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Compare any two UK universities

Select any two universities below and we'll generate an instant, data-driven comparison — rankings, salaries, student satisfaction, international community, and more.

A
Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth · QS World #801

C
Cardiff University

Cardiff · QS World #179

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 6 datapoints

We looked at 6 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

3/6

Aberystwyth

scored higher in 3 categories

VS

3/6

Cardiff

scored higher in 3 categories

Quick Verdict

Aberystwyth University and Cardiff University are evenly matched: each leads in 3 of 6 categories where both have data. Aberystwyth University is ahead on established, courses, scholarship; Cardiff University on ranking, Russell Group.

Aberystwyth University vs Cardiff University at a glance

Aberystwyth University and Cardiff University both teach 43 subject areas, the largest being Mathematics, Computer Science and Law. Aberystwyth University offers 414 courses across 66 subject areas; Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,720 a year at Aberystwyth University and £30,700 at Cardiff University: Aberystwyth University is about £9,980 a year cheaper.

Of the 22 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Cardiff University is higher in 21 and Aberystwyth University in 1. The widest gap is in Economics: £22,500 three years after graduating from Aberystwyth University, against £32,000 from Cardiff University. Of the 24 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Aberystwyth University is higher in 12 and Cardiff University in 9, with 3 about level.

World & National Rankings

Compare world and national league table positions, TEF ratings, and Russell Group membership.

#801
QS World
#179
—
THE World
#201
#62
Guardian UK
#34
1872
Established
1883
No
Russell Group
Yes
Gold
TEF Rating
—

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

Longer bars indicate better performance. Metrics include student satisfaction, graduate salaries, and more.

Aberystwyth University

Cardiff University

No data
86.3%

Satisfaction

Student satisfaction with teaching (NSS Survey, out of 100%)

No data
£36,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

No data
82.1%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

No data
16%

International

International student share

414
362

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

22
0

Scholarships

Number of scholarships

International Community

Where do international students come from?

Top source countries based on official HESA enrolment data. A higher diversity of nationalities often means a richer campus experience.

Aberystwyth

No published data on international students

    VS

    Cardiff

    89 countries · 16% international

    • 🇨🇳China22.8%
    • 🇮🇳India14.5%
    • 🇲🇾Malaysia7.3%
    • 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia5.7%
    • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5%

    Subjects

    43 subjects you can study at both

    Courses listed at each university in the subject, and the typical (median) international fee a year. Select a count to see the courses.

    Aberystwyth University

    Cardiff University

    Also taught at both: Economics, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Management, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Biological Sciences (General), Finance & Actuarial Science, Ancient Languages, Business & Management (General), English Literature, Childhood & Youth Studies, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Computing & IT, Marketing, Manufacturing & Production Engineering, Media & Film Studies, Software Engineering, Education Studies, Microbiology & Cell Biology, Philosophy, Applied Psychology, Celtic Studies, Counselling & Psychotherapy, English Language, English Studies, Film Production & Cinematography, Mental Health Nursing, Adult Nursing.

    Only at Aberystwyth University

    Only at Cardiff University

    Fees

    What it costs international students

    The typical (median) international tuition fee a year across each university's published course fees. Individual courses vary; each course page shows its own fee.

    Undergraduate

    Aberystwyth University
    £20,720
    Cardiff University
    £30,700

    Aberystwyth University is about £9,980 a year cheaper.

    Postgraduate

    Aberystwyth University
    No data
    Cardiff University
    £25,950

    We do not have reliable international fee data for Aberystwyth University yet.

    Outcomes

    Graduate outcomes by subject

    Median graduate salary three years after graduating, and student satisfaction with teaching, across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject. Source: Discover Uni.

    Aberystwyth University

    Cardiff University

    • Mathematics

      £23,500Salary (3 years)£27,500
      97%Satisfaction84%

    • Computer Science

      £34,000Salary (3 years)£33,500
      84%Satisfaction70%

    • Law

      £20,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
      87%Satisfaction81%

    • Politics & International Relations

      £22,000Salary (3 years)£27,000
      92%Satisfaction88%

    • Welsh Studies

      £20,000Salary (3 years)£24,000
      95%Satisfaction98%

    • Physics

      £22,500Salary (3 years)£28,000
      91%Satisfaction94%

    • History

      £19,500Salary (3 years)£23,500
      92%Satisfaction92%

    • Human Geography & Environment

      £23,500Salary (3 years)£26,000
      94%Satisfaction82%

    • Physical Geography & Climate

      £24,000Salary (3 years)£26,000
      96%Satisfaction89%

    • Sociology & Criminology

      £20,500Salary (3 years)£23,500
      87%Satisfaction87%

    • Accounting

      £23,000Salary (3 years)£28,000
      98%Satisfaction88%

    • Psychology (General)

      £18,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
      91%Satisfaction86%

    Showing the 12 largest of 26 shared subjects with published outcomes.

    Scholarships for International Students

    Exclusive

    Aberystwyth University

    International Accommodation Award

    100%

    Deadline: N/A

    International Accommodation Award

    100%

    Deadline: N/A

    Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Exam

    £6,000

    Deadline: N/A

    Vice-Chancellor's Regional Scholarship (PG)

    £3,000

    Deadline: N/A

    David Game College Scholarship

    £2,500

    Deadline: N/A

    View all scholarships →

    Cardiff University

    View all scholarships →

    FAQ

    Aberystwyth University vs Cardiff University: common questions

    Is Aberystwyth University or Cardiff University cheaper for international students?

    For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £20,720 a year at Aberystwyth University and £30,700 at Cardiff University: Aberystwyth University is about £9,980 a year cheaper. These are medians of the international tuition fees each university publishes for its courses; the fee for a specific course is on its course page.

    What subjects can you study at both Aberystwyth University and Cardiff University?

    Both universities teach 43 subject areas: Mathematics, Computer Science, Law, Politics & International Relations, Welsh Studies, Physics, History, Human Geography & Environment, Physical Geography & Climate, Business Studies, Sociology & Criminology, Accounting and 31 more.

    Is Aberystwyth University or Cardiff University better for Mathematics?

    Mathematics graduates earn a median £23,500 three years after graduating from Aberystwyth University, and £27,500 from Cardiff University. Student satisfaction with teaching is 97% at Aberystwyth University and 84% at Cardiff University. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

    Does Aberystwyth University or Cardiff University offer more courses?

    Aberystwyth University lists 414 courses on CourseOptions and Cardiff University lists 362 courses.

    What can you study at Aberystwyth University but not at Cardiff University?

    Aberystwyth University teaches 23 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Agriculture & Land Management, Animal Science, Sport & Exercise Sciences, Drama & Theatre, Ecology & Conservation, Zoology & Animal Biology, Fine Art, Information & Library Studies and 15 more.

    What can you study at Cardiff University but not at Aberystwyth University?

    Cardiff University teaches 43 subject areas that Aberystwyth University does not, including Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Journalism, Mechanical Engineering, Social Sciences (General), Architecture, General Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and 35 more.

    Ready to explore courses?

    Browse available courses, check entry requirements, and find scholarships at each university.

    A
    Aberystwyth University414 courses · 22 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
    C
    Cardiff University362 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses