Are you planning to study at Cardiff University? Understanding how its admissions process works is an important part of preparing your application. Unlike many universities in the United States, Cardiff University does not publish a single institution-wide acceptance rate. Admissions competitiveness varies by course, applicant group, qualifications, and entry year.
So, let’s examine the available admissions data and what prospective students should consider when applying to Cardiff University.
Cardiff University Acceptance Rate
Cardiff University currently has 31,505 students, including 5,040 international students from outside the United Kingdom, according to student figures for the 2024–2025 academic year. Applicants may need to demonstrate English proficiency through accepted English-language tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Academic and English-language requirements vary by course and by the country in which an applicant completed their qualifications.
Preparing for Cardiff University
Understanding the university’s admissions system is only one part of the preparation process. You should also review the entry requirements, tuition fees, application procedures, and scholarships for your chosen course. Preparing in these areas will help you submit a stronger application and plan your finances more effectively.
Admission Requirements
International applicants should check the entry requirements on the page for their chosen course and Cardiff University’s country-specific qualification guidance. Undergraduate applicants normally apply through UCAS, while most postgraduate applicants use Cardiff University’s online application portal. Course-specific subject requirements, grades, interviews, portfolios, or other selection procedures may also apply.
The university’s general minimum English-language requirement is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with at least 5.5 in each subskill, although some courses require higher scores. For TOEFL iBT tests taken before January 2026, Cardiff lists an overall score of 88 as equivalent to IELTS 6.5, with at least 20 in each subskill corresponding to the minimum IELTS 5.5 subskill requirement. For TOEFL iBT tests taken from January 2026 onward, Cardiff uses the revised scoring scale and lists 4.5 overall, with at least 4.0 in each subskill, as the equivalent minimum. Applicants should always confirm the exact requirements on their course page.
Tuition Fees
International tuition fees at Cardiff University vary considerably by course, study level, and entry year. The university publishes the applicable fee on each course page. For 2026 entry, examples of annual overseas undergraduate fees include £24,700 for the English Literature BA and £47,450 for the Medicine MBBCh. A postgraduate taught example is the Education MSc, which costs £30,700 for overseas students entering in 2026. The currently published international postgraduate research fees for 2025–2026 are £21,200 for standard arts-based programs, £26,700 for standard science-based programs, £38,200 for standard clinical programs, and £52,200 for a Dentistry PhD with a clinical component. Cardiff states that its 2026–2027 postgraduate research fees will be published separately.
Scholarships
Cardiff University offers several scholarships for eligible international students. Examples include the Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship worth £10,000 and the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships. Eligible undergraduate students may receive a tuition fee discount of £3,500 or £5,000, while eligible postgraduate taught students may receive between £4,000 and £10,000. Eligibility depends on factors such as fee status, domicile, course, academic achievement, and compliance with the scholarship’s terms and deadlines.
Eligible India-domiciled students enrolling in selected postgraduate taught programs may receive a £6,000 Cardiff India Scholarship. No separate scholarship application is required, but applicants must meet the published academic, offer, deposit, and enrollment conditions.
Must-Know Facts About Cardiff University
Cardiff University has several notable research facilities. The Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, commonly known as CUBRIC, brings together expertise in brain imaging, mapping, and stimulation. Its facilities include structural and functional MRI, EEG, MEG, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and one of Europe’s most powerful brain scanners.
Cardiff has also received recognition for sustainability. In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026, Cardiff ranked 83rd worldwide for sustainability, placing it within the top 5% globally for this measure. Notable alumni include Nicole Cooke MBE, an MBA graduate and world and Olympic cycling champion, and Dimitri Coutya, a Team GB Paralympic fencing gold medalist.
We hope this article about Cardiff University’s admissions process was helpful. Also, make sure to visit our Study in the UK page and explore the Available Courses in Europe to learn more about programs and educational opportunities in the United Kingdom.
