Exploring Aberystwyth University's Student Population

Aberystwyth University is a research-intensive university with a long tradition of academic excellence. Since its founding in 1872, the university has welcomed students from across the globe to its stunning location in Wales. The university has a current student population of around 8,000, with nearly 2,000 international students. The university's reputation for excellence is reflected in its rankings, with Aberystwyth University placed 48th in the Times University Guide 2025 and 66th in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

Aberystwyth University has around 7,845 students

Aberystwyth University is a research-intensive university with a long tradition of academic excellence. Since its founding in 1872, the university has established a global reputation for teaching excellence and ground-breaking research. The university has approximately 7,845 students, comprising 6,465 undergraduates, 1,380 postgraduates, and 1,345 international students.

The university's main campus is situated on Penglais Hill, overlooking the town of Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay. The Penglais Campus is home to most of the university's 19 academic departments and student halls of residence. In addition to its academic offerings, the university provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, with over 100 clubs and societies, as well as a sports centre offering various activities, including access to a gym, fitness classes, and a swimming pool.

Aberystwyth University attracts students from diverse backgrounds, with approximately 12.3% of its population comprising international students from over 130 countries. The university guarantees first-year students accommodation in university-managed residences, while international students are guaranteed university accommodation for the duration of their studies. The university also offers an International Accommodation Award, which provides international students with the option of including their on-campus housing in their tuition fees or receiving a £2,000 discount.

The university has a strong academic and close-knit student community, boasting a unique combination of a long academic tradition, an outstandingly beautiful location, and a campus that brings together state-of-the-art facilities, a lively arts centre, and easy access to one of only five copyright libraries in Britain. The nearby town of Aberystwyth offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and nightlife, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

The university has a diverse student body, with students from over 100 countries

Aberystwyth University has a diverse student body, with students from over 100 countries. The university was founded in 1872 and was the first university in Wales. It has since built a global reputation for teaching excellence and ground-breaking research. The university attracts nearly 2,000 international students, with a total student population of around 10,000.

The university's main campus overlooks the Welsh coast and is surrounded by a beautiful environment, nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay. This stunning location provides a rugged landscape of rolling hills, valleys, sand and sea, as well as easy access to the sea and unspoilt countryside. Aberystwyth itself was awarded the title of "Greatest Town" by the Academy of Urbanism in 2015 for its shops, restaurants, nightlife and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The university offers a wide range of foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various subject areas, including accounting, nursing, law, veterinary science and zoology. It is also home to one of the largest graduate schools for international relations in the world and the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, a world-class research and education centre. The university's research addresses global challenges such as food security, sustainability and climate change.

Aberystwyth University prides itself on its welcoming and inclusive community. It offers a range of scholarships and support services for international students, including the International Accommodation Award, which provides zero-cost accommodation for international fee-paying students. The Student Union also runs an international buddy scheme and a special orientation programme to help international students settle into life at the university.

It is known for its academic excellence and research-led approach

Aberystwyth University has a long-standing reputation for delivering academic excellence and is known for its research-led approach. Since its founding in 1872, the university has built a global reputation for teaching excellence and ground-breaking research. The university attracts students from over 130 countries and is home to nearly 2,000 international students. The university's main campus is situated on Penglais Hill, overlooking the town of Aberystwyth and Cardigan Bay.

The university's academic excellence is reflected in its rankings. In 2025, it was ranked 48th in the Times University Guide, 66th in the Guardian University Guide, and 661-670th in the QS World University Rankings. It also ranks highly for student satisfaction and was rated in the top five in the world in an International Student Barometer survey. The university has also been recognised for its teaching quality and student experience, being named Welsh University of the Year, Top in Wales and 2nd in the UK for Student Experience, and Top in Wales and 3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality by the Good University Guide.

The university's research-led approach is evident in its wide range of research programmes. Postgraduate students can pursue a taught programme or a research programme. Taught programmes are structured and teaching-led, consisting of course modules taught by senior academic staff through lectures, seminars, lab work, and more. Research programmes, on the other hand, are heavily research-focused and will typically lead to a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree.

The university is also home to several world-class research centres, including the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, which conducts research on issues such as sustainable land use, climate change, and food and water security. The university's research is not just limited to the classroom or laboratory; it also has a real-world impact. The university's strategic plan and mission emphasise applying knowledge to local and global challenges and delivering benefits to everyday lives in Wales and beyond.

The university offers a range of scholarships and support services for international students

Aberystwyth University, located in the heart of Wales, is a vibrant and diverse institution with a rich history dating back to 1872. As of 2023, the university is home to approximately 8,000 students, with a significant proportion of international students adding to its multicultural community. Recognizing the value that international students bring to its campus, Aberystwyth University offers an array of scholarships and support services tailored to their unique needs, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The university's scholarship program for international students is comprehensive and designed to support students from a range of backgrounds. One notable offering is the International Excellence Scholarship, which provides a significant tuition fee waiver for high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and potential. This scholarship not only recognizes outstanding talent but also helps to make an Aberystwyth education more accessible to deserving students worldwide.

In addition to merit-based scholarships, Aberystwyth University offers need-based financial aid through its Access Agreement, ensuring that students from all financial backgrounds have the opportunity to study there. The university also participates in external scholarship programs, such as the Chevening Scholarships, which enable international students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK. By partnering in such programs, Aberystwyth University further expands the avenues of support available to its international student body.

The support services at Aberystwyth University extend beyond financial assistance. The university's International Student Support Team provides a dedicated point of contact for international students, offering guidance on a range of matters, from visa and immigration processes to adapting to life in the UK. Recognizing the unique challenges that international students may face, the university also offers a comprehensive orientation program, helping new students transition smoothly into academic and cultural life at Aberystwyth.

The university's support for international students continues throughout their time on campus. Aberystwyth University provides ongoing assistance with matters such as accommodation, health and wellbeing, and career development. It also offers a range of social and cultural activities, enabling international students to connect with one another and share their diverse experiences. This holistic approach to student support ensures that international students feel welcomed, valued, and empowered during their time at Aberystwyth.

In conclusion, Aberystwyth University's commitment to its international student community is evident through its range of scholarships and support services. By offering financial assistance, dedicated guidance, and a holistic support system, the university creates an inclusive and enriching environment for students from all corners of the globe. This not only enhances the overall student experience but also contributes to the diverse and vibrant culture that Aberystwyth University is known for.

Aberystwyth is located in a beautiful area of Wales, with easy access to the sea and countryside

Aberystwyth University is located in a beautiful area of Wales, with easy access to the sea and countryside. Nestled between the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay, the university offers a rugged landscape of rolling hills, valleys, sand and sea. The town of Aberystwyth is a seaside resort in the county of Ceredigion on the west coast of Wales. It is known for its beautiful beaches and elegant seafront, with a mile-long promenade linking the north and south beaches. The seafront boasts the Old College, a harbour, marina, pier, and the ruins of a castle.

The town is surrounded by scenic countryside, including the wilderness of the Cambrian Mountains, whose valleys contain forests and meadows that have remained unchanged for centuries. A convenient way to access the interior is by the preserved narrow-gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway. The university itself is located on Penglais Hill, overlooking the town and Cardigan Bay. The main campus is home to most of the university's academic departments and student residences.

The town of Aberystwyth has a rich history, dating back to the Iron Age when settlers built a huge fortification on Pen Dinas, which still dominates the skyline. In the early 12th century, the first Norman castle was built, which was later replaced by a castle built by the Welsh led by Llywelyn the Great. The town became a major educational location in Wales with the establishment of University College Wales, now Aberystwyth University, in 1872.

Today, Aberystwyth University attracts students from all over the world, with a global reputation for teaching excellence and groundbreaking research. The university offers a wide range of foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes across various subject areas. The town's beaches, countryside, and historical sites provide a unique and enriching experience for students and locals alike.

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