When considering international study abroad destinations, the United Kingdom is top of mind for many students. In fact, more than 750,000 international students studied in the UK 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’re 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 30,000 international students! 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, Gower 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 lower cost of living 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 fully funded accommodations for international students!
Major cities in Wales, including Cardiff, are some of the most affordable university cities in the UK. That said, even in cities with lower costs, if you’re planning to study anywhere in the UK, it’s important that you have enough funds to cover your expenses 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’re never far from the water. Wales has many great west-facing surfing beaches, such as Manorbier, Llantwit Major, and Porthcawl.
Wales is also home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. It’s also believed that Wales boasts more castles for every square mile than any other country in Europe. Be sure to take in Laugharne Castle—home of legendary Welsh poet Dylan Thomas—and Caernarfon Castle, 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, “there’s nowhere on earth like Cardiff on international rugby day.” It’s as if the entire country comes together to cheer Wales on to victory.
However, if football—known on the other side of the pond as soccer—is more your game, you’ll definitely want to take in a Cardiff City or Swansea City 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 land of song, after all), and an array of festivals. The annual Hay Festival attracts the world’s 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 best lamb, beef, and crops in the world.
Planning to work in the UK during your studies? Be sure you understand how much you’re allowed to work, and where, while in the UK on a Student visa.
A Spotlight on Three Welsh Universities
Now that we’ve explored a few reasons why Wales is such a vibrant study destination, let’s 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’s 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’s 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’s 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’s Students’ Union runs more than 100 clubs and societies from canoeing and computer gaming to moot debates and musical theatre.
Aberystwyth also offers unrivalled affordability: international students who choose to live on-campus have their housing fully covered at no extra cost! 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 QS World University Rankings 2025 and recently opened the North Wales Medical School.
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’s a playground for nature lovers. Hike, climb, kayak or canoe in nearby Snowdonia National Park, 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’re in for an unforgettable experience. Don’t 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!
