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International FAQs

Thinking of joining BCU as an international student? We’ve answered the most common questions about applications, visas, fees, scholarships, and student life in Birmingham.

Enquiring about BCU

Why should I choose BCU?

With around 31,400 students from 120 countries (HESA, 2023/24), Birmingham City University is a large and diverse place to study. We put students at the heart of everything we do, giving them the best opportunities, facilities and teaching for future success. See just a few reasons why you should choose BCU.

Does BCU offer country specific advice?

Yes. We provide tailored guidance for prospective students from many of our most popular source countries, including entry requirements, planned visits, a list of tied agents, and country representation. To find out if we offer advice for your country, please visit our Country Search page.

Do you accept English language qualifications other than IELTS?

Yes, we accept a wide range of recognised English language proficiency tests and academic qualifications as evidence of English language ability. 

We also offer the BCU English Proficiency Test online for a fee of £65. 

For applicants who do not meet the required English language entry criteria, we provide Pre-Sessional English courses to help improve language skills before starting a degree programme. 

What do I do if I do not meet the standard entry requirements?

For applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements for Bachelor's or Master's programmes, we offer a range of international foundation programmes with varying entry levels, as well as Pre-Master’s courses designed to support progression to postgraduate study.

Can I study part-time as an international student?

You can study part-time in the UK only if you hold a valid visa that allows you to study part-time in the UK. Please note that BCU does not sponsor Student Route visas for part-time students.

Can I take a virtual tour?

Yes, our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to experience a day in the life at BCU. You can explore our facilities and see where you'll be studying without attending an in-person Open Day.

Your application

What is the application deadline?

Our key deadlines are published on our website. For a January 2026 start, the recommended deadline is December 4 2025. For a September 2026 start, the suggested deadline will be around 7 July 2026.

How can I apply to BCU?

There are three ways to apply:  

Direct to the university - You’ll need to complete an online application form and submit it, along with scans of your original academic transcripts and certificates. You’ll also have to complete the Equal Opportunity section, which is required by UK law. 


Through a country representative - Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa, as well as offer important advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad. Please see our Help in your country page for further information.


Through UCAS - If you’re applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. There is a charge for applying through UCAS - please see the UCAS website for full details and methods of payment.  

What do I need to complete a direct application form?

Please make sure your application includes: 

  • Requested transcripts 
  • Certificates 
  • References 
  • Your portfolio 
  • Copy of your passport 

If you require any assistance, please email your completed forms to:  international.enquiries@bcu.ac.uk 

My course has a portfolio requirement; where can I find further guidance on what to include?

Please read the information we have sent carefully. See further portfolio guidance.

What is MySRS?

MySRS is BCU’s student portal that allows you to upload any outstanding documents and track your application progress. Once you’ve enrolled, you can also use the portal to view your grades, timetable and manage attendance and contact details.  

The following letters can be requested directly via the MySRS portal by selecting ‘Request Formal Letter’ on the home page: 

  • Council Tax Exemption certificate (this letter is only available if you are a full-time student without any outstanding financial balances on your record) 
  • Proof of Enrolment letter 
  • Proof of Enrolment with Modules Studied letter 
  • Proof of Enrolment for Bank/Visa Support letter 

All letters will be emailed as an attachment to your BCU email address. Alternatively, or for any other information about your course, please contact  the Student Advice Centre. 

How can I request formal letters on MySRS?

Once you have accepted your unconditional offer, you can download a PDF copy of your offer letter from the MySRS portal.

How do I upload the requested documents?

Birmingham City University will ask you to upload information to support your application. Once you have logged in to your mySRS BCU Applicant Portal, you will be presented with your actions and help on how to do this. Please refer to your MySRS portal help guide section for more information. 

I have made a mistake on the application form. How can I amend this?

If you realise something is incorrect after submitting your application form, such as academic details, email International.admissions@bcu.ac.uk with your Applicant ID number and the details you would like changed.

I have submitted my application and no longer wish to be considered for the course. What can I do?

If you have applied to BCU via UCAS, you can withdraw your application to BCU on UCAS.

If you have applied to BCU but are not using UCAS, please contact International.admissions@bcu.ac.uk who will withdraw your application. 

Fees and finance

What are my course fees?

All our course fees are listed under individual course pages. We also include information about any additional costs you must budget for courses. If you receive an offer from BCU, the course fee will be provided in your offer email.

How to make deposit payments?

Birmingham City University has partnered with Flywire to accept payments from domestic and international students worldwide. As the Trusted Choice of millions of students and thousands of institutions worldwide, Flywire is the safest, most convenient way to make your education payment to Birmingham City University. Please refer to our paying for your tuition fees as an overseas student page for more information. 

Where do I find information on bursaries and scholarships?

Can I use bank statements as a proof of funds?

Yes, you can use bank statements to prove you have sufficient funds for your UK student visa, provided they are recent, clearly show the required amounts for tuition and living costs, and are dated, signed, and stamped by your bank or available as electronic statements.  

Can a family member or a friend pay my deposit?

You may be offered the opportunity to pay your tuition fees via a 3rd party. This could be through an organisation or an individual. It may be at preferential rates or with the promise of guarantees that this is the only way to pay your tuition fees.

I am experiencing financial difficulties, is there any help or advice which I can obtain from the University?

If you are experiencing problems in paying for your tuition fees, it is very important that you contact the Collections Team (collections@bcu.ac.uk) to make us aware and to discuss your options.

We also offer a drop-in service at our Student Support Centres. Book an appointment to speak to one of the collections team.  

You can contact Hardship@bcu.ac.uk to see if there is any financial aid available to you. 

How do I open a UK bank account?

Having a UK bank account is essential if you're studying in the UK for more than six months. We recommend considering what each bank can offer before selecting an account.  

To open a bank account, you’ll normally need the following paperwork, and it's worth taking duplicate copies.  

  • Passport 
  • Letter of enrolment confirming your UK and home addresses (available after enrolment from the Faculty Course Office). 
  • University’s unconditional offer letter, which you received at your home address (the bank is looking for evidence that the university has corresponded with you at your residence). 
  • University or private accommodation contract for your term-time accommodation. 
  • Please provide a recent bank or credit card statement from your home bank translated into English and containing your residential address (the statement must be less than three months old).

Your Visa

Where is my Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

Decisions on new applications are currently taking between 7 and 10 working days, and payments take 3-10 working days to be credited to student accounts. Once the payment has been confirmed, CAS takes 3-5 working days. If the financial documents have not been provided, these will be requested. Find out more about getting your CAS.

How do I apply for a Student Visa?

To apply for a Student Visa for Birmingham City University, you must first receive your CAS number after accepting your offer and paying your deposit. You'll then complete an online visa application form, pay the required fee, and gather necessary documents, including your passport, the CAS statement, and evidence of funds. 

What are the conditions for Student Visa?

As a sponsored student, you must follow the conditions of your Student Visa. The latest Student Visa information and immigration rules from the British Government can be found on the Government website.

What is an eVisa?

An eVisa is an online record of your immigration status and the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK.

How do I register my eVisa?

You will first need either your BRP card number or your Visa application number. Your Visa application number will have been sent to you via email or post. 

If you do not have any of the above information, please find your online immigration status.

In addition to your BRP or Visa application number, you will also need to provide your: 

  • Passport/BRP for identity purposes 
  • Date of Birth 
  • Email address 
  • UK Mobile phone number 
  • Access to the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app (you can download this app from the Google Play Store and App Store for iOS) 

Once you have the above information, complete the following 3 steps to create the UKVI account: 

Step 1: Create a UKVI account with full details 

If UKVI have advised you to create an account, follow their instructions; otherwise, visit the Gov.uk website.

Step 2: Confirm your Identity 

This is done via an app: UK Immigration: ID Check 

You will need to download the app onto a smartphone and use the camera to scan a QR code. 

Step 3: Link your UKVI account to your eVisa 

UKVI will notify you when your eVisa is available to view. In some cases, this could take a few days. Full details on linking your UKVI account with your eVisa can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/get-access-evisa 

What should I do if I am already in the UK as a student and my student visa will expire soon?

To study with us and get a CAS, you must obtain a new Visa. If you are currently studying at an FE college or private provider, please note that you cannot apply for your new Visa here in the UK; instead, you must go back home and apply there. The same applies if you have not completed or failed your studies elsewhere. 

The university has a Visa service (the Batch System) open for international students who are already in the UK and can apply for their new visa here. As part of this service, we will give you all the advice you need on your new Visa application, help you fill in the forms, and even send the application off for you. What’s more, this service is completely free. 

This means that once the CAS is ready, we will send it to our Student Affairs department, and an International Student Advisor will contact you to agree on a time to complete your Visa application with them. 

Arrival and enrolment

Does the University offer airport and university welcome services for new international students?

Yes, Birmingham City University provides a Meet and Greet service at Birmingham Airport to welcome arriving international students. We also offer an International Orientation programme designed to help you settle in, make connections, and get acquainted with university life.

What should I do if I cannot arrive by my course start date?

Please update your travel plans and arrival details on the mySRS portal. If anything changes you will need to log back in and keep us updated.

You should arrive in the UK before the start of your course. If you are going to be late you need to let the Enrolment Team know by logging this on the mySRS portal or by emailing enrolment@bcu.ac.uk for approval.

Please note: You must arrive in the UK and attend your scheduled sessions no later than the fourth week from your course start date. Arrivals beyond this point will not be permitted, and you will not be allowed to commence your course at BCU.

Can I change my course?

Please contact international.admissions@bcu.ac.uk, who will review your application and advise whether the course change is possible.

How do I check my timetable?

To check your BCU timetable, log in to the iCity portal or use the iBCU app on your mobile device.  Access your timetable by clicking on the "Your Calendar" button or the timetable icon after logging in with your BCU login details. Your timetable will typically appear 2-3 days after your enrolment invitation, and details for new students are also available on the Birmingham City University welcome page.  

Do I need to attend all my timetabled sessions?

Students are expected to attend all timetabled sessions even whilst they are completing enrolment.

International students studying on a Student Visa will be subject to the attendance monitoring process set out in the Student Attendance and Engagement Policy. You may also be subject to additional attendance requirements to ensure that the University can meet its legal obligations and that you fulfil the conditions of your visa. If you have low attendance and engagement, then the University may withdraw you from your course and report your withdrawal to the Home Office.

The Student Attendance and Engagement Policy can be accessed from the Student Contract page under the relevant academic year. 

Do I need to book an enrolment appointment, or can I turn up on the day?

We ask that you book in advance so that we know when to expect you. You can book an appointment on your MySRS portal when completing the online enrolment task.

Appointments will take place on campus in the Mezzanine Area, Curzon building, City Centre Campus. Please book the first available appointment that you can attend, that way we can ensure you are enrolled as soon as possible.  

If you haven’t arrived in the UK yet, choose the appointment date closest to your predicted arrival date.

You will receive email confirmation once your appointment is booked. You can change your appointment by logging back into the enrolment task on MySRS portal.

If you come to enrolment without an appointment, we will do our best to accommodate you, but during busy periods we may need to book an appointment for you to return. 

What documents do I need to bring with me to my enrolment appointment?

Please have your Student ID number ready when you come in to see us.

Please bring the following documents:

  • Passport
  • Your share code (if you have not previously provided this) - this can be generated on the GOV.UK website *

*When generating a share code select the reason as Education/Study. Your share code should start with the letter S.

  • Proof that you have paid 50% deposit. PLEASE NOTE: This does not include any scholarship awarded.
  • Have your UK termtime address and UK mobile number (if you have one) ready to show us
  • Any other documents that you have been asked to provide

Providing proof of qualifications:

  • Admissions team will contact you to confirm which qualifications you need to bring. If you aren’t sure, you can contact them on International.admissions@bcu.ac.uk before your appointment.

I have other questions about arrival and enrolment

Please see our full Welcome FAQs.

Living in Birmingham

Where can I apply for accommodation?

To register and apply for accommodation, you will need to use your University Application number/Student ID (it has eight numeric characters): 

  • Register in the Accommodation Portal 
  • Select your Application Pathway that is relevant to your Campus 
  • Where required, please select your accommodation preferences and contract length which is suitable for your course 
  • Please use the Additional Information section to advise us of any requirements for your room's allocation.  

I am a late applicant to the University. Will you still guarantee me accommodation?

If you are a clearing or late applicant, we cannot guarantee University accommodation. However, we will aim to provide you with University Accommodation (subject to availability). Otherwise, we will assist you in finding alternative accommodation with a university-approved provider.

I have a disability or a long-term health condition. Will my accommodation needs be met?

If you have a disability or long-term health condition that causes significant difficulties in your day-to-day life, you must contact Accommodation Services as soon as possible to discuss your specific requirements. We will not be able to offer you a room until we confirm that reasonable adjustments can be made. 

We may be able to offer you accommodation for the duration of your course, but due to possible changes in the portfolio, this may not be the same accommodation each year. If you have a personal support worker enabling you to live independently at the university, we can also provide a room for them (the full cost of this room is applicable). Please also inform the Enablement and Wellbeing Team of your medical condition. 

How to register with a doctor/GP?

It is very important to register with a doctor’s surgery within your first couple of weeks in the UK. You can register with the University’s healthcare provider or find an alternative surgery by visiting the NHS website. 

Our healthcare service is provided by Handsworth Wood Medical Centre, which has consulting rooms at the University’s City Centre and City South Campuses. 

You can register with the University’s healthcare service online, or at the registration session the weekend immediately before Welcome Week. 

Alternatively, please refer to our once you’re here webpage for more information on NHS services.  

How do I get around Birmingham?

Birmingham is a big city – the second biggest in the UK – but it is easy to get around due to ample transport links. Studying in the city centre, you will have easy access to trains, buses, trams and taxis. Further information could be found on our living in Birmingham webpage.

How can I meet other students?

There are multiple ways you can meet other students here at BCU e.g. joining accommodation groups, connecting with people on your course or by putting yourself out there during welcome week. However, one of best ways to get connected is by joining Freshers Facebook group - it’s a group for all new starters across the entire university! And it’s managed by Birmingham City University Students’ Union (BCUSU). 

Aside from running loads of amazing events and societies, BCUSU manages the most populous BCU Facebook group for new starters. The membership numbers in the thousands every year. So, if you want to connect with new starters across the whole of BCU, then this is the best place to be. 

How can I sign up to sports clubs and societies?

To sign up for BCU sports clubs, first find out about the options available, and then complete the Student Expression of Interest (EOI) form on BCU Sport. To participate, students are required to purchase a BCU Sports membership. This costs either £135 if made in a single payment or £150 if paid across 3 instalments of £50.

For BCU societies, browse the list on the BCUSU website, and if you're ready to join, click "Add Membership" to add the society to your basket and proceed to checkout. You can also meet Societies during Welcome Week.

Useful information

Email us

If you have any questions about applying for a programme, to getting advice about living in Birmingham, drop us an email and our friendly team will follow up with you.

Email us

Request a call

Complete our form below and we'll call you at a convenient time for you. If you can't wait, you can call us on the number below, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm GMT.

+44 (0)121 331 5389

Request a call back

Social media

Our international social media accounts are a great way to find out more about the University, ask questions and make new friends and contacts. We're active on most social media channels so you've always got a friendly person to speak to.

More about social media

Visit us

If you’re in Birmingham, pop in and ask to speak to the International Office.

  • Birmingham City University
  • Curzon Building
  • 4 Cardigan Street
  • Birmingham B4 7BD
See events on campus

Your country

We have representatives across the world, simply find your country and click on the 'agent' tab to find out who you can speak to in your home town.

View full list of countries