University of South Wales

Overview

One of the best universities to study in Wales, the University of South Wales (USW) has over 30,000 students, including 3,500 international students from over 120 countries. You can expect a warm welcome to their campuses in and around Cardiff, the capital city of Wales.

An extensive range of University of South Wales postgraduate courses and undergraduate courses are available at the university’s three campuses in Cardiff, Pontypridd and Newport. Impressive facilities include a unique business clinic where students provide clients with business solutions giving them real work experience, an award-winning Sports Park, used by Cardiff City Football Club and the British Lions Rugby Squad, and an internationally recognised film school.

USW has over 100 partnerships with professional bodies and businesses and their focus is on equipping students with the skills and crucial experience needed to secure employment - 95% of USW graduates are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Research at USW makes a difference in the real world, leading the way in Europe with ground-breaking work in developing sustainable energy solutions, and they are working with the biggest names in the automotive industry to develop the next generation of low-carbon power systems.

The University of South Wales acceptance rate is 20% and a key University of South Wales ranking is that 95% of graduates are in full-time work or further study within 6 months of graduating from the University.

Services for International Students

The University of South Wales has a dedicated International Student Advice team to help students with whatever questions they may have; it could be advice on what to expect when you arrive in the UK, guidance about living in South Wales or any kind of support you need whilst studying.

The University’s International Welcome Programme brings together new students from across the world the week before you start classes, to meet new friends and settle into university life in the UK. International students are a huge part of the University’s student community, where all cultures are embraced and celebrated.

University of South Wales Scholarships

Based in one of the most affordable regions in the UK for students, USW's competitive tuition fees are complemented by generous scholarships for international students.

Ranking

• 94th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 51st in the Guardian University Guide 2025

The University of South Wales (USW) has had a significant increase in the amount of world-leading research according to the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) outcomes.

USW is now fourth in Wales for impact (up from 8th in 2014, based on 4* / 3*) with 81% of USW’s research impact being classed as world-leading or internationally excellent (4* / 3*).

Accommodation

USW accommodation is provided on campus in Pontypridd which many international students choose, as well as working with private student residences in Cardiff and Newport. Most students choose to live in halls as they are a really good way to meet people and they’re a short distance from classes.

Location

South Wales is well connected with an international airport in Cardiff, and London is just a 2-hour train journey away. USW has three campuses in south Wales, all within close proximity to Cardiff, a safe, small city home to thousands of students. 

Excellent transport links make travelling around south Wales easy. Pontypridd Campus is a 20-minute train journey from Cardiff and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and historical sites, whilst Newport is just 10 minutes by train, close to the Wales/England border.