Cardiff University
Cardiff, Wales, UK
Cardiff University is a leading research university in Cardiff, highly regarded for its academic excellence. Popular with Indian students for its strong postgraduate programs in Computer Science, Data Science, Business, and Engineering. The UK's Graduate Route Visa allows 2 years of post-study work.
$30K
Annual Tuition
₹25.6 L
~79%
Visa Success (Est.)
~45%
Acceptance Rate (Est.)
#163
QS Ranking
~89%
Employment Rate (Est.)
~$56K
Avg Grad Salary (Est.)
September
Intake
(Est.) figures are indicative estimates, not published institutional statistics — confirm current figures with the university or your Jaivik Overseas counsellor.
About Cardiff University
Cardiff University (Cardiff) is one of the premier universities in UK and one of the oldest university systems in the world, with Oxford and Cambridge setting global standards since the 12th century. Founded in 1883 — over 143 years ago — Cardiff has established itself as a world-class institution with a QS World University Ranking of #163 in 2026.
Cardiff University is a leading research university in Cardiff, highly regarded for its academic excellence. Popular with Indian students for its strong postgraduate programs in Computer Science, Data Science, Business, and Engineering. The UK's Graduate Route Visa allows 2 years of post-study work. With a student community of over 31,000 students, of whom approximately 32% come from abroad, Cardiff offers a genuinely international learning environment. Indian students make up a significant and growing part of this international community, drawn by the university's strong academic reputation, career outcomes, and its location in UK.
Located in the heart of Cardiff, the campus benefits from excellent public transport links and proximity to industry, cultural venues, and internship opportunities. The campus is equipped with research libraries, modern computer labs, on-campus accommodation, sports and recreation facilities, an international student office, and a dedicated career and placement centre.
Graduates of Cardiff can expect an estimated (not officially published) employment rate of around 89% within six months of graduation, with an indicative starting salary in the region of $56K (approximately ₹47L per annum) — confirm current outcomes with the university. Top employers recruiting from Cardiff include PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, reflecting the institution's strong industry connections.
The university offers competitive scholarships for international students, including the Cardiff Excellence Scholarship (£5,000–10,000). The university accepts applications for September intake, with an estimated overall acceptance rate around 45% (not officially published). Students from India typically require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and a GPA of 7.5/10 for postgraduate admission.
Why Indian Students Choose Cardiff
UK is a top study destination for Indian students, and Cardiff consistently ranks among the most popular choices. Here is why:
Strong Career Outcomes
With an estimated (not officially published) average graduate salary of $56K/year and an estimated employment rate around 89%, Cardiff alumni are generally well-regarded by employers. Top recruiters include PwC, Deloitte, KPMG.
Most Popular Courses for Indians
MSc Computer Science, MSc Data Science, MBA are the most commonly chosen programmes by Indian students at Cardiff. These courses align well with India's growing demand for internationally qualified professionals.
Post-Study Work Rights
After graduating, students can apply for Graduate Route visa for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates), giving them the opportunity to gain international work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency.
Scholarships Available
Cardiff Excellence Scholarship offers £5,000–10,000 to eligible international students. The Chevening Scholarship (Full Funding) is also available for Outstanding leadership potential.
Visa Success Rate
The exact student visa approval rate for UK isn't published per university; an indicative estimate is around 79%. Jaivik Overseas Consultants has helped hundreds of students successfully obtain their UK student visas.
Complete Cost Breakdown for Indian Students
Annual cost of studying at Cardiff (2026–27)
$30,480
₹25.6 L
$15,240
₹12.8 L
$0
₹0
$45,720
₹38.4 L
Admission Requirements
Minimum eligibility for Indian students at Cardiff
6.5+
IELTS Score
88+
TOEFL Score
310+
GRE Score
Not required
GMAT Score
7.5/10
Min GPA (10pt)
Up to 1
Backlogs Allowed
Campus & Location
📍 Main Campus Location
Cardiff
Wales, UK
🏛️ Campus Type
Urban
City-centre location, great transport links
👥 Total Students
31,000+
32% international students
🌍 International Community
9,920+
international students on campus
Campus Facilities
Courses Offered at Cardiff
View All Courses →Scholarships for Indian Students
Cardiff Excellence Scholarship
Outstanding academic merit
Chevening Scholarship
Outstanding leadership potential
Top Employers of Cardiff Graduates
Alumni Network & Career Impact
Cardiff University has produced numerous leaders across industry, academia, and government. Graduates of Cardiff hold prominent positions at companies including PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and many have gone on to found their own ventures. The Cardiff alumni network spans over 180 countries, and the university's Indian alumni community is particularly active, with dedicated chapters in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Many Indian graduates have returned home to build successful careers or start companies, leveraging the Science skills and global networks gained during their time at Cardiff.
~$56K/yr
Graduate Salary (Est.)
~89%
Employment Rate (Est.)
PwC
Top Employer
How to Apply to Cardiff from India
Step-by-step application guide for Indian students
Check Eligibility
Minimum GPA 7.5/10, IELTS 6.5+, GRE 310+. Maximum 1 backlogs allowed.
Prepare Documents
Gather transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL scores, SOP (Statement of Purpose), LORs (Letters of Recommendation), CV/Resume, and passport copy.
Submit Application
Apply through the official Cardiff University portal. Application fee: $0. Deadline is typically 4–6 months before the September intake.
Receive Offer Letter
Cardiff typically issues conditional or unconditional offer letters within 4–8 weeks. An unconditional offer requires meeting all entry requirements.
Apply for Student Visa
With an offer letter and CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance), apply for your UK student visa. Indicative approval rate for Indian students: ~79% (estimate, not an official published figure).
Pre-Departure Preparation
Book accommodation (on-campus or off-campus), book flights, arrange forex/education loan, and attend Jaivik Overseas pre-departure briefing.
💡 Jaivik Overseas Consultants provides end-to-end support — from shortlisting to visa — with a dedicated counsellor assigned to your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the tuition fee at Cardiff University?
Annual tuition at Cardiff University is $30,480 (approximately ₹25.6 L) for international students in 2026–26. This does not include living expenses of approximately $15,240/year.
Q: What is the acceptance rate at Cardiff?
Cardiff University's acceptance rate is not officially published — an indicative estimate is around 45% for international students. Indian students with strong GRE/GMAT scores and GPA above 7.5/10 have a higher chance of admission. Confirm current admission statistics with the university or your Jaivik Overseas counsellor.
Q: What are the IELTS requirements for Cardiff?
Cardiff University requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall. TOEFL iBT minimum is 88.
Q: When is the application deadline for Cardiff?
Cardiff University has intake in September. Application deadlines are typically 3–6 months before the intake. Contact Jaivik Overseas Consultants for exact deadlines and application support.
Quick Facts
Estimated Average Graduate Salary After Cardiff
~$56K/year
Indicative graduate salary range for UK, not a published Cardiff figure
Estimated employment rate: ~89%