Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, Cardiff University has been producing successful graduates for over 140 years and is today recognised as one of the UK’s leading research-intensive institutions. As the only Welsh member of the prestigious Russell Group, Cardiff is committed to delivering world-class teaching and research that have a real impact both nationally and globally. The University combines a proud tradition of academic excellence with a forward-looking approach, preparing students to succeed in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.

Cardiff has established a strong international reputation for the quality of its research. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 90% of the University’s research was rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent,” with particular strengths in clinical medicine, psychology, engineering, and social sciences. This reputation has been reflected in global rankings: Cardiff is placed within the top 200 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is ranked 32nd in the Times University Guide 2025. Domestically, Cardiff is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK, with the Complete University Guide 2025 placing it in the top 40.

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across 27 academic schools.
According to the latest UK league tables, Cardiff is ranked top 5 in:

• Celtic Studies



• Physiotherapy



• Pharmacology and Pharmacy



• Optometry, Ophthalmics & Orthoptics



• Counselling, Psychotherapy & Occupational Therapy



• Dentistry

And top 10 in:


• Town & Country Planning and Landscape Design



• Theology & Religious Studies



• Psychology



• Linguistics



• Asian Studies



• Architecture



• Communication and Media Studies

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 2025/26 year self-catered residences range from £126 - £192 a week. Part/fully catered residences range from £156 - £179 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, which is run by a committee of students and is dedicated to the social and welfare needs of all students on campus. The Union building includes a bar, nightclub, concert venue, retail shops, cafes, letting agency and advice centre. It 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 great student city to live in. Exciting international music concerts are regular occurrence in Cardiff in addition to world-class sporting events such as the Test Match Cricket, Snooker Championships and football. This has given Cardiff the well-earned title of ‘European Capital of Sport 2014’.

The hit television series such as ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Sherlock’ are filmed in the city with many University buildings being used as locations.