Aberystwyth University

Overview

Aberystwyth University was founded in 1872 and was the first university in Wales. Aberystwyth University has a long-standing reputation for delivering academic excellence, an exceptional student experience and world-leading research. The University attracts students from over 130 different countries.

Aberystwyth has one of the largest graduate schools for international relations in the world. The Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences is a world-class research and education centre researching issues including sustainable land use, climate change and the security of food and water supplies. It is also home to one of the five UK copyright libraries, the National Library of Wales, and has the largest Arts Centre in Wales.

Over 100 clubs and societies offer a wide variety of things to do away from study, and there is a Sports Centre on campus offering a range of activities.  Students living in university-managed accommodation benefit from an inclusive sports membership, giving access to the gym, fitness classes and swimming pool.

Services for International Students

Aberystwyth University is home to nearly 2,000 international students and the dedicated international office can answer students’ questions on topics such as visas, accommodation and banking.

The Student Union runs an international buddy scheme to help international students settle in and a special orientation programme in the first days of term. The University offers various international scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and postgraduate research students.

Ranking

• 48th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 66th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 661-670th in the QS World University Rankings 2025

Aberystwyth University ranks highly for student satisfaction in the UK and was rated in the top five in the world in a recent International Student Barometer survey. The results of REF 2021 show that the overall quality of research at Aberystwyth has risen since the last assessment in 2014, with 98% of all the research activity being of an internationally recognised standard or higher within all 14 of the Units of Assessment submitted.

Other key Aberystwyth rankings and awards include:

• Welsh University of the Year (Good University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times)
• Top in Wales and 2nd in the UK for Student Experience (Good University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times)
• Top in Wales and 3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Good University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times)
• Top in Wales for Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey 2023)
• Top 5 in the UK for Academic Support (National Student Survey 2023; Based on the Times University Guide 2023)
• Top 10 (6th) in the UK for Student Voice (National Student Survey 2023; Based on the Times University Guide 2023)
• Top in Wales and 2nd in the UK for Student Experience (Times University Guide 2023)
• Top in Wales and 3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times University Guide 2023)

Accommodation

All first year students are guaranteed a place in university-managed accommodation, while international students are guaranteed university accommodation for the duration of their study.

Aberystwyth also provides new international students with the International Accommodation Award, giving you the option of your on-campus housing either included in your tuition fee or discounted by £2,000. This housing scholarship is applicable for the duration of the taught element of your studies if you are studying a bachelor's degree, master's degree or foundation course.

The cost of living in Aberystwyth is amongst the lowest in the UK. The Accommodation Office maintains a regularly updated register of addresses, covering traditional lodgings and self-catering accommodation in a range of shared houses, flats, bedsits and single-study bedrooms. The staff are familiar with all aspects of housing in Aberystwyth and are happy to advise students on relevant issues.

Location

The main campus of Aberystwyth University is situated on Penglais Hill, overlooking the town of Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay. The Penglais Campus is the site of most of the University’s 19 academic departments and the student halls of residence.  The original Aberystwyth University building, known as "Old College", is in the town and is undergoing significant redevelopment to transform it into a major centre for learning, heritage, culture and enterprise.

A beautiful environment between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay surrounds Aberystwyth. The town’s beaches offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

The nearest airports are based in Manchester and Birmingham, with a direct train connecting the latter and taking just three hours. A regular train service is also offered from London Euston, which takes around five hours.

Alumni

• HRH Charles, Prince of Wales
• Alex Jones (TV Presenter)
• Jan Pinkava (Oscar-winning animator, Pixar)
• Alan Cox (Programmer)