Cardiff University

Cardiff University

Cardiff, United Kingdom

"A Russell Group research university in the capital of Wales"

Public Research University Comprehensive 🌐 www.cardiff.ac.uk https://www.cardiff.ac.uk

At a Glance

Accept Rate —
Avg Salary/Yr —
Ranking #179 (QS)
PSW VISA 18 months (Graduate visa)
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About Cardiff University

Cardiff University was founded in 1883 as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire. It is a research-intensive public university in the capital of Wales with more than 31,500 students, including over 5,000 international students from more than 142 countries. It is strong in communication and media, dentistry, architecture, English, geography and psychology, and runs an International Study Centre pathway for students who need extra preparation.

Rankings & Recognition

#179
QS World University Rankings 2026 Ranked #=179 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (#181 in QS 2026) and in the 201-250 band of THE World University Rankings 2025. Communication and Media Studies and Dentistry are in the QS global top 50 by subject.

Ranked #=179 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (#181 in QS 2026) and in the 201-250 band of THE World University Rankings 2025. Communication and Media Studies and Dentistry are in the QS global top 50 by subject.

Accreditations & Memberships

Russell Group

QS 2026 Performance Breakdown

Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Cardiff University's global standing for that metric.

Academic Reputation #
Employer Reputation #
Faculty Student Ratio #
Citations per Faculty #
#

Key Facts

1883 Founded
Over 31,500 Total Students
Over 5,000 International Students
142+ Countries Represented
2 main campuses Campuses

Popular Programs

Communication and Media Dentistry Medicine Architecture English Literature Psychology Geography

Application Details

Application Route UCAS (UG) / online (PG)
Application Fee N/A
Intakes Mainly September

Standardized Test Requirements

TestMinimum Score
IELTS Academic (typical)
6.5 (no part below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT (typical, before Jan 2026)
88 (min 20 each)

Study Abroad & Visa Details

Visa Approval Rate 95%
I-20 Processing Student visa (CAS required)
Post-Study Work 18 months (Graduate visa)
Green Card Pathway Skilled Worker route

Financials

Application Fee N/A
Avg Scholarship Up to GBP 10,000 fee reduction

Career Outcomes

34% Placement Ratio
18 months (Graduate visa) Post-Study Work
20 Work While Study

Where Graduates Land

Faculty & Alumni

Academic Staff — N/A International Staff — N/A —

Notable Alumni

Campus & Location

Cardiff University is based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, across two main campuses: Cathays Park in the city centre and Heath Park for health and medical schools.

Campus Details

Cathays Park campus
Heath Park campus
Over 31500 students

Campus Forecast

Mild maritime climate Winter 2-8 C Summer 13-21 C Rain through the year

Student Life & Housing

Housing

University halls of residence Private rented housing

Dining

Campus cafes and restaurants

Health & Wellness

NHS access through the health surcharge Student wellbeing support Free airport coach pickup for international students

Activities & Clubs

Students Union clubs and societies Sports teams Academic English Skills classes

Diversity & Demographics

Total Students Over 31,500
International Students Over 5,000
Countries Represented 142+

Cost Deep-Dive

Tuition - Bachelor's range (approx.) GBP 19,700-24,450 / year
BA English Literature 2026 GBP 24,700 / year
Medicine MBBCh 2026 GBP 47,450 / year
MSc Education 2026 GBP 30,700
Visa Health Surcharge GBP 776 / year

Intakes & Deadlines

Cardiff admits international students mainly in September. Check the course page for exact deadlines and any January starts.

Scholarships at Cardiff University

2 scholarships available

View All 2
Bachelor's GBP 10,000 fee support

UG International Excellence Scholarship

Deadline: Ask counsellor

These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate UK A-level equivalent or Level 3 qualification, set by each course. IELTS 6.5 typical (no part below 5.5).
Postgraduate Recognised bachelor's degree, level set by each course. IELTS 6.5 typical (no part below 5.5).

English Proficiency

IELTS Academic (typical)

6.5 (no part below 5.5)

TOEFL iBT (typical, before Jan 2026)

88 (min 20 each)

Required Documents

Passport copy Academic transcripts Highest qualification certificate English test certificate (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) Personal statement Reference letter CV (postgraduate) Bank statement (funds held 28 days) TB test certificate (if required)

Application Process

1
Choose course
Check course list and entry rules on the Cardiff University website.
2
Apply online
Fill in the online application and upload your documents.
3
Receive offer
Get a conditional or unconditional offer from the university.
4
Accept & pay deposit
Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit.
5
CAS & visa
Receive your CAS number, then apply for a UK Student visa.
6
Arrive & enrol
Collect your BRP or eVisa proof and enrol on campus.

Campus & Location

Cardiff University is based in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, across two main campuses: Cathays Park in the city centre and Heath Park for health and medical schools.

4 of 4 courses
Bachelor's 3
Cardiff University
📍 Cardiff
Bachelor's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Varies by course
Cardiff University
📍 Cardiff
Bachelor's MBBCh Medicine
Bachelor's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 5 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Varies by course
Cardiff University
📍 Cardiff
Bachelor's BDS Dentistry
Bachelor's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 5 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Varies by course
Master's 1
Cardiff University
📍 Cardiff
Master's MSc Education
Master's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 1 year
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline Varies by course

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