Cardiff University has maintained its ranking within leaderboards this year, being recognised, once again, as Wales’ finest higher education institution. According to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide who rank based on These rankings are based on factors such as student satisfaction, research quality, graduate prospects, entry qualifications, and student-staff ratios. Cardiff has again earned the top place when it comes to this years’ ranking of Welsh universities.
Professor Wendy Larner spoke on such a moment, “Coming top in Wales in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 is testament to the brilliance and dedication of our staff”. It seems as if Cardiff’s ranking most certainly serves as a reflection to its many efforts to improve and adapt to both student and professor satisfaction.
For many, this does not come as a surprise, considering Cardiff’s admirable variety of courses and the city it shares its name with. Cardiff has always been linked to its powerful and interesting history, intwined with the city’s passion for sport - the university is no different. Cardiff University was founded in 1883 and since then, there have been more than 300 undergraduate courses and just over 200 postgraduate courses introduced.
The university has also seen a massive increase of students over the years with approximately 33,000 students studying at Cardiff University in the years of 2023-2024, around 6500 of this number being international students. The university offers many sporting opportunities with its high number of societies to join, and sports facilities across the city, offering a range of engaging activities for ALL students.
The rumour is true; Cardiff really has a niche for everyone and is certainly a place students are happy residing in as the city is known for being one of the most active and exciting for both day and night life.
Cardiff University has also been accredited for its role in the happiness of their students, with the university’s Student Union securing 2nd place throughout all other universities in the UK. Cardiff University’s Student Union plays a key role in maintaining student happiness and fulfilment when studying; it provides students with facilities to study, socialise and party while also giving them a safe place for support and advice during the perhaps trickier situations many may face at their time in university.
The Russel Group university not only maintained their top ranking, but they have also moved up four places in The Times’ national university list. Many, however, saw much disappointment with no Welsh universities being within the top 20 universities in the UK. Previously at 32nd in the UK, Cardiff are now securely in joint 28th position which is a still a massive achievement for the institution, securing a solid top 30 position. Cardiff is a place of pride and passion with many universities to match with Swansea coming as runner up in the Welsh University of the Year leaderboard among the other 7 that it shares the title of Welsh University with, one in particular continues to outshine year on year. Llongyfarchiadau, Prifysgoll Caerdydd!