Ph.D Language Studies from Cardiff University [CARDIFF UNI], Cardiff - Fees & Admission Details 2026
Cardiff University is one of the prestigious members of the Russell Group, offering strong academic quality and global recognition. The university provides a wide range of programs for international students across multiple disciplines, making it a popular choice for students worldwide. Some of the most popular courses among Indian students include MS Data Science and Analytics, Master of Laws, and Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS).
The university follows a course-specific fee structure, where each program has a fixed tuition fee depending on the department. As per university data, the average tuition fees for the 2026 academic year are:
- Around £24,700 - 30,700 (₹31.28 - 38.88 lakhs) per year for undergraduate programs
- Around £32,450 - 34,700 (₹41.09 - 43.94 lakhs) for postgraduate programs, depending on the course
The university is located in Cardiff, Wales, a major student city in the UK known for its modern infrastructure, seaside location, and vibrant cultural environment. The city is also popular for its relatively lower cost of living, as the university estimates that international students can expect to spend around £1,216 - 1,250 (₹1.54 - 1.58 lakhs) per month on average. However, the overall cost of living may vary depending on lifestyle and accommodation choices.
The university also offers various merit-based scholarships, which may be automatically considered during the application process or may require a separate application. These scholarships typically range from £3,500 - 10,000 (₹4.43 - 12.66 lakhs) depending on the course and student profile.
Note: £ 1 = INR 126.63 is the exchange rate used for all currency conversions in this article as of 15th April 2026.
Cardiff University Popular Courses and Fees 2026
Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines. The university is particularly popular among Indian students for courses in Law, Data Science, Business, Medicine, and Media. Since the university follows a course-specific fee structure, the tuition fees vary depending on the program and level of study.
| 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 |
| MSc Advanced Computer Science | 1 Years | £ 33,200 | ₹ 42.04 Lakhs |
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | 1 Years | £ 33,200 | ₹ 42.04 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Laws | 3 Years | £ 24,700 | ₹ 31.28 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) | 5 Years | £ 47,450 | ₹ 60.09 Lakhs |
| BSc Architecture Studies | 3 Years | £ 30,700 | ₹ 38.88 Lakhs |
| BA Media and Communications | 3 Years | £ 24,700 | ₹ 31.28 Lakhs |
| BS Psychology | 3 Years | £ 30,700 | ₹ 38.88 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.
Cardiff University Payment Methods
Cardiff University provides multiple secure and convenient payment options for international students to pay their tuition fees. Students can choose from various methods depending on their preference and location. The main payment methods accepted by the university include:
- Online payment portal (Flywire / Convera): Allows international students to pay in their local currency with competitive exchange rates.
- Bank transfer: Direct transfer to the university’s bank account.
- Debit or Credit Card: Payments can be made online using major cards.
- Sponsored payments: For students funded by government bodies or organisations.
- Instalment plans: Tuition fees can be paid in agreed instalments rather than a lump sum.
Students are advised to ensure that all payments are made before the specified deadlines to avoid any late fees or issues with enrolment. Using the official payment platforms also helps in tracking transactions securely and efficiently.
Students can go through this YouTube video, which briefly explains how to pay tuition fees via Flywire.
Cardiff University Accommodations
Cardiff University offers a variety of accommodation options for international students, catering to different budgets and preferences. The university provides over 17 student residences and guarantees accommodation for first-year undergraduate and international postgraduate students (September intake) if they apply on time.
The university provides a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to premium choices, allowing students to select based on their preferences and budget. The cost of accommodation depends on the type of room and facilities selected.
| Level | Accommodation Type | Annual Price in £ (£ ) | Annual Price in ₹(INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Shared Bathroom | £ 5,272.40 - 7,467.60 | ₹ 6.68 - 9.46 Lakhs |
| Studio | £ 5,745.60 - 7,644.00 | ₹ 7.28 - 9.68 Lakhs | |
| En-suite | £ 6,694.80 - 7,641.20 | ₹ 8.48 - 9.68 Lakhs | |
| Postgraduate | Shared Bathroom | £ 5,745.60 - 7,467.60 | ₹ 7.28 - 9.46 Lakhs |
| Studio | £ 7,467.60 - 11,645.45 | ₹ 9.46 - 14.75 Lakhs | |
| En-suite | £ 8,810.89 - 10,245.86 | ₹ 11.16 - 12.98 Lakhs |
Note: Students are advised to apply as early as possible to secure their preferred accommodation, as spaces are limited in each residence.
Cardiff University Cost of Living
Cardiff University provides an estimated cost of living to help international students plan their finances effectively. Expenses may vary depending on accommodation type, lifestyle, and personal spending habits.
| Item | Annual Undergraduate cost per year (39 weeks) |
Annual Postgraduate cost per year (52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent including bills | £ 6,211.32 (₹ 7.86 Lakhs) |
£ 8,809.86 (₹ 11.15 Lakhs) |
| Food, toiletries and laundry | £ 2,553.72| (₹ 3.23 Lakhs) |
£ 3,404.96 (₹ 4.31 Lakhs) |
| Study costs (books and copying) | £ 162.00 (₹ 20,514) |
£ 216.00 (₹ 27,352) |
| Socialising and leisure | £ 1,462.50 (₹ 1.85 Lakhs) |
£ 1,950.00 (₹ 2.47 Lakhs) |
| Clothes | £ 288.00 (₹ 36,469) |
£ 384.00 (₹ 48,625) |
| Mobile phone and TV licence (assuming a TV licence is bought for each bedroom) |
£ 274.86 (₹ 34,805) |
£ 235.68 (₹ 29,844) |
| Total Cost of Living Annually | £ 10,952.40 (₹ 13.87 Lakhs) |
£ 15,000.50 (₹ 18.99 Lakhs) |
Note: Cardiff University also states that the average cost of living per month is approximately £ 1,216.93 (₹1.54 Lakhs) for undergraduate students and £ 1,250.04 (₹1.58 Lakhs) for postgraduate students.
For more information, check out the cost of living in the UK
Cardiff University Scholarships
Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their studies financially. These scholarships are mainly merit-based and are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Indian students can benefit from several funding options, including university-specific and country-based awards. Most scholarships provide a tuition fee reduction, helping to lower the overall cost of studying in the UK.
| Scholarship Name | Level | Awarded Amount | Eligibility for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship | UG | £ 10,000 (₹ 12.66 Lakhs) |
• Strong academic performance in Class 12 • Must hold an offer from the university |
| Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship | UG / PG | £ 3,500 - 10,000 (₹ 4.43 - 12.66 Lakhs) |
• Based on academic merit • Must meet course entry requirements |
| Cardiff India Scholarship | PG | £ 6,000 (₹ 7.60 Lakhs) |
• Must be an Indian student • Hold an offer for a postgraduate course • Meet academic and English requirements |
| Red Dragon Scholarship | PG | £ 10,000 (₹ 12.66 Lakhs) |
• Awarded based on academic excellence • Offer holder required |
| MBA Public Value Scholarship | PG (MBA) | £ 7,500 (₹ 9.50 Lakhs) |
• Must have an MBA offer • Academic merit and/or professional experience • Open to international students |
| GREAT Scholarship | PG | £ 10,000 (₹ 12.66 Lakhs) |
• Indian students are eligible • Must meet academic criteria • Enrolled in an eligible postgraduate course |
Part-Time Work in the UK
International students studying at universities like Cardiff University are allowed to work part-time while studying in the UK. During term time, students can typically work up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during holidays, as per UK student visa rules.
According to the UK government, the National Minimum Wage (from April 2026) is:
- £12.71 (₹1,610) per hour for students aged 21 and above
- £10.85 (₹1,374) per hour for students aged 18 to 20
Part-time jobs can help students manage daily expenses such as food, travel, and personal costs, making studying in the UK more financially manageable.
For more information, check out the Part-time work in the UK
Cardiff University is a well-established institution and a member of the Russell Group, offering strong academic quality and global recognition. The university provides a wide range of courses with tuition fees varying by program, where undergraduate courses cost around £24,700 - 30,700 (₹31.28 - 38.88 lakhs) per year, and postgraduate programs range from £32,450 - 34,700 (₹41.09 - 43.94 lakhs) for the full course. Although the university does not publish an official acceptance rate, it is often estimated to be around 17% by third-party sources, making admissions competitive.
In terms of affordability, Cardiff is relatively cost-effective compared to other UK cities, with an average cost of living of around £1,216 - 1,250 (₹1.54 - 1.58 lakhs) per month, depending on lifestyle. The university also offers a range of merit-based scholarships to support international students financially. Overall, considering its fees, cost of living, rankings, and academic reputation, Cardiff University stands out as a practical and balanced choice for Indian students planning to study in the UK.
FAQs
Ques. What is the QS ranking of Cardiff University in 2026?
Ans. Cardiff University is ranked #181 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #126 in Collegedunia Study Abroad Rankings 2026.
Ques. What percentage is required for Indian students in Class 12?
Ans. Indian students generally need around 78-81% in their best four subjects for undergraduate admissions.
Ques. What are the intakes at Cardiff University?
Ans. The main intake is in September, while the January intake is available for limited postgraduate courses.
Ques. Can international students work part-time in the UK?
Ans. Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Popular Programs and Important Dates
| 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) |
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Cardiff University Reviews
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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.
Course Curriculum
- I am doing a PhD, so I don’t think these questions are relevant to me.
Fees
- 6600 GBP per year at the home student rate
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.
Course Curriculum
- It was more theoretical, yes, and being from a science background, I struggled to fit in the right room with a bunch of people who only studied sociology and psychology. For me, it was harder because I never had to deal with a different academic structure overall, where they prioritized essays more than exams. Lectures, or as my professors used to say, Leminars (lecture +seminar) were usually held three days a week or two days a week. In the UK, most courses are self-study-based, where you study on your own rather than wasting time on a lecture for hours. This was what I struggled to cope with as well, because people always used to tell me what to study and what to prepare in India, and it was very hard for me not to get that support, and I kind of felt like everything was on me. In my course, there were only 12 students, and only one of them was Indian, me.
Fees
- The tuition fee was almost £21,000. The living cost per month, I would say, was £200 for food, transport and stuff, but this kept fluctuating. And the rent for the accommodation I was living in was £8,490. The breakdown of fees was for admission, they took £2000, which is to book my place at the uni, so that no one else takes it. A weird detail here is that this rule doesn't apply to home students. Also, we pay three times the amount they pay for tuition.
- There's no semester rota here, only that you pay the tuition fee either in full before arriving or you pay it in three instalments. I chose an instalment. I'm not sure the breakdown at this moment because it was back in 2023. Sorry for this. And even if I mention the tuition fees are not the same as they were before, same as the accommodation cost, I believe. My rent was also paid in instalments for the year, but I suppose the monthly rent would be £625. And along with that, there were regular expenses as well, so the living costs would come around £1000 or more per month. It's so expensive.
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)
Course Curriculum
- Courses were pretty easy to understand and the exams were simple but lengthy. Most of the courses were designed in a hybrid model of online lectures and classroom sessions. Interaction in class was key to the teaching environment in most courses. Assessments were either completely exam-based or completely project-based for my course.
- Classes operated on a 5-day week system, with any course ranging from 1 to 3 classroom sessions per week. A lecture was shared online in every few courses. Overall I had 5 courses per semester with 2 semesters of academics and one summer term of dissertation work.
- Number of students in classes ranges from 10 to 50.
- There were 3 indian students in my course with total batch strength of 24 students
Fees
- Tuition fee for the course was £25400. I received a scholarship of £5000. Fees were paid in 3 instalments over the course period, which was 1 year, along with the first confirmation payment of £2000.
- There were various options for stay, including privately rented student spaces and ones provided by the university. I opted for university-provided accommodation, which was at the rate of £124 per week for a time period of 51 weeks.
- Monthly expenses, including rent, were around £1000.
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).
Course Curriculum
- There were around 10 Indian students in my course, from a batch of 45 students. Our classes were twice a week and mainly stretched from 10 am to 4 pm, with each class being one hour. Our professors were the torchbearers of our course. My programme director, Toma Pustelnikovaite, was the most down-to-earth person I have ever met amongst all the other course professors.
- The most positive aspect has to be how all the professors made the classes interesting and were always there to clarify any doubts that we had. Negative would be that they often did not quite speak the 'student language' and it was a bit of a challenge, especially for the Indian students, as we are taught very differently here. The classes were a mixture of both theoretical and practical and that made them interesting as well as difficult.
Fees
- Though I will not be able to give you a complete breakdown, as it has been well over a year, my tuition fees were GBP 24000 for the one-year course. And I was staying in a private student accommodation, which was GBP 9000 for a year. But one can stay in student accommodation, where it would be a little cheaper but the distance from the university to the student accommodation is a little bit odd and also they do not give that kind of facility if one pays a little bit extra.
- Cardiff in itself is very much affordable and student-friendly. Monthly expenses for me were around GBP 300, but I knew some of my friends who used to survive on GBP 150, so it completely depends on the needs and requirements of the individual.
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
Course Curriculum
- The entire course was hard. On the difficulty level, on a scale of 1 to 10, it was a 10. Marking was strict and unforgiving. Theory was limited but challenging and worth it.
- Practicals were the dominant part of the course and demanded every ounce of your dedication and perseverance. In a day, typically, 3-5 classes were held. Most started at 7 am and ended by 12 noon. There were 30 students in my class, out of which around 7 were Indians.
Fees
- I got a scholarship for GBP 2k, after which my tuition was GBP 18k. It was a one-year course so that was it. Estimate of monthly expense: Rent for student accommodation: £450; groceries around £120; miscellaneous (travel, etc.): £100. if to get a job, most of the living expenses are manageable. Most people, however, do need a job to live. And, almost all jobs pay around £10 per hour on average.
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
- Find your accommodation through known platforms that you get on Google like Amber, Unite Students, etc. If you have any relatives living at the same place, you can easily live with them. If you are going with the application through an agent, you can ask them to find you an accommodation as well since they did this job for long.
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
Course Curriculum
- Courses can be updated.
- Regarding industry experience, there is a separate course with placement year but the uni doesn't guarantee any placement (need to get it on your own)
- There's one class per subject per week (it's your choice how many electives you choose per semester)
- Class strength: 35-40
Fees
- £26k-28k/year around fee.
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.
Course Curriculum
- I would say most of the modules are relevant to the current trends though some needs to be updated.
- Yes. there used to be guest lectures with practicals for respective modules but dependes whether the modules is practical or theoretical.
- 3/4 classes a week. 2 hours a class.
- As for students It was around 50-60.
Fees
- Fee could be up to 25000 pound.
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.
Course Curriculum
- Course syllabus is pretty much updated every year or once in 2 years.
- You can select the dissertation(Project) with a company if its accepted you work with them or you work with the professors.
- Classes are normally 3 days a week but it depends on the course you select. timing are decided on the availability of professors.
Fees
- Fee was upto 24595 GBP.
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
-
Off campus. Student accommodations are really good. You can find them through online platforms or agents. If you’re choosing to stay in Cardiff, eclipse is a good option where I stay. They have a lot of facilities. The bedrooms are on suite and the kitchen has a lot of space. They also have a movie room, study rooms, a gym, and party rooms in their facilities, which adds on to your student experience. It is also located in the city center, which gives you a lot of connectivity.
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