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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.

C
Cardiff University

Cardiff · QS World #179

U
University of Bradford

Bradford · QS World #497

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 11 datapoints

We looked at 11 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

9/11

Cardiff

scored higher in 9 categories

VS

2/11

Bradford

scored higher in 2 categories

Quick Verdict

Cardiff University leads in 9 of 11 categories where both have data (ranking, Russell Group, established, satisfaction, employment, graduate salary, courses). University of Bradford is ahead on international, scholarship.

Cardiff University vs University of Bradford at a glance

Cardiff University and University of Bradford both teach 43 subject areas, the largest being Law, Civil Engineering and Computer Science. Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; University of Bradford offers 211 courses across 49 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £16,890 at University of Bradford: University of Bradford is about £13,810 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £15,700 at University of Bradford: University of Bradford is about £10,250 a year cheaper.

Of the 23 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, Cardiff University is higher in 23 and University of Bradford in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £33,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, against £25,000 from University of Bradford. Of the 20 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, Cardiff University is higher in 11 and University of Bradford in 9.

World & National Rankings

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

#179
QS World
#497
#201
THE World
#501
#34
Guardian UK
#64
1883
Established
1966
Yes
Russell Group
No
—
TEF Rating
Silver

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Cardiff University

University of Bradford

86.3%
82.9%

Satisfaction

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

£36,100
£28,100

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

82.1%
78.7%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

16%
25.1%

International

International student share

362
211

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
23

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.

Cardiff

89 countries · 16% international

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

Bradford

45 countries · 25.1% international

  • 🇵🇰Pakistan26.5%
  • 🇳🇬Nigeria21.1%
  • 🇮🇳India16.1%
  • 🌐Kuwait5%
  • 🇬🇭Ghana4.4%

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.

Cardiff University

University of Bradford

Also taught at both: Psychology (General), Finance & Actuarial Science, General Engineering, Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Pharmacy, Social Sciences (General), Sociology & Criminology, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Marketing, Adult Nursing, Childhood & Youth Studies, Social Work, Archaeology, Biomedical Sciences, Optometry & Ophthalmics, Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, Children's Nursing, Counselling & Psychotherapy, Human Resource Management, Medical Imaging, Midwifery, Public Health & Epidemiology, Applied Psychology, Building & Construction, Health & Social Care, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing (General), Pharmacology.

Only at Cardiff University

Only at University of Bradford

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

Cardiff University
£30,700
University of Bradford
£16,890

University of Bradford is about £13,810 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Cardiff University
£25,950
University of Bradford
£15,700

University of Bradford is about £10,250 a year cheaper.

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.

Cardiff University

University of Bradford

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£19,500
    81%Satisfaction87%

  • Civil Engineering

    £31,000Salary (3 years)£26,500
    80%Satisfaction98%

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    70%Satisfaction82%

  • Software Engineering

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£25,000
    87%Satisfaction79%

  • Mechanical Engineering

    £33,000Salary (3 years)£24,500
    73%Satisfaction93%

  • Biomedical Engineering

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£25,500
    75%Satisfaction77%

  • Economics

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£28,000
    80%Satisfaction83%

  • Biological Sciences (General)

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£22,500
    94%SatisfactionNo data

  • Forensic Science

    £26,000Salary (3 years)£22,000
    92%Satisfaction87%

  • Accounting

    £28,000Salary (3 years)£20,000
    88%Satisfaction75%

  • Psychology (General)

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£17,500
    86%Satisfaction80%

  • General Engineering

    £32,500Salary (3 years)£25,500
    83%SatisfactionNo data

Showing the 12 largest of 23 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Cardiff University

View all scholarships →

University of Bradford

Bestway Foundation Scholarships for Students from Pakistan

£35,000

Deadline: N/A

Disabled Students' Allowance

£26,291

Deadline: N/A

MSc Artificial Intelligence & Space Technology Scholarship (2026/27)

£10,000

Deadline: Jun 2026

Chinese Articulation Agreement (2025/26)

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

NHS Learning Support Fund

£5,000

Deadline: N/A

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Cardiff University vs University of Bradford: common questions

Is Cardiff University or University of Bradford cheaper for international students?

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £16,890 at University of Bradford: University of Bradford is about £13,810 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £15,700 at University of Bradford: University of Bradford is about £10,250 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 Cardiff University and University of Bradford?

Both universities teach 43 subject areas: Law, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Management, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Business & Management (General), Economics, Politics & International Relations, Chemistry, Business Studies and 31 more.

Is Cardiff University or University of Bradford better for Law?

Law graduates earn a median £24,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £19,500 from University of Bradford. Student satisfaction with teaching is 81% at Cardiff University and 87% at University of Bradford. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Cardiff University or University of Bradford offer more courses?

Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and University of Bradford lists 211 courses.

What can you study at Cardiff University but not at University of Bradford?

Cardiff University teaches 43 subject areas that University of Bradford does not, including Mathematics, Geology & Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Environment, Journalism, Welsh Studies, Physics, Physical Geography & Climate, Ancient Languages and 35 more.

What can you study at University of Bradford but not at Cardiff University?

University of Bradford teaches 6 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Chemical Engineering, Anatomy & Pathology, Anthropology, International Development, Clinical & Health Psychology and Information Systems & Data Science.

Ready to explore courses?

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

C
Cardiff University362 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses
U
University of Bradford211 courses · 23 scholarshipsBrowse Courses