Study at Cardiff University
Study at one of the UK's leading Russell Group universities, internationally recognised for engineering, computer science, medicine, business, journalism, architecture, sustainability, and world-leading research.
Wales's Only Russell Group University
Cardiff University, founded in 1883, is a leading Russell Group research university and the only Welsh member of the prestigious group. Located in the heart of the Welsh capital, Cardiff combines world-class research with an exceptional student experience across a stunning civic campus β one of the most beautiful university settings in the UK.
With over 33,000 students from more than 130 countries, Cardiff offers an outstanding academic experience across three colleges encompassing arts, humanities, social sciences, biomedical and life sciences, and physical sciences and engineering. The university's Cathays Park campus sits within Cardiff's magnificent Civic Centre, with the Innovation Campus representing a major investment in research and industry partnerships.
Cardiff is internationally renowned for its strengths in engineering, computer science, journalism, medicine, architecture, business, and sustainability research. The university's research addresses the world's most pressing challenges β from compound semiconductors and AI to brain research, cancer, net-zero innovation, and public health β with deep partnerships across government, industry, and the NHS.
Academic Programmes
3 colleges with world-leading Engineering, Journalism & Medicine
College of Physical Sciences & Engineering
Cathays Park / Innovation Campus
College of Biomedical & Life Sciences
Heath Park Campus / Cathays Park
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Cathays Park Campus
Investment in Your Future
Indicative fees for international students (2024-2025)
Undergraduate
- medicine dentistry: GBP 42,500β47,000/year (clinical years higher)
- science engineering: GBP 27,200β29,450/year
- computer science: GBP 27,200/year
- architecture: GBP 25,450β27,200/year
- business economics: GBP 21,950β23,450/year
- arts humanities: GBP 21,250β22,700/year
- social sciences law: GBP 21,250β23,450/year
Postgraduate
- taught masters arts social sciences: GBP 22,200β25,450/year
- taught masters science engineering: GBP 26,200β30,450/year
- business school msc: GBP 25,450β29,000/year
- mba: GBP 31,500 total (12 months)
- research phd: GBP 21,950β27,200/year
- medicine clinical: GBP 42,500β47,000/year
Living in Cardiff
- accommodation: GBP 100β170/week (university residences)
- meals: GBP 35β55/week
- health surcharge ihs: GBP 1,035/year (Immigration Health Surcharge)
- transport: GBP 10β20/week (compact city, buses, cycling)
- books supplies: GBP 300β500/year
- personal expenses: GBP 35β60/week
- total living estimate: GBP 9,000β12,000/year (Cardiff is one of the UK's most affordable capital cities)
Tuition fees are indicative for international students (2024β2025 academic year) and are subject to annual review. Cardiff University operates on a two-semester system (SeptemberβJanuary, JanuaryβJune). Cardiff is consistently ranked as one of the UK's most affordable and liveable cities. Always verify current fees on the official Cardiff University website.
Funding Your Cardiff Education
From Vice-Chancellor's International awards to fully-funded PhD studentships
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships
GBP 5,000β10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Outstanding international students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate taught programmes, demonstrating academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to making a positive impact
Competitive. Assessed on academic merit and personal statement. Separate application required. Available across most programmes and colleges.
Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship
GBP 2,000β5,000 tuition fee reduction for first year
Eligibility: High-achieving international undergraduate applicants demonstrating excellent academic qualifications exceeding standard entry requirements
Merit-based. Automatic consideration upon receiving an offer for eligible programmes. Various levels based on qualification grades.
Postgraduate Taught International Scholarships
GBP 3,000β5,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International students with strong academic records (First Class or high 2:1 equivalent) applying for postgraduate taught programmes
Merit-based. Some schools offer automatic consideration; others require a separate application. Check school-specific pages for details.
GREAT Scholarships (Study UK)
GBP 10,000 tuition fee reduction for one-year Master's programmes
Eligibility: Students from eligible countries (check British Council list) applying to specific postgraduate programmes at Cardiff
Funded jointly by UK Government GREAT Britain Campaign and Cardiff University. Separate application required. Limited places annually.
Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
Full tuition fees + living costs + flights + additional allowances for one-year Master's programmes
Eligibility: Mid-career professionals from Chevening-eligible countries with 2+ years work experience and demonstrated leadership
UK Government's global scholarship programme. Applications open AugustβNovember annually. Cardiff is a recognised Chevening partner university.
PhD Scholarships & GW4+ DTP / EPSRC DTP
Full tuition fees + maintenance stipend (approx. GBP 18,622/year) for 3.5β4 years
Eligibility: Outstanding international PhD applicants with exceptional academic records. GW4+ DTP covers biosciences across Cardiff, Exeter, Bristol, and Bath. EPSRC DTP covers engineering and physical sciences.
Funded by UKRI research councils, Doctoral Training Partnerships, and university. Apply to specific advertised projects. Contact potential supervisors first.
How to Get In
Deadlines: UCAS deadline: 31 January (equal consideration). Medicine/Dentistry: 15 October. Some programmes accept late applications if places remain.
- Apply via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service)
- A-Level equivalents: typically ABBβAAA depending on programme (Medicine: AAA; Dentistry: AAA)
- International Baccalaureate: typically 33β36 points with specific Higher Level requirements
- Meet programme-specific subject prerequisites (e.g., Mathematics for Engineering, Chemistry for Medicine)
- English language proficiency: IELTS 6.5β7.0 overall depending on programme
- Personal statement demonstrating motivation, academic interest, and relevant experience
- Academic reference from school/college
- Interview for Medicine, Dentistry, and select healthcare programmes (MMI format)
- UCAT required for Medicine; other assessments for Dentistry
- Passport copy and evidence of English language qualification
Cardiff is a competitive Russell Group university. Cardiff University International Study Centre (powered by Study Group) offers International Foundation programmes for students not meeting direct entry requirements. The university accepts a wide range of international qualifications and provides country-specific guidance. Always check the Cardiff admissions pages.
Life at Cardiff
A stunning civic campus in the heart of the Welsh capital
Cathays Park Campus
The main campus sits within Cardiff's magnificent Civic Centre β Portland stone buildings around beautiful gardens, with the iconic Main Building, Bute Building, and modern Centre for Student Life creating a stunning academic environment.
Centre for Student Life
A flagship building at the heart of campus providing student services, wellbeing support, careers advice, study spaces, and social areas β all under one roof. A modern hub designed around the student experience.
Innovation Campus
A major research and innovation district featuring the Translational Research Hub, sbarc|spark innovation centre, and Social Science Research Park β where world-class research meets industry and social enterprise.
Libraries & Learning
Multiple libraries across campuses including the Arts & Social Studies Library, Science Library, and Health Library. 24/7 study spaces, extensive digital collections, and the Special Collections & Archives.
Students' Union
One of the UK's best students' unions with over 200 societies and 60+ sports clubs, live music venues (Great Hall), volunteering, student media, campaigns, and vibrant social spaces in the heart of campus.
Sport & Fitness
Excellent facilities including Fitness & Squash Centre, University Playing Fields, swimming access, sports halls, and coaching across 60+ sports clubs. Strong BUCS performance and active recreational programmes.
Accommodation
University-managed residences guaranteed for first-year international students. Options include Cathays residences (close to campus), Talybont (large student village), and city-centre options β all within easy reach of teaching buildings.
Cardiff City
The Welsh capital β compact, green, safe, and culturally rich. Cardiff Castle, Bute Park, Cardiff Bay, Principality Stadium, National Museum, vibrant food scene, and excellent transport links. One of the UK's most liveable cities.
Career Outcomes
Research Strengths
Compound Semiconductors & Electronics
Cardiff hosts the Institute for Compound Semiconductors and the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult β a UK-unique cluster driving next-generation electronics, 5G/6G, photonics, and advanced manufacturing.
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Research in AI, machine learning, natural language processing, data analytics, and cybersecurity through the School of Computer Science & Informatics β with strong industry and government partnerships.
Brain Research & Neuroscience
The Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) is one of Europe's leading neuroimaging facilities β pioneering research in brain connectivity, mental health, dementia, and cognitive neuroscience.
Cancer & Genetics
The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute and Division of Cancer & Genetics lead world-class research in cancer biology, immunotherapy, and precision medicine β closely integrated with Velindre Cancer Centre.
Net Zero & Sustainability
Cardiff leads research in decarbonisation, renewable energy, sustainable cities, circular economy, and environmental policy β with major investment through the Innovation Campus and GW4 Alliance.
Journalism & Communications
The School of Journalism, Media & Culture is one of the UK's leading centres for journalism education and research β with strong industry connections to BBC, ITV, and global media organisations.
International Student Support
Over 10,000 international students from 130+ countries
- International Student Support team with dedicated regional advisors
- Pre-departure webinars, country-specific events, and online orientation
- Airport meet-and-greet service (Cardiff Airport, Bristol Airport, London Heathrow)
- Welcome Week orientation programme for international students
- Cardiff University International Study Centre (foundation and pre-sessional courses)
- Academic skills support, personal tutoring, and English language development
- Student Support & Wellbeing β counselling, disability, mental health, chaplaincy
- Careers & Employability with dedicated international guidance and placement support
- Student visa (Student Route) compliance and renewal support
- Global Opportunities β exchanges at 300+ partner universities worldwide
- International Student Ambassador programme and peer mentoring
- Multi-faith prayer rooms, cultural societies, and community events
Your Path to Cardiff
Expert guidance from enquiry to enrolment
Programme Selection
We help you navigate Cardiff's three colleges β Engineering, CS/AI, Journalism, Medicine, Architecture, and Business β identify the best programme for your background, and advise on competitive entry requirements.
UCAS Strategy
Expert guidance on UCAS applications β personal statement writing, UCAT preparation for Medicine, meeting deadlines, and crafting a compelling application tailored to Cardiff's strengths and expectations.
Scholarship Guidance
Support with Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships, Excellence Awards, GREAT Scholarships, PhD studentships through GW4+/EPSRC DTPs, and external funding like Chevening and Commonwealth.
Research & Supervisor Matching
For PhD applicants, we help identify potential supervisors at Cardiff, craft research proposals aligned with strengths in compound semiconductors, CUBRIC brain research, AI, cancer, and net-zero innovation.
Visa & Accommodation
UK Student Route visa guidance, CAS support, Immigration Health Surcharge, and help with accommodation β Talybont village, Cathays residences, and International Study Centre pathway applications.
Pre-Departure & Arrival
Comprehensive pre-departure briefing, Cardiff Airport/Bristol Airport/London Heathrow meet-and-greet coordination, bank account setup, GP registration, and ongoing support throughout your time at Cardiff.
Apply to Cardiff
Free expert guidance β no hidden fees
Hear From Cardiff Students
βCardiff's Computer Science department is excellent β cutting-edge AI research, the Innovation Campus is inspiring, and Cardiff is so welcoming and affordable. The support for international students is outstanding.β
βStudying Medicine at Cardiff connects you to world-class research in neuroscience and cancer. The clinical placements at University Hospital of Wales are exceptional, and Cardiff is a beautiful, compact city that feels like home.β
βCardiff's Journalism School is one of the best in the UK β industry connections to the BBC and media organisations, practical training, and an incredibly diverse cohort. The city's cultural scene and affordability made it perfect.β
Frequently Asked Questions
Cardiff is ranked #154 globally (QS 2025) and is Wales's only Russell Group university. It's renowned for engineering, computer science, journalism, medicine, architecture, and sustainability research (compound semiconductors, CUBRIC brain research). Cardiff is one of the UK's most affordable capital cities with 95% graduate employment.
Undergraduate fees range from GBP 21,250β29,450/year (science/engineering ~GBP 27,200; arts ~GBP 21,250β22,700; medicine/dentistry GBP 42,500β47,000). Postgraduate taught fees range from GBP 22,200β30,450/year. MBA is GBP 31,500 total. Fees are reviewed annually β always verify on the official Cardiff University website.
Cardiff offers Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships (GBP 5,000β10,000), Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships (GBP 2,000β5,000), Postgraduate Taught Scholarships (GBP 3,000β5,000), GREAT Scholarships (GBP 10,000), PhD studentships through GW4+/EPSRC DTPs, and supports Chevening and Commonwealth applications.
Requirements vary by programme. Typical: IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 5.5β6.0 in each component. Some programmes (Medicine, Law, Journalism) require 7.0+. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English are also accepted. Pre-sessional courses available through Cardiff University International Study Centre.
Cardiff's main campus (Cathays Park) is set within the stunning Civic Centre β Portland stone buildings and beautiful gardens. Heath Park houses Medicine/Dentistry. The Innovation Campus (sbarc|spark, Translational Research Hub) is a major new research district. Everything is walkable or a short bus ride.
Cardiff has unique strengths in compound semiconductors (the only UK Catapult), CUBRIC brain imaging (one of Europe's best), AI & data science, cancer/genetics, net-zero innovation, and journalism/media research. The Innovation Campus directly connects research with industry.
Cardiff is the Welsh capital β compact, green, safe, and culturally vibrant. Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, Principality Stadium (rugby), Bute Park, National Museum, and a thriving food/music scene. It's one of the UK's most affordable cities with excellent transport (London 2 hours by train).
Educational Hub provides free expert guidance including programme selection, UCAS/direct application support, personal statement writing, scholarship applications, visa guidance, accommodation support, and comprehensive pre-departure briefing. We support you from initial enquiry through to arrival on campus.