Cardiff University

Cardiff University was founded in 1883 as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire and became an independent university in 2005. It is the only Welsh member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities.

The university is located in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Its main campus is centred on Cathays Park, an area of civic buildings close to the city centre, while medicine, dentistry and healthcare are taught at the Heath Park campus alongside the University Hospital of Wales. The university is undertaking a major investment programme to modernise its campus. The university has around 31,000 students. Teaching and research are organised into three colleges: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; and Physical Sciences and Engineering, each containing a number of academic schools. Cardiff has a strong research reputation, with 90 per cent of its research rated world leading or internationally excellent in the most recent national assessment, and Nobel laureates among its academic staff. Recognised strengths include medicine and health sciences, journalism, architecture and engineering. Its Students' Union is consistently regarded as one of the best in the UK.

Information for International Students

Cardiff University has a large international community and provides dedicated international advisers who support applicants with academic and Student visa applications. The Centre for Student Life offers ongoing support after arrival, and careers guidance is available for international students, including information on the Graduate Route. The standard English language requirement is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component, although some courses require higher scores.

The university runs its own pre-sessional English courses, lasting from 6 to 20 weeks and open to offer holders with IELTS Academic 5.0 or above; successful completion removes the need to retake IELTS. Pathway programmes are delivered by the Cardiff University International Study Centre, in partnership with Study Group, which is located at the centre of the campus. Routes include an International Foundation Year, an accelerated foundation option, International Year One in several subjects and a Pre-Master's programme, with guaranteed progression for students who achieve the required grades. The university also recognises the NCUK International Foundation Year.

First-year undergraduates and international postgraduate students starting in September are guaranteed a place in university accommodation, provided they meet the application deadlines. The residences have staff support and security around the clock.