Cardiff University

Rank 32
Established 1883
Famous for

Business, Computer Science, Physiotherapy

Fees £18,700.00 - £23,950.00

Overview

Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain's leading teaching and research universities. The university combines impressive modern facilities and an exciting approach to teaching with its proud history of recent achievements, and over 32,000 students, including nearly 6,400 international students, are currently enrolled at the Welsh institution.

Cardiff University's research and research-led teaching expertise involves social sciences, engineering, technology and a wide range of business professions. The University is currently ranked 5th in the UK for its quality of research, while the QS World Rankings 2025 place it 186th. The School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies has been described as the ‘Oxbridge of Journalism.’

95% of Cardiff University graduates enter employment or further study after graduating, while 86% obtain graduate-level employment. Cardiff University is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group, one of 24 elite research universities in the UK.

Cardiff University Scholarships

Cardiff University scholarships are awarded based on domicile, nationality, and academic eligibility. A full list of international Cardiff scholarships can be found here.

Services

The international office is dedicated to supporting international students throughout their journey at Cardiff University. They are available to assist by answering questions and addressing concerns before, during, and after the application process.
Cardiff University offers a comprehensive induction and orientation programme to help new students feel at home and settle into university life. This includes practical advice and information, Fresher’s Week student society fairs, campus and city tours, and social events to help students make friends. Trips such as the tour of South Wales are a fantastic way for students to meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere. A number of international societies also exist at Cardiff, with organisations for Asian, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Nigerian, Pakistani, and Thai students.

The university also provides a free coach collection service for international students arriving in the UK. Staff from the international office welcome new students at Heathrow Airport, greeting them and transporting them and their luggage safely to their accommodation in Cardiff.

Once at Cardiff University, there is a dedicated international student support service that looks after the welfare of international students and provides guidance and information on a wide range of non-academic matters. Whether students are looking for financial advice, visa and immigration guidance, specialised career support for international students, help with health and wellbeing, information about careers and global opportunities, disability support, mentoring and study skills sessions, residence support, or assistance with settling into university – support teams will be on hand to help.

All Cardiff University students benefit from an assigned personal tutor throughout their studies to help with academic matters, and a student mentor can help students settle into student life. Prospective students interested in knowing what it is really like to live and study in Cardiff can chat online with current Cardiff University students, who are ready to answer any questions potential applicants may have.

free UK university counselling

Rankings

Cardiff University holds a prominent place in UK higher education, ranking 32nd in the Times University Guide 2025 and 46th in the Guardian University Guide 2025. On the global stage, Cardiff University's QS ranking is 186th for 2025.

Additionally, highlighting the university’s teaching capabilities across different subjects, the Guardian Ranking 2025 shows Cardiff University ranking fourth for Electronic and Electrical Engineering, fifth for Architecture, and eighth for Physics.

  • 32nd in the Times University Guide 2025
  • 46th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
  • 186th in QS World University Rankings 2025
  • 201st–250th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
  • 151st-200th in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2024

90% of Cardiff's research has been confirmed as world-leading or internationally excellent by the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

Courses

There are 350 Cardiff University undergraduate courses available, with subjects ranging from ancient history to architectural engineering. Undergraduate students are also exposed to unique international study, volunteering, and work placements through the Global Opportunities Team.

Cardiff University master’s courses include full-time, part-time, blended learning, and distance learning options. It offers over 300 postgraduate study options, and students will be joining a community of over 10,000 students from more than 115 countries.

Notably, Cardiff University courses offer choice and flexibility, with multiple modules for students at any study level to tailor the degree programme to their needs and career aspirations. Select your course at Cardiff University below.

Fees

Cardiff University has a range of tuition fees for its courses, depending on the subject you’ll be studying.

Cardiff University fees for international students (per year)
UndergraduateINR 20 lakhs to INR 44 lakhs
PostgraduateINR 18 lakhs to INR 52 lakhs

Approximate tuition fees for popular courses at Cardiff University include:

DegreeFee in INR
Undergraduate courses
Bachelor of Dental SurgeryINR 44 lakhs
Business Management (BSc)INR 21 lakhs
Physics BScINR 25 lakhs
Physics with Medical Physics BScINR 25 lakhs
Sociology and Social Policy BScINR 20 lakhs
Postgraduate courses
Civil Engineering MScINR 25 lakhs
Computational Methods in Architecture MScINR 25 lakhs
Computing MScINR 26 lakhs
MBAINR 29 lakhs
Physics MScINR 25 lakhs

Accommodation

A place in one of the university’s 5,100 student rooms is guaranteed to all first-year international undergraduate students entering through the normal admissions cycle. The vast majority of student residences are single en-suite study bedrooms in self-catered flats and students.

For those interested in sports, the main accommodation site at Talybont features a state-of-the-art sports training village and fitness complex which played host to competitors at the London 2012 Olympics.

FAQs

When can I apply to Cardiff University courses starting in 2025?

You can apply to Cardiff University through the UCAS Portal. Here are the deadlines for the applications:

  • UCAS applications can be submitted from the beginning of September 2024
  • The normal closing date for UK applications is 31st January 
  • The normal closing date for international applications is 30th June 
  • Clinical programmes like Medicine and Dentistry have earlier deadlines, typically on 15th October 

 

What is the acceptance rate for Cardiff University?

With an acceptance rate of 20%, admission into Cardiff University is competitive. Students can improve their chances by meeting all the academic requirements, including necessary grades, test scores, and language qualifications. Applying early and providing strong supporting documents, like recommendation letters, can also help.

What qualifications do Indian students need to apply to Cardiff University?

Indian applicants must meet specific academic criteria to be eligible for admission at Cardiff University:

  • For undergraduate programs, students need an overall score of 78-81% or above in their Standard XII examinations, though this may vary by subject.
  • For postgraduate taught and research courses, a bachelor’s degree with an average of 55-60% is generally required, depending on the field of study.

 

Does Cardiff University accept international students?

Yes, Cardiff University has a vibrant international student community. In 2022-23, the university’s total student population was 33,985, of whom 7,530 were international students from 138 different countries.

What are the living expenses for international students at Cardiff University?

International students at Cardiff University should budget for various living costs. On average, international students will have to spend around £650 for rent (including utility bills), around £280 for food, toiletries, and laundry, and around £80 for study costs, clothes, and phone expenses per month.

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

What our students have to say about SI-UK

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