North East Asia
Information for students from North East Asia
Aston University is one of the leading career-focused universities in the UK, dedicated to providing real-world experience to all of our students.
Located in the centre of Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city, Aston is a welcoming home for career-minded students. The 2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data shows that employed Aston University graduates have the 19th largest median salary in the UK out of all Higher Education Institutions five years after graduation at £35,400.
Find out who to contact for help with your application, entry requirements for your country or region, and available scholarships.
Useful information and a detailed breakdown of the entry requirements in your country.
Useful information and a detailed breakdown of the entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
See our English language requirements here
International Foundation Programme
Japanese applicants holding either the Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho or the Daiken qualifications will be required to complete a recognised Foundation Programme.
For entry to the International Foundation Programme we would require an overall average score of 3.5 in the Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho. Individual subject marks may also be required as well as evidence of your English language ability.
See our International Foundation Programmes
Undergraduate programmes
You may apply for Year 1 of an undergraduate degree upon completion of a recognised Foundation Programme or upon graduation with an Associate Degree from a recognised Japanese College.
Some degree programmes, such as engineering, sciences and languages, require specific subject backgrounds. Others, including business and some social sciences, are appropriate for students from any previous subject combination.
Postgraduate (Masters)
You can apply for a Masters programme with an Undergraduate degree (Gakushi) from a recognised Japanese university (Daigaku).
You should have at least a GPA of 3.0 from a Japanese university. The specific percentage requirement will vary depending on the course you are applying for at Aston and the Japanese university from which you have graduated.
If you are applying for finance, engineering, science or social science-based subjects you must have studied a similar field in your undergraduate degree.
Postgraduate (MBA)
You can apply for the MBA programme with an undergraduate degree, in any subject area, from an overseas institution and a minimum of three years’ post-graduation managerial work experience. You should have at least a first-class degree from a Japanese University.
Postgraduate Research
You can apply for a research degree programme with a Masters degree from a recognised Japanese university (Daigaku).
You should have at least a GPA of 3.0 from a Japanese university. The specific percentage requirement will vary depending on the course you are applying for at Aston and the Japanese university from which you have graduated.
You have to submit a detailed research proposal outlining your intended research topic, its objectives, proposed method of research and an indication of how the proposed research topic relates to previous work by other researchers.
English Language Requirements
See our English language requirements here
International Foundation Programme
South Korean students holding a High School Diploma must first study our International Foundation Programme.
For entry to the International Foundation Programme we would require an overall B grade average. Individual subject marks may also be required as well as evidence of your English language ability.
Find out more about our International Foundation Programmes.
Undergraduate programmes
You may apply for Year 1 of an Undergraduate degree with a diploma from a recognised Junior College in South Korea.
Some degree programmes, such as engineering, sciences and languages, require specific subject backgrounds. Others, including business and some social sciences, are appropriate for students from any previous subject combination.
Postgraduate Masters
You can apply for a 1 year masters programme with an undergraduate degree from a recognised Korean university.
You should have at least a GPA of 3.0 from a Korean university. The specific percentage requirement will vary depending on the course you are applying for at Aston and the Korean university from which you have graduated.
If you are applying for finance, engineering, science or social science based subjects you must have studied a similar field in your undergraduate degree.
Postgraduate (MBA)
You can apply for the MBA programme with an undergraduate degree, in any subject area, from an overseas institution or Korean university (minimum GPA of 3.0) and at least three years post-graduation managerial work experience.
Postgraduate Research
You can apply for a research degree programme with an undergraduate degree from a recognised Korean university.
You should have at least a GPA of 3.0 from a Korean university. The specific percentage requirement will vary depending on the course you are applying for at Aston and the Korean university from which you have graduated.
You have to submit a detailed research proposal outlining your intended research topic, its objectives, proposed method of research and an indication of how the proposed research topic relates to previous work by other researchers.
Useful information and a detailed breakdown of the entry requirements in your country.
If you can’t see your country listed here, then please email us at northeastasia@aston.ac.uk and we will be more than happy to answer your questions and provide more information on our entry requirements.
"I have had a super good learning experience with Aston. I have received professional support not only with academic study, but also with employability.
Aston University is also near the city centre, which is very convenient. At the same time, it also means that there are a lot of different opportunities for students to find part-time jobs and internships, which is good for us to cultivate a good sense of commerce.
International students should take advantage of the centre located on campus, where the staff members are all very professional and experienced. The can offer a lot of good advice and resources for jobs."
Msc International Business
"I chose the Aston MBA because it is well known and triple accredited. I knew that undertaking an MBA at Aston would allow me to confidently jump into my professional career.
I was surprised with the diversity of my classmates. The best part about studying here is the opportunity to meet colleagues, peers, and friends from all different backgrounds.
It’s good to stay in Birmingham as a student because of the convenience. Aston is close to the city centre.
My advice to future students would be to be open-minded because you will meet a lot of classmates from different countries. It is also great for networking."
MBA
"I really wanted to choose a place that was in a big city, which will make it easier to find a job. I also wanted to find somewhere that was a cosy place to study and enjoy, so Birmingham was the perfect choice.
My critical thinking level sharply improved, which I really appreciate thanks to Aston. The best part is on the thinking/mental level. Almost all of my experiences here, in some way, have updated my previous ideologies. Critical thinking has helped me to avoid black and white ideas, and it will help me eternally.
I have enjoyed living in Birmingham, but I have also loved travelling to other places close by. Birmingham is quite a nice place with a lot of different foods and fun opportunities."
MA Translation Studies
Please contact our Regional Team at northeastasia@aston.ac.uk and we will be more than happy to answer your questions about applying to Aston University.
We work closely with Educational Advisers and Representatives in a number of countries, who are able to provide students with additional information about Aston and give them help and advice. Find Aston University representatives in your country.