NCUK University Partner
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is a major destination for health, innovation and public health, with strong programmes in areas such as health administration, nursing, cybersecurity and public health. Its main campus spans more than 100 city blocks in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, and is home to more than 21,000 students, including more than 1,700 international students.
UAB is classified as a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Institute and reports more than $715 million in annual research expenditure. The university also states that its undergraduates have access to 100% research placement opportunities, giving students hands-on research experience alongside their studies.
Birmingham itself is presented as an affordable city with a growing travel and technology scene, giving students access to city life alongside their studies.
188th
in the world (U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities 2026-27)
#1
in Cybersecurity, Graduate (Fortune 2024)
Tier One
Carnegie research university classification
100%
undergraduate research placement opportunities (UAB)
Student life and campus
UAB has around 380 student organisations, along with intramural and club sports through its Campus Recreation Center. Multicultural events and celebrations run throughout the year, supported by the Student Multicultural and Diversity Program and the UAB International Mentors Program.
Getting around is easy with free student shuttles, public transit access and e-scooters, and students get free admission to UAB athletic events. UAB sponsors six men’s and eleven women’s NCAA teams, competing in the American Athletic Conference.
Careers
The UAB Career Center runs career fairs and offers planning tools, access to the Handshake platform, on-campus interviews, personalised advising and virtual drop-ins, careers courses, and even a ‘Career Closet’ where students can borrow interview attire.
Student support
UAB's Student Assistance and Support team provides counselling, financial assistance and crisis support. For international students specifically, INTO UAB offers a learning resource centre with tutoring, writing help and mentoring, plus visa and immigration support, orientation, and a Friendship Partners programme pairing new arrivals with current students.
Facilities and accommodation
The Hill Student Center houses dining options, study areas, meeting rooms and One Stop Student Services, while the Mervyn H. Sterne Library hosts the University Writing Center. The INTO UAB Centre has 14 classrooms, a student lounge and further study space.
Students live in three residence halls within three city blocks of each other, typically in double-occupancy rooms, with a 24/7 front desk, on-site laundry and study lounges.
Sustainability
UAB frames its approach to sustainability around a 'triple bottom line' of people, planet and profit, aiming for data-driven decisions across the university.
Veritas Pathways students on the International Foundation Year may progress to The University of Alabama at Birmingham, subject to meeting its academic, English language, attendance and non-academic entry requirements.