Cardiff University, in the capital of Wales, is Wales’s only Russell Group university. Its main campus is close to the city centre and the impressive Cathays Park civic buildings. Cardiff is known for subjects such as journalism, architecture, medicine, business, engineering and the sciences, and it’s a friendly, affordable city for students.
For most Cardiff courses starting in September 2027, the UCAS deadline is 13 January 2027. Here are 10 things you can do to give yourself the best chance, based on Cardiff’s own guidance. If you’re applying for a master’s or PhD instead, see the section near the end.
1. Choose your course
Cardiff’s course pages list the entry requirements, English requirement and fees, and many courses come with a professional placement year or a foundation year. Check the UCAS code carefully, because similar courses can have different requirements.
2. Meet the entry requirements
For example, for 2027 entry, Economics BSc asks for AAB to BBB at A level, including Mathematics. Cardiff says that applicants with an A in the EPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower. Cardiff Economics BSc.
3. Check for tests and interviews
Most Cardiff courses don’t use admissions tests, but medicine, dentistry and some health courses use the UCAT and interviews, and some creative courses ask for a portfolio. If you’re hoping to study medicine or dentistry, note that the UCAS deadline for 2027 entry was 15 October 2026, and you’d also have needed to sit the UCAT, so you’d now be planning for 2028 entry.
4. Write a strong personal statement
Your UCAS personal statement now has three questions: why you want to study the course, how your studies have prepared you, and what else you’ve done to prepare outside education. You have 4,000 characters in total, with at least 350 for each answer. Show that you understand what the course involves and explain why it suits your interests and plans. Write about what you’ve read, explored or made, and what you think about it, rather than listing achievements. See our 50 sample SOPs for ideas on structure, but keep your own voice.
5. Show your experiences
Cardiff values students who’ll get involved in university life. Mention volunteering, part-time work, school responsibilities, sports or creative projects, and explain what you learned. If you’re interested in a placement year, say what kind of work experience you’d like.
6. Get a strong reference
Your UCAS application includes a reference from your school, which explains your predicted grades and describes you as a student. Ask your teachers early, give them a short summary of your interests and achievements, and tell them about any circumstances that affected your studies so they can mention them.
7. Apply by 13 January 2027
The UCAS deadline for most Cardiff courses starting in September 2027 is 6pm UK time on 13 January 2027. Every application received by then gets equal consideration, so there’s no advantage in rushing: use the time to make your application as strong as possible.
8. Meet the English requirement
For Economics BSc, Cardiff asks for IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each part, or equivalents such as TOEFL iBT 90 or PTE Academic 69. Requirements vary between courses, so check yours. Practise with our free IELTS, TOEFL and PTE practice tests.
9. Plan your budget
For 2027 entry, Cardiff’s overseas fee for Economics BSc is £25,450 a year. Cardiff is one of the more affordable UK capital cities to live in. Check Cardiff’s international scholarships, and note that some course pages may still be waiting for confirmation of 2027–28 overseas fees.
10. Get ready for your Student visa
Most international students need a UK Student visa. Once you’ve accepted Cardiff as your firm choice and met your offer conditions, Cardiff will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which you need to apply for the visa. You’ll also need to show that you can pay your fees and living costs. After graduating, you can usually stay in the UK to work under the Graduate Route, which is due to be shortened from two years to 18 months for applications made from 1 January 2027. Check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
Applying for a master’s or PhD at Cardiff?
Cardiff offers many one-year master’s degrees and PhDs, including programmes at Cardiff Business School and in journalism, architecture, engineering and computer science. You apply directly to the university, not through UCAS. Most programmes ask for a good first degree (often a UK upper second-class degree or the equivalent), a personal statement, references and, for international applicants, an English test. See our 50 sample SOPs, free GRE and GMAT practice tests, and our guide to the best AI master’s degrees in the UK.
Be ambitious, but apply to a balanced list
Cardiff turns down many strong applicants every year, because there are more excellent students than places. Use your five UCAS choices wisely: apply to Cardiff if it’s right for you, and include universities where your chances are good. Read our guides to other Russell Group universities, including Bristol, Exeter, Southampton and Liverpool. Our guide to studying in the UK explains how UK universities work, and our free study abroad assessment can help you build a shortlist.
Information was taken from Cardiff University’s official course pages, and checked in October 2026. Entry requirements, deadlines, tests, fees and visa rules can change, so always confirm the details on Cardiff’s undergraduate website before you apply. StudyAbroadMarket is not affiliated with Cardiff University.