Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a public research university in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is the only Russell Group university in Wales and is a strong option for international students who want a research-led UK degree, a capital-city lifestyle and structured employability support.

The university is known for subjects such as business, computer science, engineering, architecture, journalism, media, law, medicine, dentistry, psychology, biosciences, social sciences and humanities. Its main advantage is the combination of Russell Group research strength, city-based student life and practical career support through Student Futures.

For students planning the September 2026 intake, Cardiff University can be a good fit if the goal is to study in a well-ranked UK university outside London, with access to a friendly student city, strong Students' Union, placements, internships and graduate career support.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
University type	Public research university
Main location	Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
University group	Russell Group
Main campus areas	Cathays Park and Heath Park
Popular intake	September 2026
Student community	Around 33,000 students from about 150 countries
International students	Around 8,000 non-UK students
Known for	Research, employability, student life, business, computer science, engineering, healthcare, media and social sciences
Career support	Student Futures, jobs board, internships, placements, international student employability support

Why Cardiff University Can Be A Good Fit

Cardiff gives students the experience of a capital city without the same living-cost pressure as London. The university is close to government, media, healthcare, finance, hospitality, retail, sport, public services and technology activity in Wales, which can be helpful for networking, part-time work and career exploration.

The university is also useful for students who want academic credibility. Cardiff is a Russell Group institution and its research profile is a major part of its identity. For students comparing UK universities, this can matter when looking at research-led teaching, dissertation options, postgraduate study and employer recognition.

2026 Tuition Snapshot

Tuition fees vary by course, level and fee status. Students should always check the exact course page before applying.

Study level	Indicative 2026/27 international fee pattern	Notes
Undergraduate arts and humanities-style courses	Example: International Relations BA is listed at GBP 24,700 per year for 2026 entry	Course-specific fee applies
Undergraduate science, engineering and computing courses	Often higher; Computer Science BSc is listed at GBP 30,700 per year for 2026 entry	Lab-based and technical courses may cost more
Undergraduate clinical courses	Example: Medicine Graduate Entry MBBCh is listed at GBP 47,450 per year for 2026 entry	Clinical and professional courses may have higher fees
International Foundation Year through Cardiff University International Study Centre	GBP 22,250 to GBP 25,250 for 2026/27 depending on pathway	For students who need a pathway before degree entry
International Year One through Cardiff University International Study Centre	GBP 22,500 to GBP 24,500 for 2026/27 depending on pathway	Progression route into selected degree areas
Pre-Master's through Cardiff University International Study Centre	GBP 20,250 to GBP 22,250 for 2026/27 depending on pathway	For students preparing for postgraduate study
Postgraduate taught programmes	Examples for 2026 entry include Social and Public Policy MSc at GBP 25,950, Data Science and Analytics MSc at GBP 32,450, and Computing MSc at GBP 33,200	Deposit is required for most postgraduate taught programmes
Postgraduate research	2026/27 fees may be updated separately; 2025/26 international research fees ranged by subject area	Confirm latest research fee before applying

Fee And Admission Snapshot

Area	What students should check
Academic requirement	Depends on course, country and previous qualification
English requirement	University minimum is usually IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each subskill, but some courses ask for 7.0 or higher
Undergraduate deposit	Many undergraduate course pages list no deposit for overseas students, but students should check the exact offer
Postgraduate taught deposit	Most postgraduate taught programmes require a deposit; 2025/26 guidance lists GBP 2,500 for most PGT programmes, GBP 5,000 for selected clinical programmes and GBP 1,000 for Graduate Diploma Law
CAS and visa	Students must meet offer conditions, pay required deposit or prove exemption, and submit requested documents before CAS
Payment pattern	Self-funded students can usually pay in full or in instalments, with the first instalment expected before arrival/enrolment
Scholarships	International scholarships and course-specific funding may be available; check deadlines early

Application Snapshot

Study level	Application route
Undergraduate	Most full-time undergraduate applicants apply through UCAS
Postgraduate taught	Students apply online through Cardiff University; the university states there is no postgraduate application fee
Postgraduate research	Students choose a research area or supervisor route, check school requirements and apply online
Pathway programmes	Students apply through Cardiff University International Study Centre

Complete postgraduate applications are often processed in around 4 to 6 weeks, but busy periods and complex applications can take longer.

Campus And Student Life

Cardiff University's main academic life is centred around Cathays Park, close to the city centre. Heath Park is important for healthcare, medicine and clinical subjects. This gives students access to libraries, study spaces, laboratories, hospitals, sports facilities, Students' Union services and city life.

Cardiff Students' Union is a major part of the experience. It has societies, sports teams, events, advice, student representation, study spaces and a Jobshop for part-time work. For international students, this can make it easier to meet people, build confidence and settle into UK student life.

Who Should Consider Cardiff University?

Cardiff University can suit students who want:

• A Russell Group university in the UK
• A September 2026 intake option
• A capital-city student experience outside London
• Strong rankings in UK and global tables
• Career support for part-time jobs, internships, placements and graduate roles
• A broad subject choice across business, STEM, health, media, law, humanities and social sciences
• An active Students' Union with societies, sports and student services
• A city that is easier to manage than larger UK metros

Things To Check Before Applying

Before finalising Cardiff University, students should confirm:

• Whether the chosen course is open for September 2026
• Exact international tuition fee for the course
• Academic and English language requirements
• Whether a deposit is required and the deadline in the offer letter
• CAS document requirements and visa timelines
• Scholarship eligibility and application deadline
• Accommodation options near Cathays Park or Heath Park
• Whether the course includes placement, professional accreditation or work-based learning
• Part-time work rules on the UK Student visa

Cardiff University is popular with international students who want a research-led UK degree, strong student life and a capital-city location that is more affordable and easier to navigate than London.

Popular area	Why students choose Cardiff
Russell Group education	Cardiff is the only Russell Group university in Wales, which supports its research-led academic reputation
Business and management	Cardiff Business School offers routes across business, management, accounting, finance, marketing and economics
Computer science and technology	Courses connect computing fundamentals with areas such as AI, cybersecurity, software engineering and data
Engineering and architecture	Students can explore technical, design, built environment and industry-facing project routes
Medicine, dentistry and health	Heath Park campus links students to healthcare, clinical and life sciences environments
Journalism, media and culture	Cardiff is well known for media-related study, supported by the city's media and public-sector ecosystem
Student life	Cardiff Students' Union, societies, sports and city-centre access make settling in easier
Employability support	Student Futures supports CVs, applications, interviews, placements, internships and graduate planning

Key Highlights For International Students

• Capital city location: Students study in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, with access to employers, culture, transport and part-time work.
• Russell Group profile: Cardiff is research-intensive and has strong recognition in UK and global rankings.
• International community: The university has students from around 150 countries, creating a diverse campus environment.
• Strong Students' Union: Cardiff Students' Union offers societies, sports, advice, events, representation and Jobshop support.
• Career preparation: Student Futures gives one-to-one guidance, careers events, jobs board access and international student employability support.
• Flexible work experience: Students can explore internships, short insights, placements, volunteering, student ambassador work and part-time jobs.
• September 2026 planning: Many courses list September 2026 as the next intake, but students should confirm the exact course page before applying.