# Study in Cardiff — universities, cost of living and student life

> Cardiff is the affordable, compact Welsh capital with strong universities and a friendly student scene.

Cardiff is the capital of Wales and its largest city, home to Cardiff University (Russell Group), Cardiff Metropolitan University and a campus of the University of South Wales. It is a compact, affordable, welcoming city with a strong sporting and cultural scene and the coast close by. Living costs are well below London. Confirm visa and cost figures on GOV.UK and university pages.

## Quick facts
- **Universities:** Cardiff University, Cardiff Met, USW
- **Cost level:** Affordable — well below London
- **London by train:** ≈ 2 hours

## Key takeaways
- Home to Cardiff University (Russell Group), Cardiff Metropolitan and the University of South Wales.
- The compact, walkable capital of Wales, with the coast close by.
- Living costs are well below London — strong value for international students.
- A strong sporting and cultural city with a friendly, welcoming feel.

## Why study in Cardiff
Cardiff offers the feel of a capital city in a compact, affordable and friendly package. Cardiff University is a research-intensive Russell Group member, while Cardiff Metropolitan and the University of South Wales add strong professional, creative and applied courses. The city is famous for sport (its national stadium hosts rugby and football), a lively cultural scene and a regenerated waterfront, with the Welsh coast and countryside a short trip away — an appealing mix for international students.

## What it costs
Cardiff is an affordable capital, with accommodation and living costs well below London. Your total cost of study is therefore typically lower than a comparable course in the capital, while you still get the amenities of a capital city. Study UK Now builds a realistic Cardiff budget with you so there are no surprises on arrival.

## Frequently asked questions
### Is Cardiff a good city for international students?
Yes — Cardiff is a compact, affordable and friendly capital city with strong universities led by the Russell Group Cardiff University. Its low living costs, walkable centre, sporting culture and nearby coast make it an excellent, welcoming choice for international students.

### Which universities are in Cardiff?
Cardiff is home to Cardiff University (a Russell Group member), Cardiff Metropolitan University and a campus of the University of South Wales. Each has its own strengths and entry requirements — Study UK Now helps you choose the right one for your subject, budget and goals.

## Sources
- [Cardiff University — international](https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international) — Cardiff University

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Verified: 2026-06-16