9 Best Universities In Wales For International Students 2025

Wales is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United Kingdom. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 9 universities in Wales, Cardiff University and Swansea University are the top-performing schools in Wales. This list covers public institutions in Wales.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Wales. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Wales.

Rank University Country Type
1 Cardiff University United Kingdom Public
2 Swansea University United Kingdom Public
3 Bangor University United Kingdom Public
4 Aberystwyth University United Kingdom Public
5 University of South Wales United Kingdom Public
6 Cardiff Metropolitan University United Kingdom Public
7 University of Wales Trinity Saint David United Kingdom Public
8 University of Wales United Kingdom Public
9 Wrexham Glyndwr University United Kingdom Public

How do I get admission to the best universities in Wales?

Applying to the universities in Wales involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Wales to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Wales?

Tuition fees at Wales’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 11,800 GBP to 23,500 GBP , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 11,700 GBP to 25,000 GBP. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Wales!

As we cover the best universities in Wales for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Wales for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#25 in United Kingdom
#71 in Europe
#160 in World
Percentage of International Students
23%
Total Number of students - 33,510
International Number of students - 7,725

Cardiff University is the largest institution in Wales. It is known for having a research-rich environment, with research-active faculty delivering courses. Students benefit from innovative curricula, top-notch facilities, and unique opportunities brought by Cardiff’s local and international partnerships.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#38 in United Kingdom
#140 in Europe
#301 in World
Percentage of International Students
13%
Total Number of students - 20,415
International Number of students - 2,700

Swansea University is a research university located in South Wales, United Kingdom. It is home to over 20,000 students, and around 10% are international students. Since its foundation in 1920, the university has built two campuses in Swansea: the Singleton Campus and the Bay Campus. Swansea University provides education grounded on professionalism, resilience, collaboration, and purpose through a research-driven academic approach.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#48 in United Kingdom
#200 in Europe
#423 in World
Percentage of International Students
14%
Total Number of students - 10,194
International Number of students - 1,427

Bangor University is a prominent institution in Wales that attracts various students across the globe. It is especially appealing for students whose primary interests are in the fields of arts, humanities, sciences, business, and law. It offers curated courses lectured by distinguished academic staff. Studying at Bangor will surely help students gain the necessary core capabilities to succeed in their chosen careers.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#70 in United Kingdom
#325 in Europe
#713 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 7,720

Aberystwyth University is the perfect option for students who want to learn amidst nature. Set amidst a stunning landscape of mountains, seas, hills, and valleys, the United Kingdom’s largest university is more than just an aesthetic. It is also a reputable institution recognized by various entities for its research contributions and academic excellence. Moreover, it is a very welcoming institution, home to local individuals, international students, and even royalties.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#90 in United Kingdom
#460 in Europe
#1075 in World
Percentage of International Students
14%
Total Number of students - 23,150
International Number of students - 3,325

The University of South Wales is a public institution with one of the largest student populations in the UK. It operates across three campuses located in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. The university is best known for its film-related courses, but also offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate study options. USW commits to helping each student fulfill their highest potential by maintaining small class sizes and investing in industry-standard facilities. Students also benefit from exclusive industry partnerships with employers, landing them relevant work placements and networks.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#106 in United Kingdom
#596 in Europe
#1544 in World
Percentage of International Students
11%
Total Number of students - 11,000
International Number of students - 1,200

Cardiff Metropolitan University is one of the universities in Cardiff, Wales. It has more than 11000 students, with over 10% international students. The university offers a great variety of courses through its five academic schools and two campuses in Cardiff. Some of the study areas available at the university are Arts, Education, Design, Management, and Sports and Health Sciences.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#120 in United Kingdom
#754 in Europe
#2119 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 12,700

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has a long and rich history. Before it was officially named as such, the University of Wales Lampeter and Trinity University College Carmarthen merged, forming a new institution. After three years of its operation, Swansea Metropolitan University joined UWTSD, further strengthening and promoting the university’s quality of education. Today, the university has several campuses in Wales and other small campuses and learning centers around the UK.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#134 in United Kingdom
#909 in Europe
#2728 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 3,345

The University of Wales, founded in 1893, was the first university in Wales, United Kingdom. From being the second largest in the country, the university diverged into four independent universities in Wales. In 2017, the university has integrated with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#149 in United Kingdom
#1144 in Europe
#3794 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 6,930

Transforming student’s life is one of the primary goals of Wrexham Glyndwr University. The institution’s teaching approach, “Active Learning Framework,” is blended learning of the traditional and modern methods with students learning on-campus and having access to online learning. This approach has mainly worked well for most full-time and part-time students since many of them come from different backgrounds. Its core values: accessible, supportive, innovative, and ambitious, perfectly align with the university’s values and vision.

We know that choosing your dream school in Wales not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Wales, make sure to visit our list of the best public universities in Wales! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!