The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a leading centre for health, innovation, and research. Students benefit from access to groundbreaking research opportunities and top-ranked programmes in fields such as health administration, nursing, cybersecurity, and public health.

Located in the vibrant city of Birmingham, Alabama, UAB’s main campus spans over 100 city blocks and is home to more than 21,000 students, including over 1,700 international students. Birmingham is not only a growing tech hub and travel destination but also one of the most affordable cities in the United States, offering students an excellent quality of life.

Recognised as a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Institute, UAB reports more than $715 million in annual research expenditures. Impressively, the university also achieves 100% research placement for its undergraduate students, highlighting its strong commitment to hands-on learning and academic excellence.

By completing the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) at UFC, students can progress seamlessly to The University of Alabama at Birmingham and gain access to world-class education and career opportunities.

Life at The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Students at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) enjoy a rich and rewarding university experience, with countless opportunities to engage both on campus and within the wider community.

The university offers a vibrant student life, with a wide range of activities and events throughout the year. International students from over 100 countries contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment, where cultural celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Dia de Los Muertos, Sankranti, and Holi are enjoyed alongside fun-filled events like ice-skating trips, Halloween pumpkin carving, and visits to the Birmingham Museum of Art. All students also benefit from free admission to a variety of athletic events, fostering school spirit and community involvement.

To support cultural exchange and connection, UAB offers programmes like the Student Multicultural and Diversity Program, which promotes an inclusive campus culture, and the UAB International Mentors Program, which helps international students settle in by providing peer support and access to key resources.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) provides world-class career services designed to equip students for success beyond graduation. These services include career fairs, personalised advising, on-campus interviews, career planning tools, and access to Handshake—an app that connects students with job and internship opportunities.

The UAB Career Center is dedicated to enhancing student employability through a range of supportive initiatives. Students can take advantage of virtual drop-in hours, specialised career development courses, and the Career Closet, which offers professional attire for interviews and networking events. With these resources, UAB ensures that students are well-prepared to pursue their career goals with confidence.

Life in Birmingham, Alabama, offers a dynamic blend of culture, history, and modern conveniences. As a rising hub for both tourism and career opportunities, the city attracts visitors and professionals from around the globe. Birmingham is also known for its thriving tech scene, home to successful start-ups such as Shipt, a grocery delivery service, and Daxko, a software company supporting health and wellness organisations.

The city is rich in cultural attractions, including art galleries, film festivals, live music venues, and museums. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Oak Mountain State Park—soon to be twice the size of New York City’s Central Park—offers scenic beauty and recreational activities, while Ruffner Mountain, one of the largest urban nature preserves in the United States, is just minutes from the city centre.

Birmingham also boasts a vibrant sports culture, featuring teams across multiple disciplines. Football fans can cheer on Birmingham Legion FC in the USL Championship or follow the Birmingham Stallions in American football.

Students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) benefit from free campus shuttles, access to public transit, and rentable e-scooters for getting around the city. The culinary scene is equally impressive, with everything from authentic barbecue and international flavours to award-winning fine dining restaurants waiting to be explored.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is committed to supporting students through a wide range of comprehensive services and initiatives. The Student Assistance and Support team provides personalised guidance to help students navigate challenges while promoting safety, well-being, and resilience. Services include counselling, financial support, and assistance for students in distress, with coordinated efforts across campus to ensure both individual care and community balance.

International students benefit from tailored support to help them thrive academically and adjust smoothly to life in a new country. The INTO UAB Learning Resource Center plays a key role in this, offering tutoring, writing support, mentoring sessions, and academic workshops to enhance student success.

In addition, INTO UAB provides a variety of services specifically for international students, including visa and immigration guidance, a comprehensive New International Student Orientation, and the Friendship Partners programme to help build meaningful connections within the UAB community.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers convenient and connected on-campus living, with its three residence halls located within just three city blocks. Standard accommodation includes double occupancy rooms, providing a shared and engaging living experience. Each hall is equipped with key amenities such as a 24/7 staffed front desk, on-site laundry facilities, study lounges, and welcoming community spaces.

Living on campus places students in a central location, just a short walk from downtown Birmingham. This allows easy access to local dining options, speciality supermarkets, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions like museums. Additionally, students benefit from close proximity to campus resources such as the library, student center, career services, and study groups—making it easy to stay engaged both academically and socially.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) provides a variety of modern facilities designed to support student success and well-being. At the heart of campus, the Hill Student Center serves as a lively hub offering dining options, comfortable study spaces, meeting rooms, and access to the One Stop Student Services. This convenient resource assists students with academic records, registration, student accounting, and other essential services.

The recently renovated Mervyn H. Sterne Library houses the University Writing Center, where students can receive personalised support for their writing assignments through both online and in-person tutoring sessions.

International students at UAB also benefit from the INTO UAB Center, a dedicated space that includes 14 classrooms, a student lounge, and quiet study areas—creating an ideal environment for learning, collaboration, and academic support.

At The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), students have access to a dynamic campus life with nearly 380 student organisations to choose from. Whether you’re interested in intramural or club sports, fitness programmes, or student-led events, there’s something for everyone. The Campus Recreation Center offers a wide range of intramural sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball, while club sports include activities like rugby, ultimate frisbee, and martial arts.

Beyond athletics, UAB hosts a variety of student organisations and events that foster engagement and community. Highlights include the Blazer Spirit Council, Good Games UAB, and the Miss UAB Scholarship Program. Signature events like Blazer Welcome, UAB’s Got Talent, and Homecoming add to the vibrant student experience.

As a proud member of the American Athletic Conference, UAB competes in the NCAA with six men’s and eleven women’s varsity sports teams, allowing students to show their school spirit and support the Blazers in collegiate athletics.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is committed to creating a sustainable future by embracing environmentally conscious practices and the principles of the triple bottom line. This approach encourages thoughtful, data-driven decision-making that considers the interconnected impact on people, the planet, and economic prosperity.

By integrating sustainability into its operations and academic culture, UAB empowers future leaders to think holistically and act responsibly. Through partnerships across the university, UAB ensures that today’s choices contribute to a healthier, more sustainable quality of life for its community—now and for generations to come.

RANKING

Top 7% Best Global University (U.S. News and World Report 2024)

Ranked #1 in Cybersecurity (Graduate, Fortune 2024)

Search Programmes at The University of Alabama at Birmingham

Discover a wide range of undergraduate degrees at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, an NCUK partner university. Use the NCUK University Course Finder to explore programmes by subject area and find the perfect course for your academic and career goals.

How to Apply

We have an experienced team of admissions staff waiting to talk you through your options at University Foundation College and beyond, helping you to make decisions today which will positively influence your education and career.

We will provide you with personal counselling and support as you make the transition from high school to University Foundation College and then to your university degree programme.

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The University of Alabama at Birmingham