Cardiff University is the only Welsh member of the Russell Group and ranks 179th in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It now teaches in two countries. In Cardiff, school leavers from Russia or Kazakhstan first take the International Foundation Year at the university's International Study Centre ($29,560–33,550, £22,250–25,250 for 2026/27), followed by a three-year degree at $33,810–42,120 (£25,450–31,700) a year for 2027 entry. In Astana, the Cardiff University Kazakhstan campus is open: foundation and undergraduate study cost $16,000 a year for Kazakh citizens and $18,000 for international students, and the degree is awarded by Cardiff University itself.
Cardiff Metropolitan University is a different institution in the same city; this page covers Cardiff University only.
| At a glance | Cardiff (Wales) | Astana (Kazakhstan) |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Main campus, Russell Group | Cardiff University campus run in partnership with the not-for-profit Qualified Centre of Education |
| University rankings | QS 2027: 179; THE 2027: =257; ARWU 2026: 201–300 | same institution and degree |
| After an 11-year school certificate | International Foundation Year at the International Study Centre | Foundation Year on campus |
| Foundation | $29,560–33,550 (£22,250–25,250), 2026/27 | $16,000 / $18,000 a year, 2026 intake |
| Undergraduate | $33,810–42,120 (£25,450–31,700) a year, 2027 entry | $16,000 / $18,000 a year, 2026 intake |
| Range | 200+ taught master's and hundreds of degrees | 4 bachelor's degrees and an AI + Data Science MSc |
| Language | English | English |
Who Cardiff suits
| Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Russell Group fees below London and the south of England | No direct entry with the Russian Attestat |
| Four foundation routes plus a 22-week accelerated option | Medicine needs AAA, UCAT and IELTS 7.0; its 2027/28 fee is not yet confirmed |
| Large awards: £10,000 off year one (competitive) and £3,500–5,000 with no application | The £10,000 award requires an application and covers year one only |
| A hall place for first-years who apply on time | Astana offers only five programmes so far |
| For Kazakhstan, a UK degree without moving abroad or a UK visa | Astana fees are in US dollars, so a tenge budget depends on the exchange rate |
Cardiff works for students who want a Russell Group university at a moderate price in a calmer city, and for Kazakh applicants who would rather earn the same degree at home. Compare it with Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield; more options are on our study in the UK page, and the Russell Group guide explains the label.
Getting into Cardiff after an 11-year school certificate
For Russian applicants, Cardiff asks for a school certificate averaging at least 4.0 out of 5 plus an International Foundation Programme. The alternative is completing at least one year of a relevant four-year degree at a recognised Russian university with high grades in key subjects. A levels and the IB allow direct entry to year one.
The foundation is delivered by the International Study Centre (ISC) on campus.
| ISC programme | School certificate | IELTS for UKVI | Fee 2026/27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Foundation Year, two semesters | Russia: average 4.0; Kazakhstan: average 4 with 4 in relevant subjects | 5.0 | $29,560–33,550 (£22,250–25,250) by route |
| Accelerated International Foundation, 22 weeks | as above | 5.5 | $27,240–27,770 (£20,500–20,900) |
| International Year One (progress to year two) | Kazakhstan: average 4.5; no separate Russian requirement listed | 5.5 | $29,890–32,550 (£22,500–24,500) |
Foundation routes and fees: Business, Finance and Management $30,890 (£23,250); Engineering, Science and Computing $32,550 (£24,500); Health and Life Sciences $33,550 (£25,250); Law, Social Sciences and Humanities $29,560 (£22,250). Intakes run in September, November (with a free enhanced induction) and January; the January intake does not lead to medicine or dentistry. Minimum age is 17.
Students who need more English can take paid online courses of 6, 10 or 16 weeks for $2,790–7,440 (£2,100–5,600). A visa for the foundation requires a SELT such as IELTS for UKVI. Our foundation year guide compares foundation with A levels.
ISC progression scholarship. Students completing an ISC foundation or Year One in 2026/27 and starting a degree in September 2027 receive $2,660 (£2,000) a year for the whole degree, or $3,990 (£3,000) a year with 75% in the foundation or 70% in Year One. Medicine, dentistry and healthcare programmes are excluded.
Undergraduate requirements and fees, 2027 entry
| Programme | A levels | IELTS | International fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics BSc | AAB–BBB incl. Maths | 6.5, no band below 5.5 | $33,810 (£25,450) |
| Law LLB | AAA–ABB | 6.5, no band below 6.0 | $33,810 (£25,450) |
| Computer Science BSc | ABB–BBC | 6.5, no band below 5.5 | $42,120 (£31,700) |
| Medicine MBBCh, 5 years | AAA incl. Biology or Chemistry plus a second science; UCAT | 7.0, speaking 7.0, other bands 6.5 | 2027/28 fee not yet confirmed |
Apply through UCAS by 15 October 2026 for medicine and by 13 January 2027 for other courses. International medicine applicants are asked to contact medadmissions@cardiff.ac.uk about country-specific requirements before applying. Our UK applications guide covers the UCAS form.
Master's study in Cardiff
From Russia, Cardiff expects a relevant four-year Bakalavr from a recognised institution at around 80% or above, or an average of 4.0 on a five-point scale. For Kazakhstan it publishes conversions of 4.0/5, 3.46/4.33 and 3.2/4.0. The baseline English requirement is IELTS 6.5.
| Programme, 2027 entry | Requirement | IELTS | International fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Management MSc (conversion, any subject) | UK 2:2 or equivalent | 6.5, no band below 5.5 | $39,460 (£29,700) |
| Artificial Intelligence MSc | 2:1 in computing or a related field | 6.5, no band below 6.0 | $45,110 (£33,950) |
Accepting an offer requires a $3,990 (£3,000) deposit. Applicants below the threshold can take the ISC Pre-Master's: for Russia, a Bakalavr or Specialist diploma averaging 4.0, IELTS for UKVI 5.5, minimum age 19, at $26,910–29,560 (£20,250–22,250) for 2026/27.
Cardiff scholarships for international students
- Undergraduate International Excellence Scholarship 2027: $13,290 (£10,000) off first-year fees. Apply separately by 23:59 UK time on 2 April 2027, make Cardiff your firm UCAS choice and meet offer conditions by 31 August 2027. Dentistry, medicine and healthcare are excluded.
- Vice-Chancellor's Undergraduate International Scholarship: $6,640 (£5,000) for applicants from India, Kenya, Pakistan, Turkey, the UAE and the USA, and $4,650 (£3,500) for other eligible countries. It is a one-off discount on first-year fees. No separate application: apply by 30 June 2027, make Cardiff your firm choice, meet conditions by 31 August and hold the published grades for your course. It cannot be combined with other scholarships or discounts.
- Vice-Chancellor's Postgraduate International Scholarship: $5,310 to $13,290 (£4,000–10,000) for master's students.
- Chevening: the UK government's master's scholarship. For 2027/28, Russian citizens are eligible only if they live outside Russia; the deadline is 6 October 2026, 11:00 UTC, and later cycles are announced on the Chevening website.
The university decides on every award. External funding is covered in our UK scholarships guide.
Housing and living costs in Cardiff
Cardiff's residence policy covers first-year undergraduates and international postgraduates starting in September who apply by the housing deadlines; the university allocates the rooms. Residences cost from $180 (£131.81) to $250 (£186.76) a week, roughly $7,000–10,410 (£5,272–7,836) for the academic year.
For the visa you show £1,171 a month for nine months, or $14,000 (£10,539), rising to $14,390 (£10,827) for applications from 30 November 2026, plus any unpaid tuition. The ISC suggests budgeting at least £1,136 a month for living costs, with insurance and travel on top. See our student housing guide, and if paying from Russia, the lawful options in how to pay for studies abroad from Russia.
Cardiff University Kazakhstan in Astana
The Astana campus recruits for foundation, undergraduate and master's study. According to its official website, graduates receive a British degree awarded by Cardiff University, all teaching is in English, and the campus is a partnership between Cardiff University and the not-for-profit Public Foundation Qualified Centre of Education.
| Programme | Entry | Annual fee, September 2026 intake |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year (available with every degree) | Grade 11 certificate averaging 4, with at least 4 in Mathematics; IELTS 6.0, no band below 5.5 | $16,000 (≈ 7.05m tenge) for Kazakh citizens; $18,000 (≈ 7.94m tenge) for international students |
| Business Management BSc, Civil Engineering BEng, Computer Science BSc, Exploration Geology BSc (3 years each) | 12-year schooling, college, NIS Grade 12, a foundation certificate or A levels (Computer Science lists BBC with GCSE Maths at B); IELTS 6.5, no band below 5.5 | same fees |
| AI + Data Science MSc, two years part-time (8 long weekends) | UK 2:2 equivalent or relevant experience; IELTS 6.5 | $9,000 (≈ 3.97m tenge) / $11,000 (≈ 4.85m tenge) |
Who enters where. Graduates of 11-year schools may apply to the Foundation Year only; direct degree entry is for 12-year school, college, NIS, A level, IB or foundation certificate holders. The minimum age is 16, with parental consent possibly required under 18. TOEFL and the Cardiff University English Language Test are accepted instead of IELTS.
2026 intake deadlines (2027 dates are not yet published): state-scholarship foundation places by 15 May, scholarship documents by 19 June, self-funded foundation by 30 August. For degrees: international students needing a visa by 20 July, those without visa needs by 20 August, Kazakh nationals by 30 August. Self-funded applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, usually within 10 working days.
Astana discounts. 5% for paying the year in full; 10% for foundation or degree applications submitted by 31 July 2026 with timely offer acceptance. The Merit Scholarship cuts fees by 15% for each year (up to 10 awards) and the Provost Scholarship by 30% (up to 3 awards); 2026 applications closed on 10 August. Fees are paid in full or in three instalments of 34%, 33% and 33%.
Who Astana suits. Kazakh school leavers who want a UK degree at roughly half the UK cost, without a visa or relocation. Russian citizens can enrol at the international rate, but the programme choice is narrow and studying in Astana does not lead to the UK Graduate Route. Our guide to studying abroad from Kazakhstan covers the wider picture.
UK Student visa
Studying in Cardiff requires a Student visa: a CAS from the university or ISC, a $740 (£558) fee, the $1,030 (£776) annual health surcharge, funds held for 28 days, and a tuberculosis test at a GOV.UK-listed clinic for residents of Russia and Kazakhstan. The Graduate visa lasts 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027. UK Visas and Immigration decides; see our UK student visa guide and Graduate Route guide.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Cardiff University with Cardiff Metropolitan. They are separate universities with different requirements and fees.
- Missing 2 April. The £10,000 award needs its own application by that date.
- Expecting £10,000 every year or stacking awards. The £10,000 and £3,500–5,000 awards cover year one only and cannot be combined with other discounts; only the ISC progression scholarship is paid yearly.
- Choosing a January foundation for medicine. The January intake does not progress to medicine or dentistry.
- Applying to an Astana degree straight from an 11-year school. Only the Foundation Year is open to you.
FAQ
Can I enter Cardiff University straight after an 11-year school?
Not to year one in Cardiff. You need the International Foundation Year at the International Study Centre (certificate average 4.0, IELTS for UKVI 5.0) or a year at a Russian university. In Astana, 11-year school graduates can start with the on-campus Foundation Year.
How much does Cardiff University cost?
In Cardiff, 2027-entry degrees cost $33,810 (£25,450) a year for economics and law and $42,120 (£31,700) for computer science; the foundation is $29,560–33,550 for 2026/27. In Astana, fees are $16,000 a year for Kazakh citizens and $18,000 for international students.
What degree do Astana graduates receive?
According to Cardiff University Kazakhstan, graduates receive a British degree awarded by Cardiff University, recognised in Kazakhstan under national regulations. All programmes are taught in English.
How do I apply to Cardiff University in Astana?
Choose a programme on cardiff.edu.kz and apply online with your transcript, English certificate and passport or ID. With an 11-year certificate you apply to the Foundation Year (average 4, Maths 4, IELTS 6.0); with 12 years of schooling you can apply straight to a degree.
Does Cardiff University Kazakhstan offer grants?
Part of the foundation intake is funded through state scholarship places; for 2026 the deadline was 15 May. The campus also awards Merit (15% off) and Provost (30% off) scholarships for each year of study on a competitive basis.
What scholarships does Cardiff offer international students?
Undergraduates can win £10,000 off year one by applying by 2 April 2027 or receive a one-off £3,500–5,000 Vice-Chancellor's discount on year one without applying (the two cannot be combined). ISC graduates get £2,000–3,000 a year, and master's students can be considered for £4,000–10,000.
How does StudyU help with Cardiff?
Choosing between Cardiff and Astana, selecting a programme, preparing scholarship applications, documents and the visa file are provided under an agreement with StudyU. Cardiff University or its ISC decides on admission and awards, and UK Visas and Immigration decides on UK visas.
Sources
- Cardiff University: entry requirements for Russia and Kazakhstan
- Cardiff University International Study Centre: entry requirements, fees 2026/27, International Foundation Year, home page with QS 2027
- 2027 courses: Economics BSc, Law LLB, Computer Science BSc, Medicine MBBCh, Business Management MSc, Artificial Intelligence MSc
- Scholarships: overview, UG International Excellence 2027, Vice-Chancellor's UG, ISC Progression
- Cardiff University: accommodation, residences and prices
- Cardiff University Kazakhstan: home, Foundation Year, Computer Science BSc, AI + Data Science MSc, how to apply, fees and funding
- UCAS: 2027 deadlines
- GOV.UK: Student visa, money, HC 584, IHS, Graduate visa, SELT, TB clinics in Russia
- Chevening: Russia
- QS 2027, THE World University Rankings, ARWU 2026, Russell Group
- National Bank of Kazakhstan: rates on 1 October 2026
Pound amounts are converted at ECB reference rates of 30 September 2026 (£1 = $1.3286) and rounded to $10; tenge amounts use the National Bank of Kazakhstan official rate of 1 October 2026 ($1 = 440.86 tenge). Facts checked on 1 October 2026.
If you are weighing Cardiff, Astana and other Russell Group options, send a request.
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Next steps
- University of Liverpool: Admission and Fees for International Students
- Studying in the UK for international applicants
- University of Leeds: Admission for International Students
- The University of Sheffield: Admission for International Students
- Russell Group Universities: All 24 Members, Rankings, Fees and How International Students Get In
- Foundation Year in the UK: Types, Entry Requirements, Costs and Progression
