Cardiff University is located in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. It was established in the year 1883 as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire. It came to be known as Cardiff University in 2005 after being given with power to award degrees independently. Cardiff University is a top-notch public research educational institution in the United Kingdom. Around 34,000 students are enrolled each year. There are around 7,530 international students at the institution. The overall acceptance rate is around 20% for international students. The fees of Cardiff University for Indian students is around GBP 22,700 (INR 23,59,574.20) to GBP 43,700 (INR 45,42,440.20) for one year.
- Why Choose Cardiff University?
- Cardiff University Rankings
- Cardiff University Acceptance Rate
- Cardiff University Courses and Fees
- Cardiff University Application Deadline
- Cardiff University Admission Process
6.1 Documents Required - Cardiff University Entry Requirements
- Cardiff University Scholarships
- Cardiff University Internships
- Cardiff University Cost of Living
10.1 Extracurricular Activities - Cardiff University Diversity
- Cardiff University Job Outcomes
- Alumni Cardiff University
- Comparison Table
- FAQs
Why Choose Cardiff University?
Cardiff University is unique since it's the only university in Wales that is a member of Russell Group of British research universities. Cardiff University is known for its high-quality education to its students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. It offers hundreds of programs in various modules and disciplines to suit the interests and preferences of aspiring students. In addition to offline teaching, Cardiff University also facilitates learning through online mode. It has also emerged as a pioneer in the sectors of innovation and growth with reference to higher education over the years. Reasons to study in UK at Cardiff University are listed below:
95% of institution graduates work in the UK or pursue further education.
- Cardiff's cost of living is lower. Students spend on an average GBP 10,252 (INR 10,65,654.39) to GBP 12,253 (INR 12,73,650.34) per year on living.
- Scholarships such as Cardiff India scholarships reduce tuition fees by up to GBP 5,000 (INR 5,19,730.00). Students can also apply for external scholarships, such as Chevening scholarship.
Cardiff University Rankings
Cardiff University rank is under 200 in the world's best global universities. So, the higher education institution is one of the best universities in UK. Several agencies, such as Times Higher Education, QS, US News & World Report, conducts its ranking every year. Institution rank in various reports is as follows:
- The rank of Cardiff University is #154 in QS World University Ranking 2024 report.
- Ranking of the university in US News & World Report Best Global Universities in 2024 is #152.
- Cardiff University rank in the world is #190, as per the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2024 report.
- Institution rank in UK, is #18 as per US News & World Report Best Global Universities in the United Kingdom report 2024.
Cardiff University Acceptance Rate
Acceptance rate of Cardiff University is 20%. It is difficult to get into Cardiff University, a member of Russell Group, as the institution acceptance rate is 20%. The average GPA of enrolled candidate is 3. The institution has around 33,985 students. 23,765 are pursuing Bachelors degree, and 10,220 are studying postgraduate programs at Cardiff University. Other enrollment statistics of Cardiff University are listed below:
- Minimum TOEFL score of candidates: 90
- Mean TOEFL score of candidates: 105
- Number of international students: 7,530
Cardiff University Courses and Fees
Best courses in Cardiff University are MSc Psychology, BSc in Architecture, BSc Computer Science, and BDS in Dental Surgery. Cardiff University offers more than a hundred degree courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels in various academic disciplines. These disciplines include Accounting, Chemistry, Law, Business, Advertising, Astrophysics, Business Management, Geology, History, Computer Science, Politics, Human Geography, Translation and MBA. Cardiff University tuition fees for international students is GBP 22,700 (INR 23,59,574.20) to GBP 43,700 (INR 45,42,440.20) for one year. The details of fees for some popular courses offered by Cardiff University are tabulated below:
| Course | Cardiff University Fees for International Students (Annual) |
| BSc Accounting | GBP 22,700 (INR 23,59,574.20) |
| BSc Accounting and Finance | GBP 22,700 (INR 23,59,574.20) |
| BSc in Architecture | GBP 28,200 (INR 29,31,277.20) |
| BSc Biomedical Sciences | GBP 28,200 (INR 29,31,277.20) |
| BSc Business Management | GBP 22,700 (INR 23,59,574.20) |
| BSc Computer Science | GBP 28,200 (INR 29,31,277.20) |
| BDS in Dental Surgery | GBP 43,700 (INR 45,42,440.20) |
| MSc Accounting and Finance | GBP 29,200 (INR 30,35,223.20) |
| MSc Advanced Computer Science | GBP 30,200 (INR 31,39,169.20) |
| MSc Psychology | GBP 28,200 (INR 29,31,277.20) |
Note: GBP 1 = INR 103.95, as on November 20, 2023
Cardiff University Application Deadline
Cardiff Uni starts on 23 September 2024 for the academic year 2024-2025. For admissions to most of the UG programs, the Cardiff University application deadline is January 31 for September 2024 intake. Late application closing date is June 30 for September 2024 intake. The closing date for the Medicine and Dentistry UG program for September 2025 intake is 15 October 2024. For admissions Cardiff University to PG programs, such as MSc Accounting and Finance, the seats are allocated on first-come, first served basis. Cardiff University accommodations are allocated on first come, first serve basis.
| Particulars | Application Deadline |
| Application Deadline for UG courses | January 31 |
| Late application closing date for UG courses | June 30 |
| Application deadline for Medicine and Dentistry UG program | 15 October 2024 |
Cardiff University Admission Process
To apply for Cardiff University full-time UG course, a candidate can submit an application via UCAS portal. The application fee for forms submitted via UCAS are GBP 27.50 (INR 2,858.51). Cardiff University gives unconditional offer letter to candidates who fulfill the conditions and have accepted an offer. Candidates fulfilling the eligibility for MS in UK at Cardiff University can apply through the course page. Cardiff University has no application fee for PG applicants. It takes around 10 working days to get an offer from Cardiff University.
Cardiff University Documents Required
Requirements for Cardiff University are academic score, SOP, LOR, and ELP score. The documents of the applicant are vital as they facilitate the admissions committee to decide if the candidate can be accepted to the institution. The documents required for Cardiff University admissions are as follows:
- Academic transcripts of all previous qualifications
- Score report of the English Language Proficiency exam, such as IELTS
- Two to three LORs (Letters of Recommendation)
- Latest CV
- (if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Work experience documents and certificates (if applicable)
- Bank Statement
- Certificate of Finance
- Photocopy of passport (first and last page)
Cardiff University Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for Cardiff University are academic scores and English language proficiency. Cardiff University entry requirements for admission to undergraduate course is 78-81% in best 4 subjects (other than Hindi and Physical Education) in Class 12th and IELTS score of 6.5 or above. Entry requirements for admission to Postgraduate taught course is 55-60% in Bachelor’s degree and IELTS score of 6.5 or above. Students can also take other exams to study in UK. Cardiff University English language requirements are tabulated below:
| Exam | Score |
| IELTS score | 6.5 or above |
| PTE | 69 or above |
| TOEFL | 90 or above |
Cardiff University Scholarships
Cardiff University offers a number of scholarships for students pursuing a specific course and for students with outstanding academic results. To apply for Cardiff University scholarship, students need to be first fulfill the eligibility criteria and submit an application along with documents, such as 200-word essay for Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarships. Candidates can also apply for full funded external scholarships which are considered to be the best UK scholarships for Indian students. The details of scholarships offered by Cardiff University are as follows:
| Scholarship | Eligibility Criteria | Award Amount |
| Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarships | Self-financed student, Fulfilling entry requirements |
Award amount varies |
| Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship | Indian students, Submitted application by July 31 2024 |
GBP 3,500 (INR 3,63,811.00) |
| Cardiff India scholarships | Specific course students | GBP 5,000 (INR 5,19,730.00) |
| Chevening Scholarship | 2 years of work experience, Will return to home country for at least 2 years after the completion of course, Hold UG degree, |
Covers tuition fees, Monthly personal living allowance |
Note: GBP 1 = INR 103.95, as on November 20, 2023
Cardiff University Internships
Employability rate at Cardiff University is less than 95%, as 95% of the graduates join jobs or go for further studies. To enhance the chance for candidates to secure jobs, the higher education institution organizes placements and internships. Candidates can apply for the On-campus Internships Scheme. It is an eight-week paid internship for undergraduate students. Students can check the institution Job Board portal to learn about paid and unpaid opportunities. Part-time jobs in UK is also a good option to gain experience if the job is related to course student is pursuing.
Cardiff University Cost of Living
The cost to live in Cardiff University as a student is around GBP 10,252 (INR 10,65,654.39) to GBP 12,253 (INR 12,73,650.34) for one year. Cardiff is a cheap city for students, as its rent is cheaper than other metropolitan cities in UK. For students living in some of the most expensive areas in Cardiff such as Lisvane, and Cyncoed, the estimated cost of living in UK at Cardiff will be higher. Lifestyle choices also influences the cost of living for students. The details of expense, such as how much a candidate spends on laundry, travel, and utility bills every year, are given below:
| Expense | Per Year Cost of Living |
| Rent | GBP 5,400 (INR 5,61,308.40) |
| Utility Bills | GBP 768 (INR 79,830.53) |
| Food, and laundry | GBP 3,066 (INR 3,18,698.44) |
| Study cost | GBP 204 (INR 21,204.98) |
| Clothes | GBP 420 (INR 43,657.32) |
| Travel | GBP 303 (INR 31,495.64) |
| Socializing and leisure | GBP 1,836 (INR 1,90,844.86) |
Note: GBP 1 = INR 103.95, as on November 20, 2023
Cardiff University Extracurricular Activities
Cardiff one of the best student cities in UK, and it is the capital of Wales. The reasons for wanting to study at Cardiff University are its research facilities, and extracurricular opportunities for students. Cardiff University in Cardiff has lots of extracurricular activities for students. To participate in extracurricular activities, candidates can societies, and athletic unions. There are more than 200 societies in the fields of political and ideology, arts, media, campaigns, awareness, and health. A list of popular societies at Cardiff University are given below:
- Anime Society
- Art Society
- Baking society
- Belly Dancing Society
- Blank Verse
- Bioscience Society
- Bollywood Dance Society
- Book Club
- Cardiff Malayali Society
Cardiff University Diversity
Cardiff University has about 7,530 international students. The international students are from more than 138 countries. The percentage of female students in Cardiff University is 59%, and the percentage of male students in Cardiff University is 41%. The institution also follows a Strategic Equality Plan to promote equality. There are also cultural societies, such as Asian Society, Cardiff Malayali Society, Hong Kong Society, and Indian Society for International Students. Around 5,00,000 people in Cardiff speak English.
Cardiff University Job Outcomes
The positives of Cardiff University are higher graduate salary, lower cost of living, number of cultural societies, and sport facilities. Cardiff Uni graduates make an annual salary of GBP 90,000 (INR 93,55,140.00). The Careers Service at Cardiff University plays an important role by helping students with jobs. Companies providing jobs in UK to Cardiff University graduates are IBM, NHS, KPMG, Nestle, and PwC. Salaries according to degrees the candidate hold are as tabulated below:

Alumni Cardiff University
Celebrities who went to Cradiff University include Nick Broomfield, Robert Evans, Philip Cashian , Siân Phillips, James Righton, Rachel Mason, and Liz Fuller. Some other famous alumni of Cardiff University are Nicole Cooke, an Olympic and Road World champion, and Nathan Cleverly, a professional boxer. Alumni get discounts on postgraduate study and take career advice and support from university. Cardiff University is a Russell Group university. Many famous people who studied at Cardiff University are given below:
| Alumni Cardiff University | Profession |
| Gillian Clarke | Writer |
| Tim Price | Playwright and scriptwriter |
| Susmita Bhattacharya | Poet |
| John Rickards | Author |
| Martin Lewis | Author |
| Tiffany Wright | Founder of The One Romance |
| James Taylor | Founder of SuperStars |
Cardiff University vs Leeds University vs University of Nottingham vs Queen Mary University of London
Cardiff University is prestigious as it is a member of Russell Group and ranks #154 in QS World University ranking 2024. Leeds University is better than Cardiff, as it ranks #75 in QS World University ranking. Queen Mary University is also a member of the Russell Group of British research universities. Comparison of Cardiff University with Leeds University, Queen Mary University of London and University of Nottingham are tabulated below:
| Particulars | Cardiff University | Leeds University | University of Nottingham | Queen Mary University of London |
| Ranking | #154 in QS 2024 | #75 in QS 2024 | #100 in QS | #145 in QS |
| Acceptance Rate | Cardiff University acceptance rate for international students is 20% | 24% for undergraduates | 11% | 43% |
| ELP score | IELTS for UK: 6.5+ TOEFL: 90+ |
IELTS: 6 to 6.5 PTE score: 60-64 TOEFL: 80-88 | IELTS: 6-7 PTE: 65-76 TOEFL: 80-100 |
IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 92 PTE: 71 |
| Tuition Fees | GBP 22,700 (INR 23,59,574.20) to GBP 43,700 (INR 45,42,440.20) | GBP 30,250 (INR 31,44,366.50) | GBP 28,600 (INR 29,72,855.60) | GBP 26,350 (INR 27,38,977.10) |
| Average Annual Salary | GBP 72,189 (INR 75,01,440.53) | GBP 91,000 (INR 94,59,086.00) | GBP 95,000 (INR 98,74,870.00) | GBP 85,000 (INR 88,35,410.00) |
Note: GBP 1 = INR 103.95, as on November 20, 2023
Cardiff University motto is Truth, Unity and Concord. Around 1,000 students of the university participates in the local community activity every year. The IELTS score required for Cardiff University admissions is 6.5.
FAQs
Ques: Why should one choose Cardiff University?
Ans: Cardiff University is one of the low-cost educational institutions in the United Kingdom, offering high-quality education to its students at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. It offers more than a hundred programs in various modules and disciplines to suit the interests and preferences of aspiring students.
Ques: Is Cardiff University a good university?
Ans: Yes. Cardiff University is a good university. In the United Kingdom, as it ranked #154 in QS World University ranking 2024. It ranked # 190 in Times Higher Education World University ranking 2024.
Ques: What are the scholarships offered by Cardiff University?
Ans: Cardiff University offers a number of scholarships. Some of the scholarships include the Cardiff India scholarship (offering an award amount of GBP 5,000), Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship, and Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarships.
Ques: Is Cardiff University government or private?
Ans: Cardiff University is a public institution located in an urban area of Cardiff city. The institution was established in 1883, as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire. Its motto is Truth, Unity, and Concord.
Ques: What are the documents required for admission into Cardiff University?
Ans: The most important documents required for admission into Cardiff University include academic transcripts of all previous qualifications, Score report of the English Language Proficiency exam, Two to three LORs (Letters of Recommendation), Latest CV (if applicable), Statement of Purpose (SOP), Work experience documents and certificates (if applicable), Bank Statement, Certificate of Finance and Photocopy of passport (first and last page).
Ques: Is Cardiff University difficult to get into?
Ans: Yes, it is difficult to get into Cardiff University, as its acceptance rate is 20%. So, the university gives admission to 20% of the applicants only, and the rest 80% of applications are rejected every year.
Ques: Is Cardiff University affordable?
Ans: Yes, Cardiff University is affordable, as the institution's annual fees for most of the program is around GBP 22,700 (INR 23,59,574.20) to GBP 43,700 (INR 45,42,440.20) for one year. Moreover, the cost of living in Cardiff is also lower, around GBP 10,252 (INR 10,65,654.39) to GBP 12,253 (INR 12,73,650.34).
Ques: Does Cardiff require IELTS?
Ans: Cardiff University requires an IELTS score of 6.5 or above. Students can also take other English language proficiency exams to study at Cardiff University. The TOEFL score required for admissions is 90 or above. The score in PTE should be 69 or above.
Ques: How much is Cardiff University tuition fee for international students?
Ans: Cardiff University tuition fee for international students is around GBP 22,700 (INR 23,59,574.20) to GBP 43,700 (INR 45,42,440.20) for one year. The actual tuition fee depends on the program the candidate opts for.
Ques: What type of educational institution is Cardiff University?
Ans: Cardiff University is a public research university. It is a part of the UK’s Russel Group for its programs focusing on intensive research. The institution was founded in 1883 and got it received independent university status in 2005.
















