), there are important changes to US federal student loans. These changes affect how much you and your family can borrow.
Undergraduate students
- You can still apply for federal student loans in your own name, with a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans typically totalling $5,500–$7,500 per year (depending on your year of study)
- Your parents can borrow a PLUS loan to make a further contribution towards your costs of attendance, but this will be capped at $20,000 per year and a lifetime total of $65,000 per student.
Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) students
- You can borrow up to $20,500 per year and a lifetime total of $100,000 through a direct unsubsidized loan.
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans will no longer be available.
This means that federal loans may not cover your full cost of attendance (tuition, accommodation, and living costs), so students will need to plan for additional funding. This could include personal or family contributions and/or private student loans (subject to eligibility and credit checks). Private loans will still be available through Sallie Mae and Ernest Loans, both of which are used by BCU.
Note: If you started your studies before July 2026 and have already taken out federal loans, you will be able to continue under the current funding system for up to three more years if you stay on the same degree programme.
More information and application forms can be found on the Federal Student Aid website. The US Department of Education has also produced some videos which you may find helpful, in addition to its Facebook page.
Please contact usloans@bcu.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Birmingham City University Federal school code: G12215
OPEID code: 01221500