Cardiff University
Cardiff, Wales
- Russell Group
- #179 QS World
- #27 UK
#179QS World Ranking
#27UK Ranking
Not Rated by TEFTEF Rating
82%Satisfaction
82.1%Employment
£28,500Avg. Salary
About Cardiff University
The leading university in Wales and one of the most affordable Russell Group options in the UK. Cardiff University is a Russell Group research university based in Cardiff. Cardiff punches above its weight academically while offering significantly lower living costs than English cities. Its journalism school is one of the UK's best, and Cardiff Bay has transformed the city.
In the latest rankings, Cardiff University is positioned #181 in the QS World Rankings 2026; in the 201-250 band in the THE World Rankings 2026; #34 in the Guardian University Guide (UK).
The university has approximately 31,505 students, with a diverse international community representing 89 nationalities. The largest international cohorts come from China, India, and Malaysia.
Cardiff University currently lists 164 courses on CourseOptions, spanning 72 undergraduate and 92 postgraduate programmes. There are 10 scholarships available for international students.
Graduate outcomes are excellent: 90% of graduates go into employment or further study within 15 months, and the median graduate salary is £28,500, rising to £36,100 after five years.
Student satisfaction is strong, with an NSS teaching satisfaction score of 85% and a continuation rate of 92%.
Compact, affordable, welcoming. A capital city with a small-town feel and passionate rugby culture.
Founded1883
Total Students31,505+
Campus TypeSuburban
What is Cardiff University's Ranking in 2026?
Cardiff University is ranked #179 in the world by QS World University Rankings 2026 and #27 in the UK by the Complete University Guide.
| Ranking System | Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | #179 |
| Times Higher Education 2026 | #201 |
| Guardian University Guide (UK) | #34 |
| The Complete University Guide (UK) | #27 |
Source: QS, THE, CUG, Guardian — Updated January 2026
What Percentage of Graduates Get Jobs?
82.1% of graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
82.1%Employed
7.6%Further Study
10.7%Studying & Working
4.8%Unemployed
Salary Progression
| Time After Graduation | Median Salary | UK Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months | £28,500 | £26,220 | +9% |
| 3 years | £30,700 | £28,244 | +9% |
| 5 years | £36,100 | £33,212 | +9% |
Source: HESA Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) 2025
Official Data
These figures represent institution-wide averages across all subject areas and study modes. Actual graduate outcomes vary by course and cohort. For course-specific data, visit Discover Uni at Discover Uni.
How Satisfied Are Students?
Has an 82% overall satisfaction rate according to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025.
82%Overall
Teaching Quality86.3%
Learning Resources89.3%
Academic Support87.5%
Assessment75.7%
Organisation77.7%
Student Voice76.8%
82%Overall
Teaching Quality
86.3%Learning Resources
89.3%Academic Support
87.5%Assessment
75.7%Organisation
77.7%Student Voice
76.8%Source: National Student Survey (NSS) 2025.
Official Data
These figures represent institution-wide averages across all courses and may not reflect satisfaction for a specific course. For course-level data, visit Discover Uni at Discover Uni.
How Many International Students Study Here?
16% of students are international, representing 89+ countries. Total international students: 5,040.
5,040International Students
16%of Student Body
89+Countries
| Countries | Students | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| China | 1,150 | 22.8% |
| India | 730 | 14.5% |
| Malaysia | 370 | 7.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | 285 | 5.7% |
| Hong Kong | 250 | 5% |
| Kuwait | 220 | 4.4% |
| Pakistan | 170 | 3.4% |
| United States | 150 | 3% |
| United Arab Emirates | 120 | 2.4% |
| Kenya | 85 | 1.7% |
Source: HESA official data.
Courses at Cardiff University
Undergraduate
Accounting
3 years
ViewUndergraduate
Accounting and Finance
3 years
ViewPostgraduate
Accounting and Finance
1 year
ViewUndergraduate
Accounting and Finance with a Professional Placement Year
4 years
ViewScholarships for International Students
No scholarships listed yet. Check back soon or visit the university website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
TypeUniversity
Founded1883
Total Students31,505+
International Students16%
Similar Institutes
Compare Cardiff University with other universities
Side-by-side on fees, rankings, satisfaction and graduate outcomes.
- Cardiff University vs Abertay University
- Cardiff University vs Aberystwyth University
- Cardiff University vs ACM (The Academy of Contemporary Music)
- Cardiff University vs Anglia Ruskin University
- Cardiff University vs Arden University
- Cardiff University vs Arts University Bournemouth
- Cardiff University vs Aston University, Birmingham
- Cardiff University vs Bangor University
- Cardiff University vs Barnsley College University Centre
- Cardiff University vs Bath Spa University
- Cardiff University vs Birkbeck, University of London
- Cardiff University vs Birmingham City University
- Cardiff University vs Birmingham Newman University
- Cardiff University vs Bloomsbury Institute London
- Cardiff University vs Bournemouth University
- Cardiff University vs BPP University
- Cardiff University vs Bristol, UWE
- Cardiff University vs Brunel University of London
- Cardiff University vs Buckinghamshire New University
- Cardiff University vs Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts
- Cardiff University vs Canterbury Christ Church University
- Cardiff University vs Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Cardiff University vs City of Liverpool College University Centre
- Cardiff University vs City St George's, University of London
- Cardiff University vs Coventry University
- Cardiff University vs De Montfort University
- Cardiff University vs DN Colleges Group
- Cardiff University vs Durham University
- Cardiff University vs East Lancashire UC
- Cardiff University vs Edge Hill University
- Cardiff University vs Edinburgh Napier University
- Cardiff University vs European School of Economics
- Cardiff University vs Falmouth University
- Cardiff University vs Glasgow Caledonian University
- Cardiff University vs Glasgow School of Art
- Cardiff University vs Global Institute of Sport (GIS)
- Cardiff University vs Goldsmiths, University of London
- Cardiff University vs Harper Adams University
- Cardiff University vs Hartpury University
- Cardiff University vs Heriot-Watt University
- Cardiff University vs Imperial College London
- Cardiff University vs Institute of Contemporary Music Performance
- Cardiff University vs Istituto Marangoni London
- Cardiff University vs Keele University
- Cardiff University vs King's College London, University of London
- Cardiff University vs Kingston University
- Cardiff University vs Lancaster University
- Cardiff University vs Leeds Arts University
- Cardiff University vs Leeds Beckett University
- Cardiff University vs Leeds Trinity University
- Cardiff University vs Lincoln Bishop University
- Cardiff University vs Liverpool Hope University
- Cardiff University vs Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
- Cardiff University vs Liverpool John Moores University
- Cardiff University vs Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
- Cardiff University vs London Metropolitan University
- Cardiff University vs London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London
- Cardiff University vs London School of Theology
- Cardiff University vs London South Bank University
- Cardiff University vs Loughborough University
- Cardiff University vs Manchester Metropolitan University
- Cardiff University vs Middlesex University
- Cardiff University vs National Film and Television School
- Cardiff University vs Newcastle College University Centre
- Cardiff University vs Newcastle University
- Cardiff University vs New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE)
- Cardiff University vs Northumbria University, Newcastle
- Cardiff University vs Norwich University of the Arts
- Cardiff University vs Nottingham Trent University
- Cardiff University vs Open University
- Cardiff University vs Oxford Brookes University
- Cardiff University vs Plymouth Marjon University
- Cardiff University vs Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
- Cardiff University vs Queen Mary University of London
- Cardiff University vs Queen's University Belfast
- Cardiff University vs Ravensbourne University London
- Cardiff University vs Regent's University London
- Cardiff University vs Richmond American University London
- Cardiff University vs Robert Gordon University
- Cardiff University vs Rose Bruford College
- Cardiff University vs Royal Academy of Music, University of London
- Cardiff University vs Royal Agricultural University
- Cardiff University vs Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
- Cardiff University vs Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London
- Cardiff University vs Royal College of Art
- Cardiff University vs Royal College of Music
- Cardiff University vs Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
- Cardiff University vs Royal Holloway, University of London
- Cardiff University vs Royal Veterinary College, University of London
- Cardiff University vs Sheffield Hallam University
- Cardiff University vs SOAS University of London
- Cardiff University vs Southampton, Solent University
- Cardiff University vs St Mary's University, Twickenham
- Cardiff University vs Swansea University
- Cardiff University vs TEC Partnership (University Centre Grimsby, East Riding College, Scarborough & Skegness Colleges)
- Cardiff University vs Teesside University
- Cardiff University vs The Northern School of Art
- Cardiff University vs The University of Edinburgh
- Cardiff University vs The University of Law
- Cardiff University vs Trinity Laban
- Cardiff University vs UCL (University College London)
- Cardiff University vs Ulster University
- Cardiff University vs University Centre Askham Bryan
- Cardiff University vs University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group (inc Wakefield College & Selby College)
- Cardiff University vs University Centre Bishop Burton
- Cardiff University vs University Centre Leeds, Leeds City College
- Cardiff University vs University Centre Peterborough
- Cardiff University vs University Centre Somerset
- Cardiff University vs University Centre South Devon
- Cardiff University vs University Centre South Essex
- Cardiff University vs University Centre Weston
- Cardiff University vs University College Birmingham
- Cardiff University vs University for the Creative Arts
- Cardiff University vs University of Aberdeen
- Cardiff University vs University of Bath
- Cardiff University vs University of Bedfordshire
- Cardiff University vs University of Birmingham
- Cardiff University vs University of Bradford
- Cardiff University vs University of Brighton
- Cardiff University vs University of Bristol
- Cardiff University vs University of Buckingham
- Cardiff University vs University of Cambridge
- Cardiff University vs University of Chester
- Cardiff University vs University of Chichester
- Cardiff University vs University of Cumbria
- Cardiff University vs University of Derby
- Cardiff University vs University of Dundee
- Cardiff University vs University of East Anglia UEA
- Cardiff University vs University of East London
- Cardiff University vs University of Essex
- Cardiff University vs University of Essex Online
- Cardiff University vs University of Exeter
- Cardiff University vs University of Glasgow
- Cardiff University vs University of Gloucestershire
- Cardiff University vs University of Greater Manchester
- Cardiff University vs University of Greenwich
- Cardiff University vs University of Hertfordshire
- Cardiff University vs University of Huddersfield
- Cardiff University vs University of Hull
- Cardiff University vs University of Kent
- Cardiff University vs University of Lancashire
- Cardiff University vs University of Leeds
- Cardiff University vs University of Leicester
- Cardiff University vs University of Lincoln
- Cardiff University vs University of Liverpool
- Cardiff University vs University of Manchester
- Cardiff University vs University of Northampton
- Cardiff University vs University of Nottingham
- Cardiff University vs University of Oxford
- Cardiff University vs University of Plymouth
- Cardiff University vs University of Portsmouth
- Cardiff University vs University of Reading
- Cardiff University vs University of Roehampton
- Cardiff University vs University of Salford
- Cardiff University vs University of Sheffield
- Cardiff University vs University of Southampton
- Cardiff University vs University of South Wales
- Cardiff University vs University of Staffordshire
- Cardiff University vs University of St Andrews
- Cardiff University vs University of Stirling
- Cardiff University vs University of Strathclyde
- Cardiff University vs University of Suffolk
- Cardiff University vs University of Sunderland
- Cardiff University vs University of Surrey
- Cardiff University vs University of Sussex
- Cardiff University vs University of the Arts London
- Cardiff University vs University of the Built Environment
- Cardiff University vs University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)
- Cardiff University vs University of the West of Scotland
- Cardiff University vs University of Wales Trinity Saint David
- Cardiff University vs University of Warwick
- Cardiff University vs University of West London
- Cardiff University vs University of Westminster, London
- Cardiff University vs University of Winchester
- Cardiff University vs University of Wolverhampton
- Cardiff University vs University of Worcester
- Cardiff University vs University of York
- Cardiff University vs Wrexham University
- Cardiff University vs York St John University
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore courses, compare universities, and find scholarships at CourseOptions.com
Explore All Courses