University of Alabama Birmingham - INTO USA

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers Pathway programs and opportunities for ambitious international students as well as direct entry options for students meeting the entry criteria.

A partnership between INTO and The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) helps international students progress to degree-level study in the US. Programs available are International Year One, Undergraduate Transfer, Graduate Pathway and Academic English. The university also offers a direct admit option (Integrated Master's Program – IMP) for those students whose GPA is less than 3.0 but above 2.5.

Through these programs, students gain academic credits while greatly developing their English language and academic skills. Other services provided by UAB include:

• Academic advisors
• Language tutors
• Learning Resource Center
• Personalized support
• Visa and immigration help
• Educational and cultural workshops, activities and events

The university is widely celebrated and has recently been named the No. 164 best global university and the No. 69 top public school by U.S. News & World. . Additionally, UAB's School of Nursing continues to receive national recognition, with its Master's in Nursing program ranking No. 10 in the Best Nursing Schools: Master's by the U.S News & World Report in 2025.

Founded in 1969, UAB is spread over 275 acres and is home to over 22,000 students. Many come from overseas, with 100+ countries represented. It's the largest research institution in Alabama, as well as the largest employer in the state.

Situated near downtown Birmingham, UAB's location offers students a wide range of activities to enjoy during their spare time. These include hiking trails in the Appalachian Mountains, an exciting city nightlife, water sports on the three main rivers, theatre shows, dining options and much more.

At UAB, students can be sure of an education that will set them up for a successful future.

Direct Entry - Undergraduate

Students who meet the necessary entry requirements and English language proficiency levels can apply directly to UAB for entry into undergraduate programs in a variety of subjects and disciplines.

International Direct

Students can earn degree credits while receiving tailored academic and cultural support. This direct entry route helps students adjust to university life with a customized schedule designed to meet their academic program and individual needs.

International Year One

Students can earn degree credits while improving their academic and English skills. Additional support is given so students can graduate at the same time as UAB domestic students.

Undergraduate Transfer Program

Those who have already completed college or university programs and want to transfer to UAB can take the Undergraduate Transfer Program where they can transfer degree credits.

Direct Entry - Graduate

Students looking to gain direct entry onto a postgraduate program at UAB will need to be able to satisfy the entry requirements and English language level needed.

Integrated Master's (IMP)

UAB offers a direct admit option for students who have English proficiency but may have less than the GPA required for Direct Entry. It does not add any extra time for the student's degree.

Graduate Pathway Program

This program equips international students with the academic and language skills they need to study for a graduate degree, with one- or two-semester options. They will also prepare for GMAT/GRE tests if it is required by the program.

Non-background Pathway Program

For students who are changing from their bachelor's background to computer science, data science or cybersecurity, UAB offers a pathway to help students achieve their MS goals and allows them to quickly begin and complete their degree.

Academic English Program

Students can develop their English language, academic and critical thinking skills so that they can be successful in US higher education.

To be eligible for a program at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, students need to meet a small number of entry requirements.

Direct Entry Undergraduate

Academic requirements: high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 3.0 (additional requirements may be necessary depending on the program).

English language requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (overall with at least 5.5 on each section), a minimum TOEFL score of 80 or equivalent or Duolingo of 120.

International Year One

Academic requirements: high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 2.0.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 6.0, a minimum TOEFL score of 77 or equivalent or Duolingo 120.

Undergraduate Transfer Program

Academic requirements: minimum GPA of 2.0 and a minimum of 12 college or university transfer credits.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 6.0, a minimum TOEFL score of 77 or equivalent, or Duolingo 120.

Direct Entry Graduate

Academic requirements: undergraduate degree, minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE and GMAT scores if needed by a particular program, additional materials and references may be needed depending on the qualification applied for.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 6.5, minimum TOEFL score of 80 or equivalent or Duolingo 120.

Graduate Pathway Program

Academic requirements: depending on the program, students need to have completed their first degree, diploma or equivalent, have an equivalent GPA of 2.5, and meet any other specific program requirements.

English language requirements: minimum IELTS score of 5.5, a minimum TOEFL score of 65 or equivalent, or Duolingo 95.

Graduate Pathway Non-Background Program

Students need to have completed a first degree, diploma or equivalent, have an equivalent GPA of 2.5, and meet any other specific program requirements.

A minimum IELTS score of 6.5, a minimum TOEFL score of 80or equivalent, or Duolingo120 is needed.

Academic English

Students need a high school diploma or equivalent.

To support high-achieving international students, The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a range of helpful scholarships to support tuition fees and living expenses. Students are encouraged to check the availability and eligibility requirements for each scholarship. Awards include:

Regional scholarship

Up to 9,000 USD is available for eligible students on an International Year One, Undergraduate Transfer, Integrated Master's or Graduate Pathway program.

Progression scholarship

Up to 3,000 USD per year and up to 9,000 USD total, renewable for up to three years, is available for eligible students who successfully complete an International Year One or Undergraduate Transfer Program and meet the progression requirements.

International scholarship

Up to 7,500 USD per year and up to 30,000 USD total, renewable for up to four years, is available for eligible students who directly enroll as a first-year degree-seeking student and meet any other requirements.

IB scholarship

Up to 2,500 USD per year and up to 10,000 USD total, renewable for up to four years, is available for eligible students who directly enroll as a first-year degree-seeking student and meet any other requirements.

Campus

International students will be able to enjoy all that The University of Alabama at Birmingham's campus has to offer. It's home to many green spaces, over 4,400 trees, and has been named a Tree Campus USA university by the Arbor Day Foundation for five straight years. Located close to downtown Birmingham, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Buildings

UAB is always improving its infrastructure for the benefit of the community. New buildings include the Collat School of Business and School of Nursing, and the Genomic Medicine and Data Research building. All are well-equipped with top learning facilities and resources.

The Student Assembly Building, which opened in 2024, and the Science and Engineering Complex, which opened in 2023, have further expanded UAB's student and academic facilities. These additions provide new spaces for collaboration, research and student engagement.

UAB continues to enhance its campus with major infrastructure projects. In 2023, the university opened the first phase of its new Science and Engineering Complex, a 138,000-square-foot facility featuring classrooms, instructional spaces and research labs specializing in photonics, computation and materials science.

In 2024, UAB unveiled the Student Assembly Building, a 12,790-square-foot space dedicated to student organizations, fraternities and sororities, providing ample room for meetings and events. Additionally, in June of the same year, construction began on the Biomedical Research and Psychology Building, an eight-story, 228,735-square-foot facility backed by 152 USD million in federal funding. This 190 USD million project will significantly expand UAB's research capabilities, particularly in biomedical sciences and psychology.

Extracurricular

There's an abundance of exciting activities for students to get involved with outside of the classroom. The UAB Campus Recreation Center was ranked number 34 out of 50 for being one of the best campus recreation centers in the nation by College Consensus 2018. Approximately 380 student clubs and organizations are available, as well as 20 club sports and 18 Division I sports teams.

Dining

Over 15 on-campus restaurants offer students a variety of dining options to cater to a wide range of preferences and requirements. There are all-you-can-eat and food-on-the-go options, which can be paid for using the university ONE card, so there's no need to worry about carrying cash on campus.

In January 2025, UAB Campus Dining introduced the Commons Market, a new addition to the Commons on the Green. The market offers a variety of fresh produce and healthy options, featuring food sourced from local farms in Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Students, faculty and staff can shop at the Commons Market using Dragon Cash, Blazer Bucks, Dining Dollars or credit cards.

Health and wellbeing

UAB has recently refurbished the Student Health Services and Counseling and Wellness Center. The center spans 23,000 square feet and provides students with support related to health and well-being.

Accommodation

All UAB halls of residences are conveniently located on campus, so students can easily reach the buildings and facilities they need, as well as downtown Birmingham. Most International Year One students are required to live on campus.

Pathway programs at The University of Alabama at Birmingham are designed to help international students prepare for successful study at the US degree level. There are 16 graduate programs ranked within the top 25 in America by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 best graduate schools.

The university is committed to ensuring that students graduate with more than just a degree. They are well-prepared to enter the professional world and equipped to face the challenges it brings, where they have the skills and experience that employers look for.

Career services

During their time at UAB, students can make the most of the career support available. Helpful staff and resources mean that students have opportunities to network with employers and gain invaluable industry experience. Services include:

• Careers fairs
• Planning tools
• Job listing website
• On-campus interviews
• Personal advice
• Internship and work experience opportunities

Student reviews

"I am most excited about the chance to contribute to research using cutting-edge technology here at UAB. For the next chapter with UAB, I believe the environment here will broaden my horizons and shape me into a well-rounded scientist in the future. "

Tuan Anh, Vietnam

MS in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Science

Research Assistant

Department of Pediatrics – Division of Pediatrics Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

"UAB is a great place for everyone. Apart from being a top medical school and hospital in the country, UAB has great energy. They not only provide you with the best education and resources, but also give you some memorable experiences that you can cherish later in your life. It just has a great vibe to it."

Nabaa, Pakistan

International Year One in Science

COVID-19 Screener, Children's of Alabama Hospital

Excellence in research

UAB received more than US$715 million in research grants and awards for the 2022 financial year. According to the U.S. News & World Report for 2022-2023, UAB places in the top 100 global universities for seven subject areas, including surgery, clinical medicine, infectious diseases, immunology and more.

More than 7,000 undergraduate students and over 7,600 graduate students are involved in research.

With UAB covering about one-quarter of downtown Birmingham, it is safe to say that students will get to know their new home very well. UAB has over 21,000 students, over 26,000 employees and is the largest single employer in the state of Alabama. Its annual economic impact is larger than US$12.1 billion.

New Biomedical Research Facility

A new facility, planned for construction in the heart of the university's sustainable campus, will become the new Biomedical Research and Psychology Building after securing more than US$150 million in federal funding.

The facility will house new wet and dry research laboratory environments, as well as spaces and resources to support successful research. Collaboration, creativity and productivity will all be enhanced through a new variety of work platforms and working spaces. It will contribute to the already significant economic power of the university and its contribution to the state and national economy.