How To Get Into Cardiff University

Cardiff University is a leading UK university, popular among Indian students for its academic excellence and affordable tuition.

Here’s how to get into Cardiff University, including entry requirements, application steps, and scholarships.

Why Choose Cardiff University?

• Global Ranking: Top 200 worldwide (QS 2024)
• Student Population: 33,000+ from 130+ countries
• Location: Cardiff, capital of Wales, affordable and student-friendly

Fun Fact: Cardiff is known as the “City of Arcades” for its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades. It’s also the filming location for popular TV shows like Doctor Who and Sherlock! The city is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable student cities in the UK.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

Undergraduate Programs

Requirement	Details
Academic Qualification	70–85% in Class XII (CBSE/ISC/State Boards)
English Proficiency	IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL 80–90 / PTE 59–67
Subject Prerequisites	Required for STEM courses

Postgraduate Programs

Requirement	Details
Academic Qualification	Bachelor’s with 55–65% (First Class)
English Proficiency	IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 / PTE 62
GRE/GMAT	Not required except for some business courses

English Proficiency Test Score Comparison

Test	Minimum UG Score	Minimum PG Score
IELTS	6.0–6.5	6.5
TOEFL	80–90	90
PTE	59–67	62

Over 90% of Indian students at Cardiff University meet the English language requirements on their first attempt, thanks to strong English education in India.

Application Process

Step	Details
1. Research Courses	Cardiff Course Finder
2. Prepare Documents	Transcripts, SOP, LORs, English test scores, passport
3. Apply Online	UCAS for UG, University Portal for PG
4. Pay Fees	Application fee: £20–£50
5. Interview	Some courses may require an interview
6. Offer Letter	Conditional or unconditional offer
7. Accept Offer	Pay deposit to secure your place
8. Apply for Visa	Tier 4 (Student) visa application

Application Timeline – Cardiff University

Month	Action
September	Research courses, shortlist programs
October–December	Prepare SOP, LORs, take English tests
November–January	Submit UCAS/PG applications
February–April	Attend interviews (if required), receive offers
May–June	Accept offer, pay deposit, apply for visa
July–August	Arrange accommodation, pre-departure prep

Pro Tip

Applying early increases your chances of securing scholarships and preferred accommodation.

You Might Also Like: How To Get Into The University of Bristol

Key Deadlines at Cardiff University

Intake	Application Opens	Application Deadline
September	September (prev. year)	January 31 (UG via UCAS)
January	Rolling (PG)	Varies by course

Popular Courses for Indian Students

Course	Duration	Annual Tuition Fee (£)
MSc Data Science	1 year	23,450
MBA	1 year	25,450
BSc Computer Science	3 years	22,700
LLM Law	1 year	19,450

Fun Fact about Cardiff University:

Cardiff University’s School of Journalism is ranked among the best in the UK, and its Business School is triple-accredited (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB). The university is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group, representing the UK’s top research universities.

Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarship Name	Amount (£)	Eligibility Criteria
Vice-Chancellor’s International	2,000–5,000	UG/PG, academic excellence
GREAT India Scholarship	10,000	PG, Indian nationals
Cardiff India Scholarship	5,000	UG/PG, merit-based

Scholarship Application Tips

Tip	Why It Matters
Apply Early	Scholarships are limited and competitive
Tailor Your SOP	Highlight achievements and leadership
Provide Evidence	Attach certificates, awards, transcripts
Seek Guidance	Use mentors or advisors for review

In 2023, over 100 Indian students received scholarships to study at Cardiff University.

Student Life & Support at Cardiff University

• Accommodation: £400–£700/month, on-campus and private
• Part-Time Work: Up to 20 hours/week during term
• Student Societies: 200+ clubs, including Indian Society
• Career Services: Internships, placements, and job fairs

Cardiff Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly)

Expense	Average Cost (£)
Accommodation	550
Food	150
Transport	50
Utilities	60
Miscellaneous	100

Fun Fact: Cardiff is the UK’s sunniest city, with more hours of sunshine than any other major UK city. The university’s main library is open 24/7 during exam season.

Acceptance Rate & Stats

Stat	Value
Acceptance Rate	~19%
Indian Students (2023)	700+
Graduate Employability Rate	88%
International Students	8,000+

The number of Indian students at Cardiff University has grown by 40% in the last three years.

Success Story

Name: Ananya Rao

Program: MSc Data Science

Background: BSc (Maths), University of Delhi, 76%

Ananya focused on building a strong profile with internships, coding competitions, and a well-crafted SOP. She applied early, secured the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, and now works at a leading UK analytics firm after graduation.

Ananya’s Tips For Cardiff University:

• Start your application process early
• Attend virtual open days and webinars
• Connect with current students via LinkedIn
• Use the university’s career services for internships

Fun Facts & Unique Opportunities

• Cardiff is home to the Principality Stadium, one of the largest stadiums in the UK.
• The city hosts the annual Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival, a favorite among students.
• Cardiff University offers a “Languages for All” program, allowing students to learn a new language for free.

How To Get Into Cardiff University: Quick Checklist

Step	Action
1	Meet academic and English requirements
2	Prepare SOP, LORs, and transcripts
3	Apply via UCAS (UG) or University Portal (PG)
4	Pay application fee
5	Attend interview (if required)
6	Receive and accept offer
7	Apply for scholarships and accommodation
8	Apply for Tier 4 visa
9	Plan your travel and arrival

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid During Cardiff University Applications

1. Missing application deadlines
2. Submitting incomplete documents
3. Ignoring course prerequisites
4. Weak or generic SOP
5. Not applying for scholarships early

Cardiff University Trends & Stats

Year	Indian Applicants	Indian Students Enrolled	Scholarship Recipients
2021	1,100	500	60
2022	1,400	600	80
2023	1,800	700+	110

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