Best Universities in Wales 2022
The Welsh university rankings based on student reviews
Our Top 3 Universities in Wales league table is different to any other you may have come across. That's because it is based 100% on student reviews.
How are the Top 3 worked out?
Based on a total of 1,360 individual student reviews of university submitted between January 2020 and January 2022, we’ve crunched our review scores to reveal our top 3 universities in Wales. Students reviewed their personal experience of their uni and course across 5 categories: campus and facilities, clubs and societies, Students Union, careers service and wifi.
This is the only university league table based purely on student reviews. So you can be sure you are hearing the real student experience, directly and unfiltered.
Topping the table!
Congratulations to Bangor University for hitting the top spot of the StudentCrowd Top Universities in Wales league table! The combination of teaching and learning, student support and a top location make the Bangor University the #1 student experience in Wales.
Why study in Wales?
With eight universities to choose from and over 130,000 students enrolled on 1,000s of courses, Wales packs a punch as a top university destination.
The Welsh university experience is as varied as its landscape! From bustling city centres like Cardiff University (#2), to side towns like Bangor University (#1), there is something on offer for everyone.
Whilst Wales boasts a number of universities with a rich academic track record with strong graduate prospects, it's Wales’ location that sets it apart as a student destination. The Welsh landscape is completely unique, with breathtaking mountains, lush rich valleys and stunning beaches; it is a dream location for those students who want to get out and explore.
Not only that, its towns and cities create close knit student communities that make it easier to make new friends.
The unis featured on this list also deliver first-class student support. From Students’ Unions to university support services, their university reviews highlight the sort of support on offer.
Wales is also an excellent choice if you are wanting to experience all that uni has to offer but without breaking the bank. On average, it has one of the lowest costs for both student accommodation and cost of living compared with other regions across the UK and Northern Ireland.
Many of the Welsh Universities also rank very well on our UK University League Table.
Published: 29th March 2022
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Bangor University
"I really enjoy completing my course with Bangor university. The staff are flexible and really supportive. the facilities are always improving and I have never struggled to find assistance when required"
Bangor University has featured in several of our “best uni” lists over the last few years, including the coveted overall Best University Award in 2020. Situated in North Wales, between the mountains and the sea, students highly rate the beauty of its surroundings. The low cost of living is also another feature that students have mentioned in reviews and student accommodation in Bangor is reasonably priced too, with Bangor coming in at #32 out of 71 locations in the UK.
Founded in 1884, Bangor University is a world-leading research institution known for its teaching excellence. The University has an excellent reputation for student experience and students love the broad range of clubs and societies, all of which are free to join! They also rave about the supportive staff and the student support that is offered by the university.
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Cardiff University
"The University is in a perfect location with the City Centre being very close by. The Student's Union is the best night out in Cardiff, with so many socials and team sports out on a Wednesday night."
Cardiff University has a history dating back to 1883 and is part of the Russell Group, with a highly regarded reputation in research and teaching. The student body is big (33,510 students) representing well over 100 countries. Students speak highly of the world-class facilities available in learning settings, including ample study spaces across different buildings. The location is excellent if you are looking to be right in the heart a student-friendly capital city, plus accommodation prices rank Cardiff at #40 out of 71 locations across the whole country. Students praise the SU, love the events put on and enjoy the large number of societies on offer. With a bustling city beyond the bounds of its beautiful campus, Cardiff really does promise a well-rounded student experience.
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Swansea University
"Currently having an amazing university experience here!! Would not want to be anywhere else, have made the most amazing friends as everyone at Swansea is extremely friendly. Walking straight down to the beach for a bbq after lectures is also incredible and not something you can do at any other uni. My lecturers have also been so helpful this year and answered any/all questions I've had. Everyone should come here!!"
Lecture at 11am and on the beach by 12.15pm? Yes, it’s possible at Swansea University! Students love the social vibe, where it’s easy to meet people through their broad range of societies and events. The big, beautiful campuses by the beach are obviously a highlight for many, but students also praised the helpful, engaging and supportive lecturers and staff. There are 21,465 students enrolled at the university.
Their research is world-leading and Swansea came 10th in the 2014 Research Excellent Framework across the whole country. Swansea featured in our top 20 unis for course content in 2021 and their teaching has been awarded a gold in the TEF. Swansea itself is a small but friendly city with lots to do but it’s not so massive that students feel lost.
* Authentic reviews from ac.uk accounts. We only included universities with 20 or more reviews.
If you think your university deserves to appear in the StudentCrowd Welsh Universities League Table, leave your review here!