Cardiff University logo

Cardiff University

Cardiff, UK · Ranking #23

Cardiff University is a public research university in the capital city of Wales and a member of the Russell Group. Founded in 1883 as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, it later merged with the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology and became an independent university in 2005. The university is organised into three colleges (Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Biomedical & Life Sciences; Physical Sciences & Engineering) comprising 24 schools, with strengths across health, biosciences, engineering, architecture, business, law, journalism and social sciences. Cardiff hosts more than 31,000 students, including over 7,500 international students from around 138 countries, and is consistently ranked in the global top 200 and UK top 30. The campus is integrated into the city, with tree‑lined avenues and characteristic Portland stone buildings.

Cardiff University logo

Cardiff University

About the university

Cardiff University is a public research university in the capital city of Wales and a member of the Russell Group. Founded in 1883 as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, it later merged with the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology and became an independent university in 2005. The university is organised into three colleges (Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences; Biomedical & Life Sciences; Physical Sciences & Engineering) comprising 24 schools, with strengths across health, biosciences, engineering, architecture, business, law, journalism and social sciences. Cardiff hosts more than 31,000 students, including over 7,500 international students from around 138 countries, and is consistently ranked in the global top 200 and UK top 30. The campus is integrated into the city, with tree‑lined avenues and characteristic Portland stone buildings.

Key information

  • Location: Cardiff, UK
  • Ranking #23
  • QS #154
  • THE #180
  • US News #184
  • National ranking #25
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences (Business
  • English Communication and Philosophy
  • Geography and Planning
  • History Archaeology and Religion
  • Journalism Media and Culture
  • Law and Politics
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • Social Sciences
  • Welsh)
  • College of Biomedical and Life Sciences (Biosciences
  • Dentistry
  • Healthcare Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Optometry and Vision Sciences
  • Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Psychology)
  • College of Physical Sciences and Engineering (Architecture
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science and Informatics
  • Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Physics and Astronomy)

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 33,000
  • Undergraduate: 24,000
  • Graduate: 7,000
  • International students: 22%

Campus life

Cardiff University’s campus is spread around the city centre, especially the civic centre near Cathays Park and the Heath Park healthcare campus. Most residences are within walking distance or a short bus ride from teaching sites. The Students’ Union runs societies, sport, volunteering and events, and the city offers a lively music, arts and nightlife scene with relatively affordable living costs compared to many UK cities. International student support covers visas, arrival, language and academic skills.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £650 - £1,300 / per month

Housing options

  • University Hall and other self‑catered residences (standard and en‑suite rooms)
  • Part‑catered halls (e.g. Gordon Hall)
  • City‑centre and Heath Park residences
  • Private rented houses and flats in Cardiff

Student clubs and organizations

  • Students’ Union societies
  • Academic and subject societies
  • Cultural and international student groups
  • Volunteering and community projects
  • Arts and performance societies

Sports

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Hockey
  • Netball
  • Rowing
  • Tennis
  • Badminton
  • Other BUCS and intramural sports supported by the university’s sports facilities

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Internships: Many Cardiff degrees offer placement years, clinical placements or work‑related modules, particularly in health, engineering, business and media. The university collaborates with employers in Wales, the wider UK and internationally, and Careers Service supports students with applications, interviews and skills development. International students can undertake placements in line with visa regulations, gaining practical experience alongside their studies.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • UCAS or online application
  • Academic transcripts and certificates
  • Personal statement
  • Academic reference
  • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
  • Passport copy
  • Additional materials for some courses (e.g. portfolio
  • admissions tests
  • interview)

Tuition costs

  • £28,000 - £50,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 30.00%
  • Scholarships available: Cardiff University offers various scholarships and bursaries for international students at undergraduate and postgraduate level. These include merit‑based awards, country‑specific scholarships and subject‑linked funding across different colleges. Most take the form of partial tuition fee reductions of several thousand pounds and are awarded competitively based on academic performance and sometimes financial need. External funding may also be available from governments and sponsors depending on the student’s home country. Full details and deadlines are updated annually on Cardiff’s international fees and funding pages.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1883
  • Teaching languages: English, Welsh, english
  • Study formats: offline

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