About the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol
The Coleg helps create a bilingual learning environment and supports the long‑term growth of the Welsh language.
Founded in 2011, it provides a structured approach to Welsh‑medium higher education as part of the Welsh Government’s plan to increase the use of Welsh in all areas of life, including education.
Its work helps ensure that the Welsh language continues to thrive in academic, professional, and everyday settings across Wales.
Video from the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol explaining what the Coleg is.
Why study in Welsh?
There are many benefits to choosing to study your university course through the medium of Welsh:
- Better job prospects: Welsh language skills are a major advantage. Many employers in Wales look for graduates who can work confidently in both Welsh and English.
- More than just studying: Cardiff University has a lively Welsh‑language community with social events, gigs, societies, choirs, and more.
- Brain development and creativity: Using more than one language supports brain development. It can boost creativity and even strengthen mathematical skills.
What does the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer?
Academic support
The Coleg provides funding and resources to help universities develop Welsh‑medium courses, including new modules and programmes across a range of subjects.
It also funds academic posts to increase the number of Welsh‑speaking lecturers and researchers.
Student scholarships and bursaries
The Coleg offers scholarships and bursaries for students studying in Welsh. These financial awards encourage students to choose Welsh‑medium education and recognise their commitment to bilingualism.
More information is available on Scholarships for studying in Welsh.
Resources and materials on Porth Resources
The Coleg’s online portal, Porth, is a digital library full of Welsh and bilingual teaching resources for staff and students.
It includes materials created by the Coleg and links to resources from partner organisations such as Welsh universities and the Welsh Government.
Professional development
The Coleg provides training, workshops, and conferences to help lecturers and researchers improve their Welsh‑medium teaching and research skills, with a focus on best practice in bilingual education.
Research and Innovation
The Coleg supports research into Welsh‑medium education and the wider impact of bilingualism. This includes funding research projects and building a community of scholars working in these areas.
Search for a course
There are many courses available to study in Welsh.
Use Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol's Course Finder to check whether your chosen course is available in Welsh and whether you qualify for any scholarships.
More about the Cardiff branch
Every university in Wales has a Coleg Cymraeg branch.
The branches work to:
- increase opportunities for students to study through the medium of Welsh
- support students who are studying in Welsh
- organise social events and activities
- provide a platform for students and staff to share their views on Welsh‑language issues at the university
Our Branch Officer is Elliw Iwan, who is the main contact for all Cardiff University students studying in Welsh.
Further information about the branch team and structure is available here.
Help and support
Feeling unsure or overwhelmed by the options?
The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol website includes answers to common questions and information about what it means to study in Welsh.
You can also become a member of the Coleg to receive email updates by completing the membership form.
If you’d like to speak to someone, you can contact our Cardiff Branch Officer, Elliw Iwan - iwaneh@cardiff.ac.uk.
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