Cardiff University is an ambitious, innovative institution located in the beautiful capital city of Wales. Ranked among the top 27 universities in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2025, and 186th in the world according to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, it stands out for its academic excellence.
As the only Russell Group university in Wales, Cardiff University boasts a long-standing reputation for cutting-edge research, a thriving international student community, and high student satisfaction. Cardiff is 13th largest university in the UK in terms of student numbers, offering a diverse and inspiring academic environment to over 7,500 international students from 138 countries every year.
Students benefit from courses designed to enhance their career prospects. A degree from Cardiff University opens doors worldwide and its graduates are in high demand, with 85 percent of Cardiff graduates entering highly skilled employment shortly after their studies (Graduate Outcomes 2021/2022).
90 percent of the university’s research has been confirmed as world-leading and internationally excellent by the Research Excellence Framework 2021, placing Cardiff 11th for research impact and 14th in the UK for research excellence. Dedicated to enhancing learning experiences and expanding research opportunities, Cardiff University has recently invested GBP 600 million in new campus facilities and buildings.
Ranked as the 2nd best students’ union in the UK by the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2024, Cardiff University is home to over 200 societies, 60 sports clubs, and regular international student events, ensuring there is truly something for everyone.
International students who meet their application conditions are guaranteed single-occupancy accommodation in Cardiff’s halls of residence. These residences are within walking distance of the university, offering convenience and community.
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Cardiff University is continually enhancing and upgrading its campus and services, with a current major investment project worth hundreds of millions of pounds providing students with even more in the near future.
The was recently voted 2nd best in the UK and 6th for student life by WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2024 - from extra-curricular activities to the general feel of the campus, it all adds up to a great university experience.
The students’ union is located next to the new Centre for Student Life, placing student experience and support services at the heart of the university campus. It is a comprehensive service provider where students have access to social and study spaces, career advice, wellbeing and support services, shops, and entertainment, ensuring they have everything they need.
£16,970 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, for details
£23,544 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, for details
£4,143 Living costs
£5,260 To live on campus
To recognise the outstanding talent of many international students, Cardiff University offers over GBP 2 million in funding through various scholarship schemes for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
These international scholarships are designed to attract and reward the best students—those who possess not only exceptional talent and knowledge but also demonstrate dedication, hard work, and a drive to succeed.
Cardiff University offers the , providing a number of half-fee scholarships to international undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential. These scholarships are designed to attract and reward students who can demonstrate their academic potential, enabling them to study at one of the UK's leading universities.
The at Cardiff University provide funding awards to international students across a variety of postgraduate taught programmes. These scholarships are part of the university's commitment to recognising and supporting outstanding international talent, offering financial assistance to help students pursue their academic and career goals.
Entry requirements at Cardiff University vary depending on course specifics, and full information can be found on the individual course pages. All programmes are taught in English, and students must demonstrate their proficiency in the language. The university accepts various as evidence of a student's ability. For those who need to improve their English skills, Cardiff University’s English Language Programmes offers programmes ranging from eight weeks to nine months, catering to most language levels and abilities.
These programmes aim to help international students improve their English language proficiency to the required standard without the need to take external language exams. 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 for entry into undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Cardiff University’s offers pathway programmes to help students prepare for life at the top UK university. The ISC provides a variety of courses designed to prepare international students for undergraduate and postgraduate study at a prestigious Russell Group university. Upon completing their studies at the ISC, students 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:
The ISC programmes are designed in conjunction with Cardiff University and delivered by Study Group.
As a member of the Russell Group, Cardiff University has a global reputation for high-quality, research-led teaching, and innovative degree programmes that are recognised globally. Academic life at Cardiff University is stimulating, inspiring, and rewarding, with students learning from world-leading researchers and teachers driven by creativity and curiosity. It is home to award-winning academics, including two Nobel Prize winners and distinguished 52 Academy Fellows.
The university prides itself on a varied approach to teaching and assessment, tailored to complement each student’s subject of choice and learning style. Student learning will be a social experience, in study groups and in-person with lecturers. Cardiff University has developed online tools and activities that have blended with traditional teaching methods to create a study environment that works for everyone.
Virtual Learning Environment, on-demand video, online collaboration, and digital resources are put in place to encourage students to develop their own learning groups and share resources. It also allows students to make the most of in-person sessions, having prepared with digital materials in advance. Using these tools will improve employment prospects, preparing students for modern careers, making Cardiff University graduates among the most sought-after in the UK, with 85 percent entering highly skilled employment shortly after their studies, both in the UK and internationally.
International students can utilise services, which provide free classes and one-to-one tutorials for ongoing English language and study skills support Â鶹Դ´ academic studies.
Cardiff University offers across a range of subject areas, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university is organised into three colleges encompassing 24 academic schools, providing 350 undergraduate programmes and 200 taught master’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The range of modules mean that students can effectively tailor their degree programme to suit their interests and career ambitions.
To support research and dynamic learning principles, the university invests millions in developing the latest facilities to enhance students' learning experiences. Some of these facilities include media studios, a stock trading room, an observatory, multi-disciplinary laboratories, and simulators.
Cardiff University is ranked in the international top 50 for Public Administration, Communications & Media Studies, Business Administration, Geography, Biological Sciences, Nursing and Dentistry. Additionally, it is ranked in the top 100 for several subjects, including Architecture and Built Environment, Psychology, English Language and Literature, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, and Sociology according to the latest rankings from the QS World Rankings by Subject 2024, THE World University Rankings 2024 and Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024.
Cardiff University offers a variety of options in the heart of the city, just a short walk from campus. The university provides a range of halls and houses to suit different preferences and budgets, with specific options for LGBT+ students, female-only accommodation, Welsh speakers and learners, families and couples, and those seeking quiet living environments.
International students who fulfil their application requirements are guaranteed single-occupancy rooms in Cardiff's halls of residence. These accommodations are conveniently located within walking distance of the university, providing both convenience and comfort. The Residence Life team is on hand to ensure students have the best possible experience while staying in university accommodation, offering 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 16 libraries hold over 1.1 million printed books and provide access to more than 1.5 million online books, journals, and resources. The university also houses a range of unique and historical print collections, archives, and online resources to support learning and research.
The university boasts state-of-the-art IT facilities, featuring high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the campus and residential areas, as well as a range of individual and group study environments. Whether students prefer quiet zones or collaborative spaces, the university has them covered.
Upon enrolling, students have access to a range of free IT support and learning tools, including specialist software and Microsoft Office.
Students can take a to explore Cardiff’s state-of-the-art facilities, comfortable accommodation, and the vibrant city of Cardiff.
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