University of South Wales logo

University of South Wales

Pontypridd, UK · Ranking #801

The University of South Wales is a large public university in Wales, UK, with campuses in Pontypridd, Cardiff and Newport, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes across sectors such as business, engineering, health, creative industries, sciences and social sciences. Founded in 2013 through the merger of two historic institutions, USW focuses on practical, career‑focused education and strong industry links that prepare students for real‑world employment, achieving high graduate outcomes with immersive facilities, simulated learning environments and live project work. Its vibrant student community benefits from hands‑on experiences, academic support, multicultural campus life and a supportive environment close to Cardiff, one of the UK’s most dynamic cities.

University of South Wales logo

University of South Wales

About the university

The University of South Wales is a large public university in Wales, UK, with campuses in Pontypridd, Cardiff and Newport, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes across sectors such as business, engineering, health, creative industries, sciences and social sciences. Founded in 2013 through the merger of two historic institutions, USW focuses on practical, career‑focused education and strong industry links that prepare students for real‑world employment, achieving high graduate outcomes with immersive facilities, simulated learning environments and live project work. Its vibrant student community benefits from hands‑on experiences, academic support, multicultural campus life and a supportive environment close to Cardiff, one of the UK’s most dynamic cities.

Key information

  • Location: Pontypridd, UK
  • Ranking #801
  • QS #1251
  • THE #1201
  • National ranking #94
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Business & Management
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Health & Social Care
  • Creative Industries
  • Computing & Sciences
  • Education & Social Sciences

Programs (5)

  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Nursing
  • Psychology

Student body

  • Total students: 18,000
  • Undergraduate: 11,000
  • Graduate: 6,500
  • International students: 24%

Campus life

Campus life at the University of South Wales is vibrant and student‑centred, with active Students’ Unions, over 100 clubs and societies, social events, networking opportunities and support services tailored to personal growth and community engagement. Pontypridd’s Treforest and Glyntaff campuses offer modern learning spaces, sports facilities, cafés, lounges and study zones, while proximity to Cardiff enriches cultural, entertainment and professional experiences.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £720 - £1,400 / per month

Housing options

  • On‑campus halls
  • Shared flats
  • Private student housing

Student clubs and organizations

  • Academic societies
  • Sports clubs
  • Creative clubs
  • Volunteering groups

Sports

  • Football
  • Rugby
  • Netball
  • Athletics

Career & internships

Employment rate: 94%

Partner companies

  • Microsoft
  • BBC
  • NHS
  • Deloitte
  • Airbus

Internships: USW embeds practical placements, industry projects and career support within many programmes to build real‑world skills. The Careers and Employability service connects students with employers, CV workshops, internships, recruitment events and sector partners, helping to secure relevant experience before graduation.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • High School Diploma/Equivalent
  • Academic Transcripts
  • English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • Personal Statement
  • References — typical requirements

Minimum GPA: 3.2

Tuition costs

  • £18,000 - £27,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 85.00%
  • Scholarships available: The University of South Wales offers a range of scholarships and fee discounts for international students, including merit‑based awards, progression scholarships and subject‑specific funding that can reduce tuition costs. Some awards may be automatically applied at offer stage, while others require separate applications; criteria and values vary by programme and year and are published on the official funding pages.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 2013
  • Teaching languages: english
  • Study formats: offline

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