Key Information | |||
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Location | Cardiff, Wales | ||
Established | 1883 | ||
Famous Courses | Business, Computer Science, Physiotherapy | ||
International Fees | £18,700-23,950 |
Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain's leading teaching and research universities. The University combines impressive modern facilities and an exciting approach to teaching with its proud history of recent achievements, and nearly 30,000 students, including nearly 10,000 international students, are currently enrolled at the Welsh institution.
Cardiff University's research and research-led teaching expertise involves social sciences, engineering, technology and a wide range of business professions. The University is currently ranked 5th in the UK for its quality of research, while the QS World Rankings 2025 place it in the top 186th. The School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies has been described as the ‘Oxbridge of Journalism.’
95% of Cardiff University graduates enter employment or further study after graduating, while 78% obtain graduate-level employment. Cardiff University is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group, one of 24 elite research universities in the UK.
The International Development Department at Cardiff University organises an induction programme for international students, which includes a coach collection service from Cardiff and Heathrow airports straight to your accommodation.
The induction programme includes five days of events designed to introduce students to life in Cardiff, the University, the city and the surrounding countryside. Trips such as the tour of South Wales are a fantastic way for students to meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere. A number of international societies also exist at Cardiff, with organisations for Asian, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Nigerian, Pakistani, and Thai students.
Cardiff University holds a prominent place in UK higher education, ranking 32nd in the Times University Guide 2025 and 46th in the Guardian University Guide 2025. On the global stage, Cardiff University's QS ranking is 186th for 2025.
Additionally, highlighting the university’s teaching capabilities across different subjects, the Guardian Ranking 2025 shows Cardiff University ranking fourth for electronic and electrical engineering, fifth for architecture, and eighth for physics.
90% of Cardiff's research has been confirmed as world-leading or internationally excellent by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
A place in one of the university’s 5,100 student rooms is guaranteed to all first-year international undergraduate students entering through the normal admissions cycle. The vast majority of student residences are single en-suite study bedrooms in self-catered flats and students.
For those interested in sports, the main accommodation site at Talybont features a state-of-the-art sports training village and fitness complex which played host to competitors at the London 2012 Olympics.
The Cardiff University campus is located about 2km from the central train and bus station, with Cardiff airport just 17km away and London a little over 2 hours by train. Cardiff is among the fastest growing capitals in Europe, and extremely popular with students who are drawn to its inexpensive cost of living, nightlife, sporting facilities and culture.
You can apply to Cardiff University through the UCAS Portal. Here are the deadlines for the applications:
With an acceptance rate of 20%, admission into Cardiff University is competitive. Students can improve their chances by meeting all the academic requirements, including necessary grades, test scores, and language qualifications. Applying early and providing strong supporting documents, like recommendation letters, can also help.
Yes, Cardiff University has a vibrant international student community. In 2022-23, the university’s total student population was 33,985, of whom 7,530 were international students from 138 different countries.
International students at Cardiff University should budget for various living costs. On average, international students will have to spend around £650 for rent (including utility bills), around £280 for food, toiletries, and laundry, and around £80 for study costs, clothes, and phone expenses per month.
SI-UK's service is fast, reliable and efficient - their consultants are specialists, working closely with all UK universities; through my consultants' advice, and application assistance I was able to get offers from top ranked universities.
Carla Termini King's College London, Accounting and Finance
We will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange your initial consultation at your nearest SI-UK office. If you are unable to visit us in person, consultations can also be arranged via Skype.