5 Best Universities in Birmingham, UK for Kenyan Students

Whatever you’re looking for as a Kenyan student when it comes to choosing your dream study destination, odds are you will find it in Birmingham!

Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK and is located in the country's heartland. Additionally, it is home to five universities, two of which are ranked in the top 500 of the QS World University Rankings: University of Birmingham ranks #90th and Aston University ranks #485th.

Also, when it comes to living your best life in a vibrant city, Birmingham continues to climb in the QS Best Student Cities rankings this year, jumping three spots to reach 46th place.

Pros of studying in Birmingham

As the UK's safest city and one of the cheapest places to live while studying abroad, Birmingham has grown in popularity as a favored study destination in recent years for international students. Here’s why:

• World-Class Education

The education system in the UK has a reputation for having high educational standards, which attracts students from around the world. Overall, the quality of education and teaching in Birmingham is thought to be one of the best in the world. In other words, students who attend universities in any city in the UK are better prepared to pursue promising careers in the future.

• A Multicultural City

Birmingham is considered one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the UK. More than 20% of its people are foreign-born, so you'll feel right at home no matter where you come from.

Also, you can enjoy attending Birmingham's international community cultural events throughout the year. These include the largest Eid festival in the United Kingdom, the Caribbean Festival of food, music, dancing, and art, and German Christmas markets.

• Career Opportunities

Birmingham, nicknamed the "City of a Thousand Trades" for its historic and diverse industrial background and popularly known as "Brum," has grown into a prosperous business and financial centre.

This year, it ranked 69th in the employer activity indicator, according to QS rankings.

Top 5 universities in Birmingham for international students

Birmingham, the country's second-largest city, is home to numerous universities and other educational institutions, making it a popular destination for international students. Here are 5 of Birmingham’s greatest universities:

1. The University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham, ranked 90th in the world by QS World University Rankings 2022, is a "red brick university," a term used to characterise a collection of universities founded in industrial cities in the 19th century in England. The university is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, a group of only a few research institutions that are known for their high academic standards.

People who look at QS World University Rankings by subject say that the University of Birmingham is one of the top 50 universities in various fields like dentistry, development studies, education, English language and literature, sports-related subjects, and religious studies.

2. Aston University

With its award-winning teaching, world-class facilities, and exceptional student experience, Aston University is the ideal place for students to pursue their education. Also, Aston's campus, located in the heart of Birmingham, is a global village with one of the friendliest, most diverse, and most multicultural communities in the UK.

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) awarded Aston University a gold award in 2017 — the highest possible honor. The TEF is thought to be a game-changer for UK universities because it places so much emphasis on teaching quality and student satisfaction for the first time.

3. Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University has a rich history and a multicultural community, giving students a one-of-a-kind and enriching experience. It has invested more than GBP 340 million in cutting-edge facilities, including new biomedical science labs, a mock operating theatre, a crime scene room, and broadcasting capabilities, spread over two main campuses.

The best thing is that the university has a dedicated career help team. Students can schedule appointments with career consultants to receive assistance with all aspects of their career plans as well as job-search advice. Also, there are other resources accessible for interview preparation and writing great CVs.

4. Newman University

Newman University is well-known for offering high-quality courses and having one of the highest percentages of graduate employment among colleges and universities in the UK. Even though Newman University is a Catholic institution, it is open to students of all faiths and cultural backgrounds.

5. University College Birmingham

University College Birmingham (UCB) is based in the heart of the UK’s biggest regional city and is highly respected by employers for providing career-focused education and training. The university values its strong and good connections with businesses and practitioners in the area, as well as across the country and the world. This guarantees that students have the skills and traits they need to have a successful career.

Cost of Living in Birmingham for International Students

According to Numbeo website, a single person living in Birmingham will need nearly £640 in monthly expenses, plus an extra £757 for suitable accommodation in the city centre.

Also, the tuition fees for universities in Birmingham are lower than in other cities in the UK, with an average of roughly £22,700 for international students. Find out more about the cost of living in the UK by using the cost-of-living calculator or get in touch with your IDP counsellor for FREE.