Cardiff University Cost & Aid: International Student Guide 2026

Cardiff University Cost & Financial Aid for International Students 2026

What it actually costs to attend Cardiff University as an international student — tuition, living costs, hidden fees, financial aid pathways.

Total annual cost at Cardiff University for international students is approximately GBP 20,250-23,535 total annual cost for Welsh and rest-of-UK students; GBP 35,000-43,000 total annual cost for international undergraduates (medicine substantially higher). Cardiff is one of the more cost-effective Russell Group destinations. Need-based bursaries and merit scholarships available, including the Cardiff University Bursary and various country-specific scholarships. International scholarships are competitive and partial — international students should not assume significant aid coverage (tuition Home/Welsh undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year (UK government cap, 2025-26 rate); rest-of-UK undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year; international undergraduate tuition GBP 24,000-29,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry at the higher end), living costs GBP 11,000-14,000 per year for room, board, and personal expenses in Cardiff — Cathays, Roath, Heath, and Pontcanna shared rentals run GBP 500-700 per month for a single room. Materially below central London (GBP 18,000-22,000)).

Cost breakdown

Item	Range
Tuition (international)	Home/Welsh undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year (UK government cap, 2025-26 rate); rest-of-UK undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year; international undergraduate tuition GBP 24,000-29,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry at the higher end)
Living costs (housing + lifestyle)	GBP 11,000-14,000 per year for room, board, and personal expenses in Cardiff — Cathays, Roath, Heath, and Pontcanna shared rentals run GBP 500-700 per month for a single room. Materially below central London (GBP 18,000-22,000)
Total annual	GBP 20,250-23,535 total annual cost for Welsh and rest-of-UK students; GBP 35,000-43,000 total annual cost for international undergraduates (medicine substantially higher). Cardiff is one of the more cost-effective Russell Group destinations. Need-based bursaries and merit scholarships available, including the Cardiff University Bursary and various country-specific scholarships. International scholarships are competitive and partial — international students should not assume significant aid coverage

For comparison, the average international tuition across United Kingdom is around £22,000–45,000/year.

Estimates based on publicly disclosed tuition and typical city living costs. Exchange rates, personal spending, and scholarship aid can shift actual costs materially. How we source data.

Common questions

What is the total annual cost of Cardiff University for international students?

Total annual: GBP 20,250-23,535 total annual cost for Welsh and rest-of-UK students; GBP 35,000-43,000 total annual cost for international undergraduates (medicine substantially higher). Cardiff is one of the more cost-effective Russell Group destinations. Need-based bursaries and merit scholarships available, including the Cardiff University Bursary and various country-specific scholarships. International scholarships are competitive and partial — international students should not assume significant aid coverage. Tuition: Home/Welsh undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year (UK government cap, 2025-26 rate); rest-of-UK undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year; international undergraduate tuition GBP 24,000-29,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry at the higher end). Living costs: GBP 11,000-14,000 per year for room, board, and personal expenses in Cardiff — Cathays, Roath, Heath, and Pontcanna shared rentals run GBP 500-700 per month for a single room. Materially below central London (GBP 18,000-22,000).

What is tuition at Cardiff University?

Tuition at Cardiff University: Home/Welsh undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year (UK government cap, 2025-26 rate); rest-of-UK undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year; international undergraduate tuition GBP 24,000-29,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry at the higher end).

What are typical living costs at Cardiff University?

Living costs: GBP 11,000-14,000 per year for room, board, and personal expenses in Cardiff — Cathays, Roath, Heath, and Pontcanna shared rentals run GBP 500-700 per month for a single room. Materially below central London (GBP 18,000-22,000).

How does Cardiff University compare on cost to other universities in United Kingdom?

Total annual cost at Cardiff University is approximately GBP 20,250-23,535 total annual cost for Welsh and rest-of-UK students; GBP 35,000-43,000 total annual cost for international undergraduates (medicine substantially higher). Cardiff is one of the more cost-effective Russell Group destinations. Need-based bursaries and merit scholarships available, including the Cardiff University Bursary and various country-specific scholarships. International scholarships are competitive and partial — international students should not assume significant aid coverage (tuition Home/Welsh undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year (UK government cap, 2025-26 rate); rest-of-UK undergraduate tuition GBP 9,250-9,535 per year; international undergraduate tuition GBP 24,000-29,000 per year depending on program (medicine and dentistry at the higher end)). For context, the average international tuition across United Kingdom is around £22,000–45,000/year.