Quick Answer: Cardiff offers excellent engineering programs at Cardiff University (£25,800/year) and Cardiff Metropolitan University (£19,500/year) with strong industry connections. International students need AAA-ABB A-levels or equivalent, IELTS 6.5, with living costs around £12,000-£15,000 annually in this vibrant Welsh capital.

Why Choose Engineering in Cardiff?

Cardiff has emerged as a premier destination for engineering education in the UK, combining world-class academic institutions with a thriving industrial landscape. The Welsh capital offers international students an ideal blend of cutting-edge engineering programs, affordable living costs, and rich cultural experiences. With major engineering firms like Airbus, GE Aviation, and Admiral Group having significant presences in Cardiff, students benefit from exceptional industry connections and internship opportunities.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about pursuing engineering in Cardiff, from university options and fees to living costs and career prospects in 2026.

Top Universities for Engineering in Cardiff

Cardiff University - School of Engineering

Cardiff University stands as Wales' premier institution for engineering education, consistently ranking among the UK's top 20 engineering schools. The university's School of Engineering offers comprehensive programs across multiple disciplines with state-of-the-art facilities.

Key Features:

• Russell Group university with excellent research reputation
• Industry partnerships with Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and Siemens
• Modern £45 million engineering building with advanced laboratories
• Strong graduate employment rates of 94% within six months

Engineering Programs Available:

• Mechanical Engineering (BEng/MEng)
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Met provides practical, industry-focused engineering education with smaller class sizes and personalized attention. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and professional development.

Key Features:

• Strong industry connections with local and international companies
• Modern engineering workshops and design studios
• Excellent student support services for international students
• Focus on sustainable engineering and green technologies

Popular Engineering Programs:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Product Design Engineering
• Building Services Engineering

University Fees and Costs Comparison 2026

University	Program	Annual Fee (International)	Duration	Notable Features
Cardiff University	Mechanical Engineering MEng	£25,800	4 years	Russell Group, Industry placements
Cardiff University	Civil Engineering BEng	£25,800	3 years	ABET accredited, Research opportunities
Cardiff Met	Mechanical Engineering BEng	£19,500	3 years	Small classes, Practical focus
Cardiff Met	Electronic Engineering BEng	£19,500	3 years	Industry partnerships, Modern labs

Entry Requirements for International Students

Academic Requirements

Cardiff University:

• A-levels: AAA-ABB (depending on program)
• IB: 36-32 points
• Indian 12th Standard: 85-90%
• Pakistani Intermediate: 85-90%
• Nigerian WAEC: A1-B2 in relevant subjects

Cardiff Metropolitan University:

• A-levels: BBC-CCC
• IB: 28-24 points
• Indian 12th Standard: 75-80%
• Pakistani Intermediate: 75-80%
• Nigerian WAEC: B2-C4 in relevant subjects

English Language Requirements

Both universities typically require:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component)
• TOEFL iBT: 90 overall (17 in each section)
• PTE Academic: 62 overall (51 in each section)

Subject-Specific Requirements

• Mathematics: A-level grade A (or equivalent)
• Physics: A-level grade B minimum
• Chemistry: Required for Chemical Engineering programs
• Further Mathematics: Recommended for advanced engineering programs

Living in Cardiff: Student Experience

Cost of Living Breakdown

Cardiff offers one of the most affordable student experiences among UK cities. Here's a realistic monthly budget for international students in 2026:

Accommodation: £450-£650

• University halls: £450-£550/month
• Private shared housing: £500-£650/month
• Studio apartments: £650-£800/month

Living Expenses: £550-£750

• Food and groceries: £200-£300
• Transport: £50-£80 (student discounts available)
• Utilities (if not included): £80-£120
• Personal expenses: £150-£250
• Mobile phone: £20-£30

Total Monthly Budget: £1,000-£1,400 Annual Living Costs: £12,000-£16,800

Student Life and Culture

Cardiff provides an exceptional student experience with its vibrant cultural scene and welcoming atmosphere. The city center is compact and walkable, with most university facilities within easy reach. Students can enjoy:

• Rich sporting culture, especially rugby at the Principality Stadium
• Diverse international food scene in areas like Canton and Roath
• Active nightlife in the city center and Cardiff Bay
• Beautiful parks like Bute Park for recreation and study
• Strong international student community with regular cultural events

Transport and Connectivity

Cardiff's excellent transport links make it easy to explore Wales and beyond:

• Cardiff Central Station connects to London (2 hours), Birmingham (1.5 hours)
• Cardiff Airport offers international flights
• Comprehensive bus network with student discounts
• Bike-friendly city with dedicated cycling lanes
• Walking distance between most university campuses and city amenities

Career Prospects and Industry Connections

Graduate Employment Opportunities

Cardiff's strategic location and strong industrial base provide excellent career opportunities for engineering graduates. The city hosts major employers across various engineering sectors:

Aerospace and Defense:

• Airbus (major manufacturing hub)
• GE Aviation
• Thales Group

Technology and Innovation:

• Admiral Group
• Deloitte Digital
• DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)

Infrastructure and Construction:

• Arup
• Mott MacDonald
• Welsh Water

Salary Expectations

Graduate engineers in Cardiff can expect competitive starting salaries:

• Graduate Engineer: £25,000-£30,000
• Mid-level Engineer (3-5 years): £35,000-£45,000
• Senior Engineer (5+ years): £45,000-£60,000+

Professional Development

Both Cardiff universities maintain strong relationships with professional bodies:

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
• Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• Royal Aeronautical Society

Many programs offer direct pathways to chartered engineer status, enhancing career prospects.

Application Process and Tips

Application Timeline for 2026 Entry

• October 2025: Applications open via UCAS
• January 15, 2026: UCAS deadline for most programs
• March-May 2026: Interview period (if required)
• May-August 2026: Offer decisions and confirmations
• September 2026: Course commencement

Application Tips

1. Start Early: Begin preparing documents and personal statements by September 2025
2. Highlight Relevant Experience: Include any technical projects, internships, or relevant work experience
3. Demonstrate English Proficiency: Take IELTS/TOEFL early to allow time for retakes if needed
4. Research Programs Thoroughly: When you explore courses, focus on specific specializations and career outcomes
5. Prepare Financial Documentation: Ensure you can demonstrate financial capability for tuition and living costs

Conclusion

Cardiff presents an outstanding opportunity for international students seeking quality engineering education in an affordable, culturally rich environment. With strong industry connections, excellent career prospects, and a welcoming student community, both Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University offer pathways to successful engineering careers. The combination of academic excellence, practical experience, and reasonable living costs makes Cardiff an increasingly popular choice for engineering students from around the world.

Key Statistics

📊 Cardiff engineering graduates achieve 94% employment rate within 6 months of graduation in 2026

💰 International engineering students pay £19,500-£25,800 annually with living costs of £12,000-£16,800

🎓 Cardiff University ranks in top 20 UK engineering schools with Russell Group status

📈 Graduate engineers in Cardiff start at £25,000-£30,000 salary with strong progression prospects

🏭 Major employers include Airbus, GE Aviation, and Admiral Group providing internship opportunities

🌍 Cardiff hosts over 8,000 international students with strong support services and community networks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for engineering programs in Cardiff universities?

Apply through UCAS by January 15, 2026, for September entry. You'll need academic transcripts, English language certificates (IELTS 6.5), personal statement, and reference letter. Cardiff University requires higher grades (AAA-ABB A-levels) while Cardiff Met accepts BBC-CCC. Start your application by October 2025 and ensure all supporting documents are ready early.

What are the entry requirements for international students studying engineering in Cardiff?

Entry requirements vary by university. Cardiff University requires AAA-ABB A-levels (or 85-90% in Indian/Pakistani qualifications), IELTS 6.5, and strong mathematics/physics backgrounds. Cardiff Metropolitan University accepts BBC-CCC A-levels (75-80% equivalent) with IELTS 6.5. Both require mathematics at A-level standard and physics for most engineering programs.

How much does it cost to study engineering in Cardiff including living expenses?

Total annual costs range from £31,500-£42,600. Cardiff University charges £25,800 tuition while Cardiff Met charges £19,500. Living costs add £12,000-£16,800 annually including accommodation (£450-£650/month), food (£200-£300/month), and other expenses. Cardiff is significantly more affordable than London while offering excellent engineering education.

What engineering specializations are available at Cardiff universities?

Cardiff University offers Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Aerospace, Chemical, and Computer Engineering programs at BEng and MEng levels. Cardiff Metropolitan University focuses on Mechanical, Electronic, Product Design, and Building Services Engineering. Both universities provide industry partnerships, modern facilities, and pathways to chartered engineer status through professional body accreditation.

What are the career prospects for engineering graduates in Cardiff?

Engineering graduates enjoy excellent prospects with 94% employment within 6 months. Major employers include Airbus, GE Aviation, Admiral Group, and Arup. Starting salaries range £25,000-£30,000, progressing to £35,000-£45,000 mid-career. Cardiff's growing tech sector and established aerospace industry provide diverse opportunities in manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure development.

How does studying in Cardiff compare to other UK engineering destinations?

Cardiff offers exceptional value with lower living costs than London, Manchester, or Edinburgh while maintaining high academic standards. Cardiff University's Russell Group status rivals top institutions, while both universities provide strong industry connections. The city combines affordable student living (£12,000-£16,800 annually) with rich cultural experiences and excellent transport links to major UK cities.

Key Takeaways

✅ Cardiff offers two excellent engineering options: Cardiff University (£25,800) and Cardiff Met (£19,500) with strong industry connections

✅ Total annual costs range £31,500-£42,600 including tuition and living expenses, making Cardiff highly affordable for international students

✅ Entry requirements vary from BBC-CCC (Cardiff Met) to AAA-ABB (Cardiff University) with IELTS 6.5 required for both

✅ Engineering graduates achieve 94% employment rates with starting salaries £25,000-£30,000 and major employers like Airbus and GE Aviation

✅ Cardiff provides excellent student life with £12,000-£16,800 annual living costs, vibrant culture, and easy UK transport connections

✅ Applications open October 2025 for September 2026 entry with UCAS deadline January 15, 2026