Aston University, Birmingham

Aston University is redefining what a university is, breaking free from tradition to deliver a transformative experience. It prepares ambitious students to thrive in their careers by combining world-class education with real-world experience in business, industry, and healthcare.

For over a century, Aston has been dedicated to making the world a better place through education, research, and innovation. Its goal is to empower students to succeed in their careers and lives. Applied research underpins all teaching activities, while professional development opportunities provide industry-relevant experience to help students stand out in a competitive job market.

Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city and is home to major global companies such as Cadbury, Jaguar Land Rover, Lloyds Bank, and Rolls Royce. It also hosts thriving businesses like Gymshark, providing extensive career opportunities for graduates.

Birmingham was voted the sixth-best student city in the UK (QS, 2024). It offers a lower cost of living than London while maintaining the advantages of a large, international city, including excellent transport links across the UK and internationally.

Achievements

• Awarded Triple Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2023)
• Top 5 percent globally evaluated institution (QS World University Rankings (QSWUR), 2026)
• University of the Year for student success (Daily Mail University Guide, 2025)
• Ranks in the top 100 for Business and Management Studies and Marketing (QSWUR, 2025)
• A Tier One Global MBA institution (CEO Magazine, 2025)
• University of the Year runner-up for graduate employment (The Times and Sunday Times University Guide, 2024)
• Among one percent of business schools worldwide with triple accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS)
• Top 20 in the UK for graduate salaries (LEO, 2025)
• 8th in the UK for job prospects (Based on student reviews on StudentCrowd between June 2022 and June 2024)
• 2nd in England for social mobility (2024 HEPI Social Mobility Index)

Rise in global rankings

Aston is ranked in the top 5 percent of institutions worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026. This is a rise of 165 places in just three years, putting Aston among the top 400 universities globally due to the university's academic quality, excellent teaching, impactful research, and outstanding student experience.

Global leader in business and management studies

Aston is ranked top 100 in the world by the QS World University Rankings (2025) for business and management studies, and marketing.

Aston Business School holds accreditation from AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS, and only one percent of the world's business schools hold this triple accreditation. The school's programmes provide students with multiple opportunities to gain invaluable work experiences with industry employers.

Accolades

Aston's outstanding teaching is recognised by numerous accolades, including:

• Triple Gold rating (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2023)
• 16th for student experience (Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)
• 11th for student voice (National Student Survey, 2023)
• Third in the UK for chemistry teaching quality (Sunday Times, 2023)
• 100 percent of HR management and politics students rated teaching staff as excellent (National Student Survey, 2023)
• 79 percent of research rated ‘world-leading' or ‘internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework, 2021)

Degrees with built-in professional experience

Aston University is a pioneer of work-integrated learning in the UK. Every undergraduate student gains Aston Power Skills, core skills in four key areas: AI and digital, environmental sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship, and inclusive leadership.

Aston's Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme means master's students will graduate with an industry internship as well as a degree, enabled through the university's global network of impactful opportunities. The university's PhD+ studentship scheme combines research with industry placements.

Over 200 programmes are available to study through Aston University's innovative academic schools:

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

Graduate school

The PhD+ studentship scheme equips postgraduate researchers with essential skills to reach their full potential. Scholars collaborate to form a dynamic working environment that nurtures talent and leads to meaningful research contributions. The scheme also provides a comprehensive support package designed to augment students' academic experience and prepare every individual for professional success.

International pathways

International students can pursue a pathway programme to gain the qualifications and qualities needed for academic study. This includes foundation, international year one, and pre-master's programmes in disciplines such as law, business, finance, engineering and health. Pathway partners include ONCAMPUS Aston, based on the university's Birmingham campus, and NCUK, located around the world.

In order to study at Aston University, students must meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen programme. These vary between courses, and students are advised to check the specifics for their preferred programme prior to application.

English language

As instruction is in English, all non-native speakers must have a good level of English language ability. The English language requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study.

Aston University accepts several English language test scores, including:

• IELTS Academic and IELTS Academic Online
• IELTS One Skill Retake
• TOEFL and TOEFL iBT, (HOME edition is not accepted)
• Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital)
• Pearson Academic (PTE)
• Password Test (taken at NCUK centres only)
• Language Cert International ESOL SELT
• Kaplan Test of English (KTE)
• Cambridge Advanced Test (CAE)
• Cambridge Proficiency Test (CPE)

Some international students may not have to provide proof of English language proficiency if they:

• Have studied for a recognised qualification in English, such as IB or GCSE English
• Have already studied at a UK university for a minimum of a year and achieved a grade of 2:2 or higher
• Are from a majority English-speaking country
• Have a degree from a majority English-speaking country

International pathway programmes

Those who wish to study at Aston University but can't quite meet the entry requirements can pursue a pathway programme. Through foundation, international year one and pre-master's programmes, students gain the qualifications they need for higher-level study. Areas include business, engineering and finance.

Aston University provides a modern and welcoming campus, where students have everything they need to thrive. Virtual campus tours are available, in addition to campus walk through and student life videos.

Top-quality facilities at Aston University include:

• Expansive library with 24/7 access
• Health and wellbeing services
• The Martin Luther King Multi-Faith Centre
• Gym, swimming pool, and sauna
• Free Wi-Fi and IT support

Social

Students at Aston University enjoy a state-of-the-art students' union building featuring cafes, bars, and social spaces. The students' union runs more than 130 clubs and societies, where students can meet like-minded individuals, dive into existing skills and hobbies, or explore new interests.

Accommodation

Aston University's award-winning accommodation is modern and secure. Most first-year international students live on campus, just minutes from university facilities.

Rooms include ensuite bathrooms, high-speed internet, and study spaces, with utility bills included. Accommodation is guaranteed for new international students who pay the deposit before the accommodation deadline.

Prices start at GBP 137 per week.

Aston University invests over GBP 5 million in scholarships to help students achieve their ambitions. Scholarships are available based on academic, professional, and personal achievements.

To apply for a scholarship, students need to apply for and receive an offer for an Aston University course first. Students must check they meet the eligibility criteria for a scholarship prior to application.

International scholarships available in the 2025/2026 academic year include:

All international students:

• International Community Scholarship: up to GBP 4,000

Undergraduate:

• Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor's Scholarship: GBP 10,000
• Automatic merit scholarships: up to GBP 2,000
• Regional scholarships

Postgraduate:

• Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor's Scholarship: GBP 10,000
• Vice-Chancellor's Enterprise Scholarship: up to 100 percent of tuition fees
• Automatic merit scholarships: up to GBP 2,000
• Saskia Loer Hansen Scholarship for Women in Leadership: full tuition fee for a one-year taught programme
• MBA scholarships
• Regional scholarships

Students may refer to Aston's scholarship website for latest scholarship availability.

PRME Champions Aston Business School

Aston Business School has been recognised as a United Nations PRME Champion for global impact in responsible educations. As a result, the Business School is one of ten UK institutions selected as a United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) Champion.

The school joins a cohort of only 51 higher education institutions around the globe that have been accepted into the 2026–2027 cycle.

Read more here.

Power Skills Festival

Aston University's first Power Skills Festival is now live for registrations, offering a month of skills-focused workshops throughout February, including several virtual sessions ideal for prospective students and those overseas. A range of 'Members of the Public' events are open for wider participation. The festival brings Aston's four Power Skills to life, providing practical development that helps students stand out.

April 2026 Intake

April 2026 postgraduate applications are now open for students.

International Community Scholarship Extension

The International Community Scholarship will continue to be available for students joining Aston University in January 2026.

• Open to applicants of all nationalities
• Worth GBP 4,000
• To secure the scholarship, students must pay their deposit in accordance with the offer acceptance deadline stated in the offer letter.

For offer holders whose acceptance deadline has expired, please contact Postgraduate Admissions to request an extension.

Personal Statement and Reference Requirement Reminder

All international applicants are required to submit a personal statement and at least one reference (some courses may require more than one).

Apply Early - Visa Changes Ahead

The UK Graduate Visa will reduce from 2 years to 18 months from 1st January 2027. Students should apply now for the January 2026 intake to maximise post-study opportunities.