When considering international study abroad destinations, the United Kingdom is top of mind for many students. In fact, more than in 2022/23, enrolled in courses at over 250 postsecondary institutions. For many, the UK calls to mind images of Big Ben, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. But the appeal of studying in the UK extends far beyond the hustle and bustle of London.
Over the next few months, we鈥檙e taking a closer look at the four countries that make up the UK: Wales, Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland. First up is beautiful Wales, a mountainous country with a rich history.
Over 150,000 students are enrolled at the 8 universities and 14 higher education institutions in Wales, including nearly ! Although Wales has fewer postsecondary institutions than other parts of the UK, these institutions make a big impact. ApplyBoard is proud to partner with all of the leading higher and further education institutions in Wales including Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff and Vale College, , Swansea University, and the University of South Wales.
Use our free ApplyBoard platform today to explore the 200+ courses available at our partner institutions in Wales!
3 Top Reasons to Study in Wales
Here are just a few reasons why Wales offers any international student such a unique study abroad experience.
1. More Affordable Cost of Living
Getting a high-quality education can be expensive, regardless of where you study. However, Wales offers international students a compared to other parts of the UK. Accommodation costs, such as rent, are on average 20% cheaper in Wales, while food, entertainment, and other day-to-day living expenses tend to cost 15% less than in the rest of the UK. Some institutions, like Aberystwyth University, even offer !
Major cities in Wales, including , are some of the most affordable university cities in the UK. That said, even in cities with lower costs, if you鈥檙e planning to study anywhere in the UK, it鈥檚 important that you have throughout your course.
Remember to plan your budget before you study in the UK. Learn more about the cost of living in the UK for international students.
2. Outstanding Natural Beauty and Incredible History
From its incredible seaside views to its majestic mountains, Wales is home to landscapes of outstanding natural beauty. Regardless of where you decide to study in Wales, you鈥檙e never far from the water. Wales has , such as Manorbier, Llantwit Major, and Porthcawl.
Wales is also home to , including the . It鈥檚 also believed that Wales boasts . Be sure to take in 鈥攈ome of legendary Welsh poet Dylan Thomas鈥攁nd , built by Edward I.
3. World-Class Sports and Culture
Wales is a country that lives and breathes sports, especially rugby. As Welsh sports writer and broadcaster Charles Williams says, 鈥�.鈥� It鈥檚 as if the entire country comes together to cheer Wales on to victory.
However, if football鈥攌nown on the other side of the pond as soccer鈥攊s more your game, you鈥檒l definitely want to take in a or match.
The country also has a ton of incredible culture to offer, including more than 90 accredited museums, as well as live theatre and music (Wales is known as the , after all), and an array of festivals. The annual attracts the world鈥檚 top writers and thinkers every year. Plus, Wales offers an innovative food scene supported by a rich agricultural industry. Wales is renowned for some of the , beef, and crops in the world.
Planning to work in the UK during your studies? Be sure you understand how much you鈥檙e allowed to work, and where, while in the UK on a Student visa.
A Spotlight on Three Welsh Universities
Now that we鈥檝e explored a few reasons why Wales is such a vibrant study destination, let鈥檚 look at some of its incredible educational institutions.
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff Metropolitan University is an excellent choice for international students choosing to study in the UK. With two campuses located in the beautiful capital of Wales, Cardiff Metropolitan has been delivering impactful research and innovation since 1865. The university welcomes over 11,000 students every year, including over 1,200 international students from more than 143 countries. And, higher education is a huge part of Cardiff鈥檚 identity and character, making the city an integral part of student life.
Cardiff Metropolitan University is a globally focused institution with a strong reputation for their work with industry and professions. The university also works in partnership with students to instil the Cardiff Met EDGE.
What鈥檚 the EDGE? It refers to a series of Ethical, Digital, Global and Entrepreneurial skills that help develop students’ confidence, resilience, and experiences that will prepare them for life after university.
Check out popular courses offered at Cardiff Met鈥檚 Llandaff campus or Cyncoed campus today!
Aberystwyth University
As the first university in Wales, Aberystwyth University offers research power, teaching excellence, student satisfaction, and an incredible location! Since its founding in 1872, Aberystwyth University has welcomed students to its historic and friendly community while equipping them with the life skills they need to pursue their careers after graduation.
Whether students are wandering around its Georgian and Victorian streets, or enjoying a barbecue on the beach, Aberystwyth has a lively social scene. Another thriving university city, Aberystwyth鈥檚 runs more than 100 clubs and societies from canoeing and computer gaming to moot debates and musical theatre.
Aberystwyth also offers unrivalled affordability: ! Plus, thanks to benefits like the university’s strong industry connections and an emphasis on equipping students with practical experience, 97% of first-degree students are working or enrolled in further study six months after graduation!
Learn more about in-demand courses at Aberystwyth University.
Bangor University
Established in 1884, Bangor University has a long tradition of excellent teaching and research. Bangor is recognised internationally both as a centre of excellence and for the unique, multicultural, inclusive experience it offers its staff and students. Bangor is also widely recognized as a top university in the UK: it ranked within the top 500 universities in the world according to and recently opened the .
Thinking of studying at Bangor? If so, you can live in one of the most scenic locations in the UK! Nestled between the mountains and the sea, the community of Bangor is more than just beautiful: it鈥檚 a playground for nature lovers. Hike, climb, kayak or canoe in nearby , head to the beaches on Anglesey, or take the plunge on Europe’s fastest zip wire. And, the city of Bangor also features a healthy social scene due to the high student population.
Find out more about the 300+ courses available at Bangor University on our ApplyBoard platform.
If you have the option to study in Wales, you鈥檙e in for an unforgettable experience. Don鈥檛 forget to join us in the coming weeks as we head north to Scotland to explore everything this beautiful country has to offer international students.
Ready to go? Use our free ApplyBoard platform to jumpstart your study abroad experience in Wales!
