Aberystwyth University | International

Choose Aberystwyth University and you’ll be studying in a location like no other. On the west coast of Wales between Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains, you’ll be part of a friendly, outward-looking community where the far horizon inspires ambition and aspiration. A place where students have been coming since 1872, drawn by our reputation for teaching excellence and an exceptional student experience.

At a glance - a few more reasons for choosing to study at Aberystwyth:

Welsh University of the Year (The Times & Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2020)
Best university in Wales and one of the top 5 universities in the UK for overall student satisfaction (National Student Satisfaction Survey 2020)
University of the year for Teaching Quality 2018 & 2019 (The Times & Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2019 & 2018)
Gold Award in the 2018 Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF 2018)
97% of graduates are in employment or further education six months after graduation (Higher Education Statistics Agency 2018)
Top in the UK for satisfaction with feedback (The Guardian University League Table 2020)
Second in the UK for overall satisfaction with course (The Guardian University League Table 2020)
Second in the UK for satisfaction with Teaching (The Guardian University League Table 2020)
95% of the University's research is an internationally recognised standard (Research Excellence Framework 2014)

Life on Campus

Located in the heart of Mid-Wales coast, Aberystwyth University is located in an idyllic seaside town often referred to as the cultural capital of Wales.

Aberystwyth University has two campuses and several locations for research and agricultural activities. The University's main teaching campus, Penglais is located on Penglais Hill overlooking the town and Seafront.

Aberystwyth University's vibrant campus provides many opportunities for students, staff and the community and it is at the heart of the memorable student experience.

Location

With University staff and students from over 100 countries, Aber is a friendly cosmopolitan hub. Familiar high street names jostle with independent shops, cafes and an award-winning Farmers’ Market. It’s a close-knit community and once here, many of our students never want to leave.

Aberystwyth is surrounded by a beautiful environment. Nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay it provides a rugged landscape of rolling hills, valleys, sand and sea. Even the famous national parks, of Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire, sit a short distance north and south of Aberystwyth, respectively, too.

Made up of colourful and characterful Victorian architecture, its buildings are formed around the landscape, overlooking the sweeping 2km promenade, where students, locals and visitors mingle as they walk, jog or ride along.

A lasting tradition dictates that students and visitors, alike, ‘kick the bar’ at the northern most point of the promenade underneath Constitution Hill (or ‘Consti’ as it’s known to locals) as they take in the fresh sea air.

There is plenty to do both inside and outside of Aberystwyth. From visiting its numerous high-street and boutique shops, cafes and restaurants – to exploring the local sights of the National Library, Cliff Railway, Constitution Hill, Seafront, Bandstand, Old College, Castle Ruins, Harbour and more.

With three beautiful beaches to choose from, North Beach (designated as a blue flag), South Beach and Tan-Y-Bwlch Beach, there’s no better place try to spot some dolphins. Or in the summer, you can enjoy watching the sun go down with a small fire or BBQ.

Outside of Aberystwyth there is a great outdoors locations such as Nant Yr Arian and Hafod which provide great spots for wandering through woodland, trekking up hillsides or cycling down mountain bike trails. Keen triathletes, surfers, kayakers, mountain climbers and more will never have to travel far to enjoy their passions.

There are, of course, plenty of other sports and societies our students enjoy here too. With over 50 competitive sport clubs and a wide variety of over 100 societies these, along with Aberystwyth’s location, provide the perfect backdrop to share interests, grow in community and make friends for life.

Aberystwyth was the first town in Wales to win the coveted Purple Flag for a welcoming and safe nightlife. Its lively nightlife also provides great entertainment, with the Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Student’s Union, Royal Pier, a range of bars and pubs (all 52 of them!), night clubs and more – all in close proximity. You can enjoy a night of live music, stand-up comedy, a fun night out with friends and more.

Be part of our academic community that allows you to explore new opportunities and empowers critical minds, in an environment like no other.