Welsh language and culture
The Welsh language is unique to Wales and is at the heart of our University. You will see and hear our language on campus and throughout the city.
Croeso i Gaerdydd (That's Welsh for 'Welcome to Cardiff')
We are a welcoming city, and Welsh, as the official language of Wales, is a cherished part of our identity and diverse communities.
It belongs to everyone who studies, works, and lives here.
Your home
We're a thriving Welsh city
The city has 36,735 fluent Welsh speakers, 17 primary and three secondary Welsh-medium schools
We're at the heart of modern Wales
Our city is home to the Welsh Parliament and Government, BBC and ITV Cymru Wales, Yr Urdd, and many other national organisations
We love celebrating Welshness
We love being Welsh, showcasing our passion through festivals like Tafwyl and the Welsh-language music venue, Clwb Ifor Bach
Live and breathe Welshness
The Welsh language thrives in Cardiff as part of a lively cultural scene.
Join one of the Welsh-language student societies to meet other Welsh speakers. The warm Welsh welcome extends to anyone new to the language or interested in our culture.
Some of these societies include:
- Y Gym Gym: the popular 'Welsh society' arranges social events, trips and inter-collegiate events. It also has its own sporting teams
- Clwb y Mynydd Bychan: social events and shared study groups for those studying Medicine and Healthcare Sciences
- Cymdeithas Iolo: cultural and literary events in the Welsh language
- Aelwyd y Waun Ddyfal: a Welsh-language social choir
The Cardiff Citizen module is also an opportunity to meet other Welsh speakers and learn more about your new home in our vibrant, multicultural capital city.
Welsh can be heard on the student Xpress Radio and seen in the student newspaper, Gair Rhydd.
The Cardiff Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol has a lively bilingual community that will help you enhance your valuable language skills and support your career goals.
The Tafwyl festival, which takes place every summer, is definitely worth a visit. The festival offers a unique and immersive experience for everyone, whether you are a native Welsh speaker or simply interested in discovering the beauty of the Welsh language.
Your Welsh language rights
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, with Welsh and English as official languages.
You have a right to:
- receive our services in Welsh
- study or experience life in Welsh
We are here to make this possible and offer you a unique student experience. A key part of this is our Academi Gymraeg - the University's Welsh Language Academy.
The rights and well-being of Welsh-language students are also represented by:
- Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd (the Welsh-language Studens' Union)
- the Students' Union's Vice President for the Welsh language, Catrin Edith Parry
Learn Welsh
It's not essential to understand or speak Welsh to live here. But learning Welsh can:
- enrich your experience at Cardiff
- help you gain a deeper understanding of Wales, its culture, history, and people
With Learn Welsh Cardiff, you can:
- start learning Welsh
- improve your existing Welsh language skills
You can also learn Welsh alongside learning other languages at the University.
Apply to stay at one of our accommodation options for Welsh speakers and learners to immerse yourself in the language.
