Every year, thousands of international students come to study at the University of Birmingham in the UK. It’s not hard to see why: as a prestigious red brick university and member of the elite Russell Group, you’re sure to get a world-class education here.
But did you know Birmingham is also famous for producing employable graduates? Here’s how you can activate your career by studying at the University of Birmingham.
One of the ‘most-targeted’universities
Sometimes, landing a great job is a matter of being in the right place at the right time. However, when you study at the University of Birmingham, you’re always in the right place! That’s because Birmingham is the #1 most-targeted UK university by top employers according to the High Fliers Report 2024.
This means that employers regularly visit the campus and seek to hire Birmingham graduates through events like on-campus recruitment fairs. This gives you a significant edge over students at other universities where employers don’t have a presence.
This isn’t something new either — Birmingham has maintained a position among the top five most-targeted universities in the UK since 2019. That’s six years in a row!
It makes sense, then, that the University of Birmingham also ranks 105th in the world for employer reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025). Since you’ll be competing for jobs with other graduates, it’s a major benefit to have a degree from a university that employers recognise and respect.
Career mentoring from successful alumni
So what makes Birmingham graduates so attractive to employers? It has a lot to do with the fantastic careers support that students get here. Some of that support comes from the University’s many successful graduates themselves!
Through the Alumni Leadership Mentoring Programme (ALMP), current students can enjoy one-to-one mentoring from a Birmingham graduate who is a top leader in their field.
Here’s how alumni mentoring can help you succeed:
- Opportunity to develop your professional network before you graduate, including connecting with other mentors and mentees
- Learn more about your chosen field and what you need to do to become a leader
- Plan your next career steps with advice from someone who has already been where you are
- Get insight into the recruitment process, so you can be fully prepared when you start to apply for jobs
- Boost your CV — taking part in the ALMP demonstrates your ambition and dedication.
Mentoring takes place during your final year of study, when your mentor will help you refine your career plans and reach your potential by sharing their experiences and expert advice. They’ll also be there to answer any questions you have about your target industry or building your career in general.
This is an exceptional opportunity that could really help to put you ahead of other graduates, especially if you’re interested in pursuing a leadership role.
Resources just for international students
The University of Birmingham understands that as an international student, you need a different kind of support. That’s why its Careers Network has a host of online resources just for international students.
Through short, interactive online courses, you can get advice on how to find and apply for work experience in the UK, as well as help on what UK employers are looking for in a candidate — expectations on workers might be different than in your home country!
Once you’re ready to start making firm plans, you can take advantage of online international student guides to starting your career in the UK or returning to your home country to work.
If you do decide that you’d like to pursue a career in the UK, there’s even guidance on how to talk to prospective employers about visas.
This means that wherever you decide you’d like to work after you graduate, you’ll be fully supported.
Live careers events
The University’s Careers Network also hosts regular live events for international students. These include events organised by global employers specifically seeking to recruit international students!
There are also a number of helpful workshops that take place, such as English for Employability, organised by the Birmingham International Academy, and workshops all about the Graduate Route Visa, which allows international students to remain in the UK to work for up to two years after graduating.
Finally, there are regular sessions giving practical advice on all aspects of employability and careers, from help with building a LinkedIn profile to perfecting your CV and cover letter, as well as how to stand out in the interview process.
Activate your career now!
The first step towards becoming a successful Birmingham graduate is to apply!
If you don’t have the grades or English level apply to the University directly, Kaplan can help.
Through us, you can apply to the University of Birmingham foundation pathways. Run by the University’s own expert staff at the Birmingham International Academy, these special courses help you to improve your English language level and subject knowledge so you meet the entry requirements for your chosen Birmingham degree.
You’ll have access to campus facilities, and will study alongside other international students just like you, so you’ll feel part of the campus community right away. It’s a great way to make new friends and explore the exciting, multicultural city of Birmingham, before you even start your degree!
If you’d like to know more, why not use our handy degree finder tool to see what you could study, or get in touch with one of our friendly student advisors.
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