Cardiff and Vale College is one of the largest further education colleges in the UK, with a glass-fronted City Centre Campus on Dumballs Road in Cardiff. International students usually come for A-levels, foundation courses or vocational qualifications before going on to university. It also runs apprenticeships and some higher education courses with partner universities.
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Official website: cavc.ac.uk
Further education college in Wales
One of the largest colleges in the UK
City Centre Campus, opened in 2015
£12,000 – £16,000
International students, A-level and foundation programmes
£10,000 – £12,500
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on cavc.ac.uk before you apply.
A-Level Programme
High SchoolDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 50
International Foundation Programme
FoundationDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 50
HND Business
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 60
BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.0, TOEFL: 50
The city-centre campus sits a short walk from Cardiff Central station.
A-level students often go on to Cardiff University and other Welsh universities.
Industry academies run with local employers in fields like engineering and hospitality.
Most international students progress to UK universities.
Vocational qualifications lead to apprenticeships and technical jobs.
Students under 18 have welfare and accommodation support.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
The City Centre Campus has modern classrooms, workshops and a library, with further campuses around Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Cardiff is a compact, affordable capital with a castle, a waterfront bay and a big rugby stadium. London is two hours by train.
CAS from Cardiff and Vale College
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Applications are open all year, but places for international A-level students are limited. Apply by the spring before a September start.
Courses start in September.
The Student route visa. Your CAS comes from Cardiff and Vale College after you meet your offer conditions and pay the deposit; the online application needs proof of funds, your English result and the health surcharge.
A-levels, the international foundation programme and vocational diplomas are the usual routes. Entry depends on your school results and English level, typically IELTS 5.0-5.5.
The college doesn't advertise many international scholarships. Ask the international office whether any fee reductions apply.
