Cardiff University: Courses, Fees 2026 & Cost of Living

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.

For more information, check out the Cardiff University

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.

Also read, How to open a Bank account in the UK

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.