Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a research-intensive university located in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. As the only Russell Group university in Wales, it is recognised internationally for its research, teaching excellence and graduate outcomes.

The University is home to some 31,505 students, including over 5,000 international students from 142 countries. Students benefit from a diverse learning environment, strong academic support and a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate study options.

Cardiff University offers more than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a broad range of subject areas. Students learn from leading academics and researchers while benefiting from industry connections, modern facilities and personalised support services.

International students who meet accommodation deadlines and conditions are guaranteed a single-occupancy room in university residences.

Key facts

• Only Russell Group university in Wales
• Ranked 179th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027)
• Ranked 17th in the UK (The Centre for World University Rankings 2026)
• 90% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
• More than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• Over 5,000 international students from 142 countries
• 16 libraries and extensive specialist learning facilities
• Accommodation guarantee for eligible international students

Students benefit from research-led teaching delivered by internationally recognised academics and researchers. Cardiff University is home to two Nobel Prize winners and 53 Academy Fellows.

Research and practical, hands-on experience play a central role in the student experience, providing opportunities to engage with new discoveries, industry challenges and real-world applications. Students have access to specialist facilities including media studios, simulation suites, multi-disciplinary laboratories, trading rooms and research centres.

International students can access dedicated academic support, including Academic English Skills for International Students, mathematics support and additional language learning opportunities.

Careers & Employability

Cardiff University helps students prepare for successful global careers through dedicated employability support and industry engagement.

• 85% of international graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study shortly after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).
• 12th in the UK for graduate employability (Times Good University Guide 2026).
• Free specialised career support available during study and for up to three years after graduation
• Support includes career planning, work experience opportunities and graduate job applications

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers at leading organisations such as the BBC, Microsoft, Deloitte, and the NHS.

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.

Postgraduate January intake

Cardiff University is offering a January start for selected postgraduate taught programmes, giving students greater flexibility to start their studies at the beginning of the year. Applications for January 2027 are open for the following programmes:

• Business Management (MSc), ranked in the world's top 100 for Business Administration
• Marketing (MSc), CIM-accredited and ranked in the global top 100 for Marketing
• Physiotherapy (MSc), ranked among the UK's top five physiotherapy courses.
• Occupational Therapy (MSc), one of the UK's few postgraduate programmes designed for qualified occupational therapists and delivered by a School ranked 1st in the UK for Occupational Therapy (Complete University Guide 2027).

Students starting in January are supported by tailored academic and professional guidance, and housing advice.

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

Pathway options

Students who do not meet the academic or subject requirements for their chosen course may be able to enter through a pathway programme.

Cardiff University's International Study Centre (ISC), delivered in partnership with Study Group, offers a range of pathways including the International Foundation Year, Accelerated International Foundation Year, International Year One and Pre-Master's programmes. These programmes help students develop the academic, English language and subject knowledge required for degree-level study at Cardiff University.

English language

All programmes are taught in English, and applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. Requirements vary by course, but the standard requirement is an overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no lower than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification.

Students who need to improve their English can take pre-sessional English Language Programmes ranging from six weeks to nine months before starting their degree. These programmes aim to help international students improve theiracademic English language proficiency to the required standard without the need to take external language exams.

Accommodation

Cardiff University offers accommodation across 17 residences throughout the city. Eligible international students are guaranteed a single-occupancy room if they meet application requirements and deadlines.

Students can choose from a range of accommodation options, including self-catered and part-catered residences, en-suite and shared facilities, and specialist accommodation such as quiet living, 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

The University's 16 libraries provide access to more than 1.3 million books, extensive digital resources, specialist collections and dedicated study spaces. Students also have access to subject-specific libraries and academic support services, including English language and mathematics support.

Student Support Services

Students benefit from campus-wide Wi-Fi, digital learning resources, IT support and personalised academic guidance. Every student is assigned a personal tutor and has access to study skills, wellbeing and career support through the Centre for Student Life.

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.

Cardiff University offers a range of international scholarships designed to reward and recognise outstanding students from around the world joining the university in September 2026. Scholarships are available directly from the University and through external partners.

• The Vice-Chancellor's Postgraduate International Scholarships, worth between £4,000 and £10,000
• The Cardiff University India Scholarship worth £6,000
• The Red Dragon Scholarship, worth £10,000
• The MBA Public Value Scholarship worth £10,000
• GREAT scholarships worth £10,000
• Cardiff Business School 125th Anniversary Scholarship worth £10,000
• Cardiff University graduates staying on for eligible Master's programmes can take advantage of the 20% Alumni Discount.
• Postgraduate research students receive a fee discount for EU students
• Cardiff University offers PhD studentships and funded research projects for eligible applicants

In addition to Cardiff University's scholarships, students are encouraged to explore external country or course-specific funding opportunities.

Some scholarships are awarded automatically to eligible students, while others require a separate application.

Student Funding and Advice team is available to help students explore funding options.

• Ranked 179th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2027)
• Ranked 17th in the UK (The Centre for World University Rankings 2026)
• Ranked 11th in the UK for research impact and 14th for research power (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
• Architecture/Built Environment, Communication and Media Studies, and Dentistry are ranked within Top 50 in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).
• Archaeology, English Language and Literature, Geography, Nursing, and Psychology among the world's top 100 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).
• 83rd in the world for social and environmental impact.

Student Life

Cardiff University Students' Union is 3^rd best students' unions in the UK (WhatUni Choice Awards 2026) and offers more than 300 clubs and societies, sports clubs and volunteering opportunities.