About the university
Cardiff University opened in 1883 and is Wales' only member of the Russell Group of research-intensive UK universities. It took its current name in 1999 and merged with the University of Wales College of Medicine in 2004.
It teaches across business, computing, engineering, healthcare and the sciences, and is ranked =179th in the world by QS for 2027 and 27th in the UK by the Complete University Guide 2027.
For Indian students the appeal is Russell Group teaching with one-year master's in data science, computing, finance, marketing and engineering at roughly £29,700 to £33,200 a year. Some master's also start in January.
Cardiff is the capital of Wales. The university's two main campuses are Cathays Park and Heath Park, linked to University Hall by a free weekday bus.
- Founded
- 1883, as the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire; Royal Charter in 1884
- Type
- Public research university; Wales' only Russell Group member
- Total students
- About 28,350 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
- International students
- 25% of students (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
- Student–staff ratio
- 13.2 to 1 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
- Intakes
- September for most courses; January starts for some master's, including Data Science and Analytics, Advanced Computer Science and Business Management
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2027
=179 in the world
THE World University Rankings 2027
=257 in the world
Complete University Guide (UK) 2027
27th of 130 UK universities
Popular courses with Indian students
- Postgraduate
Data Science and Analytics (MSc)
- Fee / year
- £32,450
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- September; January
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in each skill)
- Postgraduate
Advanced Computer Science (MSc)
- Fee / year
- £33,200
- Duration
- 1 year (full time); 2-year placement option
- Intakes
- September; January
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in each skill)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £34,700
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- Check the course page (applications currently closed)
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in each skill)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £31,700
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- September
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in each skill)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £29,700
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- September; January
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in each skill)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £29,700
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- September
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in each skill)
- Postgraduate
Digital Operations and Logistics Management (MSc)
- Fee / year
- £29,700
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- September
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in each skill)
- Postgraduate
- Fee / year
- £30,700
- Duration
- 1 year (full time)
- Intakes
- September
- English
- IELTS 6.5 (5.5 in each skill)
Fees for international students
| Course | Duration | Fee / year (GBP) | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Science and Analytics (MSc) | 1 year (full time) | £32,450 | ≈ ₹39.6 lakh |
| Advanced Computer Science (MSc) | 1 year (full time); 2-year placement option | £33,200 | ≈ ₹40.5 lakh |
| Business Administration (MBA) | 1 year (full time) | £34,700 | ≈ ₹42.3 lakh |
| Finance (MSc) | 1 year (full time) | £31,700 | ≈ ₹38.7 lakh |
| Business Management (MSc) | 1 year (full time) | £29,700 | ≈ ₹36.2 lakh |
| Marketing (MSc) | 1 year (full time) | £29,700 | ≈ ₹36.2 lakh |
| Digital Operations and Logistics Management (MSc) | 1 year (full time) | £29,700 | ≈ ₹36.2 lakh |
| Structural Engineering (MSc) | 1 year (full time) | £30,700 | ≈ ₹37.5 lakh |
Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.
Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Cardiff University with similar universities in the UK.
Scholarships
- Selected one-year taught master's
Vice-Chancellor's Postgraduate International Scholarship
Value: £4,000 standard tuition discount (higher amounts for some listed countries)
Eligibility: Applicants domiciled in an eligible country with an offer for an eligible course who accept and pay the deposit by 31 July (2026 intake rules). Check whether India is eligible for 2027 entry.
Official page (opens in a new tab) - Selected postgraduate programmes
Cardiff University India Scholarships
Value: £5,000 (last published call: 2024 entry)
Eligibility: India-domiciled students on eligible MSc and MA programmes, awarded automatically on enrolment. Check whether a new call is open for 2027.
Official page (opens in a new tab)
Admission requirements
Undergraduate
- Course pages show A-level typical offers (for example ABB–BBC for Computer Science) and a country selector for international qualifications, including Indian Class 12.
- Apply through UCAS by the published deadline.
Postgraduate
- Most master's on this page ask for a 2:2 honours degree or an equivalent international degree; Advanced Computer Science also asks for programming, algorithms and maths modules.
- The MBA asks for three years' relevant work experience with a recent employer reference.
- Places are often first come, first served, and applications usually close at the end of August for September starts.
- A £2,500 deposit (£3,000 for the MBA) secures your place after an offer.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Degree certificate and transcripts (master's) or Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (bachelor's)
- English test score
- Personal statement
- References where the course asks for them (for example a signed, dated reference for Public Health and the MBA)
Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.
English language requirements
| Test or route | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Usually 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each skill; some courses need 6.0 in each skill. The online IELTS test is not accepted. |
| PTE Academic | 69 overall with 59 in each communicative skill (for the IELTS 6.5 / 5.5 level) |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall (IELTS 6.5 equivalent) on the pre-January 2026 format, with minimum skill scores |
| Results validity | Test results must be within two calendar years |
Accommodation and living costs
Cardiff has a range of university residences, all self-catered, with utilities and internet included in the rent. A free weekday bus links University Hall with the Cathays Park and Heath Park campuses. The prices below are for University Hall on a 40-week contract (September 2026 to June 2027).
| Item | In GBP | Approx. in rupees |
|---|---|---|
| University Hall, shared bathroomAbout £144 a week | £5,746per year (40 weeks) | ≈ ₹7 lakh |
| University Hall, en-suiteAbout £167 a week | £6,695per year (40 weeks) | ≈ ₹8.2 lakh |
| University Hall, studioAbout £191 a week | £7,644per year (40 weeks) | ≈ ₹9.3 lakh |
| University Hall, one-bedroom flat | £8,753per year (40 weeks) | ≈ ₹10.7 lakh |
Campus and location
Cardiff's two main campuses are Cathays Park, home to the Main Building, and Heath Park.
- Russell Group research university with business, computer science, engineering and healthcare schools.
- Residences across the city, including University Hall (673 students) and the large Talybont complex.
- Free weekday bus between University Hall and both main campuses.
- Some master's start in January as well as September.
Careers and graduate outcomes
Cardiff's courses include placement options in computing and other subjects. After graduating you can apply for the UK Graduate visa; see our UK guide for the current rules.
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| International students as a share of all students | 25% | THE World University Rankings 2027 |
Studying in the UK
Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the UK. Our country guide covers them in detail:
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FAQs
How much is a master's at Cardiff?
Most master's on this page cost £28,200 to £33,200 a year for international students (2026 entry fees, the latest on the course pages). The MBA is £34,700 for 2027 entry.
Can I start in January?
Yes, for some master's. Data Science and Analytics, Advanced Computer Science and Business Management have January starts as well as September.
What IELTS score do I need?
Usually 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each skill. Advanced Computer Science asks for 6.0 in each skill. Cardiff does not accept the online IELTS test.
Are there scholarships for Indian students?
Cardiff has run a £5,000 India Scholarship (last published for 2024 entry) and a Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship worth £4,000 or more. Check the scholarship pages for the 2027 rules.
How much are halls?
At University Hall, an en-suite room costs £6,694.80 for 40 weeks in 2026/27 (about £167 a week), with utilities and internet included.
Sources
- Cardiff University: Data Science and Analytics (MSc) (opens in a new tab)
- Cardiff University: Advanced Computer Science (MSc) (opens in a new tab)
- Cardiff University: Business Administration (MBA) (opens in a new tab)
- Cardiff University: postgraduate courses starting in January (opens in a new tab)
- Cardiff University: Computer Science (BSc) (opens in a new tab)
- Cardiff University: history (opens in a new tab)
- Cardiff University: English language requirements (opens in a new tab)
- Cardiff University: University Hall (opens in a new tab)
- Cardiff University: Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
- Cardiff University: India scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- THE World University Rankings 2027: Cardiff University (opens in a new tab)
- Complete University Guide 2027: Cardiff University (opens in a new tab)
Official website: www.cardiff.ac.uk (opens in a new tab)
Check the latest details