Financial Information
Information for International Students for Academic Year 2011/2012
Living costs, part-time work and scholarships How much money you will need to study at Birmingham partly depends on your own circumstances and lifestyle. However, the following information may be helpful when planning your finances. and other sources of funding.
New tuition fees policy for international students
The University has introduced a fixed fees policy for international students (non-EU). Fees will no longer be increased on a yearly basis in line with inflation. The fee paid for the first year of a programme will remain constant with no further increase for the normal duration of your programme - with the exception of clinical rates.
Living costs
Students living in Birmingham enjoy lower costs than in many other UK cities. The amount required to cover reasonable costs will vary depending on your circumstances. As a rough guide, we currently estimate that for 2011/12 you will need a minimum of £670* a month or £8,040* a year for basic living expenses (excluding tuition fees) - this would include accommodation (depending on the duration of your contract in University accommodation), food, local travel, books, entertainment and other incidental costs. These figures are not exact and should be used as a guide only. If you are planning to bring your partner or family with you, you will require more money. A brochure called Bringing Your Family to the UK can be downloaded at:
http://www.as.bham.ac.uk/study/support/international/family.shtml
* Please note that the UK Border Agency may require you to have sufficient funds for living costs that are higher than those stated above. For up-to-date information please see the UK Border Agency website:
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
Coming to the UK to study is a serious financial commitment. You need to ensure that you have sufficient funds for your full tuition, your living expenses and the living expenses of any dependants. You should have the funding secured before travelling to the UK and starting your course.
Working whilst studying
Many students will take a part-time job during their studies, to broaden their experience or to earn some extra spending money. If you are able to work during your studies (see guidance below) you must ensure that your academic performance is not affected by any employment that you take up. The University of Birmingham recommends that students do not work more than 16 hours per week. Postgraduate students on a one-year Masters course should not expect to have time to work in the UK due to the intensive nature of their studies. Under no circumstances should non-EEA (European Economic Area) students plan to fund their living expenses through income from part-time work in the UK, as this is not a sufficient or reliable source of income. Students and their dependants who are nationals of the EEA or Switzerland are allowed to work during their studies. You can undertake any type of employment and there are no restrictions on the number of hours that you can work.
If you and your dependant are a national of Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Slovenia, you are allowed to work during your studies. You can undertake any type of employment and there are no restrictions on the number of hours that you can work. You may be required to register under the Worker Registration Scheme if you intend to work for an employer for more than one month. For more information please visit the UK Border Agency website (www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk). Click on 'Working in the UK' and then 'for European Economic Area and Swiss nationals'. Nationals from Bulgaria or Romania who wish to work in the UK may be required to obtain a registration certificate and/or Accession Worker Card (depending on how many hours you wish to work). Please visit the UK Border Agency website (click on 'Working in the UK' and then 'for European Economic Area and Swiss nationals'), or contact the International Students Advisory Service () for up-to-date information on your working rights in the UK.
Students from outside the EEA
Your permission to enter or remain in the UK (visa) will state whether you have permission to work in the UK. If you are coming to the UK for a course of more than six months you should receive a 'restriction' on your visa or passport stamp allowing you to work. The following are restrictions:
- Able to work as authorised by The Secretary of State;
- No recourse to public funds. Work (and any changes) must be authorised;
- Leave to enter/remain in the United Kingdom on the condition that the holder maintains and accommodates himself
and any dependants without recourse to public funds, does not enter or change employment (paid or unpaid)
without the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment, and does not engage in business or profession
without the consent of the Secretary of State for the Home Department is hereby given for/until (specified time).
If you have one of the above restrictions you are allowed to work in the UK for a maximum of 20 hours per week during University termtime and for an unlimited number of hours during University vacation periods. You do not need to seek any further permission before taking up a part-time job. Non-EEA Nationals can refer to the ISAS webpages for further advice on working in the UK at: