Affordability and Opportunities

for US Students in Wales

Dr. Maggie Parke

Universities Wales

Welsh Universities

Aberystwyth University

Bangor University

Cardiff University

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Glyndwr University

The Open University in Wales

Swansea University

University of South Wales

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

About Wales

• Part of the United Kingdom

• Population: 3 million

• Currency: Pound Sterling (£)

• Government: Welsh Government & UK Government

• Capital city: Cardiff - 2 hours by train from London

• Weather seasonal, similar to the rest of the UK!

Average Temperatures are 10⁰C or 50⁰F in winter

21⁰C or 68⁰F in summer

• Boasts some of the lowest living costs in the UK

Summary: Study in Wales

• Equal to US degrees

• Shorter, more focused degrees (3 year BA, 1 year MA, 3 year PhD)

• Comparable universities are $35k-$55k a year; universities in Wales are

$15k-$28k a year before scholarships.

• FAFSA eligible at many universities

• GI Bill, Various scholarships available

• Free or very inexpensive to apply – rolling admissions at most campuses

• Entry requirements at Welsh Universities have been streamlined to accept

USA qualifications.

• GPA (3.0+, profile, weighted and unweighted)

• SAT or ACT

• AP, Subject Tests, or College/Community College classes in a

comparable subject to what they wish to study at University all

considerations for entry.

• Options for deferment and preparatory years

North Wales:London- 3 hrsManchester- 2 hrsDublin- 2 hrsLiverpool- 1.5 hrsEdinburgh- 5 hrs

South Wales:London- 2 hrsBirmingham- 2 hrsBristol- 1 hr

Regular flights to Europe/US from Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, or London

Why Wales?• A quality education ✓Over ¾ of the research conducted at Wales’ universities is considered ‘world leading’ or

‘internationally excellent’ (REF 2014)✓Our universities have long established links with some of the world’s leading companies

from NASA and Hewlett-Packard to Rolls-Royce and British Aerospace. ✓92% of graduates from Welsh universities found employment within 6 months of leaving

university!

• Safe & welcoming university community✓ Located in some of the safest parts of the UK✓ Universities have a strong sense of community and offer a warm Welsh welcome to

international students!

• Beauty, history, heritage culture!✓Breath-taking mountains and striking coastline✓More castles per square mile than any other country in the world✓Sport mad✓Wide range of cultural and entertainment venues, theatres, galleries, pubs, clubs✓On Europe’s doorstep

Snowdonia National Park