Cardiff University is a prestigious UK institution known for its strong academic reputation in fields such as law, business, computer science, engineering, and medicine. The university primarily offers admission in the September intake (main intake), while a limited number of postgraduate programs may also be available in the January intake, depending on course availability. The key deadlines for September 2026 admissions are:
- 30 June 2026 (final UCAS deadline for international students) for undergraduate courses, and
- Postgraduate deadlines are course-specific and operate on a rolling basis, so early application is strongly recommended.
Cardiff University does not publish an official acceptance rate, but it is generally considered competitive, with estimates from third-party sources suggesting around 17%, depending on the program. Students with a strong academic profile and a well-prepared application have a better chance of admission.
For undergraduate programs, students are typically required to have 78 - 81% in Class 12, while postgraduate applicants generally need 55 - 60% in a relevant bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Applications are submitted via the UCAS portal for UG courses and directly through the university for PG programs.
After receiving an offer letter, students must accept the offer and may be required to pay a tuition deposit of £2,500 (₹3.16 lakhs) to confirm their place. Once confirmed, the university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which is required for the UK Student Visa application. After visa approval, students can proceed with accommodation booking and travel arrangements to begin their studies at Cardiff University.
Note: £ 1 = INR 126.63 is the exchange rate used for all currency conversions in this article as of 15th April 2026.
For more information, check out the Cardiff University
Cardiff University Intakes and Deadline 2026
Cardiff University offers admissions mainly in two intakes. The September intake is the primary intake for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, where most programs are available. The January intake is limited and mainly offers a small number of postgraduate or pathway courses, depending on availability.
For undergraduate admissions, the university follows the UCAS application deadlines, whereas postgraduate courses do not have a single fixed deadline; each program has its own course-specific application timeline.
| Level | Intake | Application Start Date | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | September 2026 | Early September 2025 (UCAS opens) |
14 January 2026 (UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline) and, 30 June (UCAS final deadline for international students) |
| Undergraduate (Medicine & Dentistry) |
September 2026 | First Week of September 2025 | 15 October 2025 (strict earlier deadline) (CLOSED) |
| Postgraduate | September 2026 | Open now (rolling admissions) | No fixed universal deadline (Apply as early as possible) |
| Postgraduate Taught (selected programs only) |
January 2026 | Depends on the course | Early December 2025 (e.g., 3 December 2025 or 10 December 2025, depending on the course)(CLOSED) |
Cardiff University Popular Courses and Fees 2026
Cardiff University offers a wide range of programs, including over 200 undergraduate courses and more than 150 postgraduate taught courses across various disciplines. Various courses are popular among Indian students, some of which are:
| Courses | Duration | Annual Tuition Fee in £ (GBP) | Annual Tuition Fee in ₹ (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Data Science and Analytics | 1 Years | £ 32,450 | ₹ 41.09 Lakhs |
| Master of Laws | 1 Years | £ 24,700 | ₹ 31.28 Lakhs |
| Master of Business Administration | 1 Years | £ 34,700 | ₹ 43.94 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Laws | 3 Years | £ 24,700 | ₹ 31.28 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) | 5 Years | £ 47,450 | ₹ 60.09 Lakhs |
Note: To accept the offer and confirm their seat, students must pay a tuition deposit of £2,500 (₹3.16 lakhs). This amount will be adjusted against the total tuition fee at a later stage.
For more information, check out the Cardiff University courses and fees
Cardiff University Admission Requirements
Cardiff University has specific admission requirements for international students. The university also provides a dedicated set of criteria for Indian students. Applicants from India who are planning to apply must ensure that they meet all the requirements to avoid rejection. The table below presents the official admission requirements provided by the university.
| Requirement | Undergraduate (UG) | Postgraduate (PG) |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Class 12 (Standard XII) | Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university |
| Minimum Marks | Between 78 - 81% in the four best subjects. (excluding Hindi and P.E) |
Minimum 55 - 60%, depending on the course. |
| English Requirement | IELTS Academic 6.5 | TOEFL iBT 88 or 4.5 | PTE Academic 69 | |
| Application System | UCAS Portal | Direct application via the university portal |
| Required Documents | Academic transcripts, passport copy, English test score, SOP, and other supporting documents | Bachelor’s degree transcripts, passport copy, English test score, CV/Resume, and other supporting documents |
Note: The UCAS code for Cardiff University is C15. This code is required while applying through UCAS.
For more information, check out the Cardiff University admissions
Cardiff University Admission Process
Applying to Cardiff University is a structured process, and Indian students must carefully follow each step to ensure a successful application. The university provides clear guidelines for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. The general admission process includes the following steps:
- Choose a course: Select the desired undergraduate or postgraduate program from the official university website.
- Check eligibility: Review academic requirements, percentage criteria, and English language requirements (IELTS/PTE).
- Submit application:
- Undergraduate students apply via the UCAS portal.
- Postgraduate students apply directly through the university website.
- Upload documents: Academic transcripts, passport, English test scores, SOP, LORs (for PG), and CV (if required).
- Receive offer letter: If selected, students receive a conditional or unconditional offer.
- Pay tuition deposit: Confirm the seat by paying a deposit.
- Apply for a visa: After receiving the CAS, apply for the UK Student Visa.
Overall, students are advised to apply early, ensure accurate documentation, and meet all deadlines to improve their chances of admission and avoid last-minute issues.
UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
Indian students planning to study in the UK must apply for a UK Student Visa after receiving their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university. The application requires key documents such as a valid passport, academic transcripts, English language test scores (like IELTS), and a TB test certificate. In addition, students must provide financial proof showing they can cover both tuition fees and living expenses during their stay.
The visa application fee is GBP 524 (₹66,354), along with an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of GBP 776 per year (₹98,264). A TB test typically costs around GBP 65 (₹8,230). Students are also required to demonstrate funds of approximately GBP 1,171 per month (₹1.48 lakhs) for up to 9 months to cover living costs. The visa process generally takes about 3 weeks after biometrics, and the total estimated visa-related cost comes to around GBP 1,365 (₹1.72 lakhs) for one year, excluding tuition fees.
For more information, check out the UK student visa requirements
Cardiff University Admission Decision
The admission decision at Cardiff University is based on a holistic evaluation of the applicant’s academic background, supporting documents, and course-specific requirements. After submitting the application, the university carefully reviews each profile before issuing a decision.
Applicants may receive one of the following outcomes:
- Conditional Offer: Offered when students meet most requirements but still need to submit final results or pending documents
- Unconditional Offer: Given when all academic and English language requirements are already fulfilled
- Rejection: If the applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria or required standards
The decision timeline can vary depending on the course, but most applicants receive a response within 2-6 weeks after submitting a complete application. For competitive programs, it may take longer.
Also, check Cardiff University students' reviews
Admission to Cardiff University is a straightforward yet competitive process that rewards early planning and strong academics. With structured timelines for undergraduate applications via UCAS and flexible, rolling deadlines for postgraduate programs, students who apply early and meet all requirements are at a clear advantage.
For Indian students, maintaining 78-81% in Class 12 for UG and 55-60% in graduation for PG is essential, along with the timely submission of documents. After receiving an offer, confirming the seat requires a £2,500 (₹3.16 lakhs) tuition deposit, followed by visa processing costs of around £1,365 (₹1.72 lakhs). Overall, with proper preparation and attention to deadlines, the admission journey is manageable and offers a strong pathway to studying at a globally recognised university.
FAQs
Ques. What is the acceptance rate for Cardiff University?
Ans. Cardiff University does not publish a fixed acceptance rate, but it is estimated to be around 17% form various third-party sources.
Ques. How can students apply for postgraduate courses?
Ans. Postgraduate applications are submitted directly through the university’s official website.
Ques. What happens after receiving the offer letter?
Ans. Students need to accept the offer, pay the deposit, and then apply for a UK Student Visa after receiving the CAS.
Ques. Can Indian students apply without final results?
Ans. Yes, students can apply with predicted scores and submit final results later if required.
College Student Profiles
Cardiff University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Start Date for September 2026 Intake (22nd Sep 2026) | USD 43,808 /Yr GBP 32,450 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(4.5), IELTS(6.5) | ||
LLM 1 year | Start Date for September 2026 Intake (28th Sep 2026) | USD 33,345 /Yr GBP 24,700 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(4.5), IELTS(6.5), PTE: 69 | |
MBA 1 year | Application Deadline for September 2026 Intake (31st Jul 2026) | USD 46,845 /Yr GBP 34,700 /Yr | 60%, TOEFL(5.0), IELTS(7.0) | |
L.L.B 3 years | UCAS Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (30th Jun 2026) | USD 33,345 /Yr GBP 24,700 /Yr | 78%, TOEFL(90), IELTS(6.5) | - |
M.B.B.S 5 years | UCAS Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (30th Jun 2026) | USD 64,058 /Yr GBP 47,450 /Yr | 78%, TOEFL(100), IELTS(7.0) | - |
B.Sc. Architecture Studies 3 years | UCAS Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake (30th Jun 2026) | USD 41,445 /Yr GBP 30,700 /Yr | 78%, TOEFL(90), IELTS(6.5) | - |
Start Date for September 2026 Intake (31st Aug 2026) | USD 44,820 /Yr GBP 33,200 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(4.5), IELTS(6.5) | ||
Start Date for September 2026 Intake (22nd Sep 2026) | USD 44,820 /Yr GBP 33,200 /Yr | 60%, TOEFL(4.5), IELTS(6.5) | ||
M.Pharm 4 years | USD 41,445 /Yr GBP 30,700 /Yr | 75%, TOEFL(5.0), IELTS(7.0) | ||
M.Sc Business Management 1 year | Start Date for September 2026 Intake (22nd Sep 2026) | USD 40,095 /Yr GBP 29,700 /Yr | 55%, TOEFL(4.5), IELTS(6.5) |
Do you think the Dates are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:
Reviews
Most Popular Tags
22 Reviews Found
Likes
- The University has excellent research environment and faculty.
- The collaboration among the other UK universities and international universities are also remarkable.
Likes
- They have very clean and tidy environment.
- Libraries are super helpful for even all night study sessions.
- Professors areamazing and very kind
Dislikes
- Even though they have a lot of communities and support system the way you feel at home is different.
- Finding job in Cardiff is very difficult, I did not have a part time job in my academic year, I only got a job after I submitted my dissertation.
- People are very friendly and nice, but during tough times it's a battle on your own.
Scholarship
- Yes, there was one scholarship, but they only waived £2000-£5000; for me, it was £2000. I think the name of the scholarship is Vice Chancellor's International Scholarship, and this depends on which course you choose. I received financial aid throughout the year cause I have a disability and I did not work part-time due to this issue.
- So whenever I asked for help, the university did help me. It was really mind-blowing how they were able to manage to give a few hundred pounds whenever I felt the need. As I said before, everyone receives this scholarship, but be sure to check out, some courses might not be eligible for the scholarship. But this is an automated process, so if there is a scholarship, the fund will be waived from your tuition fee automatically; no need to apply for it separately.
Likes
- Style of teaching: practical approach with problem solving mindset as the base for learning. Compare it with Indian style of college education where focus is more on theory and passing exams
- Research environment: research as integral part of learning
- Supportive faculty: faculty providing resources as required for projects.
Dislikes
- Lack of proper job support
- Bad weather (atleast for me)
- Potential situations of racial abuse (I avoided a lot of situations like this)
Scholarship
- There were various scholarships, including ones provided by University, the UK government and the Indian government.
- I received the university's Chancellor's scholarship of £5000. This was presented because of my academic background.
- There were few students from India that were sponsored by the indian government.
- There were also scholarships from UK government, but I didn't have the chance to meet someone with one
Likes
- The location it was situated in.
- The student crowd and the student union.
- The curriculum that was taught and the manner in which it was taught (the professors were the best part!).
Dislikes
- In my course, there were not enough students, like it was not that in the forefront, even though we had an amazing faculty and group of professors.
- It might get a little daunting for international student especially Indians, as the teaching method is quite fast paced.
- The distance was a problem (for me since I was in business school, it was right at the end of the college premises).
Scholarship
- Yes, I had received a scholarship; it was the International bursary that was given, GBP 2000 off from the tuition fees. But there are a multitude of other scholarships, like the Cardiff India Scholarship and externally funded options, like the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarships. On an average, almost 70-80% students receive scholarships from Cardiff every year
Likes
- Well-read, experienced professors who would go the extra mile to make you successful every step of the way
- Curriculum was hands-on and allowed you to hone skills to the point that buy the time you left college you had a portfolio ready, contacts nurtured and in your kitty
- The college takes care of international student in case of emergencies, especially if you run out of money and have no job
Dislikes
- Expensive for international students
- My course wasnt NCTJ accredited which is a requirement for most news agencies, esp in the UK but also most news agencies will train you in the course if you are hired
- If you plan to come back to India, you will feel a clash of ethics as the college teaches you very high standards of ethics
Scholarship
- Some of the scholarships are INLAKS (up to 100%), VC Scholarship (about £2k to 3k), and Commonwealth (if you take this, you need to come back after the course). you will not be allowed to work in the UK. During my time, due to COVID, INLAKS was discontinued. It's back on now. I got the VC one. There were about 4 people with scholarships that I know of. Batch had 30 students.
Likes
- It has a supportive faculty with learned, kind professors.
- I like my peers who are supportive and friendly
- Teaching here is a group discussion rather than a one way teaching from the professor alone
Dislikes
- Certain things are pretty vague about the education process - atleast in my course.
- Lack of enough understanding of what is expected from the professors or the assessment reviewers when they access reviews
- College library lacks a few resources
Likes
- Faculty: Some of the faculty members are very experienced and knowledgeable. There are some who are great researchers but not that great teachers
- Academics: Pretty content with the courses and options we had with the electives.
- Extracurricular activities: There are ample societies (sports, cultural) you can be part of.
Dislikes
- Placements: There are career fairs in the first sem for the graduate roles. Not really helpful if you have senior work experience and need to get into senior roles
Likes
- A good university overall with good faculty good modules but can definitely improve module content.
- Overall learning experience was great. Faculty was really helpful.
Likes
- Uni Culture and uni trying to help everyone and the societies being made for every community so that a student feels homely and engaged.
- The professors are really helpful and they try to help ypu out with any issues you go to them.
Likes
- The infrastructure in the campus was really beautiful and equipped with all the necessary things
- The staff was very friendly and understanding and highly educated individuals
- Various clubs and societies were present, and you could even make your own club
Dislikes
- There were too many students in one class
- There were a lot of international students in the class
- They did not assign groups to us and asked us to make our own groups, which did not give us a lot of chance to interact with other students from other countries
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments