Aberystwyth University

About Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University is a public university in Wales, founded in 1872 as the first university college in Wales. It has about 9,000 students in three faculties.

Aberystwyth's Department of International Politics, founded in 1919, is the oldest of its kind in the world, and the university is also known for its biological, environmental and rural sciences. It has won awards for teaching quality, including University of the Year for Teaching Quality in 2018 and 2019.

Founded

1872

Type

Public

Students

8,970 (2024/25)

Campus

Penglais, Aberystwyth

Country

Wales, UK

Rankings & recognition

Aberystwyth is placed 301–350 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and is regularly praised for student satisfaction and teaching quality.

Location: Aberystwyth, UK

Aberystwyth, UK

The main Penglais campus sits on a hill overlooking the seaside town of Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales. Aberystwyth is a small, safe and friendly student town, and living costs are lower than in most UK cities.

For international students

Aberystwyth welcomes students from Pakistan. Most programmes start in September, and some master's programmes also start in January. The university offers scholarships for international students.

For a UK Student visa you need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university, proof of English (often IELTS for UKVI) and proof that you can pay your fees and living costs. After graduating, the Graduate Route lets you stay and work in the UK; it is currently two years for bachelor's and master's graduates, and the UK government has announced it will be shortened to 18 months for applications from January 2027.

Frequently asked questions