Aston University vs University of Birmingham

Aston University vs University of Birmingham

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Birmingham consistently outranks Aston University in all major global ranking systems. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Birmingham is placed around 76th globally, while Aston falls around 395th. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, Birmingham sits within the 93rd, reflecting its strong international research reputation, whereas Aston is typically placed in the 351-400 range.

In terms of subject strengths, Birmingham dominates across a broad range of disciplines—particularly in medicine, engineering, law, social sciences, and the arts—often ranking in the global top 100 for these fields. Aston, while less comprehensive, excels in business, management, marketing, engineering, and applied sciences, where it enjoys strong employability-focused reputations and high subject rankings in the UK.

General Information

Aston University is a medium-sized institution with about 17,500 students, including a large proportion of international students from over 120 countries. It is well known for its industry links and placement year system, which gives students real-world professional experience.

University of Birmingham is a much larger, research-intensive Russell Group university with around 38,000 students, over 10,000 of whom are international. Founded in 1900, it has a historic redbrick campus in Edgbaston and a global academic footprint, including overseas campuses.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions at Aston are moderately competitive, with a focus on attracting students into professionally oriented programs, particularly in business and engineering. Birmingham, as a Russell Group member with a higher global standing, is more competitive, especially in selective programs such as law, medicine, and economics.

Research Impact & Facilities

The University of Birmingham is a leading research institution, with over £220 million annually in research funding, world-class labs, and cultural resources like the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and the Lapworth Museum of Geology. It is also home to 10 Nobel laureates.

Aston is smaller in research scope but has an applied and impactful profile, especially in business and management research, where over 79% of its outputs are rated as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF). Its compact city-centre campus integrates teaching, student facilities, and enterprise hubs.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both universities are public institutions in the UK, with tuition fees for international students ranging from about £16,000 to £25,000 per year, depending on the program. Aston positions itself as offering strong value-for-money with employability outcomes, while Birmingham offers a wider range of scholarships, including prestigious awards for academic merit and international students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Aston University is widely recognised for its employability focus—it pioneered the UK’s placement year, and over 70% of students undertake professional experience. It was named Best University Placement Service (2022) and is consistently ranked highly for graduate outcomes.

The University of Birmingham, with its broader international reputation, has a strong global employer presence—90% of graduates are employed or in further study within six months. Its alumni include Nobel Prize winners, leading politicians, CEOs, and academics, reflecting its worldwide influence.