Cardiff University is an ambitious, innovative institution located in the beautiful capital city of Wales. It is among the top 25 universities in the UK and is ranked 166th in the world, according to the 2023 QS World University Rankings.
As the only Russell Group university in Wales, Cardiff University is proud of its long-standing reputation for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, a thriving international student community and high student satisfaction.
Table of Contents
Overview
About this university
With over 7,500 international students from 138 countries studying at Cardiff University, students will join diverse and inspiring academic community – studying courses that will help improve their career prospects and gain access to specialist facilities and dedicated support.
International partnerships and collaborations mean that students have access to globally recognised and valued teaching and research. A degree from Cardiff University opens doors around the globe. Graduates are in such high demand by employers that 84 percent enter highly skilled employment shortly after graduation.
90 percent of the university’s research has been confirmed as world-leading or internationally excellent by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, and Cardiff University has also recently invested GBP 600 million in new campus facilities and buildings.
The student’s union is in the top 2 in the UK and with more than 200 societies and 60 sports clubs on offer, there really is something for everyone at Cardiff University.
International students are guaranteed a single-occupancy place in university residences for the full duration of their studies, provided they meet the application conditions.
Cardiff University offers world-leading teaching, a great student experience, excellent facilities, and global career prospects, all in the heart of a safe and diverse capital city.
The city provides fantastic arts, culture, sporting events, and stunning countryside and coastlines are all within easy reach of Cardiff.
University ranking
| Academic Ranking of World Universities | QS World University Rankings | Times Higher Education World University Rankings |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| 151 | 151 | 151 | 154 | 166 | 151 | 187 | 189 | 191 |
| +12 | -15 | +2 | +2 |
What’s new
There’s never been a more exciting time to join the student community at Cardiff University. The university is currently investing hundreds of millions of pounds to provide students with even more world-class facilities as part of the largest campus upgrade in a generation.
The Cardiff University Students’ Union was recently voted 2nd best in the UK (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2023).
The student’s union sits alongside the new Centre for Student Life, ensuring student experience and support services are at the heart of the university campus. Students can find everything they need in under one roof from social and study spaces to career advice, wellbeing and support services, shops, and entertainment.
Finances
How much will it cost?
| Average tuition fees per year | Living costs |
| £22,930 | £4,143 | £5,260 | |
| Undergraduate | Living costs | To live on campus |
Scholarships & funding
Cardiff University understand that a university education comes with a significant financial commitment for a student.
In recognition of this, and of the outstanding talent of many international students, Cardiff University offers over GBP 2 million in funding to undergraduate and postgraduate international students through a range of scholarship schemes.
These highly prestigious international scholarships are designed to attract and reward the best students – those who not only have outstanding natural talent and knowledge but those who have shown dedication to hard work, and a drive to succeed.
Students who are not successful with an application for a scholarship can still get financial support from the university, including advice on budgeting and direction towards other resources that students may be able to use to make it easier to pay for their education.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
Entry requirements at Cardiff University vary depending on the course and can be found on the individual course pages.
All courses are taught in English, and students must be able to demonstrate their ability to speak and understand the language. The university accepts various English Language qualifications as evidence of a student’s ability. Cardiff University’s English Language Teaching Centre is available for any students who want to improve their English skills before they undertake their university course. Programmes range from eight weeks to nine months which cater for most language levels and abilities.
All programmes aim to help international students improve their English proficiency before or during their university studies.
If students do not meet the academic or subject requirements for their chosen course, a foundation or pre-master’s programme can provide an alternative route of entry for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Cardiff University’s International Study Centre (ISC) offers pathway programmes to help students prepare for life at a top UK university.
The ISC offer a variety of courses to help international students get ready for undergraduate and postgraduate study at a prestigious Russell Group University. When students have finished their studies at the ISC, they will have built their confidence, language skills and subject knowledge, making them fully prepared to start their degree at Cardiff University.
Pathway programmes at the ISC include:
- International Foundation Year
- Accelerated International Foundation Year
- International Year One
- Pre-Master’s programme
The ISC programmes are designed in conjunction with Cardiff University and delivered by Study Group.
Department and Faculty
Teaching quality
As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, Cardiff University has a global reputation for high quality, research-led teaching and its innovative degree programmes are recognised worldwide.
Academic life at Cardiff University is challenging, inspiring, and rewarding. Students learn from leading researchers and teachers who are driven by creativity and curiosity.
The university prides itself on having a varied approach to teaching and assessment, designed to complement each student’s subject of choice, and learning style. As a result, Cardiff University graduates are amongst the most sought-after in the UK.
In the latest figures, 96 percent of students who graduated from Cardiff University were either employed or in further study (or about to begin a new role or programme), or were committed to other activities such as travelling, within 15 months of completing their course.
Cardiff University also prides itself on the support it offers students throughout their studies. The university’s Student Futures team provide opportunities to boost employability for students as they plan for life after university.
Services include:
- Careers advice
- Work experience
- Employability and enterprise skills
- The Cardiff Award (an employability and skills award scheme)
- Graduate recruitment workshops
- Networking opportunities with employers
Department structure
Cardiff University offers hundreds of programmes across a range of subject areas at undergraduate and postgraduate level. It has three colleges encompassing 24 academic schools.
The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences:
- Business
- English, Communication and Philosophy
- Geography and Planning
- History, Archaeology and Religion
- Journalism, Media and Culture
- Law and Politics
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Social Sciences
- Welsh
The College of Biomedical and Life Sciences:
- Biosciences
- Dentistry
- Healthcare Sciences
- Medicine
- Optometry and Vision Sciences
- Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Psychology
The College of Physical Sciences and Engineering:
- Architecture
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Informatics
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics and Astronomy
Cardiff University is ranked in the international top 50 for communications and media studies, and the international top 100 for several subjects including architecture, dentistry, English language and literature, geography, nursing, psychology, pharmacy and pharmacology, and social policy and administration (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023, Times Good University Guide 2023).
Campus and Facilities
Facilities
Cardiff University offers a variety of accommodation in the heart of the city, and only a short walk from campus.
The university offers a range of halls and houses to suit a student’s preferences and budget – with specific options for including LGBT+ students, Welsh speakers and learners, families and couples and quiet living options.
International students are guaranteed a single-occupancy place in university residences for the full duration of their studies, provided they meet the application conditions.
The Residence Life team are on hand to help ensure students have the best possible time whilst staying in university accommodation. They are committed to providing a warm welcome and helping students settle into their new home.
Cardiff University creates a learning environment that enables students to flourish and fulfil their potential.
Its 13 libraries hold over 1.1 million printed books and provide access to more than 1.5 million online books, journals and resources. It also holds a range of unique and historical print collections, archives, and online resources to support learning and research.
The university is equipped with modern IT facilities, including high-speed Wi-Fi access across the campus and residences, and purpose-designed study spaces.
From silent areas to social study spaces, students will be sure to find a place to study that suits them perfectly.
After enrolling students have access a range of IT support, and learning tools, including access to free anti-virus software and a free subscription to Microsoft Office while studying at Cardiff University.
