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For Indian students aspiring to study in the UK, Cardiff University stands out as a compelling choice. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group the UK's equivalent of the Ivy League Cardiff combines world-class research with exceptional teaching. Located in the vibrant and affordable capital city of Wales, it offers a strong return on investment (ROI) for international graduates. With high student satisfaction rates and robust links to industry, a degree from Cardiff is more than just a qualification; it's a launchpad for a global career. This guide provides a clear, detailed breakdown of Cardiff University's courses and fees specifically for you.
Programs Offered at Cardiff University
Cardiff University provides a comprehensive range of programs catering to diverse academic interests. Indian students can find courses at every level, ensuring a suitable pathway whether you're a school-leaver, a graduate, or a research scholar.
- Undergraduate (UG) Degrees: A wide array of Bachelor's programs (BA, BSc, BEng, LLB) across arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and law.
- Postgraduate (PG) Taught Degrees: Master's programs (MA, MSc, LLM, MBA) designed to provide specialized knowledge and professional skills.
- Postgraduate (PG) Research Degrees: Opportunities for advanced study through PhD and MPhil programs, backed by cutting-edge research facilities.
- Diplomas & Certificates: Shorter programs and professional development courses for specialized skill acquisition.
Cardiff University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026
Planning your finances is the most critical step in your study abroad journey. For the 2025/26 academic year, tuition fees for Indian students at Cardiff University generally fall within the following ranges. Please note that fees for the 2026/27 session are typically released in late 2025 and may see a slight increase of 3-5% to account for inflation.
- Undergraduate (UG) Annual Tuition Fees: £21,200−£28,800 (Approx. ₹22.26 lakhs - ₹30.24 lakhs)
- Postgraduate (PG) Taught Annual Tuition Fees: £21,700−£31,950 (Approx. ₹22.78 lakhs - ₹33.54 lakhs)
- Postgraduate (PG) Research Annual Tuition Fees: £21,200−£28,800 (Approx. ₹22.26 lakhs - ₹30.24 lakhs)
Note: The INR conversion is based on an exchange rate of £1 = ₹105. Exchange rates are subject to change.
Popular Courses & Fees at Cardiff University (2025/26)
To help you compare, we've compiled tables of popular courses for Indian students with their official 2025/26 tuition fees and duration. All data is sourced directly from Cardiff University.
Postgraduate (PG) Taught Courses & Fees
| Course Name | Duration | 2025/26 Annual Tuition Fee (GBP) | 2025/26 Annual Tuition Fee (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Business Analytics | 1 Year | £27,700 | ₹29.08 Lakhs |
| MSc International Management | 1 Year | £27,700 | ₹29.08 Lakhs |
| The Cardiff MBA | 1 Year | £31,950 | ₹33.54 Lakhs |
| MSc Computer Science | 1 Year | £28,800 | ₹30.24 Lakhs |
| MSc Artificial Intelligence | 1 Year | £28,800 | ₹30.24 Lakhs |
| MSc Data Science and Analytics | 1 Year | £28,800 | ₹30.24 Lakhs |
| MA International Journalism | 1 Year | £22,700 | ₹23.83 Lakhs |
| MSc Civil and Geoenvironmental Engineering | 1 Year | £28,800 | ₹30.24 Lakhs |
| MSc Architectural Design | 1 Year | £23,450 | ₹24.62 Lakhs |
| LLM (Master of Laws) | 1 Year | £21,700 | ₹22.78 Lakhs |
It's clear that Cardiff's specialized postgraduate programs in business, computer science, and engineering are priced competitively for a Russell Group university. The MBA program is the flagship, commanding the highest fee, which reflects its high-touch, cohort-based learning model. In contrast, programs in law and journalism offer a more accessible price point for Indian students looking to gain a UK master's degree.
Undergraduate (UG) Courses & Fees
| Course Name | Duration | 2025/26 Annual Tuition Fee (GBP) | 2025/26 Annual Tuition Fee (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Business Management | 3 Years | £21,200 | ₹22.26 Lakhs |
| BEng Mechanical Engineering | 3 Years | £28,800 | ₹30.24 Lakhs |
| BSc Computer Science | 3 Years | £28,800 | ₹30.24 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | 3 Years | £21,200 | ₹22.26 Lakhs |
| BSc Economics | 3 Years | £21,200 | ₹22.26 Lakhs |
| BSc Architecture | 3 Years | £25,950 | ₹27.24 Lakhs |
| Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) | 5 Years | £45,700 (Yr 1) | ₹47.98 Lakhs (Yr 1) |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) | 5 Years | £45,700 (Yr 1) | ₹47.98 Lakhs (Yr 1) |
For undergraduate studies, a distinct fee structure emerges. Classroom-based degrees like Business, Law, and Economics are set at a standard international rate. However, lab-based and technical programs such as Engineering and Computer Science have a significantly higher tuition fee due to the resources required. Clinical programs like Medicine and Dentistry are in the highest tier, a standard practice across UK universities due to extensive clinical placements and specialized facilities.
Postgraduate (PG) Research (PhD) Courses & Fees
| Research Area / School | Duration | 2025/26 Annual Tuition Fee (GBP) | 2025/26 Annual Tuition Fee (Approx. INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD (Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences) | 3-4 Years | £21,200 | ₹22.26 Lakhs |
| PhD (Physical Sciences & Engineering) | 3-4 Years | £28,800 | ₹30.24 Lakhs |
| PhD (Computer Science & Informatics) | 3-4 Years | £28,800 | ₹30.24 Lakhs |
| PhD (Business & Economics) | 3-4 Years | £21,200 | ₹22.26 Lakhs |
PhD fees are typically categorized by discipline rather than by specific project titles. As with UG and PG Taught programs, there is a clear two-band system. Lab-based research in engineering and sciences requires a higher fee ('Band 2'), while desk-based research in humanities, business, and social sciences falls into a lower fee category ('Band 1'). Some research projects may also require an additional "bench fee" to cover specialized consumables, which will be communicated in your offer letter.
Ancillary and Other Fees
Beyond tuition, there are a few other costs to budget for. These are one-time or essential annual fees required by the university.
- Application Fee: Cardiff University does not charge an application fee for direct postgraduate applications. However, applications for undergraduate courses must be made via UCAS, which has a standard application fee (£27.50 for 2024 entry, subject to change).
- Tuition Fee Deposit: Admitted international students are typically required to pay a deposit of £2,000 to secure their place. This amount is deducted from the first year's tuition fee.
- Bench Fees (for PhD students): As mentioned, some research programs may require an additional fee to cover laboratory or specialist resource costs. This varies by project and will be detailed in your offer letter.
- Field Trips/Materials: Some courses, particularly in architecture, journalism, or biology, may have mandatory field trips or material costs not included in the tuition fee.
Payment Schedule, Refund Policy & Scholarships
Understanding payment timelines and policies is crucial for Indian students, especially concerning the UK student visa process.
Payment Schedule
Once you have paid your initial deposit, the remaining tuition fees can be paid in one of two ways:
- Full Payment: Pay the entire year's fee on or before enrolment.
- Instalments: Pay in two instalments. 50% is due at enrolment, and the remaining 50% is due in early the following year (typically January/February). This can help manage cash flow.
Refund Policy (Focus on Visa Refusal)
Cardiff University has a clear and fair refund policy, which is a key concern for Indian families.
- Visa Refusal: If your UK Student Visa application is refused, the university will refund your tuition fee deposit in full, provided you submit a copy of the official visa refusal notification from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). A small administrative fee (around £50-£100) might be deducted. This policy provides significant financial security.
- Withdrawal after Enrolment: If you withdraw after commencing your course, you will be liable for a portion of the fees based on your withdrawal date.
Scholarships for Indian Students
Cardiff University actively encourages applications from India and offers several scholarships:
- Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: A highly competitive award offering up to £2,000 or more for talented international students across UG and PG levels.
- Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments (like Cardiff Business School, School of Engineering) offer their own scholarships.
- External Scholarships: The university also accepts students with external funding, such as the Chevening Scholarship or Commonwealth Scholarship.
It's essential to check the university's scholarship webpage for specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines, which are often much earlier than the course application deadlines.
