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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 Cambridge

Cambridge · QS World #6

Head-to-Head Summary

Based on 9 datapoints

We looked at 9 data points — world rankings, student satisfaction, graduate salaries, employment rates, and more — to see which university scores higher in each category.

2/9

Cardiff

scored higher in 2 categories

VS

7/9

Cambridge

scored higher in 7 categories

Quick Verdict

University of Cambridge leads in 7 of 9 categories where both have data (ranking, established, satisfaction, international, graduate salary). Cardiff University is ahead on employment, courses.

Cardiff University vs University of Cambridge at a glance

Cardiff University and University of Cambridge both teach 53 subject areas, the largest being Biological Sciences (General), Mathematics and Law. Cardiff University offers 362 courses across 86 subject areas; University of Cambridge offers 336 courses across 79 subject areas.

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: Cardiff University is about £2,190 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: Cardiff University is about £15,350 a year cheaper.

Of the 19 subject areas both teach where each publishes a graduate salary, University of Cambridge is higher in 19 and Cardiff University in 0. The widest gap is in Computer Science: £33,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, against £63,500 from University of Cambridge. Of the 19 subject areas both teach where each publishes a student satisfaction score, University of Cambridge is higher in 14 and Cardiff University in 5.

World & National Rankings

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

#179
QS World
#6
#201
THE World
#3
#34
Guardian UK
#2
1883
Established
1209
Yes
Russell Group
Yes
—
TEF Rating
Gold

Visual Breakdown

Key metrics at a glance

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

Cardiff University

University of Cambridge

86.3%
92.1%

Satisfaction

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

£36,100
£49,800

Graduate Salaries (5y)

Median graduate salary 5 years after graduation

82.1%
76.6%

Employment

Graduate employment rate

16%
32.2%

International

International student share

362
336

Course Counts

Number of courses offered

0
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.

Cardiff

89 countries · 16% international

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

Cambridge

96 countries · 32.2% international

  • 🇨🇳China28.2%
  • 🇺🇸United States10.3%
  • 🇸🇬Singapore6.6%
  • 🇭🇰Hong Kong5.3%
  • 🇮🇳India4.7%

Subjects

53 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 Cambridge

Also taught at both: Health Sciences & Paramedic Science, Biomedical Sciences, Business & Management (General), Childhood & Youth Studies, Clinical Specialities, Economics, Geology & Earth Sciences, Welsh Studies, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Philosophy, Ancient Languages, Archaeology, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Finance & Actuarial Science, Music, Psychology (General), Theology & Religious Studies, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Planning & Housing, Software Engineering, Business Studies, Computing & IT, English Studies, Media & Film Studies, Celtic Studies, Creative Writing, Dentistry, Geography (General), Medicine, Toxicology, Biotechnology, Building & Construction, Education Studies, Linguistics, Statistics, Technology & Logistics, Health & Social Care, Pharmacology.

Only at Cardiff University

Only at University of Cambridge

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 Cambridge
£32,890

Cardiff University is about £2,190 a year cheaper.

Postgraduate

Cardiff University
£25,950
University of Cambridge
£41,300

Cardiff University is about £15,350 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 Cambridge

  • Biological Sciences (General)

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£35,000
    94%Satisfaction91%

  • Mathematics

    £27,500Salary (3 years)£44,500
    84%Satisfaction94%

  • Law

    £24,500Salary (3 years)£49,000
    81%Satisfaction96%

  • Computer Science

    £33,500Salary (3 years)£63,500
    70%Satisfaction94%

  • Politics & International Relations

    £27,000Salary (3 years)£34,000
    88%SatisfactionNo data

  • General Engineering

    £32,500Salary (3 years)£39,500
    83%Satisfaction87%

  • History

    £23,500Salary (3 years)£32,000
    92%Satisfaction95%

  • Asian Languages & Studies

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£30,000
    95%Satisfaction94%

  • Architecture

    £29,000Salary (3 years)£38,000
    89%Satisfaction88%

  • Economics

    £32,000Salary (3 years)£59,500
    80%Satisfaction86%

  • Philosophy

    £25,000Salary (3 years)£31,000
    91%Satisfaction93%

  • Ancient Languages

    £25,500Salary (3 years)£30,000
    83%Satisfaction97%

Showing the 12 largest of 20 shared subjects with published outcomes.

Scholarships for International Students

Exclusive

Cardiff University

View all scholarships →

University of Cambridge

View all scholarships →

FAQ

Cardiff University vs University of Cambridge: common questions

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

For undergraduate study, the typical published international fee is £30,700 a year at Cardiff University and £32,890 at University of Cambridge: Cardiff University is about £2,190 a year cheaper. For postgraduate study, the typical published international fee is £25,950 a year at Cardiff University and £41,300 at University of Cambridge: Cardiff University is about £15,350 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 Cambridge?

Both universities teach 53 subject areas: Biological Sciences (General), Mathematics, Law, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Management, Politics & International Relations, General Engineering, History, Chemistry, Human Geography & Environment, Physics and 41 more.

Is Cardiff University or University of Cambridge better for Biological Sciences (General)?

Biological Sciences (General) graduates earn a median £25,500 three years after graduating from Cardiff University, and £35,000 from University of Cambridge. Student satisfaction with teaching is 94% at Cardiff University and 91% at University of Cambridge. Figures are medians across each university's undergraduate courses in the subject, from Discover Uni.

Does Cardiff University or University of Cambridge offer more courses?

Cardiff University lists 362 courses on CourseOptions and University of Cambridge lists 336 courses.

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

Cardiff University teaches 33 subject areas that University of Cambridge does not, including Journalism, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Geography & Climate, Social Sciences (General), Accounting, Biomedical Engineering, English Literature, Optometry & Ophthalmics and 25 more.

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

University of Cambridge teaches 26 subject areas that Cardiff University does not, including Biology, Genetics & Genomics, Anatomy & Pathology, Chemical Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Classical Studies, Eastern European Languages, History of Art & Design and 18 more.

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 Cambridge336 courses · 0 scholarshipsBrowse Courses