Whether you're moving away from home for the first time, or returning to full-time education, student finances can seem a little daunting. Here are some simple steps to help you stay on top of the pennies.
- Paying Your Deposit
All International students and Home postgraduate students will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on their chosen course. The exceptions are:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students who take out a student loan
- Government-sponsored students
Your deposit will then be deducted from your first-year tuition fees. Details of how and when to pay your deposit will be outlined in your offer letter. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions team.
- Funding Your Studies
How you can fund your studies:
- Student loan
- Receiving bursaries and scholarships from Aston
- Parental contributions
- Working part-time
Loans
There are two types of student loan to help you cover the costs of university. You pay these loans back after you finish your course, when you’re earning over £25,000 per year.
Tuition fee loan: available to undergraduate students from the UK, tuition fee loans are paid directly to your university or college by the Government.You can expect to be paid any amount up to the maximum, which equals the cost of fees per year.
Maintenance loan: available to full-time undergraduate students from the UK, maintenance loans help pay for living costs such as food, travel, rent, course materials and accommodation. The amount you are awarded is dependent on household income. The maximum loan you can receive is £8,200 per year.
- Support
It's important to us that your time at University is as enjoyable, productive and worry-free as possible, so there are plenty of places at Aston for advice on money matters.
Our friendly and experienced Financial Assistance team offers information on a number of different funds, trusts and bursaries you can apply to for financial support. And in the Students' Union, the Advice & Representation Centre (ARC) offers extensive independent information, advice and representation services. The team's expertise covers a wide range of areas, including tuition fees and financial worries.
Hardship funds
It’s reassuring to know that if finances get tricky during your studies, Aston university offers Hardship Funds that can help you get back on track. Find out more here.
Scholarships for 2022/23 entry
We offer a range of scholarships to ensure that anyone who is qualified to come to Aston University can do so, regardless of their financial circumstances. We are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential through schemes that help lower tuition and living costs.
Are you an international student? We also offer a range of scholarships designed exclusively to support you.
Scholarships for UK students are listed below:
- Aston Achievement / Vice Chancellor's Achievement Scholarship
Successful applicants will be awarded £500.
Available to UK students who achieve BBB or above in A-Levels (or particular grades from a list of other qualifications).
No application necessary. The University will automatically assess your eligibility using information on your A Level (or other) results provided by UCAS or at enrolment. The number of Aston Achievement Scholarships is not limited.
If you have been selected to receive this scholarship, we will contact you shortly after your place at Aston has been confirmed.
- Aston Alumni Undergraduate Scholarships
Successful applicants will be awarded £1,500 in the first, second and final year of their degree, with an additional £500 in the first year to go towards initial University costs, totalling £5,000.
Available to UK students with a household income of less than £25,000, these scholarships will not be awarded on financial need or academic achievements alone. The scholarships will be awarded to students with amazing ambitions; students wanting to create a better world through community activity or business ideas, or to those who have overcome significant barriers to study at Aston.
Application necessary. The applications will open on 24th May, and close on Sunday 3rd July. Any applications received outside of those dates will not be considered. A limited number of Alumni Undergraduate Scholarships are available.
View full details on the Aston Alumni Undergraduate Scholarships.
- Aston Support Scholarship
Successful applicants will be awarded £1250 every year of their degree, totalling £5000.
Available to UK students classed as care leavers, children from a military family or refugees.
No application necessary. The University will automatically assess your eligibility using information on your A Level (or other) results provided by UCAS or at enrolment. The number of Aston Support Scholarships is not limited.
If you have been selected to receive this scholarship, we will contact you.
- Aston Mature Adult Learners Scholarship
Successful applicants will be awarded £500 every year of their degree (excluding placement year), totalling £1500.
Available to UK students aged twenty-one or over at the start of your first year of study.
No application necessary. The University will automatically assess your eligibility using information on your A Level (or other) results provided by UCAS or at enrolment. The number of Aston Mature Adult Learners Scholarships is not limited.
If you have been selected to receive this scholarship, we will contact you shortly after your place at Aston has been confirmed.
- Aston Aspiration Scholarship
Successful applicants will be awarded £500 in year two of their study.
Available to UK students a household income of up to and including £42,875.
No application necessary. The University will automatically assess your eligibility using information provided at enrolment. The number of Aston Aspiration scholarships is not limited.
If you have been selected to receive this scholarship, we will contact you shortly after your place at Aston has been confirmed.
- Aston Extra Scholarship
Successful applicants will be awarded £50 in each year of their study (excusing placement year) totalling £150.
Available to UK students who have completed formal enrolment and all associated checks.
No application necessary. The University will automatically assess your eligibility using information provided at enrolment. The number of Aston Extra Scholarships is not limited.
If you have been selected to receive this scholarship, we will contact you shortly after your place at Aston has been confirmed.
- Aston Placement Scholarship
Successful applicants will be awarded £1250 to support living expenses during their placement year.
Available to UK students with a household income of £42,875 or below, those taking an unpaid placement year, or those undertaking a placement abroad.
No application necessary. If you are selected to receive the scholarship, the university will let you know at the start of your placement year or once your placement details have been finalised. For students where the assessment is based on household income, the university will normally make an assessment in year one.
- The Ernest Edward Scholarships for Asylum Seekers
Aston University is delighted to offer up to four sanctuary scholarships for students who are seeking refuge in the UK. These scholarships will benefit asylum seekers or those who have been granted a form of limited permission to stay in the UK, following an unsuccessful asylum application, and who are therefore prevented from accessing student finance.
- Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2022/23
Scholarship eligibility criteria for students starting their studies in 2022/23.
- Past scholarships
- Scholarships for 2011 starters
If you started your undergraduate studies in 2011, you are entitled to an Aston University Bursary of £500 for each year of study if:
- your household income is £25,000 or under
- you receive a Maintenance Grant, and
- you pay the full tuition fee.
Aston University Placement Allowance
If you are on a placement year you are not entitled to the Aston University Bursary. However, if you pay Tuition Fees at the reduced placement year rate of £1,725 you will be eligible for the £1000 Placement Allowance. You may use this bursary for your living costs or to part-fund your tuition fees.
Aston University Placement Bursary
If you undertake a placement outside the UK for the full year and you pay the reduced placement year tuition fee rate of £1,725 you will be eligible to receive an additional bursary of £500 (this is in addition to the £1000 Aston University Placement Allowance)
You may also be eligible for the Placement Bursary if you are undertaking a UK unpaid placement.
If you are unsure of your eligibility, you can get in touch with The Hub for free advice and guidance.
Find out more information about support for students facing financial difficulties.
- Scholarships for 2012 starters
You are eligible for these Scholarships if you are a Home or EU student who started the first year of an undergraduate course (full-time) in 2012.
Your scholarship eligibility will be based on your household income and/or academic performance. Most are not limited by number, so if you're eligible, you'll get a scholarship.
View our Terms and conditions and Students with financial difficulties.
First year Second year Placement year Final year Total Household income-based scholarships - Up to £14,500, and you are living in Aston University accommodation in your first year. National Scholarship Programme (NSP) £3,000 £500 £1,000 £500 £5,000 Up to £18,000 and not eligible for the NSP - Aston Advantage Scholarship £1,000 £500 £1,000 £500 £3,000 Household income between £18,001 and £42,000 - Aston Progression Scholarship £500 £500 * £500 £1,500 Aston Excellence Scholarship for students with AAB or above at A Level (or equivalent) £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £4,000 Aston Placement Scholarship for students taking unpaid placements or taking a study or work placement abroad £1,000 £1,000 Payment methods
If you started your undergraduate studies in 2012 and you are eligible for a scholarship, you're scholarship will be paid as a tuition fee discount.
Terms & conditions
*You may still be eligible for a placement scholarship.
If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact the hub
Please note
If eligible, you can receive an Aston Excellence Scholarship and a household income-based scholarship If you are eligible for more than one type of scholarship, the full £1,000 placement year tuition fee waiver only applies once.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status (ie: to find out whether you are classed as a UK or English student).
Terms & Conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlined within it are subject to change.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status (ie: to find out whether you are classed as a UK or English student).
- Scholarship for 2013 starters
These scholarships are available to you if you are a Home or EU student who started your first year on undergraduate course (full-time) in 2013.
Your scholarship eligibility will be based on your household income and/or academic performance. Most are not limited by number, so if you're eligible, you'll get a scholarship.
View our term and conditions and our support for students facing financial difficulties.
Scholarships at a Glance
First year Second year Placement year Final year Total Household income-based scholarships - Up to £18,000, and you are living in Aston University accommodation in your first year £3,000 £500 £1,000 £500 £5,000 Up to £18,000, but you are not living in Aston University accommodation in your first year £1,000 £500 £1,000 £500 £3,000 Household income between £18,001 and £42,000 £500 £500 * £500 £1,500 Aston Excellence Scholarship for students with AAB or above at A Level (or equivalent) £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £4,000 Aston Placement Scholarship for students taking unpaid placements or taking a study or work placement abroad £1,000 £1,000
Payment methodIf you started your undergraduate studies in 2013 and you are eligible for a scholarship, you will have a choice as to how your scholarship is paid to you. You can choose:
- a £1,000 discount from their accommodation costs for each year you are resident in Aston University accommodation, or
- a £1,000 tuition fee discount or
- if you are not resident in Aston University accommodation you can choose a payment of £1,000 into your work bank account in two equal £500 instalments in terms 2 and 3
During your placement year
Scholarships during your placement year are focused on tuition fee discounts making the placement year fee free for the majority of Aston students. You will have the opportunity to select a payment method each year via MAP. You can specify where you would your discount to be applied, but we will automatically default to an accommodation discount if you are living on campus or a tuition fee discount if you are living off campus.
If you are living on campus you can only choose an accommodation discount or tuition fee discount, unfortunately not a cash bursary. if you request a bank transfer payment you can enter you bank details via a MAP task, which will open once the scholarships have been awarded.
Terms & Conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlined within it are subject to change.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status(ie: to find out whether you are classed asa UK or English student).
- Scholarships for 2014 starters
First year Second year Placement year Final year Total House income-based scholarships - Up to £25,000, English domiciled, you are living in Aston University Campus accommodation in your first year. National Scholarship Programme (NSP) £2,000 £1,000 £3,000 Aston Progression Scholarship - Household income under £42,000 and not eligible for the NSP above £500 £500 £500 £1,500 Aston Excellence Scholarship - For students with AAB or above at A Level (or certain specified qualifications) £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £1,000 £4,000 Aston Placement Scholarship - For students taking unpaid placement year or taking a study or work placement abroad £1,000 £1,000 *You may still be eligible for a placement scholarship if your placement year is unpaid/overseas or you qualify for the Aston Excellence Scholarship
**you may still be eligible for a £500 Aston Progression Scholarship if household income continues to be under £42,000Scholarships are available for Home or EU students on full-time undergraduate courses. There is flexibility on how you receive your scholarship.
Can't find what you looking for? You can find out more about your eligibility for a scholarship or ask any questions you may have about funding by getting in touch with the Hub.
Terms & conditions
The package of University scholarship support for 2014 has been revised as a result the recent Government announcement of the changes to the National Scholarship Programme.
All other Aston scholarships remain unchanged. Aston's revised National Scholarship Programme retains the number fo awards (309) originally available. The Aston NSP also retains the important £2,000 campus accommodation discount in Year 1 and the £1,000 scholarship for the highly regarded Aston University placement year or year abroad.
Please note
If eligible, you can receive an Aston Excellence Scholarship and a household income-based scholarship If you are eligible for more than one type of scholarship, the full £1,000 placement year tuition fee waiver only applies once.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such a domicile status (ie: to find out whether you are classed as a UK or English Student)
*You may still be eligible for a placement scholarship if your placement year is unpaid/overseas or you qualify for the Aston Excellence Scholarship
**You may still be eligible for a £500 Aston Progression Scholarship if household income continues to be under £42,000.
Full terms & Conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlined within it are subject to change.
- Scholarships for 2015 starters
Our scholarships are based on your household income and/or academic performance. Most are not limited by number, so if you're eligible, you'll get a scholarship.
Scholarships at a glance
First year Second year Placement year Final year Total Aston Aspire Scholarship - Household income of up to £25,000, UK domiciled and living in Aston University accommodation in first year £1000 accommodation discount £500* £1,000 placement scholarship £500* £3000 Aston Progression Scholarship - Household income under £35,000 and not eligible for the Aston Aspire Scholarship £500 £500 Scholarships holders may receive our placement scholarship £500 Excellence Scholarship - If you achieve AAB or above at A-Level (or or particular grades from a list of other qualifications) you are entitled to this scholarship £1,000 £500 £1,000 £500 £3000 Placement Scholarship - Unpaid placement or placement overseas N/A N/A Up to £1000 depending on eligibility N/A £1000 *From the Aston Progression Scholarship
Can't find what you looking for? You can find out more about your eligibility for a scholarship or ask any questions you may have about funding by getting in touch with the Hub.
Terms & conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlined within it are subject to change.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status (ie: to find whether you are classed asa UK or English student).
2015/16 Scholarship policy
- Scholarships for 2016 starters
Our scholarships are based on your household income and/or academic performance. Most are not limited by number, so if you're eligible, you'll get a scholarship.
Scholarships at a glance
First year Placement year Total Aston Aspire Scholarship - Household income of up to £25,000, UK domiciled and living in Aston University accommodation in first year. £1000 accommodation discount £1,000 placement scholarship £2000 Excellence Scholarship - If you achieve AAB or above at A-Level (or particular grades from a list of other qualifications) you are entitled to this scholarship. £1,000 £1,000 £2000 Placement scholarship - Unpaid placement or placement overseas N/A Up to £1000 depending on eligibility £1000 Can't find what you looking for? You can find out more about your eligibility for a scholarship or ask any questions you may have about funding by getting in touch with the Hub.
Terms & conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlined within it are subject to change.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status (ie: to find out whether you are classed as a UK or English student).
2016/17 Scholarships policy
- Scholarship for 2017 starters
Our scholarships are based on your household income and/or academic performance. Most are not limited by number, so if you're eligible, you'll get a scholarship.
Extensive loans for fees (up to £9,250 per year) and living costs (up to £8,430 per year) are also available from the UK government for UK students.
Scholarships at a glance
First year Placement year Total Aston Excellence Scholarship - Students holding AAB+ £500 £1250 £1750 Aston Placement Scholarship - Students taking an unpaid/overseas placement year N/A £1250 £1250 Aston Aspire Care Leavers Scholarship - Care leavers £500 £1250 £1750 Aston Aspire Placement Scholarship - Household income up to and including £18,000 N/A £1250 £1250 Can't find what you looking for? You can find out more about your eligibility for a scholarship or ask any questions you may have about funding by getting in touch with the Hub.
Terms & conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlined within it are subject to change.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status(ie: to find out whether you are classed as a UK or English student)
Scholarship policy
- Scholarships for 2018 starters
Our scholarships are based on your household income and/or academic performance. Most are not limited by number, so if you're eligible, you'll get a scholarship.
Extensive loans for fees and living costs are also available from the UK government for UK students.
Scholarships at a glance
First year Second year Placement year Final year Total Aston Excellence Scholarship -
Students holding AAB+£500 N/A N/A N/A £500 Aston Placement Scholarship - Students taking an unpaid/overseas placement year N/A N/A £1,250 N/A £1,250 Aston Aspire Placement Scholarship - Household income up to and including £18,000 N/A N/A £1,250 N/A £1,250 Aston Care Leavers Scholarship - Care leavers £1,250 £1,250 £1,250 £1,250 £5,000 *Your placement year scholarships can be applied once only. If you are eligible for more than one scholarship scheme, you will only get the placement scholarship once.
Can't find what you looking for? You can find out more about your eligibility for a scholarship or ask any questions you may have about funding by getting in touch with the Hub.
Terms & conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlined within it are subject to change.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status(ie: to find out whether you are classed as a UK or English student)
Scholarship policy
- Scholarships for 2019 starters
Our scholarships are based on your household income and/or academic performance. Most are not limited by number, so if you're eligible, you'll get a scholarship.
Extensive loans for fees and living costs are also available from the UK government for UK students.
Scholarships at a glance
First year Second year Placement year Final year Total Aston Achievement Scholarship - Students holding BBB+ £1000 N/A £1,250 N/A £2,250 Aston Placement Scholarship - Students taking an unpaid/overseas placement year N/A N/A £1,250 N/A £1,250 Aston Aspire Placement Scholarship - Household income up to and including £25,000 N/A N/A £1,250 N/A £1,250 Aston Care Leavers Scholarship - Care leavers N/A N/A £1,250 N/A £1,250 *Students can only receive either the Aston Vice-Chancellors Achievement Scholarship or Aston Achievement Scholarship.
**Students are only eligible for one scholarship during their placement year.
Terms & conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlined within it are subject to change.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status(ie: to find out whether you are classed as a UK or English student)
Scholarship policy
- Scholarships for 2020 starters
Our scholarships are based on your household income and/or academic performance. Most are not limited by number, so if you're eligible, you'll get a scholarship.
Extensive loans for fees and living costs are also available from the UK government for UK students.
Scholarships at a glance
First year Second year Placement year Final year Total Aston Achievement Scholarship - Students holding BBB+ £500 N/A £1,250 N/A £1,750 Aston Placement Scholarship - Students taking an unpaid/overseas placement year N/A N/A £1,250 N/A £1,250 Aston Aspire Placement Scholarship - Household income up to and including £42,875 N/A N/A £1,250 N/A £1,250 Aston Support Scholarship - Care leavers, refugees and military families £1,250 N/A £1,250 N/A £2,500 Aston Mature Scholarship - mature learners aged 21 or over £500 £500 N/A £500 £1,500 *Students can only receive either the Aston Vice-Chancellors Achievement Scholarship or Aston Achievement Scholarship.
**Students are only eligible for one scholarship during their placement year.
Terms & Conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlined within it are subject to change.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status (i.e.: to find out whether you are classed as a UK or English student)
Scholarship policy
- Scholarships for 2021 starters
Our scholarships are based on your household income and/or academic performance. Most are not limited by number, so if you're eligible, you'll get a scholarship.
Extensive loans for fees and living costs are also available from the UK government for UK students.
Scholarships at a glance
First year Second year Placement year Final year Total Aston Achievement Scholarship - Students holding BBB+ £500 N/A N/A N/A £500 Aston Aspiration Scholarship - Household income up to and including £42,875 N/A £500 N/A N/A £500 Aston Placement Scholarship - Students taking an unpaid/overseas placement year N/A N/A £1,250 N/A £500 Aston Aspire Placement Scholarship - Household income up to and including £42,875 N/A N/A £1,250 N/A £500 Aston Support Scholarship - Care leavers, refugees and military families £1,250 £1,250 £1,250 £1,250 £5,000 Aston Mature Scholarship - mature learners aged 21 or over £500 £500 N/A £500 £1,500 *Students can only receive either the Aston Vice-Chancellors Achievement.
**Students are only eligible for one scholarship during their placement year.
Terms & Conditions
The information on these pages is provided for illustration purposes only and the scholarships outlines within it are subject to change.
The Student Finance England website has further details on the definitions of household income and other issues such as domicile status (i.e.: to find out whether you are classed as a UK or English student)
Scholarship policy
- Future You Scholarship
To celebrate Aston University becoming an Official University of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games we are offering 100 postgraduate scholarships of £2,200 to UK students starting their course in September.
To secure a scholarship you must hold an offer for one of our full time, on campus MA or MSc programmes starting in September 2022.