Foundation courses
If you have graduated from the Nigerian education system, you may be required to successfully complete a one year International Foundation Programme before entering Cardiff University's undergraduate programmes.
You will be required to successfully complete the SSCE/WAEC with a Grade B or above in all subjects to qualify for the International Foundation Programme.
Undergraduate courses
You will be required to have the Senior School Certificate combined with a successfully completed Foundation programme from a reputable institution to be considered for admission on to Cardiff University's bachelor's degree programmes.
You will be required to have successfully completed the first year of a Nigerian bachelor's degree to be considered for admission to the first year of Cardiff University's undergraduate programmes.
If you hold the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, West African GCE A-Levels or British A-Levels, you will be considered for admission to Cardiff University's undergraduate programmes.
Postgraduate taught courses
You will be required to have a good bachelor's degree (usually minimum 2.1) from a recognised institution to be considered for admission on to a master's degree. In some cases a good 2.2 bachelor's degree may be acceptable.
You will be required to obtain the WAEC or IGCSE with a level C or above in the last two years to apply for a bachelor's or postgraduate degree.
Postgraduate research programmes
If you are applying for a research programme, you will be required to provide evidence that you have already carried out research, usually via the successful completion of a relevant master's degree.
If you have a bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class, Higher Division), you will be considered for admission to a master's degree at Cardiff University.
English language
Update: Important changes regarding English language requirements. Please read below.
Whilst Nigeria is, of course, recognised as an English speaking country, for the purpose of complying with the UK Border Agency (UKBA) rules, we are asking that students demonstrate their English language abilities.
If you obtained your WAEC or IGCSE with a level C or above, in the last 2 years, then this will be no problem for you if you are applying for a Bachelors or Postgraduate degree.
However, due to recent changes, if you are applying for a Foundation Course, you will be asked to sit an IELTS qualification, in order to qualify for your visa to study in the UK.
In addition, if your WAEC English qualification was gained more than 2 years ago, even if you have since been to an English speaking University or conducted your job through the medium of English, then we will need further evidence of English language ability before we can issue unconditional offers.
This can be demonstrated by:
- stipulating in your application's personal statement that you are currently working or studying through the medium of English;
- obtaining two references which also mention your use of English language e.g. if you are working, then you are using English in a professional and skilled capacity, or a reference from an academic tutor to confirm that your course was taught through the medium of English and that you were successful in this.
We are constantly reviewing our admissions systems, whilst also abiding by the changes in UK entry laws.
Please don't hesitate to contact us on international@cardiff.ac.uk should you have any further questions about this.
