Cardiff University
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Cardiff University is located in Cardiff, United Kingdom. Explore courses, entry requirements and official university information.
Best University in Cardiff for International Students
Explore the best universities in Cardiff for international students — rankings, tuition fees, intakes, scholarships and entry requirements. Get free admission and UK visa guidance from GIEC Global.
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Why study in Cardiff?
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales — compact, friendly and affordable, with a lively centre and a waterfront at Cardiff Bay.
Cardiff University is the featured university for international students in Cardiff on this page. Below you can see its key facts, followed by a guide to entry requirements, costs, intakes and visas for studying in Cardiff.
Top universities in Cardiff for international students
- Cardiff University — QS 2026: #181. Founded in 1883, Cardiff University is the only Welsh member of the Russell Group.
Compare universities in Cardiff
This table compares the universities on this page by ranking, approximate international tuition fee, intakes and typical English requirement. Fees and requirements change every year and vary by course, so confirm the latest figures on each official website.
| University | Ranking | Tuition fee (international) | Intakes | English requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff University | — | — | — | — |
Entry requirements to study in Cardiff
- Undergraduate: good Class 12 / high-school results (top universities expect very high grades), or an international foundation year. Applications go through UCAS.
- Postgraduate: a relevant bachelor’s degree — leading universities usually expect the equivalent of a UK 2:1, while many others consider around 55–60% from recognised Indian universities.
- English: usually IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 overall depending on the university and course; PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT and English waivers are accepted by many universities.
- Documents: passport, transcripts, statement of purpose, references, CV, and a portfolio for creative courses.
Cost of studying and living in Cardiff
International tuition at the university listed here is approximately £19,000 – £30,000 per year, depending on the course.
| Cost | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Living costs for the Student visa (outside London rate) | £1,171 per month · £10,539 for 9 months |
| Tuition fee | Approx. £19,000 – £30,000 per year |
| Visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge | Paid with the visa application (check GOV.UK) |
Living costs in Cardiff are generally lower than in London, which helps your budget go further — especially for accommodation and transport.
Intakes and application deadlines
September/October is the main intake. Several universities on this page also offer a January intake for selected postgraduate courses. For most other undergraduate courses the UCAS equal-consideration deadline is in late January, while postgraduate applications are usually open on a rolling basis. Apply 8–12 months ahead for the best chance of offers and scholarships.
Work while you study and after graduation
Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time in official vacations, and Cardiff offers part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, campus roles and internships. After graduation, the Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in the UK — currently two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates (reducing to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027) and three years for PhD graduates.
Student life in Cardiff
Universities here have active students’ unions with hundreds of clubs and societies, including Indian and international student societies. Wales offers a friendly welcome, a beautiful coastline and lower living costs.
How GIEC Global helps you study in Cardiff
GIEC Global’s UK counsellors help you shortlist the right universities in Cardiff, check eligibility, write a strong SOP, apply for scholarships, prepare for credibility interviews and complete your Student visa application — free of cost.
FAQs: Studying at Universities in Cardiff
Which university in Cardiff is best for international students?
Cardiff University is the leading university in Cardiff on our Top 50 UK list for international students.
How much does it cost to live in Cardiff as a student?
For the Student visa you must show £1,171 per month for living costs (up to nine months) because Cardiff is outside London. Actual costs depend on your accommodation and lifestyle.
What are the intakes for universities in Cardiff?
September/October is the main intake. Many universities also offer January intakes for selected postgraduate courses.
What IELTS score do I need to study in Cardiff?
Most universities ask for IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 overall depending on the course, and top universities can ask for 7.0 or more. PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted.
Can international students work while studying in Cardiff?
Yes. Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official holidays.
Can I stay and work in the UK after my degree?
Yes. The Graduate Route visa lets eligible graduates stay and work — currently two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates (reducing to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027) and three years for PhD graduates.
How can GIEC Global help me study in Cardiff?
GIEC Global offers free counselling, university shortlisting, SOP help, application support and Student visa guidance for universities in Cardiff.