Cardiff University

Overview

English Name: Cardiff University

Acronyms: CU

Founded: 1883

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #256

Rank in United Kingdom: #19

Established in 1997, the Cardiff University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium city of Cardiff (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Wales.

Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, Cardiff University (CU) is a large-sized coeducational UK higher education institution. Cardiff University (CU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 27-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

CU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Address, contact details, and online presence for Cardiff University are summarised below. Cross-check with the official website if you intend to send documents or financial information.

Academic Details

Cardiff University's institutional metrics and recognition context. Recognition reciprocity matters for credential portability — check whether your home country accepts Cardiff University's qualifications.

Degrees

Pick your degree level at Cardiff University from the breakdown. Late-entry and transfer options vary by level and country — fewer universities accept mid-degree transfers at master's than at bachelor's.

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Privy Council.

Programs Offered

Find a programme at Cardiff University by filter, or browse by degree level. Online and on-campus delivery modes differ in tuition, time commitment, and credential recognition — confirm which mode each programme runs in.

How to apply to Cardiff University

A practical five-step guide to applying to Cardiff University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.

1. 1
   Find a programme that fits your goals

   Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Cardiff University offers 275 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

2. 2
   Confirm you meet the requirements

   Each programme at Cardiff University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

3. 3
   Assemble your application package

   Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

4. 4
   Submit your application

   Apply directly via Cardiff University's online portal at www.cardiff.ac.uk. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

5. 5
   Contact admissions and follow up

   After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (29) 2087 4000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cardiff University

Frequently asked questions about Cardiff University, covering the institutional basics most prospective applicants want to confirm first.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom

Top the United Kingdom universities often run international branch campuses. Cardiff University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.

University of Oxford

Oxford · Public · Rank #10

University College London

London · Public · Rank #11

University of Cambridge

Cambridge · Public · Rank #26

Imperial College London

London · Public · Rank #28

King's College London

London · Public · Rank #65

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Regional language considerations matter when comparing universities near Cardiff University. Bilingual or minority-language regions may shape teaching, signage, and daily life consistently across the cluster.

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff · Public · Rank #2106

University of Wales

Cardiff · Public · Est. 1893

Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

Cardiff · Public · Est. 1949

CA

Cardiff and Vale College

Cardiff · Est. 2011

Where Else to Study Natural Sciences & Mathematics

Industry partnership exclusives on Natural Sciences & Mathematics programmes vary — some the United Kingdom institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh · Public · Rank #79

University of Manchester

Manchester · Public · Rank #85

University of Nottingham

Nottingham · Public · Rank #129

University of Glasgow

Glasgow · Public · Rank #140

University of Birmingham

Birmingham · Public · Rank #148

Universities Often Compared with Cardiff University

Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to Cardiff University in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.

University of Warwick

Coventry · Public · Rank #253

University of Exeter

Exeter · Public · Rank #261

Queen's University Belfast

Belfast · Public · Rank #291

University of Southampton

Southampton · Public · Rank #212

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London

London · Public · Rank #305