The UK is home to some of the world’s most prestigious educational institutes, and the second most sought after destination for Malaysians to study abroad.
It’s no wonder then that the UK is home to one of the largest international student communities in the world, making it a melting pot of ethnicities and cultures.
Birmingham in particular is known for its rich heritage, offering Malaysian students the opportunity to discover new interests, meet new people and pursue an internationally recognised tertiary education at the University of Birmingham.
A city rich in culture, heritage and entertainment
Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK. It has a vibrant cultural scene and great infrastructure.
It also has a large student population because food, clothing, transport, and accommodation are more affordable here than in many other cities in the UK.
A Malaysian studying here will be astounded by the many sights to take in and things to do in Birmingham. There are the historical Canals of Birmingham that span over 35 miles, longer than the famous Venice Canals.
This attraction is also where you’ll find a fascinating cluster of restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment outlets that guarantee a fun-filled day out. Fans of “Peaky Blinders” will be tickled to know that Birmingham is where the action-packed Netflix series was shot.
For those with an interest in art and architecture, the many art galleries that line the streets of Birmingham are a pure joy to visit as is St Phillip’s Cathedral.
Dubbed UK’s chocolate heaven, Birmingham is also the official home of Cadbury World and a thriving food and beverage industry, favouring both the connoisseur and the thrifty.
Aside from Michelin-starred fine-dining establishments, there are strings of restaurants, bars and cafes as well mouth-watering street food to be enjoyed, leaving one truly spoiled for choice.
Malaysians studying here will also be happy with the ethnic diversity of cuisines from authentic British food to Malaysian and Asian delights.
An institute that stands above the rest
The University of Birmingham is currently ranked 90th in the QS World University Rankings 2022, and has consistently been among the top 100 universities on a global scale.
It’s no surprise then that this university has 10,000 students from over 150 countries, making it among one of the largest international student communities in the UK.
Due to its multi-culturism, Malaysians studying at the University of Birmingham find it easy to adapt and live as a “Brummie”, a term used for those living in Birmingham.
And here’s another plus – University of Birmingham graduates are sought after by employers. According to an annual review of The Graduate Market in 2021, by High Fliers Research Limited, Birmingham is the number one most targeted university in the UK by top employers.
Its 250-acre Edgbaston campus lies approximately 4.8 kilometres south-west of Birmingham’s city centre. Located at the heart of the campus is the world’s largest freestanding clock tower, the ‘Old Joe’ Clock Tower, a symbol of the institute’s heritage and culture.
The campus is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture surrounded by an abundance of green spaces with lawns, trees, and walkways, creating a tranquil atmosphere conducive for learning.
It is also the only university in the UK to have its very own railway station, giving students easy access to Birmingham’s city centre without having to leave the campus in search of transportation.
Glowing tributes
A multitude of Malaysian students call the University of Birmingham their second home. Among them is Ku Nurul Izzah, who graduated as a psychology major.
Ku said, “I chose to study in Birmingham for its renowned campus and for their psychology course. Birmingham’s School of Psychology is known to be one of the best in the UK.”
Ally Cheah who pursued a Master of Business Administration at the University of Birmingham said, “The tuition fees in the University is affordable while still maintaining the highest level of quality in all aspects. Living costs in Birmingham were another upside.”
Nurwina Anuar, who’s currently pursuing a doctorate at the School of Sports & Exercises Sciences, and who is also president of the Malaysian Society in the University of Birmingham said, “Birmingham is multicultural, and the University of Birmingham has many clubs and societies to participate in. I recommend joining the Malaysian society at the university as we’ve organised a tonne of fun and exciting events this year.”
Now you can see the many reasons why Malaysians choose the University of Birmingham time and again as their preferred institution to pursue a tertiary education in the UK.
For more information on the University of Birmingham, click here or here.