10 Photos
Cardiff University Rankings 2026
1 Campus- Estd. 1883
Talk to Expert
Last updated on 8 Jul '25
- Cardiff University Ranking
- Cardiff University Course Ranking
- Cardiff University Ranking by US News and World Report 2025
- Cardiff University Ranking by The Guardian 2025
- Cardiff University Ranking by The Complete University Guide 2026
- Cardiff University Ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds 2026
- Cardiff University Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2025
- Cardiff University ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2025
- Cardiff University Student Reviews
Cardiff UniversityCardiff University Ranking
Cardiff University is a pioneer in the higher education and consistently ranked among the top universities nationally and globally. Located in UK, the university aims at offering courses of high value, attracting students from different countries, including India. So if you want to study at Cardiff University, knowing its current ranking and how the trend has been when compared with previous year is critical.
According to Shiksha Popularity Ranking, the university has been ranked globally at #132 in 2025, showing dropped trend from its 2024 rank of #110. Nationally in the Shiksha Popularity Ranking, the Cardiff University has moved from #22 in 2024 to #27 in 2025.
Similarly, the QS 2026 ranked the university at #181 in the world, recoding improved trend when compared with 2025 rank of #186.
Here’s a three-year Cardiff University ranking trend for you to make a guided decision:
| Ranking Body | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS | Not Ranked | 154 | 186 | 181 |
| THE | 187 | 190 | 201 | Not Ranked |
| US News | 152 | 184 | 192 | Not Ranked |
| The Guardian | 35 | 29 | 46 | Not Ranked |
| The complete Guide | Not Ranked | 21 | 27 | 22 |
#25
World rank by different ranking providers
Shiksha
#133QS Ranking
#181US News Ranking
#192THE Ranking
#201ARWU Ranking
#201
Cardiff UniversityCardiff University Course Ranking
Cardiff University offers a variety of UG and postgraduate programs for international students. Known for its academic rigour, the university courses in fields such as Engineering, Business and Management Studies, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences and Science, are also highly ranked and top-rated globally. The Shiksha Popularity Ranking ranks Cardiff University courses in the field of Engineering at #158 in 2025. This ranking has witnessed declined trend in comparison to its 2025 ranking of #129.
The Cardiff University courses in the field of Business & Management Studies are also ranked by Shiksha Popularity Ranking at #371. Also THE ranks its courses in Business & Management Studies at #151.
According to Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2025, here’s how some of Cardiff University degrees perform globally:
| Course Category | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | #124 | #129 | #158 |
| Business & Management Studies | #366 | #337 | #371 |
| Law | #132 | #119 | #114 |
| Medicine & Health Sciences | #98 | #117 | #133 |
| Science | #132 | #161 | #146 |
MS
Shiksha
QS
THE
ARWU
Specializations in MS Program
Shiksha
QS
THE
Shiksha
QS
ARWU
MBA/PGDM
Shiksha
QS
B.E. / B.Tech
Shiksha
Guardian
CUG
Specializations in B.E. / B.Tech Program
Shiksha
Guardian
Shiksha
CUG
Cardiff University Ranking by US News and World Report 2025
US News and World Report is known to be a recognized leader in graduate school and college and other rankings as well. It also releases National, Global, Regional and Subject Rankings. In the Global Universities category, Cardiff University ranks at #192 in 2025 and it has decreased in its rankings from #184 in 2024.
For the Global Universities category rankings, a few of the factors on which the universities are evaluated are Global Research Reputation, Publications, Normalized Citation Impact,
US News and World Report is known to be a recognized leader in graduate school and college and other rankings as well. It also releases National, Global, Regional and Subject Rankings. In the Global Universities category, Cardiff University ranks at #192 in 2025 and it has decreased in its rankings from #184 in 2024.
For the Global Universities category rankings, a few of the factors on which the universities are evaluated are Global Research Reputation, Publications, Normalized Citation Impact, Regional Research Reputation, etc. A few of the subjects of this university that rank well in the US News & World Report Rankings are Arts and Humanities, Mathematics, Social Sciences and Public Health, Economics and Business.
| Ranked by | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Universities | 152 | 184 | 192 |
Cardiff University Comparison with Other Universities: US News and World Report
A comparison of US News Global Universities rankings of Cardiff University with other American universities is given as follows:
|
University Name |
2024 |
2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff University | 184 | 192 |
| University of Exeter | 122 | 127 |
| Nottingham Trent University | 612 | 525 |
| Newcastle University | 159 | 170 |
US News & World Report Rankings 2025: Ranking Criteria
US News & World Report is renowned for offering ranking to top university around the world. The ranking authority evaluates a wide range of factors such as global research reputation, conferences, total citations, highly citied papers in top 1%, international collaboration, and more. Check the table listed below to know more about US News & World Report ranking criteria they considered while determining rankings of Cardiff University:
|
Metric |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Global Score |
43 |
|
Global Research Reputation |
1362 |
|
Regional Research Reputation |
597 |
|
Publications |
1295 |
|
Books |
461 |
|
Conferences |
1325 |
|
Normalized Citation Impact |
336 |
|
Total Citations |
1087 |
|
Publications Among the Top 10% Most Cited |
1058 |
|
Percentage of Publications Among the Top 10% Most Cited |
418 |
|
International Collaboration (Relative to Country) |
651 |
|
International Collaboration |
298 |
|
Highly Cited Papers in the Top 1% |
938 |
|
Percentage of Highly Cited Papers in the Top 1% |
356 |
Also check: US News Best College Rankings Methodology
Cardiff University Ranking by The Guardian 2025
The Guardian University Guide Ranking is one of the top ranking authorities in the United Kingdom, providing specific rankings for UK-based universities. The ranking authority takes care of wide range of parameters while evaluating ranking to top UK-based universities. Some crucial parameters include entry standards, student-staff ratio, teaching quality, feedback, career prospects, etc.
According to the Guardian University Ranking 2025, the Cardiff University ranks at #46 and #29 in 2024 sh
The Guardian University Guide Ranking is one of the top ranking authorities in the United Kingdom, providing specific rankings for UK-based universities. The ranking authority takes care of wide range of parameters while evaluating ranking to top UK-based universities. Some crucial parameters include entry standards, student-staff ratio, teaching quality, feedback, career prospects, etc.
According to the Guardian University Ranking 2025, the Cardiff University ranks at #46 and #29 in 2024 showing a rapid increase in the rankings throughout the recent years.
| Ranked by | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University | 29 | 46 | 37 |
| Accounting and Finance | 38 | 63 | 50 |
| Architecture | 2 | 5 | 12 |
| Business and Management | 21 | 49 | 31 |
| Civil Engineering | 38 | 41 | 47 |
| Economics | 50 | 45 | 31 |
| Electronic and Electrical Engineering | 1 | 4 | 13 |
| Journalism | 14 | 11 | 14 |
| Law | 31 | 40 | 51 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 32 | 22 | 48 |
| Media and Film Studies | 13 | 10 | 13 |
| Medicine | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Physics | 10 | 8 | 20 |
| Politics | 43 | 48 | 51 |
| Sociology and Social Policy | 31 | 35 | 30 |
Cardiff University Comparison with Other Universities: The Guardian Ranking
According to The Guardian Rankings, the Cardiff University is ranked #27 in 2025 and #36 in 2024. Showing a increase in the ranking position. University of Exeter is ranked #18 in “The Guardian Rankings 2025”. University of Kent is ranked #27 in 2025 and #36 in 2024, showing a major improvement compared to last year. Cardiff University is ranked #46 in 2025 and #29 in 2024 under The Guardian Rankings. Check the table below for The Guardian Rankings for the University of Greenwich alongside other top universities over the years.
|
University Name |
The Guardian Ranking 2023 |
The Guardian Ranking 2024 |
The Guardian Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff University | 35 | 29 | 46 |
| University of Exeter | 15 | 18 | 18 |
| Nottingham Trent University | 62 | 42 | 49 |
| Newcastle University | 63 | 67 | 63 |
The Guardian Ranking 2025: Ranking Criteria
The Guardian evaluates a large variety of parameters when ranking top universities in the United Kingdom. Some major parameters include student to staff ratio, average entry tariff, satisfied with feedback, and more. Furthermore, check the table below to see the scores attained by the Cardiff University:
|
Parameters |
Values |
|---|---|
|
Guardian score/100 |
41.2 |
|
Satisfied with teaching |
83.2 |
|
Satisfied with feedback |
79.4 |
|
Student to staff ratio |
20.9 |
|
Spend per student/10 |
3.7 |
|
Average entry tariff |
123 |
|
Value Added score/10 |
4.9 |
|
Career after 15 months |
77 |
|
Continuation |
85.8 |
Also check: The Guardian Ranking Methodology
Cardiff University Ranking by The Complete University Guide 2026
The Complete University Guide is among the top ranking publishers all over the world. The ranking publisher first ranking report was published in 2007. The Complete University Guide evaluates top universities on a wide range of parameters. Some crucial parameters include entry standards, student satisfaction, graduate prospects, degree completion, and more.
According to The Complete University Guide Rankings, the Cardiff University ranks at #22 in 2026 and #27 in 2025 in the "UK University Ranki
The Complete University Guide is among the top ranking publishers all over the world. The ranking publisher first ranking report was published in 2007. The Complete University Guide evaluates top universities on a wide range of parameters. Some crucial parameters include entry standards, student satisfaction, graduate prospects, degree completion, and more.
According to The Complete University Guide Rankings, the Cardiff University ranks at #22 in 2026 and #27 in 2025 in the "UK University Rankings" category. This indicates that the university has declined in its ranking by #5 position. Check The Complete University Guide ranking table listed below over the years under various categories:
| Ranked by | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK University | 21 | 27 | 22 |
| Accounting and Finance | 19 | 19 | 21 |
| Architecture | 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Biological Sciences | 18 | 21 | 11 |
| Business and Management Studies UK | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| Civil Engineering | 18 | 16 | 20 |
| Communication and Media Studies | 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Computer Science | 26 | 32 | 25 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering | 18 | 23 | 24 |
| Law | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 24 | 22 | 21 |
| Medicine | 11 | 14 | 13 |
| Nursing | 14 | 18 | 15 |
| Physics and Astronomy | 20 | 21 | 20 |
| Psychology | 9 | 10 | 7 |
| Sociology | 20 | 22 | 21 |
Cardiff University Comparison with Other Universities: The Complete University Guide Ranking
According to The Complete University Guide, Cardiff University ranks at #22 under the category of “The Complete University Guide Ranking 2026”. Comparately, University of Exeter is ranked at #11 in 2026 and #14 in 2025. Nottingham Trent University is ranked at #46 in 2026 and #45 in 2025. Along with this, Newcastle University is ranked #31 in 2026 and #26 in 2025. Check the table listed below for the Cardiff University rankings with top universities over the past 3 years:
| University Name | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff University | 21 | 27 | 22 |
| University of Exeter | 15 | 14 | 11 |
| Nottingham Trent University | 42 | 45 | 46 |
| Newcastle University | 30 | 26 | 31 |
The Complete University Guide Ranking 2026: Ranking Criteria
The Complete University Guide is known for offering best ranking to top universities. Some essential factors included by the ranking publisher include student satisfaction, research quality, student-staff ration, and more. Furthermore, check the parameters table listed below to know about the score achieved by the Cardiff University:
|
Category |
Achieved Score |
|---|---|
|
Overall Score |
532 |
|
Entry Standards |
122 |
|
Student Satisfaction |
3.08 |
|
Research Quality |
2.86 |
|
Research Intensity |
0.51 |
|
Academic Services Spend |
1090 |
|
Facilities Spend |
579 |
|
Student-Staff Ratio |
20.9 |
|
Continuation |
90.0 |
|
Graduate Prospects – Outcomes |
73.2 |
|
Graduate Prospects – On Track |
73.8 |
Also check: The Complete University Guide Ranking Methodology
Cardiff University Ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds 2026
Quacquarelli Symonds is one of the most reputed ranking unit worldwide. Quacquarelli Symonds is highly regarded for its “World University Rankings”. The ranking authority publishes an annual report which indicates 1,418 institutions in 100 places. Also, Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings are based on various factors such as employer reputation, international student ratio, employment outcomes, etc.
According to Quacquarelli Symonds Rankings, the has been an improvement in the world u
Quacquarelli Symonds is one of the most reputed ranking unit worldwide. Quacquarelli Symonds is highly regarded for its “World University Rankings”. The ranking authority publishes an annual report which indicates 1,418 institutions in 100 places. Also, Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings are based on various factors such as employer reputation, international student ratio, employment outcomes, etc.
According to Quacquarelli Symonds Rankings, the has been an improvement in the world university ranking. The Cardiff University was ranked at #181 in 2026 and #186 in 2025. This states that the university has improved in its position in comparison to previous year’s ranking.
| Ranked by | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | 43 | 60 | – / – |
| World University | 154 | 186 | 181 |
| Accounting and Finance | 151 | 151 | – / – |
| Architecture and Built Environment | 51 | 51 | – / – |
| Biological Sciences | 151 | 150 | – / – |
| Communication and Media Studies | 40 | 50 | – / – |
| Engineering and Technology | 205 | 225 | – / – |
| Global MBA | – / – | – / – | 151 |
| Law and Legal Studies | 201 | 151 | – / – |
| Masters in Supply Chain Management | – / – | – / – | 44 |
| Mathematics | 251 | 301 | – / – |
| Mechanical Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering | 151 | 201 | – / – |
| Medicine | 147 | 155 | – / – |
| Nursing | 51 | 101 | – / – |
| Pharmacy and Pharmacology | 94 | 101 | – / – |
| Physics and Astronomy | 201 | 201 | – / – |
| Politics | 201 | 151 | – / – |
| Sociology | 101 | 86 | – / – |
Cardiff University Comparison with Other Universities: Quacquarelli Symonds
Cardiff University, University of Exeter, Nottingham Trent University and Newcastle University are some of the best universities in UK for higher education. According to Quacquarelli Symonds, the Cardiff University ranks at #181 in 2026 and #186 in 2025. The University of Exeter ranks at #155 in 2026 and #169 in 2025 under the category of “World University Rankings”. University of Kent has lost 17 positions, it was ranked #609 in 2026 and #592 in 2025. Newcastle University was ranked #137 in 2026 and #129 in 2025. Check below for Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings table for Cardiff University ranking with top universities over the past three years.
|
University Name |
Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking 2024 |
Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking 2025 |
Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff University | 154 | 186 | 181 |
| University of Exeter | 153 | 169 | 155 |
| Nottingham Trent University | 551 | 592 | 609 |
| Newcastle University | 110 | 129 | 137 |
Quacquarelli Symonds 2026: Ranking Criteria
Quacquarelli Symonds annual report is highly regarded by students all over the world. The annual report is based on a variety of parameters such as academic reputation sustainability, overall, faculty student ratio, etc. A few more parameters that Quacquarelli Symonds consider while ranking top universities is listed below:
|
Parameters |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Academic Reputation |
4.7 |
|
Citations per Faculty |
11.7 |
|
Employment Outcomes |
14.9 |
|
Employer Reputation |
4.1 |
|
Faculty-Student Ratio |
4.1 |
|
International Faculty Ratio |
91.5 |
|
International Research Network |
78.2 |
|
International Student Ratio |
100 |
|
Sustainability |
5.4 |
Also Check: Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking Methodology
Cardiff University Ranking by THE (Times Higher Education) 2025
Times Higher Education is popularly known as THE is renowned for its “World University Rankings”. THE evaluates various factors when ranking the top universities in the world. A few essential factors include: Research, International Outlook, Citations, etc. Some major ranking released by THE annually include World University Rankings, Business & Economics Rankings, Computer Science Rankings, and Engineering & Technology Rankings.
According to THE, Cardiff University ranks at #201 under t
Times Higher Education is popularly known as THE is renowned for its “World University Rankings”. THE evaluates various factors when ranking the top universities in the world. A few essential factors include: Research, International Outlook, Citations, etc. Some major ranking released by THE annually include World University Rankings, Business & Economics Rankings, Computer Science Rankings, and Engineering & Technology Rankings.
According to THE, Cardiff University ranks at #201 under the category of “University Rankings 2025”. The university was ranked at #201 in 2025 and #190 in 2024 showing an increase in its rankings throughout the past three years. This states that, there is a slight improvement in terms of ranking.
| Ranked by | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University | 187 | 190 | 201 |
| Arts and Humanities | 126 | 101 | 126 |
| Clinical and Health | 176 | 151 | 151 |
| Engineering | 151 | 151 | 201 |
| Law | 151 | 126 | 126 |
| Life Sciences | 126 | 126 | 151 |
| PG Business and Economics | 201 | 151 | 151 |
| PG Computer Science | 251 | 201 | 201 |
| Psychology | 46 | 64 | 76 |
Cardiff University Comparison with Other Universities: THE (Times Higher Education)
According to THE, the Cardiff University ranks at #201 under the category of “University Rankings 2025”. In 2024, the university was ranked at #190 showing an increase in rankings. University of Exeter is ranked at #172 in 2025. Nottingham Trent University ranks at #601 under the “University Rankings 2025". Furthermore, Newcastle University ranks at #157 in both 2025 and #168 in 2024. Students can refer to the table below for a comparison of THE university rankings among the top universities.
|
University Name |
THE University Ranking 2023 |
THE University Ranking 2024 |
THE University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff University | 187 | 190 | 201 |
| University of Exeter | 137 | 177 | 172 |
| Nottingham Trent University | 501 | 501 | 601 |
| Newcastle University | 139 | 168 | 157 |
THE (Times Higher Education) 2025: Ranking Criteria
Times Higher Education evaluate top universities based on five criteria: industry income, research, teaching, citations, and international outlook. Check below the ranking parameters that Times Higher Education evaluates while ranking top universities:
|
S. No. |
Ranking Parameters |
Performance Indicators |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Teaching |
|
|
2 |
Research |
|
|
3 |
Citations |
|
|
4 |
International Outlook |
|
|
5 |
Industry Income |
|
Cardiff UniversityARWU (Shanghai Ranking) Ranking 2025
| Ranked by | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universities | 151 | 151 | 201 |
| Law | 201 | 101 | – / – |
| Nursing | 47 | 101 | – / – |
| Physics | 201 | 301 | – / – |
| Political Sciences | 101 | 151 | – / – |
| Sociology | 76 | 48 | – / – |
Cardiff UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
8 Verified Reviews- Academically oriented
- Multi-dimensional
- Friendly
- Sporty
- 67% students never faced discrimination in this university
2_s.jpg)
Cardiff University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 months ago
Cardiff University entry requirements for LLB course are that Indian students should have a School leaving certificate with an average of 78% - 81% in the top 4 subjects (not including Physical Education) in Class 12. Also, an IELTS score is required with a 6.5 score or PTE score of 69 or TOEFL scor
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
Cardiff University entry requirements for LLB course are that Indian students should have a School leaving certificate with an average of 78% - 81% in the top 4 subjects (not including Physical Education) in Class 12. Also, an IELTS score is required with a 6.5 score or PTE score of 69 or TOEFL scor
H
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
In the world rankings, Cardiff University ranking is #186 in the QS rankings in 2025. Whereas, according to Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, this university ranks at #201-250. This shows that this university ranks among the Top 300 Universities in the world in 2025. Though in
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
Cardiff is one of the top public universities in Cardiff, UK. Leeds University is also a public university situated in Leeds, England. Both the universities fall under Russell Group category. A comparison between these two universities is given below:
Particulars | Cardiff | Leeds |
|---|---|---|
Location | Cardiff, Wales | Leeds, England |
Russell Group | Yes | Yes |
No. of students | 30,000+ | 38,000+ |
Known for | Engineering, Architecture, Journalism | Engineering, Business, Law, Arts & Humanities |
World ranking (Top-ranking publisher) | #186 | #82 |
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
The duration of Cardiff LLB is 3 years. The university is recognised for its expertise in the field of socio-legal studies. This course has been designed to develop the knowledge and understanding of how the legal system is located within a changing economic, social, and political context and how th
G
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
Cardiff University
Front View
Building
Building
Lecture Hall
Common RoomCardiff University Popular & recent articles
Cardiff UniversityLocation
| University City | Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK |
| Size of city | Medium |
| Population of City | 3,62,756 |
Comments