Study in Wales

Wales culture and innovation

Wales offers a unique and vibrant culture steeped in its 3,000-year-old history. It’s a land where old and new sits side by side, with the capital city, Cardiff a perfect example. Here you will find the innovative architecture of the Senedd, just around the corner from the historical site of a 2,000-year-old castle (one of 641 in Wales).

Wales is also a real source of creativity and culture. From children’s author Roald Dahl to the internationally acclaimed fashion designer Julien Macdonald, Wales continues to produce fine talent and make an impact on the international arts world. The country is also renowned for musicians such as Tom Jones, Stereophonics and Duffy and actors including Sir Anthony Hopkins, Christian Bale and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Although English is spoken by everyone in Wales, around 20 per cent of the population also speak Welsh. The people of Wales are refreshingly open, warm-hearted and hospitable and are keen to provide international students with a comfortable and friendly living and studying environment.

Find out more about life in Wales at the Wales.com website. 

A green education in Wales

Wales is a country rich in resources and takes pride in its environment. Understanding that renewable energy, raw materials, conservation and aquaculture are crucial to its future, Wales is becoming one of the world leaders in sustainable technologies.

According to the environmental campaign group the World Wildlife Fund, Newport in Wales is the UK’s greenest city, using fewer natural resources than any other urban centre. Newport University was the first in the UK to set up an on-site plant for converting waste cooking oil into eco-friendly biodiesel.

Adventure and leisure in Wales

The spectacular land and seascapes ensure that there are plenty of things to see and do when you study in Wales. With three national parks and almost 1,200km of coastline, Wales offers some of the world’s most exciting adventure playgrounds in which you can really let yourself go.

Activities you can get involved in as an international student in Wales include:

• Kite surfing
• Bog snorkelling
• Wakeboarding
• Abseiling
• Caving
• Sea kayaking
• Rock climbing 
• Dolphin watching
• You can find further information on activities and exploring in Wales at the Visit Wales website. 

Study abroad in Wales

Welsh education systems focus on you as an individual. Study abroad in Wales and you will have the flexibility to pursue your goals through a vast number of subjects, in some of the country’s most spectacular places. You can take advantage of exceptionally high-quality teaching methods, research facilities and pioneering specialists – three Nobel Prize winners currently teach at Welsh universities.
 
There is a close relationship between Wales higher and further education and local industry, business and commerce. There are also many collaborative links with other education providers and the local community. This has a positive impact on education innovation and explains why Wales attracts more inward investment from international companies than anywhere else in the UK.

Many campuses in Wales are based in or near areas noted for their outstanding beauty and within walking distance of the coast. As most facilities are centrally located in towns and cities, you get the best of everything when it comes to location. It also means you can save money on transport costs and live closer to your next class.

You can search for courses in Wales in the course finder. (internal link)

Support for international students in Wales

Wales is the only country in the world in which all of the universities collaborate through a not-for-profit association for international students. The Wales International Consortium (WIC) provides information and support to international students seeking a place on a course in Wales. You can find out more at the WIC website. 

Useful Links
Wales.com - www.wales.com
Visit Wales - www.visitwales.co.uk
WIC - www.walesinternationalconsortium.com