Cardiff University

Cardiff University, the largest university in Wales and the tenth largest in the UK, is located in the vibrant heart of the Welsh capital. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group, it is renowned for its academic excellence and research impact, ranking second for impact and fifth for quality in the latest Research Excellence Framework. Cardiff University fosters a dynamic and innovative learning environment. The university combines rich heritage with modern facilities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive and enriching educational experience. Understanding the Cardiff University Admissions process makes it much easier to apply and secure your seat by following the steps below:

Things To Consider Before Applying

One of the first steps before the application process is ensuring you’re prepared. This includes browsing the entry requirements, researching finances, collecting required documents, etc. All the information you need is in the following sections.

Entry Requirements

To apply to Cardiff University, prospective students must meet specific entry requirements based on their level of study and chosen programme. Cardiff University entry requirements vary for every student, considering their background, destination, and choice of courses.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

• Academic Qualifications: Typically, Indian students need to achieve a score between 78% and 81% in their best four subjects from the Class XII examination, excluding Hindi and Physical Education.
• Foundation Courses: Students graduating from the national high school system may need to complete an International Foundation Year before entering undergraduate courses.
• English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate their English proficiency, usually through tests like IELTS, with scores typically starting at 6.0 for undergraduate programmes.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

• Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have a relevant bachelor's degree from a recognised institution, with grades around 55% to 60%, to qualify for postgraduate taught courses. A relevant master's degree may also be required for research programmes.
• English Language Proficiency: Similar to undergraduate requirements, proof of English proficiency is necessary, often requiring an IELTS score of at least 6.5.

Documents

This is your first step to securing a place in the university of your choice. Gathering all the required Cardiff University documents and submitting them through your required portal will ensure success and a faster road to acceptance.

Undergraduate Application Documents

• Completed UCAS Application Form
• Personal Statement outlining your motivations and relevant experiences
• Official High School Transcripts showing your grades and cumulative score
• English Proficiency Test Results like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 6.0
• Copy of Passport

Postgraduate Application Documents

• Completed Online Application Form
• Official Transcripts and Degree Certificates from previous studies
• Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
• CV/Resume
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• English Proficiency Test Results like IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5
• Copy of Passport

Additional Documents for PhD Applications

• Academic CV highlighting your research experience and publications
• Research Proposal outlining your proposed area of study
• Writing Sample of 3000 words for Arts and Humanities programmes
• Academic References

Some other helpful documents that can be submitted include:

• Financial Documentation to prove you have sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
• Proof of parental/guardian consent if you are under 18 years old

Eligibility

Cardiff University eligibility enables applications from students belonging from all walks of life as long as they meet the required qualifications. Prospective undergraduate students from India typically need a minimum score of 78% in their Class XII examinations from recognised boards, along with English language proficiency demonstrated through tests like IELTS, requiring an overall score of at least 6.5. For postgraduate applicants, a relevant bachelor's degree with grades around 55% to 60% from recognised institutions and similar English proficiency standards are generally required. 

How To Apply At Cardiff University?

The application process at Cardiff University may vary based on your programme, course and intake. However, the general process remains consistent. Follow the below steps for a successful application.

Undergraduate Application Process

1. Choose your course and check the UCAS application deadline, typically around January 31 for September entry.
2. Check the entry requirements for your chosen course on the university website.
3. You can apply through UCAS by submitting your application form, personal statement, and academic references. Cardiff University's UCAS code is C15.
4. Wait for the university's decision, which will be a conditional or unconditional offer. Decisions are usually made by mid-May for applications submitted by the January deadline.
5. Reply to your offers via UCAS by the specified deadline.

Postgraduate Application Process

1. Apply directly to the university through their online application system.
2. Submit your completed application form, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, and English proficiency test scores.
3. Some programmes may require additional documents like letters of recommendation or a research proposal.
4. The university aims to decide within 4-6 weeks of receiving your application.

Key Requirements

• Academic qualifications: Typically 78-81% in best four subjects for UG, relevant bachelor's degree for PG
• English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0 for UG, 6.5 for PG
• Supporting documents: Passport, transcripts, English test scores, references

Deadlines

It is essential to follow the admission procedure as instructed by the university to the bone. Similarly, Cardiff University deadlines are often well laid out and crucial. Refer to the following pointers to find the important events and their respective dates for undergraduate applicants in the fall and spring semesters.

Undergraduate Deadlines

• Main UCAS Deadline: January 31 for September entry
• Late Applications: Can be submitted until June 30 but will only be considered at the discretion of admissions tutors
• Deadline for Medicine Programmes: October 15

Postgraduate Deadlines

• Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis, but applying at least eight weeks before the course start date is recommended.

Pre-sessional English Course Deadlines

• 20 week (online): March 29
• 20 week (on-campus): March 15
• 12 week (online): May 24
• 12 week (combined): May 17
• 12 week (on-campus): May 24
• 10 week (online): June 7 
• 10 week (on-campus): May 31 
• 8 week A (online): June 21
• 8 week B (on-campus): June 14

Decision Dates

Decision dates for applications to Cardiff University vary depending on the type of application and when it is submitted. For undergraduate applications submitted by January 31, decisions are typically made by mid-May. Late applications submitted by June 30 will receive decisions by mid-July; if decisions are not made by this date, those applications may be considered unsuccessful. For postgraduate applications, applicants can expect to receive admission decisions within 4 to 6 weeks after submission. Keeping track of these timelines is essential for prospective students navigating the application process at Cardiff University.

Cardiff University Selection Criteria

Cardiff University's selection criteria are designed to assess the potential and qualifications of applicants for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Undergraduate Selection Criteria

• Academic Qualifications: Applicants must typically achieve a minimum score of 78% to 81% in their Class XII examinations from recognised boards. Specific programmes may have additional subject requirements.
• English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must demonstrate their English proficiency, usually through tests like IELTS, with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no less than 5.5 in each component.
• Supporting Documents: A completed UCAS application form, personal statement, academic references, and transcripts are essential for consideration.

Postgraduate Selection Criteria

• Academic Qualifications: A relevant bachelor's degree with grades around 55% to 60% is generally required, depending on the programme.
• English Language Proficiency: Similar to undergraduate requirements, proof of English proficiency is necessary, typically needing an IELTS score of at least 6.5.
• Additional Requirements: Applicants may need to submit a personal statement, CV, letters of recommendation, and, for some programmes, a research proposal.

General Considerations

All applications are evaluated based on their quality and the predetermined criteria set by the admissions department. Successful applicants may receive an unconditional or conditional offer based on their requirements. For PhD applications, potential supervisors assess candidates, and offers are made after a supervisory panel review.

Cardiff University Acceptance Rate

Cardiff University’s acceptance rate is just 20%, making it a highly selective institution. This means that out of every 100 applicants, only 20 are granted admission. The low acceptance rate indicates that the university receives significantly more applications than it can accommodate each year, highlighting its appeal to prospective students. To improve their chances of acceptance, applicants must demonstrate vital academic records and fulfil all admission requirements.

Fees

Cardiff University fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. For international students, the estimated fees for the academic year are as follows:

Undergraduate Fees

• International Foundation Year: £19,250 - £21,900
• International Year One: £20,250 - £20,900
• Undergraduate Programmes: Approximately £17,700 - £28,450

Postgraduate Fees

• Taught Master's Programmes: £10,000 - £13,200
• MBA: £19,200
• Pre-Master's Programmes: £18,900