About Cardiff University
Cardiff University is Wales's only Russell Group university and one of the UK's leading research institutions. Located in the vibrant Welsh capital, it offers world-class facilities, strong industry links, and a diverse international community across a wide range of disciplines.
Key Information
Student Statistics
- • 34,000 total students
- • 10,500 international students
- • 200 student societies
Location
- • Located in Cardiff
- • Public university
- • Established 1883
Subject Rankings
Academics & Faculties
Degrees Offered
Bachelor, Master, PhD, Foundation, Pre-Master
Popular Subjects
MedicineJournalismArchitecturePsychologyBusiness ManagementLawPharmacyEngineering
Student-Staff Ratio
14 : 1
Faculties & Departments
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
English, Communication and Philosophy, History, Archaeology and Religion, Journalism, Media and Culture, Law and Politics, Modern Languages, Music, School of Social Sciences, Welsh School of Architecture
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
Chemistry, Computer Science and Informatics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy
Cardiff Business School
Accounting and Finance, Economics, Logistics and Operations Management, Management, Employment and Organisation, Marketing and Strategy
Entry Requirements
Undergraduate
Academic: AAA - BBB depending on programme
Alternatives: IB: 30-38 points depending on programme, Welsh Baccalaureate accepted alongside A-Levels, BTEC: D*DD-DMM for many programmes
IELTS: 6.5
R 5.5 / W 5.5 / L 5.5 / S 5.5
TOEFL iBT: 90
UCAT required for Medicine and Dentistry • Interview for health-related programmes • Portfolio for Architecture • GAMSAT for Graduate Entry Medicine
Postgraduate
Minimum Qualification: UK Upper Second Class Honours (2:1) or international equivalent
GPA: 3
IELTS: 6.5
R 6 / W 6 / L 6 / S 6
TOEFL iBT: 90
Two references • Research proposal for PhD applications • Portfolio for creative programmes
Fees & Funding
Tuition (International)
- Undergraduate: £18,000
- Postgraduate: £20,000
- Foundation: £19,200
Living Costs (Annual)
- Accommodation: £5,800
- Food: £2,500
- Transport: £500
- Entertainment: £1,200
- Other: £800
- Total: £10,800
Scholarships
Cardiff University International Scholarship
MeritMerit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students.
Value: £5,000 (Partial)
International students • Strong academic achievement
Cardiff University Undergraduate Bursary
Need-basedFinancial support for UK students from lower-income backgrounds.
Value: £1,000 (Partial)
UK students • Household income below £35,000
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship
MeritPrestigious scholarship for exceptional postgraduate applicants.
Value: £10,000 (Partial)
Outstanding international applicants • Postgraduate programmes
Campus & Facilities
Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3AT
Beautiful civic centre campus in the heart of Cardiff, featuring Portland stone buildings set around Cathays Park alongside modern facilities. The compact campus is integrated with the vibrant city centre.
Size: 80 acres
Facilities
Academic
State-of-the-art laboratories, Bute Building (Architecture), Hadyn Ellis Building (Brain Research), sbarc|spark innovation campus, Simulation suites for healthcare
Research
Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Compound Semiconductor Hub, Social Science Research Park, Cancer Genetics Building
Student Life
Cardiff University Students' Union, Centre for Student Life, Y Plas entertainment venue, Multiple cafes and restaurants
Libraries
Arts and Social Studies Library
Main library in the Students' Union building with extensive collections and study spaces.
24/7 during term
Trevithick Library
Science and engineering collections in the Main Building.
09:00-21:00
Health Library
Medical and healthcare resources at Heath Park Campus.
08:30-21:00
Sports Facilities
Talybont Sports Centre
Main sports complex with fitness suite, sports halls, and outdoor pitches.
UNIS Swim Pool
25-metre swimming pool for recreational and competitive use.
Outdoor Sports Complex
Rugby, football, cricket pitches and tennis courts at Llanrumney.
Student Services
Student Support and Wellbeing
Central hub for welfare, financial advice, and disability support.
studentsupport@cardiff.ac.uk
Counselling Service
Free confidential counselling and mental health support.
counselling@cardiff.ac.uk
Careers and Employability
Career guidance, placements, and employer connections.
careers@cardiff.ac.uk
Accommodation
Talybont North
On-campusLarge student village with modern en-suite accommodation close to athletics facilities.
Cost: £130 - £175 (per week)
En-suite rooms • Shared kitchens • Common rooms • Laundry
Distance: 20-minute walk or 10-minute bus
Contract: 40 weeks
Senghennydd Court
On-campusCentral location close to Students' Union with standard and en-suite options.
Cost: £115 - £165 (per week)
Standard and en-suite rooms • Shared kitchens • JCR • Study areas
Distance: 5-minute walk
Contract: 40 weeks
University Hall
On-campusTraditional catered hall in Penylan with collegiate atmosphere.
Cost: £160 - £200 (per week)
Catered meals • Shared rooms available • Common rooms • Gardens
Distance: 15-minute walk
Contract: 35 weeks
First-year undergraduates guaranteed accommodation if applying by deadline. Apply through Cardiff accommodation portal after receiving offer.
International welcome programme, airport pickup service, dedicated international student advisors.
Student Life & Support
Clubs & Sports
Clubs: 200
Teams: 60
Cultural Activities
- Varsity — Annually in April
- Welsh Culture Events — Throughout the year
- Students' Union Events — Weekly
International Support
- Visa support: Yes
- Language support: Yes
- Orientation: Yes
- Buddy program: Yes
- Contact: international@cardiff.ac.uk
Health & Wellbeing
- Medical centre: Yes
- Counselling: Yes
- Disability support: Yes
- Emergency: +44 (0)29 2087 4006
Careers & Outcomes
Employability Rank
167
Graduate Outcomes
Employed: 83%
Further study: 11%
Unemployed: 4%
Average Salary
£27,000
per year (graduate)
Top Employers
NHS WalesBBCWelsh GovernmentAdmiral InsurancePwCDeloitteGeneral ElectricITV WalesBritish CouncilCivil Service
Career Services
- Careers and Employability: One-to-one appointments, CV workshops, and career fairs.
- Cardiff Award: Skills development programme recognising extracurricular achievements.
- Student Futures: Placements, internships, and work experience opportunities.
Location & Transportation
Nearest Airport
Cardiff Airport
19 km • 30 minutes by bus/car
Public Transport
- Train: Cardiff Central station with direct trains to London (2h), Bristol (50 min), Manchester (3h). • £20-£60 to London (varies)
- Bus: Extensive bus network throughout Cardiff and surrounding areas. • £2.20 single
Local Area
Cardiff is the vibrant capital of Wales with a rich cultural heritage, modern waterfront, historic castle, and excellent shopping and nightlife.
Cost of Living: Medium
Attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, Principality Stadium, National Museum Cardiff, Bute Park
Shopping: St David's Centre, Cardiff Market, The Hayes, Castle Quarter
Entertainment: Principality Stadium events, Wales Millennium Centre, Live music venues, Vibrant nightlife, Beaches nearby
Additional Information
Accreditation
Royal Charter, AACSB (Business School), General Medical Council, General Dental Council, RIBA (Architecture), Broadcast Journalism Training Council, BPS (Psychology)
Partnerships
- NHS: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board — Major teaching hospital partnership for medical education and research.
- Industry: Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult — Leading research in compound semiconductors.
- Media: BBC — Close ties with BBC Wales for journalism training and research.
Research Highlights
- Brain Research Imaging Centre — World-leading neuroimaging research facility studying brain function and disorders. (2024)
- Compound Semiconductors — UK's first Compound Semiconductor Cluster driving technological innovation. (2024)
- Journalism Research — Globally recognised journalism school influencing media practice and policy. (2024)
Notable Alumni
- Neil Kinnock — Former Labour Party Leader and EU Commissioner (1965)
- John Humphrys — BBC journalist and Mastermind presenter (1964)
- Tanni Grey-Thompson — Paralympic champion and Baroness (1991)
Metadata
Source: Cardiff University official website, QS Rankings 2025, HESA data 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z
Verified: Yes
Contact Email: profiles@ukuni.io