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Cardiff University

A collage of six photos: colorful umbrellas hanging between buildings; a large white stone building; a harbor lined by buildings; a tall tree growing between two buildings; two individuals walking on a sidewalk; a large piece of artwork in a plaza.

Wales, Cardiff

Important Note:  This program has two tracks: Exchange or Direct Enroll.

Both exchange and direct enroll students will take courses alongside degree-seeking students, have access to student housing, and participate in all aspects of student life.

WI Resident/MN Reciprocity students should apply for the Exchange track.

Non-Residents should apply for the Direct Enroll track.

Limited Capacity Program:  The Exchange track can only accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. To determine selection for a limited capacity program, reviewers consider a variety of criteria. You may only have one open application per term but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program. If you are a WI/MN student but are not accepted to the exchange, you may apply for the direct enroll track.  Be sure to review the program cost for each track.

The Direct Enroll track does not have limited capacity.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Exchange & Direct Enroll

Subjects

Biosciences, business, Center for Lifelong Learning, chemistry, computer science, Earth and ocean science, engineering, English and communication, history and archeology - ancient history, journalism, media and cultural studies, mathematics, music, physics, politics (based in School of European Studies), psychology, religious and theological studies, social sciences, Welsh

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Responsible for arranging your own housing

Program Duration

Academic Year: Early October - Mid-June
Fall: Early October - Late January**
Spring: Late January - Mid-June

**The Fall Semester at Cardiff University ends at the end of January, with exams taking place in January. However, all teaching finishes before winter break. Alternative assessment methods may apply for Fall students who will not be returning for exams after winter break. This depends on the modules chosen. Students interested in Fall semester only must check with the Cardiff Study Abroad Office to see if the modules they choose have alternative assessment.

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 - [Exchange] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Year 2026-27 - [Exchange] 3/6/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Exchange] 9/4/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 - [Direct Enroll] 9/4/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 - [Exchange] 3/5/2027 Cost Details
Year 2027-28 - [Exchange] 3/5/2027 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 - [Direct Enroll] 3/5/2027 Cost Details
Year 2027-28 - [Direct Enroll] 3/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

“The professors who taught my modules were all extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and they were always happy to answer whatever questions we had. The campus is located near the city centre, which meant that shopping, restaurants, and pubs were just a stone’s throw away! I had a chance to travel around Wales and wasblown away by the magnificent landscapes.”

With a student population of almost 34,000, Cardiff University combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research with its proud heritage of service and achievement. The University's breadth of expertise in research encompasses the humanities, the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences, engineering and technology, and with its three new research institutes offers radical new approaches to neurosciences and mental health, cancer stem cells and sustainable places.

Cardiff University offers a very wide number of courses and a modular system that provides choice and flexibility. You can choose from a range of courses across a variety of academic schools and an individually tailored study abroad program can be put together to suit interests and needs.

Modules advertised on Cardiff's website are subject to change; course registration is confirmed on-site.  When considering course options, please keep in mind some restrictions:

-Very limited spaces in Psychology
-Biosciences available for year-long students only
-Priority in some schools will be given to students majoring in the discipline (Politics, History, Archaeology & Religion, English, Communication and Philosophy).

All lectures, seminars and coursework will be conducted in English. You will not be expected to have any knowledge of or learn Welsh. Although all University work is conducted through the medium of English, for those students who are interested in learning some Welsh and understanding a little bit more about Welsh culture there are a number of opportunities available.

Cardiff University has one of the most up-to-date library and computing services in the UK. The University has a high number of Resource Centres, each one close to the School it serves. Students are able to access a large collection of computers, day and night, which allow free access to e-mail, the internet and on-line resources.

Affiliate Institution(s)

Cardiff University homepage

Program Web Pages

Cardiff Study Abroad

Foreign Courses

Browse study abroad modules (classes)

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents