Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a prestigious UK institution located in the capital city of Wales, one of the four UK countries. As the only Russell Group university in Wales, it is renowned for its world-class research, academic excellence, and strong graduate outcomes.

Ranked 22nd in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2026) and 181st globally (QS World University Rankings, 2026), Cardiff University offers internationally respected degrees and a supportive learning environment.

Each year, the university welcomes over 6,300 international students from 138 countries, creating a diverse and inclusive community. With a strong focus on employability, 85 percent of international graduates secure highly skilled jobs shortly after finishing their studies (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Cardiff University ranks 14th in the UK for research excellence and 11th for research impact (Research Excellence Framework, 2021), reflecting its commitment to innovative, real-world research. The university has invested GBP 600 million into new facilities, including state-of-the-art teaching spaces, labs, and learning centres.

Student life in Cardiff is highly rated, with the university placed second in the UK for student life and second-best students' union in the country for the third consecutive year (WhatUni Student Choice Awards, 2025). With over 200 student societies, 60 sports clubs, and regular events for international students, there are endless opportunities to get involved.

International students who meet their offer conditions are guaranteed single-occupancy accommodation in university residences, all within walking distance of the campus.

As a member of the Russell Group, Cardiff University has a global reputation for high-quality, research-led teaching and innovative degree programmes. Academic life is stimulating, inspiring, and rewarding, with students learning from industry professionals and world-leading researchers who are actively shaping their fields.

The university's close connection to research and real-world practice allows students to gain practical, hands-on experience. Students get involved in cutting-edge research projects early in their studies, giving them a competitive advantage in their chosen careers.

Cardiff University is home to award-winning academics, including two Nobel Prize winners and 53 distinguished Academy Fellows, whose expertise and professional insights enrich the classroom experience. As such, students not only learn theory but also how to apply it to real challenges in industry, policy, and society.

Cardiff University prides itself on a varied approach to teaching and assessment, tailored to complement each student's subject of choice and learning style. Learning is a collaborative experience, taking place in interactive study groups, in-person with lecturers, and through innovative digital platforms.

Traditional teaching methods are blended with online tools, including a virtual learning environment. This approach helps students prepare, actively engage during class, and consolidate learning. These skills enhance academic performance and strengthen employability, with 85 per cent of international graduates entering highly skilled employment soon after graduation, both in the UK and internationally.

International students can access extensive academic support, including the Academic English Skills for International Students service, which offers free classes alongside degree studies. They also have the opportunity to attend free mathematics support sessions and to learn an additional language, further boosting their academic performance and global employability.

Cardiff University offers hundreds of programmes across a wide range of subject areas at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university is organised into three academic colleges which together encompass 24 academic schools. These are located across two main campuses, providing students with a vibrant and diverse academic environment.

Cardiff University offers over 300 undergraduate programmes, taught master's degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The flexible range of modules means that students can tailor their degree programme to suit their individual interests, strengths, and career ambitions.

To support research-led teaching and innovative learning, the university invests millions in developing cutting-edge facilities that enhance the student experience. These include media studios, a stock trading room, an observatory, multi-disciplinary laboratories, and advanced simulators, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in industry-standard environments.

Rankings

Cardiff University's academic excellence is recognised worldwide, and it ranks highly across multiple global rankings, highlighting its position as a leading global institution delivering excellence across a broad range of disciplines.

The university boasts 36 subjects ranked in the top 200 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025). Seven of these place in the top 100: architecture / built environment, communication and media studies (ranking in the top 50), dentistry (ranking in the top 50), English language and literature, geography, and marketing.

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2024) and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (2024), Cardiff University ranks in the top 50 for public administration, geography, and biological sciences, and in the top 100 for psychology, business administration, and earth sciences.

Entry requirements at Cardiff University vary depending on course specifics, and full information can be found on the individual course pages.

Pathway options

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.

Students who do not meet academic or subject-specific entry requirements can also access alternative routes through Cardiff University's International Study Centre (ISC). The ISC delivers pathway programmes, including the International Foundation Year, Accelerated International Foundation Year, International Year One, and Pre-Master's, developed in collaboration with the university and delivered by Study Group.

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.

English language

All programmes are taught in English, and students must demonstrate their proficiency in the language. The university accepts various English language qualifications as evidence of a student's ability. Requirements may vary between individual courses, but the standard level of English required is an overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no lower than 5.5 in any skill (or equivalent).

For those who need to improve their English skills, Cardiff University's English Language Programmes offer programmes ranging from six 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.

Accommodation

The university has 17 residences across the city, offering accommodation with varied facilities and costs. Most residences are within 2km of Cathays Park or Heath Park campuses, making it easier to get around on foot and save on transport fares. International students who meet the application requirements and deadlines are guaranteed single-occupancy rooms.

Residences offer a choice of single or mixed-gender flats and houses, private or shared bathrooms, self-catered or part-catered options, and specialist accommodations including quiet living, alcohol-free, LGBTQ+, family, and accessible housing.

The residence life team provides support through social events, workshops, and drop-in sessions. 24-hour assistance is available via university security and reception desks.

Libraries

16 libraries support learning and research with more than 1.3 million books and an extensive collection of online resources, including eJournals, eBooks, databases, and statistical collections. Special collections include British and continental rare books, and modern research archives in medicine and science.

Subject-specific libraries and free academic support for international students, including English and maths help, are also available.

Services

Cardiff University offers state-of-the-art IT facilities with high-speed Wi-Fi across campuses and residences, free access to Microsoft Office 365, free antivirus software, and IT rooms. Students receive 24/7 IT support by phone or in-person at the Centre for Student Life, and at the students' union.

Lecture recordings are available via Panopto for review at any time. The university also provides personalised academic support, with every student assigned a personal tutor and access to study skills workshops.

Sports

Sports and fitness facilities include gyms on both campuses, sports fields, the Sports Training Village, offering indoor and outdoor activities, fitness classes, and professional-standard training spaces.

To recognise the outstanding talent of many international students, Cardiff University offers over GBP 2 million in scholarships to support 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.

Undergraduate students can apply for the International Excellence Scholarships, which provide partial tuition fee support to exceptional students.

Postgraduate students may be eligible for a range of scholarships, including:

• Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships (GBP 3,500 – 10,000)
• Red Dragon Scholarship (GBP 10,000)
• Cardiff University India Scholarship (GBP 5,000)
• MBA Public Value Scholarship (GBP 7,500)

Graduates returning for eligible master's programmes can benefit from a 20 percent alumni discount.

Other funding opportunities include a number of external awards such as GREAT Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Master's Scholarships, the Beacon Scholarship, and the Women in STEM Award.

Some scholarships are awarded automatically, while others require an application. The student funding and advice team is available to help students explore funding options and apply for scholarships.

Campus investment

Cardiff University is continually enhancing its campus and services, with its major Innovation Campus investment project delivering even more world-class facilities in the near future. This project will span the entire campus and aims to further boost the living and learning spaces and resources in the amount of GBP 600 million.

Student life

The Cardiff University Students' Union has been ranked second-best in the UK for three consecutive years and second for student life in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards (2025). Exceptional extra-curricular opportunities and a welcoming atmosphere on campus also contribute to the meaningful and memorable student experience at the university.

The students' union is located next to the modern Centre for Student Life, the university's one-stop hub for student support, placing student experience and support at the very heart of campus life. Together, they offer an extensive range of facilities and services — including social and study spaces, career guidance, housing and letting advice, wellbeing and support services, shops, cafes, and entertainment venues — ensuring students have everything they need to thrive both academically and personally.

Postgraduate January intake

Cardiff University now offers a January intake for selected postgraduate programmes, providing greater flexibility for students who wish to begin their studies at a time that best suits their personal, academic, or professional plans. This alternative start date allows students to benefit from the same world-class teaching, facilities, and support services, while joining a vibrant and diverse international community at a point in the academic year that works for them.