Founded in 1883, Cardiff University is a leading global institution combining a rich heritage with modern facilities, world-class research, and a strong international outlook. As a member of the Russell Group, it is recognised for research excellence, with academics who are leaders in their fields shaping a high-quality, research-led teaching experience.
Cardiff University is ranked 121st in the world in TIME World's Top Universities 2026, a ranking that evaluates global institutions based on teaching, research, and international outlook. The University is also highly ranked across a range of subject areas in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Located in the heart of Cardiff, a vibrant and welcoming European capital, students benefit from a safe and well-connected city, as well as one of the most affordable student destinations in the UK, with easy access to both stunning natural landscapes and London.
The University offers an outstanding student experience, supported by a top-ranked Students' Union, excellent student services, and one of the UK's leading career support systems, contributing to its recognition as the top university in the world for overall student satisfaction in 2025.
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across 27 academic schools. According to the latest world league tables*, Cardiff is ranked in the top 100 globally in:
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Biological Sciences
- Business Administration
- Communication and Media Studies
- Dentistry
- English Language
- Geography
- Law
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
* QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai) by Subject 2025, THE World University Subject Rankings 2026.
The University has 15 residences, each with different facilities, in different locations and at different costs to suit individual preferences and budgets. And what's more, undergraduates and overseas/EU postgraduates (arriving in September) are guaranteed a place for their first year. Your choices include single or mixed gender accommodation, private or shared bathrooms, self-catered, part-catered or fully catered (with vegetarian options), and a variety of social and sporting facilities. You will have your own study bedroom. Cardiff University does not have shared rooms or dormitories. One of the advantages of University residences is the support you are offered. Each residence has a network of residences staff, student wardens and security staff that provide 24 hour assistance.
For the 2026/27 year self-catered residences range from £131 - £187 a week. Part/fully catered residences range from £144 - £187 a week. Rooms with private bathrooms are generally more expensive than rooms with shared bathrooms.
The Athletic Union runs over 70 sports clubs and arranges fixtures against other universities. Almost every popular sport is played at the University and whatever your level you will find an opportunity to play and participate.
If you are interested in keeping fit, the University also has three gyms and runs classes dedicated to mental and physical well-being.
Every student enrolled at Cardiff University is automatically a member of Cardiff Students' Union, ranked the 2nd best Students’ Union in the UK. Run by students, for students, it is dedicated to supporting the social life and wellbeing of the student community. The Union building includes a bar, nightclub, concert venue, retail shops, cafés, letting agency and advice centre. It also runs its own student newspaper, magazine, radio station and television station.
The best way to make friends is to join a "student society". These clubs are very important to student life and are run by other students. There are more than 240 societies, many of which represent areas of the world including: Canada, China, India, Pakistan, Nigeria and many more.
For two weeks every year the international societies celebrate "Go Global," a festival that showcases the University’s diversity involving dance, music and food.
There are three Canadian clubs and societies:
- Canadian Society
- Cardiff Snakecharmers Cheerleading
- Cardiff Redhawks Ice Hockey
The University is located in the centre of a thriving, cosmopolitan capital city. The city centre is only a few minutes' walk from the University and excellent transport links provide easy access to the rest of the UK and Europe via train, air and road.
Cardiff is one of the safest regions in the UK, making it a fantastic student city in which to live. In 2024, the city was ranked by the European Commission as one of the best places in Europe for immigrants and young families, reflecting its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Cardiff regularly hosts major international music concerts and world-class sporting events, including Test Match cricket, snooker championships and international football. The city will also be one of the host cities for the UEFA EURO 2028 football championship and, in 2027, will become the first UK city to host the LGBTQ+ EuroGames.
Fans of Doctor Who and Sherlock may recognise parts of Cardiff and even some University buildings, which have been used as filming locations for these internationally acclaimed series.