Cardiff University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | TopUniversities
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# 181QS World University Rankings

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366Undergrad & Postgrad Programmes

International

24 % International students

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About Cardiff University

About

Cardiff University is an ambitious and innovative university with a bold, strategic vision, located in a beautiful and thriving capital city. As a member of the Russell Group, Cardiff is one of Britain’s 24 leading research universities, with a long ‑ standing reputation for academic excellence, cutting ‑ edge research and high student satisfaction.

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021), 90% of our research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Our research led teaching spans the humanities; natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; and lifelong learning.‑led teaching spans the humanities; natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; and lifelong learning.

Founded in 1883, we combine strong academic heritage with modern facilities and a forward looking approach. Our main buildings sit among parks and treelined avenues in Cardiff’s civic centre, creating a welcoming, connected campus‑looking approach. Our main buildings sit among parks and tree‑lined avenues in Cardiff’s civic centre, creating a welcoming, connected campus

We are home to a global community of students and staff, drawn together by curiosity, collaboration and a shared commitment to making a difference. Through this blend of established tradition and cutting-edge innovation, Cardiff University offers a stimulating environment for study and research.

Cardiff is ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings (2025), including top 50 globally for Communication and Media Studies and Dentistry, and top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment, English Language & Literature, Sociology, Geography and Marketing.

Our outstanding research community includes two Nobel Prize winners, alongside Fellows of the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy and Academy of Medical Sciences.

The University’s global community, reputation, and partnerships are at the heart of its identity. With over 7,530 international students from over 140 countries and agreements with more than 300 institutions around the world, international partnerships are an integral part of the University's work. Driven by creativity and curiosity, Cardiff University strives to fulfil its social, cultural and economic obligations to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.


Global outlook and partnerships

International collaboration is central to what we do. We have a diverse community of students from more than 130 countries and partnerships with 300+ institutions worldwide.

These partnerships support student exchange, joint research, dual degrees and global learning opportunities, both inbound and outbound. They help our students gain international experience and prepare for global careers.


Cardiff University Kazakhstan

We are expanding our global footprint through Cardiff University Kazakhstan, our new international campus developed in partnership with local and regional stakeholders.

The campus extends Cardiff's research-led education to Central Asia, supporting talent development, knowledge exchange and long-term collaboration.

About Cardiff University

About

Cardiff University is an ambitious and innovative university with a bold, strategic vision, located in a beautiful and thriving capital city. As a member of the Russell Group, Cardiff is one of Britain’s 24 leading research universities, with a long ‑ standing reputation for academic excellence, cutting ‑ edge research and high student satisfaction.

In the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021), 90% of our research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Our research led teaching spans the humanities; natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; and lifelong learning.‑led teaching spans the humanities; natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; and lifelong learning.

Founded in 1883, we combine strong academic heritage with modern facilities and a forward looking approach. Our main buildings sit among parks and treelined avenues in Cardiff’s civic centre, creating a welcoming, connected campus‑looking approach. Our main buildings sit among parks and tree‑lined avenues in Cardiff’s civic centre, creating a welcoming, connected campus

We are home to a global community of students and staff, drawn together by curiosity, collaboration and a shared commitment to making a difference. Through this blend of established tradition and cutting-edge innovation, Cardiff University offers a stimulating environment for study and research.

Cardiff is ranked highly in the QS World University Rankings (2025), including top 50 globally for Communication and Media Studies and Dentistry, and top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment, English Language & Literature, Sociology, Geography and Marketing.

Our outstanding research community includes two Nobel Prize winners, alongside Fellows of the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy and Academy of Medical Sciences.

The University’s global community, reputation, and partnerships are at the heart of its identity. With over 7,530 international students from over 140 countries and agreements with more than 300 institutions around the world, international partnerships are an integral part of the University's work. Driven by creativity and curiosity, Cardiff University strives to fulfil its social, cultural and economic obligations to Cardiff, Wales, and the world.


Global outlook and partnerships

International collaboration is central to what we do. We have a diverse community of students from more than 130 countries and partnerships with 300+ institutions worldwide.

These partnerships support student exchange, joint research, dual degrees and global learning opportunities, both inbound and outbound. They help our students gain international experience and prepare for global careers.


Cardiff University Kazakhstan

We are expanding our global footprint through Cardiff University Kazakhstan, our new international campus developed in partnership with local and regional stakeholders.

The campus extends Cardiff's research-led education to Central Asia, supporting talent development, knowledge exchange and long-term collaboration.

Available programmes

University information

We offer over 300 undergraduate courses and a wide range of postgraduate programmes, supported by excellent facilities and a strong student experience. Cardiff graduates are in demand by leading employers.

Most undergraduate programmes typically require grades equivalent to AAA–ABB at A ‑ level or 30–36 points in the International Baccalaureate. Postgraduate programmes usually require a strong undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Entry requirements vary by course.

We welcome applications from students around the world and accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please see our website for qualification and grade equivalencies in your country. 

All undergraduate applications are made through the UK’s centralised admission services, UCAS.  You can do this online at ucas.com. All postgraduate programme applications are submitted directly to Cardiff University. You can do this online via our website.

General

6.5+
90+
62+
176+
32+
85+
1200+
23+
590+
2.8+

Bachelor

1100+
80+
6.5+
90+
62+

Master

580+
2.8+
6.5+
90+
62+

Cardiff University is based across two main campuses:

  • ·          Cathays Park: our main campus, set in an attractive civic centre close to the city centre.
  • ·          Heath Park: our dedicated healthcare campus, located on the same site as the University Hospital of Wales, Wales’s largest hospital.

Both campuses offer modern teaching spaces, specialist labs and easy access to student accommodation and city life.

Students benefit from more than 2,500 study spaces, 10 libraries and 25 IT suites, as well as major recent investments such as the Centre for Student Life and the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC) on the Innovation campus), supporting world ‑ leading neuroscience research.

We provide our students with the opportunity to participate in both elite and recreational sports, across four main centres on campus. There are over 60 clubs for men and women to get involved in, ranging from traditional sports (such as rugby and cricket) to martial arts, motorsports and water sports. We also run a High Performance Programme that provides support for student-athletes, recognised as having outstanding potential.

Sport is a big part of the culture of Cardiff and going to see an event or match is a quintessential part of studying here. From world-famous sporting arenas like the Principality Stadium to Sophia Gardens and the international sports village in Cardiff Bay, there’s so many great venues offering a variety of sports at the heart of the Welsh capital.

Whether you like watching rugby, football, ice hockey, cricket or more unusual sporting events, like monster trucks and speedways, Cardiff has plenty to offer you.

27,327
80%
20%
6,493
50%
50%
2,954
68%
32%

Student life

Cardiff offers an outstanding environment for students, combining an affordable, friendly atmosphere with the opportunities of a vibrant capital city. As the 11th biggest city in the UK and one of the most cost-effective university cities, it combines the opportunities of a major cultural centre with the friendliness and accessibility of a compact city.

Cardiff University Students’ Union plays a central role in student life, offering 230+ societies, 70+ sports clubs, and a wide programme of events, from live music and comedy to cultural activities. It is consistently ranked second best students’ unions in the UK (WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025) and also provides essential welfare and support services.

Students benefit from a strong sense of community, excellent support services, and a wide range of opportunities beyond their studies.

Part-time job opportunities are available on campus and throughout the city, with roles in administration, retail, hospitality, and research, helping students gain valuable experience alongside their studies.

Cardiff as a city

Cardiff is one of the UK’s most affordable student cities and consistently rated for quality of life. The city centre is walkable and well connected, with most university buildings, shops and venues close together.

With 300+ parks and gardens, historic arcades and a growing food scene, Cardiff balances city living with green space. Cardiff Castle and the National Museum of Wales sit at the heart of the city, while beaches, countryside and national parks are all within easy reach.

Cardiff regularly hosts major sporting and cultural events, from international rugby at the Principality Stadium to concerts by global artists such as Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and Coldplay.

The city is well connected, with direct trains to London in around two hours and Cardiff International Airport or the nearby Bristol Airport offering flights to key UK and international destinations.

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

Employability

Cardiff University graduates are amongst the most sought-after in the UK. 86% of our graduates are working in the UK in highly skilled employment 15 months after graduation, placing us among the top UK universities for graduate outcomes.

Our Student Futures service supports students at every stage, offering careers advice, skills development, placements, employer connections and global opportunities.

We work closely with employers to ensure our courses develop the skills, confidence and experience graduates need to thrive in a changing world.

Rankings & Ratings

Cardiff University is one of the top Public universities in , . It is ranked #181 in QS World University Rankings 2026.

QS World University Rankings

  • 2015
    #=123
  • 2016
    #122
  • 2017
    #140
  • 2018
    #=137
  • 2019
    #145
  • 2020
    #154
  • 2021
    #159
  • 2022
    #=151
  • 2023
    #166
  • 2024
    #=154
  • 2025
    #186
  • 2026
    #181

QS World University Rankings

  • 2015
    #=123
  • 2016
    #122
  • 2017
    #140
  • 2018
    #=137
  • 2019
    #145
  • 2020
    #154
  • 2021
    #159
  • 2022
    #=151
  • 2023
    #166
  • 2024
    #=154
  • 2025
    #186
  • 2026
    #181

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Frequently Asked Questions

Details of the funding that Cardiff University is aware of are available on international scholarship page. You may also wish to contact your local educational advisor or British Council  for advice.   
Relevant information on application process, requirements, deadlines and advice on the next steps for undergraduate studies can be found in our detailed application guide.
Cardiff University has a wide range of courses on offer at Postgraduate level. After researching our postgraduate taught programmes, course structure, career opportunities and tuition fees, you can follow our step-by-step guide application guide.   More information on our postgraduate research courses and ways to apply can be found on postgraduate research page.. You can also visit our  Academic School pages  for information about the facilities, courses and the most up to date news. You may also require an English language qualification to study with us and we accept a variety of  English language qualifications . Please, be aware that for Clinical Postgraduate programmes in the School of Dentistry, and Postgraduate vocational programmes in the Law School, we can only consider IELTS. We also offer a range of  English Language  courses for students looking to improve their English language level before starting their academic programme.
You can get in touch with student ambassadors though our live chat. You can also apply filters like levels and area of study if you have questions about a particular course, and set the origin of the student if you would like to speak to someone in your own language. 
There are a number of ways you can contact us and keep up-to-date with our international activities. If you have a specific question or feedback, you can complete our online form or contact us via email. Please provide as much information as possible to help us with your enquiry. If you have a question or would like to keep up-to-date with the latest news and events through our social media channels, you can: Follow us on FacebookFollow us on Weibo
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