Study in Wales

Welcome to Wales

Wales is known for its welcome. Its people and universities are international in their outlook. Every year, Welsh universities welcome 22,000 international students from over 135 countries to learn and grow with them.

Where is Wales?

Wales is a unique corner of the UK, home to the most castles in the world per square mile. It proudly displays a red dragon on its flag and is famous for its distinctive language and love of sport. From the chanting crowds in the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on the day of a rugby match day to its six UNESCO World Heritage sites, Wales has something to offer everyone.

The countryside in Wales is the stuff of legends. From the mountains of Snowdonia to the valleys, forests and lakes of mid Wales, to the emerald coastlines and idyllic beaches of Pembrokeshire. The 8,016 miles of the country make it small enough to explore – with around a quarter of the land sitting inside a National Park. It’s not only practical but desirable to do so. The Welsh countryside invites visitors to enjoy an outdoor education like no other.

Why study in Wales?

It's diverse and welcoming

As a study destination, Wales combines city life, diversity, and excitement with stunning countryside, mountain ranges, and an amazing coastline.

It's also a very welcoming and inclusive society, and the Welsh government is in the process of making it into 'the most LGBT+ friendly nation' in Europe. Universities, too, play a huge role in making sure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

There's a term in Welsh, 'cwtch', which doesn't have a direct translation in English, but it can be described as a positive, safe feeling and a sense of togetherness and community. International students in Wales often comment upon this feeling.

Wales is home to eight globally respected universities

Wales has a passion for education. Wales’ eight universities offer UK higher-education qualifications that are respected by academics and employers the world over. Half of the universities in Wales are ranked in the top 500 in the Times Higher World University Rankings 2023.

Welsh universities offer a rich history of innovation, ground-breaking research, and established connections to industry, in addition to presenting you with an amazing student experience and excellent opportunities for your career.

Over 90 per cent of graduates from Welsh universities are in work within six months of completing their studies.

And, if you’ve done an undergraduate in Wales and prefer to continue studying, rather than going straight into work, the postgraduate programmes available in Wales are da iawn (that’s Welsh for very good).

The living costs are lower than the rest of the UK

Wales also offers great value to international students. It is known in the UK for its lower living costs, especially when it comes to paying for rental accommodation, socialising or shopping. Cardiff, the capital city, is almost three times cheaper than London, and both Cardiff and Swansea are two of the cheapest cities in the UK for a night out, considering the average price of drinks, food and even taxis home if you live in the city.

There are scholarships available for international students

As an international student, you may be eligible for financial support, including scholarships, grants and bursaries to help you study in the UK.

'There are tonnes of fellowships and scholarships available for international students', Maya, USA

Global Wales offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students, including the Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarships for students from the USA, India, Vietnam and across the EU.

The public transportation network is amazing

Cardiff is also well-connected. It's a very walkable city, and if you want to get out to London, for example, it’s just two hours by train and around four hours by coach.

You can also easily travel around Wales, the rest of the UK and beyond - for example, Europe - using the excellent existing transport networks.

Wales is becoming a global hub for media production

Wales is increasingly becoming known as ‘The New Hollywood’ with A-list celebrities such as Ryan Reynolds, Margot Robbie, Rob McElhenney and Forest Whitaker being spotted in and around town. Wales is also rapidly becoming a global hub for media production. Students from Welsh universities are in unprecedented demand to support the industry and to fill the growing skills shortage gap in the region.

Find out more about the eight universities in Wales:

• Aberystwyth University
• Bangor University
• Cardiff University
• Cardiff Met University
• Swansea University
• University of South Wales
• University of Wales Trinity Saint David
• Wrexham Glyndŵr University

Other relevant websites

• Study in Wales
• Visit Wales
• This is Wales