Best Universities in Wales 2023
The Welsh university rankings based on student reviews
Our Top Universities in Wales league table is different to any other you may have come across. That's because it is based 100% on student reviews.
How are the Top 5 worked out?
Based on over 500 individual student reviews of Welsh universities submitted between January 2022 and January 2023, we’ve crunched our review scores to reveal our Top 5 universities in Wales league table. Students reviewed their personal experience of their uni and course across 5 categories: campus and facilities, clubs and societies, Students' Union, careers service and WiFi.
This is the only university guide based purely on authentic student reviews. These reviews are the best representation of honest student satisfaction and opinion!
Why study in Wales?
With eight universities to choose from and over 130,000 students enrolled on thousands of courses, Wales packs a punch as a top university destination.
The Welsh university experience is as varied as its landscape! From bustling city centres like Cardiff University (#1), to seaside towns like Bangor University (#2), there is something on offer for everyone.
Studying in Wales means being close to some of the most beautiful natural areas in the UK. The Welsh landscape is completely unique, with breathtaking mountains, lush rich valleys and stunning beaches; it is a dream location for those students who want to get out and explore.
The higher education institutions featured on this list also deliver first-class student support. From Students’ Unions to career and wellbeing services, both domestic and international students have access to these services while at university!
Many of the Welsh Universities also rank very well on our UK University League Table.
Ready to make your university decision? Scroll down to view our Best Universities in Wales 2023 league table.
Published: March 2023
Top 5 Best Universities in Wales 2023
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Cardiff University
“Cardiff University is a wonderful place to learn and study. The school provides ample opportunities for students to grow and develop themselves as well!”
Cardiff University has a history dating back to 1883 and is part of the Russell Group, with a highly regarded reputation in research and teaching. The student body is big (33,510 students) representing well over 100 countries. Students speak highly of the world-class facilities available in learning settings, including ample study spaces across different buildings.
The location is excellent if you are looking to be right in the heart a student-friendly capital city, plus accommodation prices rank Cardiff at #41 out of 71 locations across the whole country. Students praise the SU, love the events put on and enjoy the large number of societies on offer. With a bustling city beyond the bounds of its beautiful campus, Cardiff really does promise a well-rounded student experience.
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Bangor University
“Free clubs and societies means I was able to enjoy many different sports, Canolfan Brailsford having excellent facilities and there being a swimming pool and gymnastics gym nearby. The career service lead me to getting a job in America next year. Bangor city is very affordable and walking distance to everything.”
Bangor University has featured in several of our “best uni” lists over the last few years, including the coveted overall Best University Award in 2020. Situated in North Wales, between the mountains and the sea, students highly rate the beauty of its surroundings. The low cost of living is also another feature that students have mentioned in reviews and student accommodation in Bangor is reasonably priced too, with Bangor coming in at #35 out of 71 locations in the UK.
Founded in 1884, Bangor University is a world-leading research institution known for its teaching excellence. The university has an excellent reputation for student experience and students love the broad range of clubs and societies, all of which are free to join! They also rave about the supportive staff and the student support that is offered by the university.
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Swansea University
“Swansea University is a great university located by the seaside everyone within the city is very is friendly. As it is small city you will not have any trouble getting around the place. Swansea University of us a lot of support to help students thrive in their courses.”
Lecture at 11am and on the beach by 12.15pm? Yes, it’s possible at Swansea University! Students love the social vibe, where it’s easy to meet people through their broad range of societies and events. The big, beautiful campuses by the beach are obviously a highlight for many, but students also praise the helpful, engaging and supportive lecturers and staff. There are 21,465 students enrolled at the university.
Their research is world-leading and Swansea came 10th in the 2014 Research Excellent Framework across the whole country. Swansea featured in our top 20 unis for course content in 2021. Swansea itself is a small but friendly city with lots to do but it’s not so massive that students feel lost.
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Cardiff Metropolitan University
“My experience so far at Cardiff Met has been really nice. People at Cardiff Met are very friendly. The staff are also very helpful when you’re a new student.”
Cardiff Metropolitan University, formerly University of Wales Institute, started life as a School of Art in 1865. Nowadays whilst still having an Art & Design Academic School, they also have faculties in Education & Social Policy, Management, Sport & Health Sciences and Technologies. Cardiff ranked as #41 in our Cheapest Cities league table this year with an average weekly rent cost of £160 per week.
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Aberystwyth University
“Aberystwyth is a great place for students from around the world. You get a unique learning experience in a small town with the sea right outside your door (beware of the hungry seagulls).”
Students have been attending Aberystwyth University since 1872. The university now has over 8,000 students studying across 3 academic faculties and 17 departments. 97% of graduates from Aberystwyth University are in full time employment or further education six months after graduating. This seaside town is perfect for those who love to be by the ocean! There are three main beaches in Aberystwyth: North Beach, South Beach and Tan Y Bwlch.
