Cardiff University

2014 League Table Ranking 35
2014 Overall Score 736
View the 2014 league tables

Arriving at a new place is understandably a challenging and exciting experience for international students. With this in mind, Cardiff University takes great care to ensure a smooth arrival and transition for all our international students.
Before students arrive, Cardiff representatives hold local pre-departure briefings in many countries. These talks cover practical matters such as applying for visas, financial requirements, accommodation and travel arrangements. The briefings also cover what to expect after arriving in the UK and is an excellent opportunity to meet other students who are also coming to study in Cardiff. In addition to pre-departure briefings, students are sent a guide which explains enrolment and induction as well as highlighting orientation events and welcome talks.
Cardiff University offers a free coach collection service from Heathrow and Cardiff International Airport. For dates and times of these events, it would be useful to visit our website closer to the date of travel for regular updates at www.cardiff.ac.uk/international/arrive.

International students are guaranteed a single-occupancy place in University residences for the full duration of their studies. This is provided they apply through the normal admission and allocation process, and re-apply for accommodation each year through the overseas returners process.
The University has 14 residences, each with different facilities. Students have a choice of self-catered, part-catered or fully catered (with vegetarian options).
All rooms in Halls of Residences are connected to the University network and high-speed internet. The University is also a wi-fi enabled campus, so internet access is easily available outside your accommodation.
Most of the University accommodation is within walking distance of the University, and students are able to walk or cycle to their classes every day.
International students are assigned places in Halls of Residence evenly, and not clustered together.
Students do not have to move out of their accommodation during the Christmas and Easter holidays, only having to do so at the end of the academic year. There is an option, through University Residences, for students wishing to stay during the summer holiday.
Accommodation costs will be around £191 per week/£832 per month/£7,406 for nine months. These costs are inclusive of rent, school books, travel, food, telelphone/TV license, social/recreational activities and laundry.

For EU and international students, the minimum requirement is IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 580, or equivalent.
For students studying GCSE English, a C grade is required.
Ten or eight week pre-sessional English language programmes may be offered to students narrowly missing their IELTS requirement.
Some programmes may require a higher English language requirement – students are encouraged to check individual School websites before applying.

There are a number of scholarships and bursaries for international students, including subject-specific scholarships and non-country specific awards.
Our website contains the most up-to-date list of funding available.

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International Office
Deri House
2–4 Park Grove
Cathays
Cardiff
CF10 3BN

Rank and reputation of University – Cardiff University is a member of the elite Russell Group University, ranked 15 in the UK and top 1.5% in the world. Cardiff students are taught by staff who are pioneers in their subjects and have a strong commitment to producing the very best research. Employment rates for Cardiff University’s international graduates are 10% higher than the UK average.
Cost of living – Cardiff is one of the most affordable university cities in the UK. Rent in Cardiff is on average, £45 cheaper a week than London. Being both a compact and flat city, transport costs are lower as students do not need to use buses and taxis to get around.
Safe, compact and friendly city – the University has two campuses, one in the heart of the city centre and the other based in the University Hospital, a mile north of the city centre. Both sites have university accommodation located within walking distance. Cardiff is a safe and friendly city renowned for its friendly and welcoming people.