- Aston University has been placed in the top 5% of evaluated institutions in the QS World University Rankings 2026
- The University has risen more than 165 places in just three years
- It is now ranked in the top 400 in the world.
Aston University’s reputation as an excellent place to study has been recognised in the QS World University Rankings 2026, where it has been ranked in the top 5% of universities globally, with a remarkable rise of 165 places in just three years.
The 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings, released today by global higher education analyst QS Quacquarelli Symonds, provides an independent comparative analysis of the performance of more than 8,000 universities in 106 locations around the world.
Now ranked 42nd in the UK and in the top 400 globally, Aston University’s substantial rise is the result of commitments in its 2030 strategy, which are driving academic excellence, an outstanding student experience, and innovative research. The University is now 24th in the UK for academic citations, recognising the impact and quality of its research.
Aston University’s focus on delivering transformative student outcomes has led to recognition as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025. The University also holds the highest possible rating for the Teaching Excellence Framework – the Triple Gold – and 79% of research is world-leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework).
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“Aston’s outstanding achievements in the latest QS World University Rankings reflect our commitment to excellence across education, research, and industry collaboration. Our dedicated academic community is driving transformational impact through cutting-edge research, innovative teaching, and meaningful partnerships with industry leaders. We are proud of how this multi-faceted approach to excellence is positioning Aston as a catalyst for real-world change and societal impact, perfectly aligned with our ambitious 2030 strategy.”
- Notes to editors
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About Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as continuing professional development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is second in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media enquiries in relation to this release, contact Loretta Milan, Head of Communications, on (+44) 7773 773959 or email: l.milan@aston.ac.uk