Cardiff University

Known for its excellence in research and teaching, Cardiff University ranks in the top 180 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings, 2027). Located in the heart of the vibrant city of Cardiff, it is the only Russell Group university in Wales and as a result, students benefit from excellent graduate outcomes.

Cardiff University is home to over 31,500 students, of whom 5,000 are international students originating from 142 countries. The diverse learning environment provides personalised academic, wellbeing, and careers support, ensuring every learner has access to the resources they need to reach their full potential.

Students can choose from more than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate study programmes, which cover a broad range of subject areas. Courses are taught by leading academics and researchers, and learners benefit from the university's extensive specialist learning facilities, including 16 libraries.

The university offers excellent research facilities, with 90 percent of its research rated world-leading or internationally excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (2021). This pioneering research in turn feeds curricula, ensuring students graduate with the most up-to-date knowledge and practical experience.

International students who meet the university's accommodation deadlines and conditions are guaranteed a single-occupancy room in university residences. All residences are located within a short distance of campus, and students benefit from all the amenities of Wales's capital city on their doorstep.

A January start date is offered by Cardiff University for select postgraduate taught programmes. This is in addition to the traditional September start date and provides students with greater flexibility to start their studies at the beginning of the year.

Students who elect to start their course in January are supported by the university across all areas, and receive tailored academic and professional guidance, as well as housing advice.

Applications for January 2027 are open for the following programmes:

• Business Analytics (MSc), ranked in the world's top 150 for business analytics (QS Business Masters Rankings, 2026)
• Business Management (MSc), ranked in the world's top 100 for business administration (QS Business Masters Rankings, 2026)
• Marketing (MSc), CIM-accredited and ranked in the global top 100 for marketing (QS Business Masters Rankings, 2026)
• Physiotherapy (MSc), ranked among the UK's top five physiotherapy courses (Complete University Guide, 2027)
• Occupational Therapy (MSc), one of the UK's few postgraduate programmes designed for qualified occupational therapists and delivered by a school ranked first in the UK for occupational therapy (Complete University Guide, 2027).

Every programme at Cardiff University has been designed with student success in mind. Curricula focus on providing students with the knowledge, practical skills, and opportunities to ensure they stand out in the graduate workforce and thrive in their future careers.

As a result of this focus on professional success, 85 percent of Cardiff University's international graduates are in highly skilled employment or further study shortly after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23), and the university is 12^th in the UK for graduate employability (Times Good University Guide, 2026). Graduates from Cardiff University have gone on to work in successful careers at leading organisations around the world, including the BBC, Microsoft, Deloitte and the NHS.

Careers support

The careers and employability team is on hand to offer bespoke careers support for free to every student throughout their study and for up to three years after graduation. This includes career planning, work experience opportunities, and assistance with graduate job applications. Dedicated support is also offered to international students to specifically assist with the unique challenges of finding work either in their home country, in the UK, or overseas.

Student life

Cardiff is one of the UK's most affordable university cities and offers excellent transport links, cultural attractions and access to the Welsh coastline and countryside. Through the Centre for Student Life, students can access a broad range of tailored support services, ensuring the have access to all the expert guidance and resources they might need during their studies, including:

• Academic advice
• Careers support
• Disabilities support
• Financial support
• Health and wellbeing support
• International student support
• Student mentors

Cardiff Students' Union is considered one of the country's best, ranking third in the UK (WhatUni Student Choice Awards, 2026). Run by students, for students, it acts as a voice for the student body and runs a full schedule of events and activities. At the students' union, students can get involved in over 300 clubs and societies, sports clubs, volunteering opportunities, and much more.

Academic entry requirements at Cardiff University vary between individual programmes, and students are advised to check they can meet these criteria by visiting the course page for their preferred study programme. Some courses may require students to have studied one or more closely related subjects in order to be eligible.

Pathway options

For international students who do not quite meet the academic or subject requirements for their chosen course, the university offers a range of pathway programmes. These help students to develop the English language, academic, and subject knowledge that is required for degree-level study at Cardiff University.

The university's International Study Centre (ISC), which is delivered in partnership with Study Group, offers pathways including:

• International Foundation Year
• International Year One
• Pre-master's programmes

English language

Since all study programmes are delivered in English, all international applicants must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency. Specific 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.

For students who need to improve their English, a selection of pre-sessional English language programmes are available. These range from six weeks to nine months before students start their degree. English language programmes help students to develop their academic English language proficiency to the required standard without the need to take an external language exam.

Accommodation

Cardiff University offers accommodation across 17 residences. These are located around the city, and international students who meet the university's eligibility criteria and accommodation deadline are guaranteed a room in university-owned accommodation, easing the transition into university life overseas.

The range of accommodation options available include self-catered and part-catered residences, en-suite and shared facilities, and specialist accommodation for those with additional requirements, such as quiet living, family, and accessible housing.

Private rentals are also available around the city, and the university can support students in making informed decisions surrounding convenient locations and reputable landlords.

The university's dedicated residence life team provides dedicated support through social events, workshops, and drop-in sessions. For students living in university-owned accommodation, 24-hour assistance is available from security and at reception desks.

Libraries and support services

Cardiff University is home to 16 extensive libraries, which provide access to over 1.3 million books, as well as digital resources, specialist collections and dedicated study spaces. Furthermore, students benefit from access to subject-specific libraries, 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. Academic support services (including English language and mathematics support) ensure that every learner is able to maximise their potential during their study experience.

Sports

Both campuses at Cardiff University boast sports and fitness facilities, including gyms, sports fields, and the university's Sports Training Village which offers indoor and outdoor activities, fitness classes, and professional-standard training spaces.

Cardiff University strives to attract the brightest and best students from around the world, offering a range of scholarships to ease the financial burden for outstanding learners. Its student funding and advice team is available to help students explore funding options.

Some scholarships are awarded automatically to eligible students, while others require a separate application. In addition, students are encouraged to explore external country or course-specific funding opportunities.

For the 2026/27 academic year, eligible international students can apply for scholarships, including:

• The Vice-Chancellor's Postgraduate International Scholarships, worth between GBP 4,000 and GBP 10,000
• The Cardiff University India Scholarship, worth GBP6,000
• The Red Dragon Scholarship, worth GBP 10,000
• The MBA Public Value Scholarship worth GBP 10,000
• GREAT scholarships worth GBP 10,000
• Cardiff Business School 125th Anniversary Scholarship worth GBP 10,000

Postgraduate

International postgraduate students may also be eligible for additional funding or discounts, including:

• A 20 percent alumni discount, offered to Cardiff University graduates staying on for eligible master's programmes
• A fee discount for postgraduate EU research students
• A range of PhD studentships and funded research projects for eligible applicants

Cardiff University is recognised across many rankings as one of the world's leading universities for research, teaching and student experience.

• 179th globally (QS World University Rankings, 2027)
• 17th in the UK (The Centre for World University Rankings, 2026)
• 11th in the UK for research impact (Research Excellence Framework, 2021)
• 14th in the UK for research power (Research Excellence Framework, 2021)
• Top 50 globally for Architecture and Built Environment; Communication and Media Studies; and Dentistry (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026)
• Top 100 globally for Archaeology; English Language and Literature; Geography; Nursing; and Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026)
• 83^rd globally for social and environmental impact (QS World University Rankings, 2027)
• 12^th in the UK for graduate employability (Times Good University Guide, 2026)
• Twelve subjects ranked among the top 10 in the UK (Complete University Guide, 2027)

Teaching quality and research

Cardiff University offers more than 300 undergraduate and postgraduate study programmes across a broad range of subject areas, delivered by internationally recognised academics and researchers. Curricula are founded in the very latest developments in industry and research. The university is proud to be home to two Nobel Prize winners and 53 Academy Fellows.

Learning at Cardiff University is founded in research and practical, hands-on experience. This holistic approach to education ensures that students have opportunities to engage with new discoveries, relevant industry challenges, and real-world applications. Enhancing the learning experience further is an extensive range of modern and specialist facilities, including media studios, simulation suites, multi-disciplinary laboratories, trading rooms and research centres.

International students benefit from dedicated academic support including Academic English Skills for International Students, mathematics support, and additional language-learning opportunities.