Aston University is a respected public research university in Birmingham, England, part of the West Midlands metropolitan region. It is a mid-sized university with approximately 15,000 students. Admissions are relatively competitive with acceptance rate 50%. The most popular majors are Business, Engineering, Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. Aston is strongly career-oriented, with excellent placement year schemes and graduate employability. The graduate employment rate of the university is also one of the best in the UK, and graduates tend to have good mid-career salaries.
Birmingham City University (BCU) is a newer public university in Birmingham, England, in the same metropolitan area. It is a bigger university with approximately 24,000 students, with a high percentage of international students as well. Admissions are relatively open with acceptance rate 53%?.Popular courses are Arts & Design, Media, Business, Law, and Engineering. The university is industry-aligned with close contacts with creative industries. Approximately 87% of graduates secure employment or go on to further study within six months of graduation.
| Aston University | Birmingham City University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 48 The Guardian 2026 # 395 QS World University 2026 # 401 Times Higher Education 2026 | # 113 The Guardian 2026 # 801 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2026 |
| Subject Strength | # 301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 451 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 74 for Law by The Guardian 2026 | # 601 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 109 for Law by The Guardian 2026 |
| Programs | UG Programs -112 PG Programs -56 | UG Programs -139 PG Programs -74 Doctorate Programs -12 |
| Acceptance Rate | 50.0 % | 53.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-7 PTE-67 TOEFL-93 | GMAT-590 IELTS-6.5 PTE-50 TOEFL-88 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 19071.5 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 24819 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 14305 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 15318.9 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 15154.3 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 9306 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:
| Some programs and the average salary are as follows:
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| application requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education Submit English language proficiency test scores Submit personal statement Check program specific requirements |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.5/10 Read 10 reviews | 7.0/10 Read 8 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 62 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 87 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 176 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 112 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 67/90TOEFL - 93/120 | IELTS - 6/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -40224 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -19970 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Dec 18, 2025 (Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake) | Dec 5, 2025 (Application Deadline For January 2026 Intake) Dec 20, 2025 (Fee Deposit Deadline for January 2026 Intake) Jan 4, 2026 (Last date for Pre-CAS Interview for January 2026 Intake) Jul 18, 2026 (Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Aston University | Birmingham City University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1895 | 2013 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 22:1 | 19:1 |
| Male:Female | 51% Male, 49% Female | 38% Male, 62% Female |
| Location Facts | The university is situated on a 60-acre campus at Gosta Green, in the city centre of Birmingham, England. | The university has campuses spread across different locations: City centre campus, City South Campus in Edgbaston, Victoria street in Birmhimgam, Margaret street, Bournville, |
| Library | Library of the university provides various digital and physical services to the students and staffs. Students can take books, e-books, journals, publications etc. | The Learning Centre has a collection of more than 23,000 items containing relevant course books and materials. It has print subscriptions to more than 115 journal titles and electronic access to more than 1,000. It also holds DVDs, reference books, directories, encyclopaedias, tip sheets, advice relating to the final year project, 29 computers with internet access, and binding, printing and photocopying services. Students can access electronic books, full-text electronic journals, newspaper articles, full-text British and international standards, market research reports, legal and bibliographic databases. Most of these can be accessed from both within the building and externally. |
| Campus Life |
| At Birmingham City University, the university does everything possible to make the students feel welcome and to make the most of their time at the university both academically and socially. The Students’ Union International Student Group runs social activities throughout the year to help students settle in and meet other students with similar interest. You’ll also have many opportunities to learn from Birmingham’s wider creative and business communities in a city which has the UK's largest concentration of businesses outside of London. |
| Hostel | #Premium one ensuite - $7019 #Premium two ensuite - $7286 | #Rooms - $6706 |
| Famous Alumni |
| Television presenter Kirsten O'Brien, Sports TV presenter Mary Rhodes, Radio and TV presenters Fiona Phillips Investigative journalist Mark Williams-Thomas |
| City Life |
| Studying in Birmingham offers you the chance to live and work in the youngest major city in Europe with world-class restaurants, entertainment and shops. Birmingham is home to more than one million people from a range of different cultures and ethnic groups, 40 per cent of this population is 25 and younger. Birmingham Hippodrome, one of the most popular musical theatres in the UK, attracts over 500,000 visitors a year. The famous NEC holds over 500 events and exhibitions per year, including the international Crufts dog show. Birmingham has more than 500,000 works of art in one square mile. Did you know Birmingham has more miles of canals than Venice, with 56 kilometres of waterways! The city is in England’s top three most visited places to shop, and is known as one of Europe’s best shopping experiences. |
| Weather |
Aston University vs Birmingham City University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Aston University is internationally recognized for its strengths in business, management, engineering, and health sciences. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Aston typically ranks in the 395th range globally. Birmingham City University (BCU) meanwhile, focuses more on professional and applied learning, with strengths in art & design, media, law, and business, and usually ranked 1001 - 1200 range globally. While Aston enjoys higher international reputation, BCU is especially respected within the UK for creative industries and practice-oriented programs.
General Information
Aston University, located in Birmingham, is a mid-sized public university with around 16,000 students, known for its career-focused approach and strong placement rates. Birmingham City University is a larger public university with about 24,000 students, including a significant international population. Aston has a more research-driven focus, whereas BCU emphasizes professional training and applied skills.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Aston University is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of around 50%, especially competitive for business and engineering. BCU is somewhat less competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate around 53%, depending on the program. Both attract international students, though Aston tends to draw applicants seeking higher global rankings and research prestige.
Research Impact & Facilities
Aston University has a strong research profile in business, health sciences, pharmacy, and engineering, and is well connected to industry for applied research collaborations. BCU emphasizes creative arts, design, education, and applied sciences, with modern facilities like the Parkside Building for art and media, and its City South campus for health and education. Aston carries greater weight in global research reputation, while BCU prioritizes industry-ready skills.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both universities are public and relatively affordable compared to London-based institutions. Tuition for international students ranges around £16,000–20,000 per year at both, depending on the course. Both offer scholarships, though Aston’s tend to be more competitive and geared toward academic merit, while BCU often provides international student discounts and subject-specific scholarships.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
Aston graduates are known for strong employment rates, particularly in business, engineering, and health-related professions. The university emphasizes placement years and internships, making its graduates highly employable. BCU graduates also do well, especially in creative industries, law, education, and healthcare, with over 87% of students in employment or further study within six months. Aston, however, typically provides greater international recognition, while BCU has strong local and national career integration.
