University of Birmingham for Ghanaian Students

🇬🇧 Birmingham, United Kingdom · Russell Group
Foundation Year Required WASSCE Accepted 4 Scholarships ✓ Verified 2025-08
World Ranking #90
Founded 1900
Students 38,000+
Last updated: 2025-08 · Always verify with the official university website
Quick Facts — Ghanaian Students
WASSCE Accepted Yes (via Foundation Year)
Minimum GPA (Masters) 2.8 / 4
IELTS Required 6.5 overall (5.5 each)
Tuition Range £19,620 – £34,380/yr
Scholarships Available Yes – 4 available
Application Deadline Rolling — Birmingham Business School MSc closes January–March; others May–July
Processing Time 4–8 weeks

Entry Requirements by Level

Academic Requirements

Foundation Year required via Birmingham Foundation Academy (NCUK) (£17,000/year). WASSCE accepted as O-level equivalent. Arts ~£21,720; STEM/Engineering ~£28,380; Medicine ~£34,380–£41,600.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 5.5+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: £21,720–£34,380. Application deadline: January 29.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 2.8/4 (2:1 UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.

English Language

IELTS: 6.5+ overall, 5.5+ per component. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.

Fees & Deadline

Annual tuition: £19,620–£34,380. Application deadline: Rolling — Birmingham Business School MSc closes January–March; others May–July. Decision time: 4–8 weeks.

Academic Requirements

Minimum GPA: 3/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available.

Specific Requirements

Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.

Deadline

Rolling — departmental varies

Documents Required

Official academic transcript (translated & certified)
WASSCE certificate or result slip
Personal statement (max 4,000 characters via UCAS)
Two academic references
Valid international passport
IELTS/TOEFL score report
Financial evidence (bank statement or sponsor letter)
Research proposal (PhD applicants)

Available Scholarships

Birmingham International Scholarships

Partial fee awards (merit-based) Deadline: Check Birmingham website

by University of Birmingham · Undergraduate, Masters

Learn more →

Chevening Scholarship

Full tuition + living allowance + flights Deadline: November (annual)

by UK Government (FCDO) · Masters

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Commonwealth Shared Scholarship

Full tuition + living allowance + flights Deadline: December (annual)

by Commonwealth Scholarship Commission · Masters

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Ghana Scholarships Secretariat Award

Partial — subsidises tuition for selected Ghanaian students abroad Deadline: Check scholarships.gov.gh annually

by Ghana Government (Scholarships Secretariat) · Masters, Phd

Learn more →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does University of Birmingham recognise Ghanaian WASSCE?

Yes — WASSCE is accepted as an O-level equivalent. You need 5 credits at A1–C6 including English Language and Core Maths. A Foundation Year is still required for undergraduate entry without A-levels.

Is Birmingham a good choice for Ghanaian students?

Yes. Birmingham has an established African student community and explicitly recognises WASSCE. Fees are lower than London universities and multiple scholarship routes are available including Chevening and Commonwealth.

Tips for Applying to Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the most accessible Russell Group universities for Ghanaian students — WASSCE is recognised, fees are moderate by UK standards, and the Birmingham Foundation Academy provides a clear undergraduate pathway. Masters applicants with a 2.8+/4.0 GPA can apply directly. Chevening and Commonwealth Shared scholarships are the strongest fully-funded routes.

Official source: University of Birmingham ↗

Plan Your United Kingdom Student Visa

Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Ghanaian passport holders applying to United Kingdom.

Full Visa Guide →

Cost of Living in Birmingham

Accommodation £550 – £850/month

UK's second city with lower costs than London. Selly Oak popular with students.

Food & Groceries £150 – £250/month

Transport £50 – £80/month

Estimated Total Monthly Cost £750 – £1,180/month