Quick Answer: Cardiff offers Pakistani students world-class universities like Cardiff University (QS ranking 154) and Cardiff Metropolitan University with living costs averaging £850-1,200 monthly. The city has a thriving Pakistani community of 15,000+ residents, halal food options throughout, and student-friendly transport costing £60 monthly for unlimited bus travel.

Why Cardiff is Perfect for Pakistani Students

Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, has become increasingly popular among Pakistani students seeking quality education in the UK. With its blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and welcoming multicultural environment, Cardiff offers an ideal setting for international education. The city hosts over 45,000 students across its universities, with Pakistani students forming one of the largest international student communities.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about studying in Cardiff as a Pakistani student, from university options and living costs to cultural considerations and practical tips for settling in.

Top Universities in Cardiff for Pakistani Students

Cardiff University

Cardiff University stands as Wales' premier institution, ranked 154th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The university welcomes over 2,800 Pakistani students annually across its diverse academic programs.

Key Programs for Pakistani Students:

• Engineering and Technology (particularly popular among Pakistani students)
• Business and Management
• Medicine and Healthcare
• Computer Science and IT
• Law and International Relations

Entry Requirements:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component) for most undergraduate programs
• Academic: 70-85% in FSc/A-levels depending on the program
• Foundation programs available for students needing additional preparation

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University offers practical, career-focused education with strong industry connections. The university has a dedicated International Student Support team familiar with Pakistani educational systems.

Popular Programs:

• Sports Science and Management
• Art and Design
• Business and Hospitality
• Health Sciences
• Education

Entry Requirements:

• IELTS: 6.0 overall (5.5 in each component)
• More flexible entry requirements for mature students
• Excellent pathway programs for international students

University of South Wales (Cardiff Campus)

With campuses throughout South Wales including Cardiff, this university offers modern facilities and innovative programs particularly strong in technology and business.

To explore all university options and compare programs that match your academic background, you can discover universities that offer the best fit for your career goals and budget requirements.

Cost of Living in Cardiff for Pakistani Students

Accommodation Costs

University Halls of Residence:

• Standard room: £120-180 per week
• En-suite room: £150-220 per week
• Studio apartment: £200-280 per week

Private Accommodation:

• Shared house (per room): £320-450 per month
• Private studio: £500-700 per month
• One-bedroom apartment: £650-900 per month

Popular Student Areas for Pakistani Students:

• Cathays: Close to universities, large Pakistani community
• Roath: Diverse area with excellent transport links
• Grangetown: Affordable option with growing international community
• City Centre: More expensive but convenient for everything

Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown

• Accommodation: £400-700
• Food and groceries: £180-250
• Transport: £60 (student bus pass)
• Utilities: £40-60 (if not included in rent)
• Mobile phone: £15-25
• Entertainment and social: £80-120
• Clothing and personal items: £30-50
• Books and study materials: £25-40

Total Monthly Budget: £850-1,200

Food and Halal Options

Cardiff's substantial Pakistani community ensures excellent halal food availability:

Halal Restaurants:

• Madina Restaurant (City Road): Authentic Pakistani cuisine
• Karachi Restaurant: Popular for biryanis and karahi dishes
• Lahore Karahi: Traditional flavors in Cathays
• Shiraz Restaurant: Persian and Pakistani fusion

Halal Grocery Stores:

• Madina Cash & Carry: Largest halal supermarket
• Al-Harmain: Fresh meat and Pakistani spices
• City Road area: Multiple small halal shops
• Tesco and ASDA: Major supermarkets with halal sections

Student Life and Cultural Integration

Pakistani Student Community

Cardiff hosts one of the largest Pakistani student populations in Wales, creating a supportive environment for newcomers. The Pakistan Society at Cardiff University regularly organizes:

• Cultural festivals and Eid celebrations
• Cricket tournaments and sports events
• Academic support and mentoring programs
• Networking events with Pakistani professionals
• Traditional food festivals and cooking classes

Religious Facilities

Major Mosques:

• Cardiff Jamia Mosque: Largest mosque in Wales
• Dar Ul-Isra Mosque: Close to university areas
• Masjid-e-Noor: Active community programs
• Shah Jalal Mosque: Bangladeshi and Pakistani community focus

Prayer Facilities on Campus:

• Both Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan have dedicated prayer rooms
• Multi-faith chaplaincy services available
• Islamic Society active on all campuses

Entertainment and Recreation

Cultural Activities:

• Cardiff International Festival: Showcases global cultures
• National Museum Cardiff: Free entry for students
• Wales Millennium Centre: World-class performances
• Cardiff Castle: Historic landmark with student discounts

Sports and Recreation:

• Cardiff City Stadium: Premier League football
• Principality Stadium: Rugby and major events
• University sports facilities and teams
• Roath Park: Popular for cricket and outdoor activities

Transportation in Cardiff

Public Transport

Cardiff Bus Student Pass:

• Monthly pass: £60
• Annual pass: £600 (significant savings)
• Covers all city routes including university campuses

Train Services:

• Cardiff Central: Main railway station
• Direct connections to London (2 hours)
• Regular services to other UK cities
• Student discounts available with 16-25 Railcard

Cycling:

• Nextbike Cardiff: Bike-sharing scheme
• Extensive cycle paths throughout the city
• University bike storage facilities
• Popular and eco-friendly option among students

Visa and Immigration Guidance for Pakistani Students

Student Visa Requirements

Documents Needed:

• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from university
• Valid passport
• Financial evidence: £1,334 per month for living costs
• English language proficiency certificates
• TB test results from approved clinics in Pakistan
• Academic transcripts and certificates

Financial Requirements (2026):

• Tuition fees for first year
• £1,334 × 9 months = £12,006 for living costs
• Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days
• Bank statements in English or officially translated

Scholarship Opportunities

University-Specific Scholarships:

• Cardiff University International Scholarship: Up to £3,000
• Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: £5,000
• Academic excellence awards: £1,000-2,500

External Scholarships:

• Commonwealth Scholarships for Pakistani students
• Chevening Scholarships for postgraduate study
• Pakistan government scholarships for higher education abroad

Practical Tips for Pakistani Students

Banking and Finance

Recommended Banks:

• HSBC: Strong international presence, Pakistan connections
• Santander: Student-friendly accounts and services
• Lloyds Bank: Good online banking facilities
• Barclays: Widespread ATM network

Opening Requirements:

• University enrollment letter
• Passport and student visa
• UK address proof (university accommodation letter)
• Initial deposit (usually £1-100)

Healthcare

NHS Registration:

• Register with local GP practice immediately upon arrival
• Bring passport, visa, and proof of address
• Healthcare is free through NHS
• Prescription charges apply (currently £9.65 per item in Wales)

Health Insurance:

• Immigration Health Surcharge paid with visa application
• Consider additional private insurance for comprehensive cover
• University health services available on campus

Academic Support

Study Skills Support:

• Academic writing workshops for international students
• English language support programs
• Peer mentoring schemes
• Library skills training sessions

Cultural Adjustment:

• Attend university orientation programs
• Join Pakistani student societies early
• Participate in intercultural events
• Utilize counseling services if needed for homesickness

Weather and Clothing Considerations

Cardiff experiences a temperate oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers. Pakistani students should prepare for:

Essential Clothing:

• Waterproof jacket and umbrella (essential year-round)
• Warm winter coat for November-March
• Layered clothing for variable temperatures
• Comfortable waterproof shoes
• Formal wear for university events and job interviews

Seasonal Preparation:

• Summer (June-August): 15-22°C, light rain
• Winter (December-February): 2-8°C, frequent rain
• Spring/Autumn: Variable, dress in layers

Studying in Cardiff offers Pakistani students an excellent opportunity to receive world-class education while experiencing rich Welsh culture in a welcoming, diverse environment. With proper planning and the right information, your journey to academic success in Cardiff can be both rewarding and memorable.

Key Statistics

📊 Cardiff hosts over 45,000 students with Pakistani students forming one of the largest international communities

💰 Monthly living costs for Pakistani students range from £850-1,200 including accommodation and all expenses

🎓 Cardiff University ranks 154th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026, welcoming 2,800+ Pakistani students annually

🍽️ Over 15,000 Pakistani residents in Cardiff ensure abundant halal food options and cultural familiarity

🚌 Student monthly bus pass costs £60 providing unlimited travel across the city and to all university campuses

📈 Student visa requires £1,334 per month (£12,006 annually) in financial evidence for living costs in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Cardiff from Pakistan?

Pakistani students need to obtain a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) before traveling to Cardiff. First, receive a CAS from your chosen university, then apply online through the UK government website. Required documents include your passport, CAS letter, financial evidence showing £12,006 for living costs, English language certificates, TB test from approved Pakistani clinics, and academic transcripts. The process typically takes 3-6 weeks, and you should apply 3 months before your intended travel date.

What is the cost of living in Cardiff for Pakistani students in 2026?

Pakistani students in Cardiff typically spend £850-1,200 monthly on living expenses. Accommodation costs £400-700 per month depending on type and location, food and groceries £180-250 monthly (with excellent halal options available), transport £60 for unlimited bus travel, and utilities £40-60 if not included in rent. Additional expenses include mobile phone (£15-25), entertainment (£80-120), and study materials (£25-40). Cardiff offers good value compared to London while maintaining high quality of life.

How much does it cost to study at Cardiff universities for international students?

International tuition fees for Pakistani students vary by university and program. Cardiff University charges £24,450-27,950 annually for most undergraduate programs, with medicine and engineering typically at the higher end. Cardiff Metropolitan University offers more affordable options at £15,500-18,000 annually, while University of South Wales charges £13,500-16,500. Additional costs include visa fees (£490), Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 annually), and living expenses of approximately £12,006 per year as required for visa applications.

What halal food options are available for Pakistani students in Cardiff?

Cardiff has excellent halal food availability due to its large Pakistani community of 15,000+ residents. Popular halal restaurants include Madina Restaurant, Karachi Restaurant, and Lahore Karahi offering authentic Pakistani cuisine. For groceries, Madina Cash & Carry is the largest halal supermarket, while Al-Harmain and numerous shops on City Road provide Pakistani spices and fresh halal meat. Major supermarkets like Tesco and ASDA also stock halal sections, making it easy for Pakistani students to maintain their dietary requirements.

How does Cardiff University compare to other UK universities for Pakistani students?

Cardiff University ranks 154th globally in QS Rankings 2026, placing it among the top 200 universities worldwide. For Pakistani students, it offers several advantages including a large Pakistani student community (2,800+ students), relatively affordable living costs compared to London universities, strong programs in engineering and business popular with Pakistani students, and comprehensive support services. The university provides pathway programs for students needing additional preparation and has dedicated international student support familiar with Pakistani educational systems.

What transport options are available for students in Cardiff?

Cardiff offers excellent student transport options with a comprehensive bus network covering all university campuses and residential areas. The Cardiff Bus student monthly pass costs £60 (annual pass £600) providing unlimited travel throughout the city. The city has extensive cycling infrastructure with Nextbike Cardiff bike-sharing scheme and secure university bike storage. Train services from Cardiff Central provide direct connections to London (2 hours) and other UK cities, with student discounts available through the 16-25 Railcard making travel affordable for Pakistani students visiting other parts of the UK.

Key Takeaways

✅ Cardiff offers world-class education with Cardiff University ranked 154th globally and strong support for Pakistani students

✅ Monthly living costs of £850-1,200 are significantly lower than London while maintaining high quality of life and education

✅ Large Pakistani community (15,000+ residents) ensures cultural familiarity, halal food availability, and strong support networks

✅ Student visa requires £12,006 annual financial evidence, with comprehensive university support for application processes

✅ Excellent transport links include £60 monthly unlimited bus passes and direct train connections to major UK cities

✅ Multiple scholarship opportunities available including university-specific awards and Commonwealth scholarships for Pakistani students