University of Alabama Birmingham - INTO USA

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (INTO 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. 160 best global university and the No. 64 top public school by U.S. News & World Report in 2023. Additionally, 16 of its graduate programs rank in the top 25.

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. Programs are designed to help them push the limits and reach their goals, so they'll graduate ready to make an impact in the professional world.

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 2.75 (additional requirements may be necessary depending on the course/program).

English language requirements: A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (overall with at least 5.5 on each section), a minimum TOEFL score of 77 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 5.0, a minimum TOEFL score of 50 or equivalent or Duolingo 75.

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 5.0-6.0, a minimum TOEFL score of 50-77 or equivalent, or Duolingo 75-120.

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 course, 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 5.5, a minimum TOEFL score of 65 or equivalent, or Duolingo 95-120 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 USD 9,000 is available for eligible students on an International Year One, Undergraduate Transfer, Integrated Master's or Graduate Pathway program.

Progression Scholarship

Up to USD 3,000 per year and up to USD 9,000 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 USD 7,500 per year and up to USD 30,000 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 USD 2,500 per year and up to USD 10,000 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.

Opened in 2015, the impressive Hill Student Center is full of amenities including dining facilities, a stadium-style theater, a technology store, a bookstore and spaces for activities, gatherings and services.

Extracurricular

There's an abundance of exciting activities for students to get involved with outside of the classroom. The UAB Recreation Center was ranked No. 18 among the most amazing campus student recreation centers by Best College Reviews 2021. More than 340 student clubs and organizations are running, as well as 20 club sports and 18 Division I sports teams.

Dining

Over 15 on-campus restaurants offer students a plethora 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.

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 2022 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 learned a lot at UAB, and the constant guidance and motivation by the professors was something which built a sense of confidence in an international student like me. The highlight of my degree has been the internship project offered by UAB in the summer of 2020. I was able to determine the spread of COVID-19 according to the mobility of the community in the states of Georgia and Mississippi."

Karan, India

MS in Public Health

Clinical Research Assistant

UAB Medicine-Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship

"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 USD 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 22,000 students, 23,000 employees and is the largest single employer in the state of Alabama. Its annual economic impact is larger than USD 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 USD 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.