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Study at Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth

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Location: Aberystwyth
Founded: 1872 (as University College Wales, Aberystwyth)
Students: about 9,000 (8,970 in 2024/25)
Type: Public research university
Main intakes: September, January (selected postgraduate courses)
Study levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Research

Founded in 1872 as University College Wales, Aberystwyth University is a public research university in the seaside town of Aberystwyth on the west Wales coast, and the oldest university institution in Wales. Around 9,000 students study across its faculties and departments. The university is known for teaching quality and student satisfaction: it was named University of the Year for Sustainability in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, sits in the UK top 10 for teaching quality and top 15 for student experience in the same guide, and regularly leads Welsh tables for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey. Its Department of International Politics was the first of its kind anywhere, and it has long-standing strengths in agriculture and environmental science through IBERS, geography, computer science and Welsh studies. In REF 2021, 98% of its research was judged internationally recognised or higher.

Location and student life

The main Penglais Campus sits on a hill above the town, a short walk from the seafront, with the landmark Old College on the promenade and further sites at Llanbadarn and Gogerddan. Aberystwyth is a compact seaside town often described as a cultural centre of Wales, home to the National Library of Wales and the university's Arts Centre, with beaches, independent shops and a student community drawn from over 100 countries. By rail, Birmingham Airport is the most convenient arrival point, with a direct train to Aberystwyth of about three hours and a quarter; routes from London run via Euston and Birmingham, and the university offers an airport pick-up service for international students on busy dates.

Courses and subjects

Teaching is organised through two faculties, Humanities and Sciences, covering departments such as Art, Business, Computer Science, Education, English and Creative Writing, Geography and Earth Sciences, Information Studies, International Politics, Law and Criminology, Modern Languages, Physics, Psychology, Theatre, Film and Television Studies, and Welsh and Celtic Studies. The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) is a particular focus for agriculture, biology and land-based research, and the university has a newer School of Veterinary Sciences. International applicants who need extra preparation can take the International Foundation Programme or pre-sessional English courses through the International English Centre before starting a degree.

Entry requirements for international students

Entry requirements vary by course, so applicants should check the individual course page and their country page on the university website. As a guide, undergraduate courses typically ask for IELTS 6.0 with no component below 5.5 for Business and Computer Science degrees, and IELTS 6.5 with no component below 5.5 for most other degrees; postgraduate requirements commonly start at IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component but differ by department. Students who do not yet meet the level can take pre-sessional English or the International Foundation Certificate through the university's International English Centre.

Accommodation

The university guarantees a place in university-managed accommodation for first-year undergraduates and postgraduates who apply by 1 September, though not a specific room type. Options include studios, catered and self-catered halls, en-suite rooms and shared flats, including accommodation for Welsh speakers and learners, mostly within walking distance of campus. Fees include utilities, wifi and contents insurance, and residents receive free Sports Centre membership. Aberystwyth halls were rated top in Wales in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2024.

Scholarships and funding

International students are considered for the Global Citizens Scholarship, worth up to £18,000 with free accommodation for at least one year, and the International Accommodation Award, which offers free accommodation for one academic year. Other awards include the £2,000 Aber Grad Global Scholarship for returning graduates progressing to postgraduate study, the £1,000 International Family Award and Caru Aber International Award, a £4,000 bursary for undergraduates from African nations, and a £2,500 award for the computing pathway of the International Foundation Programme. Awards change each year, so check the university's scholarships pages for current details.