All You Need to Know About Cardiff University: The Complete 2025 Guide

Cardiff University isn't trying to be Oxford or Cambridge. It's something better - a proper university that actually cares about students. Wales' only Russell Group institution, this university sits in one of the UK's most brilliant student cities. Along with good education, there are many good options for student accommodation in Cardiff. If you want to know why students love Cardiff University, read the following blog thoroughly. Here's everything you actually need to know.

Why Choose Cardiff University?

• Russell Group Member: Cardiff is the only university in Wales with this prestigious designation
• Established Reputation: Founded in 1883, ranked #186 globally (QS 2025) and #37 in the UK (Guardian)
• Diverse Programmes: Offers 305 undergraduate and 190 postgraduate courses
• International Student Hub: Welcomes 7,530+ international students from 138+ countries
• Tuition Fees: £9,250/year (UK); £19,700–£24,450/year (international); £46,900/year (medicine)
• Student Life: 200+ societies, 5,500+ accommodation spaces, strong campus culture
• Industry-Relevant Courses: Designed with employer input for practical outcomes
• Top Academic Fields: Strong in journalism, architecture, business, engineering, and psychology
• Research Excellence: 90% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent
• Graduate Outcomes: 94% employment or further study within six months
• Affordability: Cardiff is one of the UK’s most budget-friendly university cities

Choosing the right student accommodation is key to a great university experience. Cardiff has plenty of options, but if you’re unsure where to start, check out our blog on the best Cardiff student accommodation for top picks, tips, and what to look for when booking.

Quick History Lesson

Cardiff University was founded in 1883 as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire. It became Cardiff University in 2005 after merging with various institutions. Now it's independent, a member of the Russell Group, and respected globally.

Notable alumni:

• Two Nobel Prize winners
• Three heads of state
• Loads of BBC presenters (journalism school is excellent)

The university has kept its practical roots. Still serves real people with real skills. No pretension, just excellent education. To learn more about the city's unique characteristics, explore some fun facts about Cardiff. 

Rankings That Actually Matter

Subject rankings (UK):

• Architecture: #3
• Journalism: #5
• Psychology: #8
• Pharmacy: #4

Russell Group membership isn't just a label. Means access to major research funding and industry partnerships. Your degree carries that weight. When considering top universities in Cardiff, Cardiff University is a standout.

What You Can Actually Study

Cardiff offers pretty much everything across three colleges:

Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences

Top programs:

• Cardiff Business School - Triple-accredited, industry connections
• Journalism School - BBC partnerships, professional facilities
• Law School - Training contracts available
• Psychology - BPS accredited, excellent research
• Architecture - RIBA validated, global reputation

Interested in exploring creative degrees beyond Cardiff? Check out our best art universities in the UK blog for a curated list of top institutions shaping the future of art and design.

Life Sciences

Leading programs:

• Medicine (5-year MBBCh)
• Dentistry (BDS with clinical training)
• Pharmacy (4-year MPharm)
• Biosciences

Engineering and Sciences

Popular options:

• Engineering (all types)
• Computer Science
• Physics and Astronomy
• Mathematics

Most courses include industry placements. Real experience, not just theory.

Campus Life - The Good Stuff

Two Main Campuses

1. Cathays Park (Main) is right in Cardiff's city centre. A mix of stunning historic buildings and modern facilities.

• Main Building (Grade II listed, proper iconic)
• Students' Union (voted 2nd best in UK)
• Libraries (24/7 access during term)
• Sports facilities

2. Heath Park (Medical) is 2 miles away, houses healthcare programs next to the University Hospital Wales. Moreover, numerous libraries in Cardiff offer students ample study spaces and resources, with the university libraries providing 24/7 access during term.

Students' Union - Actually Brilliant

Cardiff is ranked 2nd best in the UK for good reason. With over 200 student societies and clubs in Cardiff, there's truly something for everyone.

What you get:

• 200+ societies
• 60+ sports clubs
• Live music venue
• Multiple bars and cafes
• 24/7 study spaces
• JobShop for part-time work

Pro Tip: You can have your weekly/monthly society meetings at the top museums in Cardiff. You can chat, discuss and learn. 

Sports and Activities

Cardiff takes sport seriously. City hosted the 2012 Olympic football.

Popular sports:

• Rugby (obviously - this is Wales)
• Football
• Swimming
• Climbing
• Ultimate Frisbee (surprisingly competitive)

Facilities:

• 50m swimming pool
• Climbing wall
• Multiple gyms
• Outdoor pitches

Nightlife Worth Mentioning

Student favourites:

• Mill Lane (main student strip)
• Revolution (cocktails and dancing)
• Live Lounge (alternative music)

Beyond student venues:

• Cardiff Bay (upscale bars)
• Pontcanna (independent places)
• City centre pubs

Everything's walkable. Taxis are affordable. Night buses actually work.

For those seeking vibrant evenings, the clubs and nightlife in Cardiff offer a diverse range of options. It's also advisable to review a safety guide for students in Cardiff. If you are a foodie, you can visit the best restaurants in Cardiff that offer good food with discounts. 

Accommodation - Where You'll Live

5,500+ rooms across 16 residences. All within walking distance of campus. This student housing guide for Cardiff students provides detailed information on available options.

Top Choices

1. Zenith
2. City Heights
3. Vita Student Park Place

Pro Tip: If you're searching for affordable student accommodation in Cardiff, Zenith’s standard rooms are a great starting point. 

Private Housing (Second Year)

These areas are consistently ranked among the best areas to live in Cardiff for students due to their convenience and vibrant atmosphere.

Popular areas:

• Cathays (traditional student area)
• Roath (trendy, good transport)
• Pontcanna (upmarket)

Options for luxury student accommodation in Cardiff include studios and premium residences offering enhanced amenities.

For a deeper dive into Cardiff’s housing scene, check out our full guide on why to live in Cardiff student accommodation to explore the best locations, pricing tips, and what to expect from your new home.

Getting In - The Reality

Undergraduate Requirements

UK students need:

• A-levels: AAB-ABB typically
• BTEC: DDM-DDD
• IB: 32-36 points

Examples:

• Medicine: AAA + UCAT/BMAT
• Architecture: AAB + portfolio
• Engineering: ABB with Maths/Physics
• Business: ABB-BBB

International Requirements

Academic grades vary by country:

• India: 78-81% in the best four Class XII subjects
• China: Gaokao regional scores
• USA: High school + SAT/ACT

English Language

*Medicine, Law, Journalism need higher scores

Application Process

• Undergrad: Apply through UCAS by January 15. 
• Postgrad: Direct application to Cardiff
• International acceptance rate: 20%. Competitive but achievable.

Want to boost your chances of success? Check out our tips for university exam preparation blog for expert strategies on studying smarter, managing stress, and acing your entrance exams.

Money Matters

This provides a breakdown of the general cost of living in Cardiff for students.

Tuition Fees (2025-26)

UK students:

• Undergraduate: £9,250/year
• Postgraduate: £10,500-15,000/year

International students:

• Undergraduate: £19,700-25,200/year
• Medicine: £46,900/year
• Postgraduate: £19,450-24,950/year

Living Costs

Monthly expenses:

• Accommodation: £700-£1,200+
• Food: £180-£350+
• Transport: £30-£80+
• Entertainment: £80-£250+
• Bills (if not included): £70-£140+
• Phone and internet: £25-£60+
• University stuff: £30-£120+
• Total: £1,115-£2,380+

Want to see how your lifestyle and preferences affect your budget? Use our cost of living calculator to get a personalised breakdown and plan your finances with confidence.

Scholarships Available

International scholarships:

• Vice-Chancellor's International: £2,000-5,000/year
• Global Wales Postgraduate: £3,000
• Country-specific options available

To explore these options in detail, including eligibility criteria, application timelines, and insider tips, check out our complete guide to UK scholarships for international students.

Money-saving tips:

• Student discounts everywhere (10-40% off)
• Cook instead of eating out
• Free activities all over Cardiff

Career Prospects - The Important BitA 

94% employment rate within 6 months isn't luck. Cardiff works hard to get students jobs.

Graduate Outcomes

• 94% employed or in further study
• 85% in graduate-level roles
• £25,000 average starting salary (UK)
• £35,000 average (internationals returning home)

Top Employers

Major recruiters:

• Big Four accountancy (PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY)
• Tech (Google, Microsoft, IBM)
• Finance (Barclays, HSBC)
• Media (BBC, ITV, Sky)
• Engineering (Rolls-Royce, Airbus)

Salary Expectations

Career support includes:

• Individual coaching
• CV/interview prep
• Employer events
• Internship programs
• Global opportunities
• Alumni network (200,000+ worldwide)

Cardiff also offers plenty of part-time job opportunities, allowing students to earn extra income with flexible hours (up to 15–20 hours weekly). Interested in how part-time work supports your growth? Read our guide on the benefits of part-time jobs for students in the UK.

If you're planning to find work while studying in Cardiff, check out our dedicated guide to part-time jobs in Cardiff for current openings, sector insights, and application tips.

International Student Experience

7,530+ international students from 138+ countries. That diversity actually enhances everything.

Visa Support

Student visa requirements:

• A course over 6 months needs a Student visa
• Work rights: 20 hours/week, term time, full-time holidays
• Graduate route: 2 years post-study work

The university provides visa guidance, arrival support, and ongoing immigration advice. Check out our blog on the UK student visa guide to gain more information regarding the requirements, process, and fees.

Integration Support

Services include:

• Pre-arrival orientation
• English language support
• Cultural adjustment workshops
• International societies
• Buddy programs with UK students

Popular societies:

• International Students' Association
• Country-specific groups
• Faith communities
• Language exchange

To make your move even smoother, don’t miss our student checklist for moving to the UK, a comprehensive guide covering everything from visa prep and packing tips to accommodation and cultural adaptation.

Life in Cardiff - Why It Works

Cardiff's genuinely one of the UK's best student cities. This city guide for students in Cardiff offers a comprehensive look at what the city has to offer.

Why students love it:

• 350,000 population (big enough for opportunities, small enough to navigate)
• 40,000+ students (proper student city feel)
• Everything walkable
• Safe environment
• 30% more affordable than London

Want a deeper look into what it’s really like to study and live here? Check out our student life in Cardiff blog for insider tips, local favourites, and everything you need to know before making the move.

Transport

The transport guide for students in Cardiff is a great source of travel information. It includes bus routes, maps, ticket fares, and student discounts. 

Getting around:

• Excellent bus network with student discounts
• Bike-friendly with cycle lanes
• Walkable city centre
• Affordable taxis

National connections:

• 2 hours to London by train
• Cardiff Airport for European flights
• M4 motorway access
• Budget coach services

Entertainment

Cardiff is always happening. There are tons of things to do in Cardiff for students. Some of them are free of cost, while some have student discounts also:

• Principality Stadium (Six Nations rugby, major events)
• Cardiff Castle (city centre landmark)
• Cardiff Bay (waterfront dining)
• Motorpoint Arena (touring acts)

Annual events:

• Cardiff Half Marathon
• Cardiff Festival
• Pride Cymru
• Food and Drink Festival

Climate

• Mild winters (rarely freezing)
• Warm summers (20-25°C)
• Regular rainfall (bring a good jacket)
• Less extreme than northern England/Scotland

Should You Choose Cardiff?

Cardiff's Perfect If You Want:

• Academic excellence without pretension. 
• World-class education, down-to-earth atmosphere, professors who actually teach.
• Real value for money: Quality education, affordable living, excellent prospects without massive debt.
• Proper university experience, Active campus life, a genuine students' union, a balance of academic and social.
• International environment: 138+ nationalities, global classroom discussions, cultural exchange opportunities.

Cardiff Might Not Suit You If:

• You want Oxbridge tradition: Cardiff's modern and practical, less formal, focuses on real-world applications.
• You need London excitement: Smaller city, fewer internships during the term, less diverse cultural scene.
• You want highly specialised programs: Cardiff's strong across many areas, but not everything is available.

Questions for Yourself

• Is your subject strong at Cardiff?
• Do you prefer manageable cities?
• Can you handle Welsh weather?
• Will finances work for your situation?
• Do Cardiff graduates work in your target field?

For a more balanced perspective on living in the city, consider the pros and cons of living in Cardiff.

Final Verdict: Why Cardiff University Stands Out

Cardiff University offers something rare: genuine value. You get Russell Group credibility, outstanding teaching, a vibrant student community, and strong career outcomes, all without the costs and chaos of London living.

If you're after a well-rounded university experience that blends academic rigour with real social life, Cardiff should be on your shortlist. The combination of quality, affordability, and lifestyle is hard to beat. After three years here, I'd make the same choice again, and that speaks volumes.

Thinking about applying? Visit the campus during open days, connect with current students, dig into your chosen course, and compare options early; popular degrees fill up fast. Cardiff might not aim to be everything for everyone, but if you're looking for an excellent education, authentic student life, and great value? It just might be perfect.

Before you dive in, don’t forget the importance of finding the right home base.