Why Study at Aston University? Courses, Rankings, Guaranteed Internships, and Living Costs

Choosing a UK university is about more than finding a familiar name on a rankings table. You want a course that teaches you something useful, a city where you can actually afford to live, and a university that helps you move towards your first job.

That’s where Aston University stands out. Situated in the centre of Birmingham, Aston combines industry-focused courses with strong graduate outcomes and a particularly interesting proposition for postgraduate students: a guaranteed internship with every eligible Master’s degree. For Indian students planning to study in the UK, here’s what makes Aston worth considering, from courses and rankings to scholarships, internships and living costs.

Why Aston University?

Aston University puts serious weight behind employability. It sits in the top 5% of globally evaluated universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and Aston Business School ranks in the European top 100 business schools in the Financial Times 2025 rankings. Teaching quality earns a “triple gold” rating, the highest possible, in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023).

Graduate outcomes back this up. Aston ranks 23rd in the UK for Career Prospects in the Guardian University Guide 2026, and graduates earn a median salary of £33,600 three years on, according to 2025 LEO data. The appeal, in other words, isn’t just the degree itself.

What Can You Study at Aston University?

Courses at Aston University span undergraduate, postgraduate and professional study, with popular areas including:

• Business and Management
• Accounting and Finance
• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Science
• Marketing
• Pharmacy
• Biosciences
• Economics
• Law

Postgraduate options include: 

• MSc Business Analytics
• MSc Finance
• MSc Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Data Science
• MSc Cyber Security
• MSc Supply Chain Management
• MSc International Business
• MSc Strategic Marketing Management

Choose the course before getting attached to the name. Look at modules, assessment style, placement opportunities and entry requirements first. 

The Big Advantage: Guaranteed Internships

This is likely what catches the eye of anyone researching internships in the UK. Aston University’s Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme gives eligible full-time Master’s students at Birmingham a guaranteed industry internship, with no prior experience needed and no registration fee.

Placements typically run around two months, though they can range from one to six, and may be in-person, hybrid or remote. Past internships have included GSK, IBM, Microsoft, Samsung, Network Rail, Aldi and Rolls-Royce. External roles may or may not come with pay, and remote internships through third-party providers don’t. Students are guaranteed an opportunity, not a specific company or salary. For international students, this counts towards permitted work hours, generally up to 20 hours a week during term time for UK student visa holders studying full-time at degree level or above.

What Is the Cost of Studying at Aston?

Costs depend entirely on your course, so there’s no single Aston University fee. For 2026/27, international undergraduate and postgraduate fees often sit around £23,500, though this varies by programme. Budget using your specific course fee rather than an average.

Student Living Cost in the UK

One of Aston’s biggest practical advantages is its location. Birmingham runs around 40% cheaper than London overall, with rent roughly 49% lower and transport about 45% cheaper. Students outside London can generally expect £900–£1,300 a month in living expenses, making it important to consider the living cost in uk for international students when planning their budget. 

Aston’s own accommodation helps with budgeting too. For September 2026 starters, postgraduate shared ensuite rooms start around £130 a week, with undergraduate options from £172.20, bills and Wi-Fi included. When working out the student living cost in the UK, don’t default to London prices. Birmingham gives you a major business, cultural and sporting hub, from Symphony Hall to Edgbaston and Villa Park, without matching the capital’s rents.

Also Read : Student Accommodations for Aston University

Aston University Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarships can change the picture considerably. Here are some of the available scholarships to international students:

• The International Community Scholarship offers eligible undergraduates up to £9,000 in tuition reductions, and postgraduates a £4,000 reduction.
• The Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor’s Scholarship offers £10,000 off tuition.
• The Ferguson Scholarship provides three awards for students from India and Africa, covering up to £22,500 in tuition plus £6,000 towards living costs on selected postgraduate programmes.

Check the eligibility criteria first when you’re weighing up UK scholarships for Indian students. 

How Leverage Edu Can Help

Planning to study in the UK involves more than submitting an application. You need to compare courses, understand entry requirements, sort your finances, secure scholarships and plan your visa and accommodation. Leverage Edu can help you work through each of these stages, from shortlisting courses to applications, education loans, visas, forex and accommodation, so Aston University becomes part of a wider study-abroad plan rather than a decision made on rankings alone.

Conclusion

For international students looking to study in the UK, Aston University offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs you can choose from. The UG and PG fees for international students sit around £23,500 annually. Master’s students also get the added advantage of guaranteed internships at companies like GSK, IBM, Microsoft, and Samsung.

FAQs

Why Aston University?

Aston combines strong career-focused teaching with industry experience, a central Birmingham location and good graduate outcomes. It is currently in the top 5% of globally evaluated universities in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and offers a guaranteed internship scheme for eligible full-time taught Master’s students.

Is it hard to get into Aston University?

Entry requirements vary significantly by course, so there isn’t one acceptance standard for the whole university. Check the academic qualifications, English-language requirements and any additional criteria for your specific programme before applying.

What is the total cost of studying at Aston University, including student living costs in the UK?

Your total cost depends on your course fee and lifestyle. Many international postgraduate courses are around £23,500 for 2026/27, while Birmingham living costs can be planned at roughly £900–£1,300 per month, with Aston accommodation available from around £130 per week for eligible postgraduate students.

Which scholarships can Indian students get to reduce the cost of studying in the UK?

Indian students may be eligible for scholarships such as the International Community Scholarship, Sir Adrian Cadbury Chancellor’s Scholarship and, for selected postgraduate programmes, the Ferguson Scholarship. Award values and eligibility vary, so check the scholarship conditions for your course and intake.

Are there internships in the UK available for international students?

Yes. Eligible full-time Master’s students at Aston’s Birmingham campus can participate in the Postgraduate Guaranteed Internship Scheme. Internships can be in-person, hybrid or remote, but the university does not guarantee that every internship will be paid or that students will receive a particular employer or role.