Aston University logo

Aston University

Birmingham, UK · Ranking #395

Aston University is a public university in Birmingham city centre, with origins dating back to 1875 and a royal charter granted in 1966. It is organised into three main colleges: Business and Social Sciences (including triple-accredited Aston Business School and Law School), Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Health and Life Sciences (with strong programmes in pharmacy, optometry, psychology, biosciences and medicine). Around 18,000 students study at Aston, with about 23% international from over 120 countries. The university is recognised for graduate employability, practical placements and a highly diverse campus, and was named University of the Year for Student Success 2025 by the Daily Mail University Guide. The campus is compact and urban, close to Birmingham’s business and cultural districts.

Aston University logo

Aston University

About the university

Aston University is a public university in Birmingham city centre, with origins dating back to 1875 and a royal charter granted in 1966. It is organised into three main colleges: Business and Social Sciences (including triple-accredited Aston Business School and Law School), Engineering and Physical Sciences, and Health and Life Sciences (with strong programmes in pharmacy, optometry, psychology, biosciences and medicine). Around 18,000 students study at Aston, with about 23% international from over 120 countries. The university is recognised for graduate employability, practical placements and a highly diverse campus, and was named University of the Year for Student Success 2025 by the Daily Mail University Guide. The campus is compact and urban, close to Birmingham’s business and cultural districts.

Key information

  • Location: Birmingham, UK
  • Ranking #395
  • QS #395
  • THE #351
  • US News #594
  • National ranking #21
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Aston Business School
  • Aston Law School
  • School of Social Sciences and Humanities
  • School of Engineering and Technology
  • School of Computer Science and Digital Technology
  • School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering
  • Aston Medical School
  • Aston Pharmacy School
  • School of Optometry
  • School of Psychology
  • School of Biosciences
  • Audiology and Healthcare Science

Programs (8)

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Business Administration
  • Cyber Security
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Human Resources
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Psychology

Student body

  • Total students: 18,000
  • International students: 23%

Campus life

Aston’s self-contained city centre campus combines teaching buildings, library, Students’ Union, sports and accommodation (Aston Student Village with 3,000+ rooms) in one pedestrian-friendly site. The Students’ Union runs dozens of clubs, societies and events; Birmingham’s nightlife, shopping and cultural venues are within walking distance. The university emphasises placements and work experience, and careers support is integrated into programmes. The campus is diverse and international, with strong support for language development, visas and integration for overseas students.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £750 - £1,100 / per month

Housing options

  • On-campus ensuite flats in Aston Student Village
  • Shared flats (5- and 7-person)
  • Private student residences in Birmingham
  • Shared houses and apartments
  • Homestays
  • Family accommodation

Student clubs and organizations

  • Aston Students’ Union societies
  • Cultural and national societies
  • Business and entrepreneurship clubs
  • Engineering and tech societies
  • Sports clubs and performance groups

Sports

  • Football
  • Futsal
  • Basketball
  • Rugby
  • Volleyball
  • Badminton
  • Athletics
  • Swimming
  • Gym and fitness clubs
  • Other BUCS and recreational sports

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Internships: Many Aston programmes include integrated placement years or professional experience options, particularly in business, engineering, health and life sciences. The university has strong employer links in Birmingham and beyond; careers and placements teams support CVs, applications, interviews and networking. International students can access placement opportunities within visa regulations. Graduate outcomes are a major strength, with high employment and further study rates and recognition in national student success awards.

Admission requirements

Required documents

  • Online application
  • Passport
  • Academic transcripts and certificates (secondary or degree)
  • Personal statement
  • Academic reference
  • Proof of English language (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
  • CV (for some programmes)
  • Proof of application fee payment

Tuition costs

  • £21,500 - £30,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 50.00%
  • Scholarships available: Aston offers multiple scholarships for international students, including the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (typically up to £10,000 off tuition for high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate students) and GREAT Scholarships (£10,000 for one-year master’s, for selected countries). There are also partial fee discounts such as International Community Scholarships and Sir Adrian Cadbury scholarships linked to community impact. Most awards require holding an offer and demonstrating strong academic results and/or extracurricular achievements. External funding (government schemes, sponsors) can also be combined in some cases, subject to terms.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1966
  • Teaching languages: english
  • Study formats: offline

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