University of South Wales: Acceptance Rate, Courses, Fees, Rankings, Scholarship & More
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The University of South Wales (USW) is a top-ranking institution in the UK. Established in 2013, USW has quickly gained recognition for its high-quality education and research-driven approach. With campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd, the university offers students a mix of urban and scenic learning environments. USW maintains an impressive graduate employability rate of 95%, with top recruiters like British Airways, Sony, and Tata hiring its graduates.
The University of South Wales acceptance rate is approximately 20%, making it a selective institution. This blog covers everything you need to know about the University of South Wales in 2025, including its acceptance rate, courses, fees, rankings, scholarships, and accommodation options. Let’s dive in!
University of South Wales Highlights 2025
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 2013 |
| Campus Size | Spanning multiple campuses, USW offers a blend of urban and scenic settings, providing a holistic learning environment. |
| QS World University Ranking (2025) | The University of South Wales (USW) was ranked 531st in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. |
| Campus Locations | Campuses located in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd, each offering unique facilities and vibrant student communities. |
| Placement Rate | An impressive 95% of graduates find employment or pursue further studies within six months of graduation. |
| Top Recruiters | British Airways, Sony, Tata, Audit Wales, Celsa Steel among many others. |
| Popular Courses for International Students | Programs in Business Management, Engineering, Computer Science, and Creative Industries are particularly sought after by international students. |
| English Language Exam Required | Proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL are standard requirements for non-native English speakers. |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 20%, indicating a bit selective admission process. |
| Annual Tuition Fees for International Students | Varies by program, with undergraduate courses ranging from £13,700 to £14,500 per year and postgraduate courses from £14,300 to £15,500 per year. |
| Website | www.southwales.ac.uk |
University of South Wales: Courses, Eligibility, and Fees 2025
Choosing the right course is a crucial step in shaping your future, and the University of South Wales (USW) offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with industry-ready skills. The university offers specialized programs across engineering, business, health sciences, law, media, and more, ensuring that students from diverse academic backgrounds find a suitable study option. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the courses available at USW in 2025, along with their eligibility criteria, tuition fees, and language proficiency requirements:
| Course | Annual Tuition Fees (INR / AUD) | Duration | Eligibility Criteria | English Language Exam Required |
| MS | INR 14L – 18L / AUD 26,000 – 33,500 | 12 – 22 months | Bachelor’s in a relevant field with 60% minimum | IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5, PTE: 59 – 64 |
| MBA/PGDM | INR 16L – 18L / AUD 29,500 – 33,500 | 12 months – 1 year | Bachelor’s degree (minimum 60%) + 2 years of work experience | IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5, PTE: 59 – 64 |
| M.Sc. | INR 16L – 18L / AUD 29,500 – 33,500 | 12 months – 1 year | Bachelor’s in Science or a related field | IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5, PTE: 59 – 64 |
| BBA | INR 13L – 15L / AUD 24,000 – 27,500 | 1 – 4 years | High school completion (minimum 60%) | IELTS: 6.0+ |
| M.A. | INR 14L – 18L / AUD 26,000 – 33,500 | 12 months – 1 year | Bachelor’s in Humanities or Social Sciences | IELTS: 6.0 – 6.5, PTE: 59 – 64 |
| B.E. / B.Tech | INR 14L – 17L / AUD 26,000 – 31,500 | 3 – 4 years | High school diploma with Mathematics and Science (minimum 60%) | IELTS: 6.0+, PTE: 59+ |
| B.J.M.C. | INR 17L / AUD 31,500 | 3 years | High school diploma with English as a compulsory subject | IELTS: 6.0+, PTE: 59+ |
| LL.M. | INR 16L / AUD 29,500 | 1 year | Bachelor’s in Law (minimum 60%) | IELTS: 6.0+, PTE: 64+ |
| B.Sc. | INR 16L / AUD 29,500 | 3 years | High school diploma with Science subjects | IELTS: 6.0+ |
| LL.B. | INR 17L / AUD 31,500 | 2 – 3 years | High school diploma | IELTS: 6.0+, PTE: 59+ |
University of South Wales Rankings 2025
The University of South Wales (USW) has established itself as one of the top universities in the UK, consistently climbing the rankings across various league tables. The university is ranked among the top 100 in the UK and has improved its global rankings significantly over the years. In 2025, USW achieved its highest-ever ranking in the Guardian University Guide, placing 51st out of 122 institutions, a significant improvement of 21 places from the previous year. Below is a detailed breakdown of the University of South Wales rankings for 2025:
| Ranking Organization | USW Rank (2025) |
| Guardian University Guide | 51st (highest-ever) |
| Times University Guide | 94th |
| Complete University Guide | 95th |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | 1001 – 1200 |
| US News Best Global Universities | 1501st |
| THE Young University Rankings | 401 – 500 |
| Complete University Guide | Top 20 |
University of South Wales Acceptance Rate 2025
The University of South Wales (USW) has an estimated acceptance rate of around 20%, making it a highly selective university for international students. The admissions process at USW evaluates applicants based on academic qualifications, standardized test scores, and English language proficiency. The International Student Advice team and International Welcome Programme help students navigate visa requirements, accommodation options, and cultural adaptation before arriving in the UK. Below is a detailed breakdown of the University of South Wales admission criteria and acceptance rate for 2025:
| Feature | Details |
| Acceptance Rate | 20% (Highly Competitive) |
| Application Fee | £26 GBP |
| English Language Exams Accepted | TOEFL, IELTS, PTE |
| Standardized Tests Required (UG) | SAT or ACT (for undergraduate admissions) |
| Standardized Tests Required (PG) | GRE or GMAT (for postgraduate admissions, depending on the program) |
University of South Wales Admission Requirements 2025
| Level of Study | Academic Requirements | English Language Requirements |
| Undergraduate (UG) | – High school diploma with a minimum of 65% – 70% (or equivalent) – SAT/ACT scores may be required for certain courses | – IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no band lower than 5.5 – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 72 – PTE Academic: Minimum 52 |
| Postgraduate (PG) | – Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55% – 60% (or equivalent) – GRE/GMAT may be required for specific programs | – IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no band lower than 6.0 – TOEFL iBT: Minimum 79 – PTE Academic: Minimum 58 |
University of South Wales Scholarships 2025
The University of South Wales (USW) offers a variety of generous scholarships for self-funding international students, helping to reduce tuition costs and make higher education more accessible. The scholarships are automatically considered upon application, meaning students do not need to submit a separate application. Scholarship confirmation is provided in the offer letter upon acceptance. However, these scholarships do not apply to English language courses, DBA programs, or placement years. Additionally, students sponsored by a company or government are not eligible. Below is a detailed breakdown of the available scholarships at the University of South Wales for 2025:
| Scholarship Name | Award Value | Eligibility Criteria |
| International Office Scholarships | Automatically awarded (amount varies) | Open to self-funded international students |
| Chancellor’s International Development Scholarships | Automatically awarded (amount varies) | Students from developing countries |
| EU Scholarships | Reduction in tuition fees | Open to EU students |
| USW International Students Progressing to Masters | Partial tuition fee waiver | International students progressing to a master’s program from a USW undergraduate degree |
| Chevening Scholarships | Full tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs | High-achieving students from eligible countries |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Full tuition fees, airfare, living costs, thesis grant, warm clothing allowance | Citizens of developing Commonwealth nations |
University of South Wales Accommodation 2025
Finding the right student accommodation is an essential part of the university experience, and the University of South Wales (USW) offers a variety of housing options to cater to the diverse needs of both domestic and international students. Located in one of the most affordable regions in the UK, USW provides on-campus and off-campus accommodation options, ensuring students have a comfortable and secure place to live while studying.
On-Campus Accommodation at the USW 2025
For students who prefer the convenience of living on-campus, USW offers university-managed student residences that are safe, modern, and located close to academic buildings. Below is the average On-Campus Accommodation at the University of South Wales:
| Room Type | Features | Weekly Rent (£) | Monthly Rent (£) |
| Standard Single Room | Shared kitchen & bathroom | £110 – £140 | £440 – £560 |
| En-Suite Room | Private bathroom, shared kitchen | £150 – £190 | £600 – £760 |
| Studio Apartment | Private kitchen & bathroom | £190 – £250 | £760 – £1,000 |
Off-Campus Accommodation at the USW 2025
For students looking for more independence and flexibility, off-campus housing in South Wales provides several cost-effective and comfortable options. Below is the average cost of off-campus accommodation at the University of South Wales 2025:
| Accommodation Type | Description | Monthly Rent (£) |
| Private Student Halls | Fully furnished, includes social areas | £500 – £900 |
| Shared Apartments | Rent a flat with other students | £400 – £750 |
| Studio Apartments | Private space with kitchen & bathroom | £700 – £1,300 |
| Homestays | Live with a local family, meals included | £450 – £800 |
Conclusion
The University of South Wales continues to be a top choice for international students due to its diverse courses, strong placement rates, and high global rankings. With industry-driven courses in fields like business, engineering, computer science, and creative industries, USW provides students with the practical skills and real-world experience needed to succeed in their careers. If you’re looking to study at a university that combines academic excellence with career-focused learning, the University of South Wales is the perfect place to start your higher education journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of the University of South Wales in 2025?
The University of South Wales acceptance rate is approximately 20%, indicating a competitive admissions process.
How much are the tuition fees for international students at USW?
The tuition fees for international students vary based on the program level:
- Undergraduate courses: £13,700 - £14,500 per year
- Postgraduate courses: £14,300 - £15,500 per year
What are the English language requirements for international students at USW?
International students at USW must prove their English proficiency through one of the following exams:
- IELTS: Minimum 6.0 - 6.5 (varies by course)
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 72 - 79
- PTE Academic: Minimum 52 - 64
Some courses may require higher scores, especially in business, health sciences, and law.
What are the top-ranked courses at the University of South Wales?
Some of the most popular and highly-ranked courses at USW for international students include:
- Business & Management
- Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, Electrical)
- Computer Science & Cybersecurity
- Creative Industries (Animation, Fashion, and Games Design)
- Law & Forensic Science
- Health Professions & Nursing
What is the University of South Wales ranking in 2025?
USW has improved significantly in various national and global rankings:
- Guardian University Guide 2025 – 51st (highest-ever ranking)
- Times University Guide 2025 – 94th
- Complete University Guide 2025 – 95th
- QS World University Rankings 2025 – 531st globally
- US News Best Global Universities – 1501st worldwide
The university has seen a 21-place rise in the Guardian rankings, making it one of the fastest-improving universities in the UK.
