Cardiff University is a prestigious public research university, established in 1883. The university offers over 300 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate taught programs, with several other research courses. Most undergraduate degrees at Cardiff University span 3 to 4 years, while postgraduate taught courses typically last 1 year.
Indian students applying for postgraduate programs need a bachelor’s degree with 55%-60%, while undergraduate applicants require 78%-81% in Standard XII (excluding Hindi and P.E.). English proficiency requirements vary by program, with IELTS scores ranging from 6.5 to 7.5, TOEFL iBT between 90 and 109, and PTE Academic scores from 69 to 80. Cardiff also accepts Indian Standard XII English (except from Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana) with a minimum of 70%-75%.
The annual tuition fees range from £18,700 to £25,500 for undergraduate programs and £19,450 to £30,200 for postgraduate courses in Cardiff University. Living costs are estimated at £10,809 for undergraduates (39 weeks) and £14,353 for postgraduates (52 weeks). Scholarships like the £5,000 India Scholarship and the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship (£3,500-£10,000) help Indians reduce the costs. Around 95% of Cardiff graduates secure jobs or further education within 15 months, with employers like Airbus, HSBC, BT, and Microsoft offering salaries averaging £30,000-£40,000 per year, depending on the field.
5.1 English Proficiency Requirements for Undergraduate Students
Cardiff University is a proud member of the Russell Group of Universities in UK, and ranks among top 24 research institutions in Great Britain. The latest QS World University Rankings rank Cardiff in the top 50 for Communication and Media Studies and Dentistry. The university also ranks among the top 100 for Architecture/Built Environment, Nursing, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Psychology, English Language & Literature, and Geography.
Some significant world rankings of Cardiff University are provided below:
| Ranking Type | Rank |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings, 2026 | #181 |
| THE World University Rankings, 2025 | #201-250 |
| Best Global Universities by U.S. News and Report, 2024 | #184 |
| The Guardian University Rankings | #46 |
Explore: Cardiff University Rankings
Cardiff University offers more than 300 undergraduate degree programs. The university is known for its flexibility, allowing students to make a combination of subjects in undergraduate level. Indian students can pursue over 200 taught graduate degrees at Cardiff University. Besides, there are a range of graduate research programs at the university.Some popular graduate programs at Cardiff University and their corresponding details are as follows:
Indian applicants for postgraduate taught courses at Cardiff University must have successfully completed a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, with grades of approximately 55%-60%.
For postgraduate research courses, Cardiff University requires evidence of previous research experience from Indian applicants, demonstrated by successful completion of a relevant master’s degree. You should have a relevant bachelor’s degree with 55%-60% grades.
Supporting Documents (Course-specific):
All graduate applicants must meet the following English language standards:
PG Application Portal: Program-specific
PG Application Fee: No application fee charged.
Cardiff University runs its MBA program through Cardiff Business School, offering both full-time and part-time study options. The course covers key areas like strategy, leadership, and global business, with a duration of 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time. The cost of pursuing the MBA is around £30,000, making it a solid choice for those aiming to boost their management career in less time.
| Requirement Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | 2:1 honours degree or equivalent international qualification |
| Work Experience | Minimum 3 years relevant professional/managerial experience |
| English Language | IELTS 7.0 overall (no band below 6.0) or accepted equivalent tests |
| Application Documents | CV, academic transcripts, degree certificate, IELTS/equivalent score, 2 employer references |
| Alternative Route | Non-graduates may be considered with substantial professional experience |
| Interview | Required for shortlisted applicants (in-person or online) |
Entry requirements for undergraduate programs in Cardiff University vary by subject. However, the university expects between 78% and 81% in your best four Standard XII subjects (excluding Hindi and P.E.).
Indian applicants must meet the following specific English language proficiency criteria for admission to Cardiff University:
UG Application Portal: UCAS Portal
UG Application Fee: GBP 28.50 (~3,103 INR)
A side-by-side comparison of the estimated cost of living in UK for undergraduate and graduate students of Cardiff University is provided below:
| Item | Estimated Annual Expenses for UG (39 weeks) | Estimated Annual Expenses for PG (52 Weeks Except Rent) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent including bills | GBP 5,826.50 | GBP 7,836.97 (51 weeks) |
| Food, toiletries, and laundry | GBP 2,488.98 | GBP 3,318.64 |
| Study costs (books and copying) | GBP 135.00 | GBP 180.00 |
| Socializing and leisure | GBP 1,755.00 | GBP 2,340.12 |
| Clothes | GBP 315.00 | GBP 420.00 |
| Mobile phone and TV licence (assuming a TV licence is bought for each bedroom) | GBP 289.17 | GBP 258.24 |
| Total | GBP 10,809.65 | GBP 14,353.85 |
The 2025 Cardiff University £5,000 India Scholarships are available to all eligible students enrolling in select postgraduate programs commencing in both January and September 2025. The £5,000 scholarship is awarded to students identified as domiciled in India on their course application. If you hold an offer for an eligible program and meet the criteria, you will automatically be awarded the scholarship. Separate application is not required.
For any queries regarding scholarship eligibility, you can contact internationalscholarships@cardiff.ac.uk by 30 Mar 2026. Requests submitted after this date will not be considered.
Indian students might also avail the following scholarships at Cardiff University:
Also Check: UK Scholarships for Indian Students
About 95% of Cardiff University alumni are employed, pursuing further studies, or involved in other activities within 15 months after graduation. The university students have secured placements with over 100 multinational, SME, and local employers. Some prominent companies hiring Cardiff University graduates are, Airbus, BT, HSBC, and Microsoft among others.
Also Check: High Demand Jobs in UK for Indians
Cardiff University stands out as a top-tier institution, combining academic excellence with strong research contributions. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, it provides high-quality education across 300+ undergraduate and 200+ postgraduate programs. Indian students benefit from competitive scholarships and a strong career support system, with 95% of graduates securing employment or further education within 15 months.
The university’s research community is globally recognized, featuring 2 Nobel Prize winners, 17 Fellows of the Royal Society, 10 Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, 7 Fellows of the British Academy, and 21 Fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences. With affordable tuition, strong industry links, and world-class faculty, Cardiff University remains a top choice for international students seeking quality education and career growth.
