University of South Wales
Experience life as a student at University of South Wales (USW) – a modern and diverse university with strong industry connections and an exciting international environment.
With over 30,000 students, including around 3,500 international students from more than 120 countries, USW offers a dynamic and global campus environment.
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a lively student city full of history and culture. Explore historic castles, art galleries, modern shopping districts, and a buzzing nightlife. With concerts, festivals, and sporting events year-round, Cardiff provides an exciting academic and social experience.
USW has campuses in Cardiff, Newport, and Pontypridd. Newport is a coastal city with a rich industrial heritage and excellent transport links to Cardiff and England. Pontypridd, a smaller town north of Cardiff, is known for its beautiful scenery and strong connection to Welsh culture.
Students at USW benefit from modern, industry-standard facilities, including a cinema, fully equipped film studios, TV and radio production studios, animation studios, and motion capture and greenscreen technology. These resources give students hands-on experience in a professional, realistic learning environment.
More information
The University of South Wales (USW) is ideally located in South Wales, with three campuses in Cardiff, Pontypridd, and Newport. The region offers a unique mix of city life, culture, and beautiful natural surroundings, providing students with a varied and inspiring study experience.
Cardiff
Cardiff is a modern and diverse city with a vibrant cultural scene and a lively student community. The city has more green space per resident than any other major UK city, and many USW students choose to live here even if they study at one of the other campuses. Cardiff offers everything from concerts and festivals to shopping and nightlife, making it an exciting place to study and live.
Pontypridd
The Pontypridd campus is surrounded by scenic green hills and is close to the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park. It’s an ideal location for students who want a focused study environment while still having easy access to city life and outdoor adventures. From Pontypridd, it’s easy to explore South Wales—whether you want to enjoy Cardiff’s culture, relax on stunning beaches, or go hiking in the mountains.
Newport
Newport combines modern attractions with a rich cultural heritage and a welcoming student atmosphere. The city is known for its friendly community and diverse experiences, making it an appealing choice for students. Its strategic location and excellent transport links provide easy access to Cardiff and the rest of South Wales.
With three unique campuses and a prime location, University of South Wales offers a study experience that blends academic development with exciting opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
Explore the University of South Wales campuses online through their Virtual Tours.
You can travel to the University of South Wales via several routes. Most international students fly into London Heathrow and continue by train or bus to Cardiff or arrive directly at Cardiff Airport.
For detailed directions, transport options, and up-to-date ticket information, visit the Student Travel Guide.
General Travel Tips
For the best fares, book your train or bus tickets well in advance. You can check live schedules and purchase tickets using apps such as Trainline, National Rail, National Express, or FlixBus. If you arrive late in the evening, consider staying overnight in London or Cardiff before continuing to the campus.
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is a vibrant city celebrated for its rich history, dynamic cultural scene, and excellent shopping. Iconic landmarks include Cardiff Castle, set right in the city centre and offering a glimpse into centuries of history, and the Principality Stadium, home to world-class sporting events and concerts. The city also boasts a lively nightlife with welcoming pubs, diverse restaurants, and music venues.
For arts and culture enthusiasts, the Wales Millennium Centre hosts theatre productions, concerts, and performances of international calibre. Down by the waterfront, Cardiff Bay—Europe’s largest freshwater harbour—invites you to stroll along the water’s edge, enjoy a wide range of cafés and restaurants, and visit attractions such as Techniquest, an interactive science museum.
Just beyond the city, Brecon Beacons National Park is a haven for nature lovers, with scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, and some of the darkest skies in Europe for stargazing. A short train ride away, Barry Island offers sandy beaches and a classic seaside amusement park—perfect for a day trip.
History buffs will enjoy Caerphilly Castle, one of the largest medieval fortresses in the UK. The surrounding region is filled with coastal paths, charming villages, and opportunities for adventure, from surfing and climbing to kayaking.
Noroff Network and IT Security students are eligible to apply for:
Noroff 3D Design and Game Technology students can apply for:
Noroff Sound and Music Production students are eligible to apply for:
Noroff Film Production students can apply for:
Noroff Digital Marketing students are eligible to apply for:
To qualify for our 2+1 agreement with University of South Wales (USW), you must complete a two-year Higher Vocational Education program at Noroff Fagskole (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits) and earn a Higher Vocational Diploma. This applies to the following programs: Network and IT Security, 3D Design and Game Technology, Sound and Music Production, and Film Production.
To qualify for our 1+2 agreement with USW, you must complete a one-year Higher Vocational Education program (60 ECTS credits) at Noroff Fagskole and earn a Vocational Diploma. This applies to the following program: Digital Marketing.
Grade Requirement
A grade point average of C or higher is required. Applicants with a slightly lower average may still be considered individually, but admission cannot be guaranteed.
You can download an English version of your diploma via Studentweb once you have completed your studies at Noroff.
To meet the English language requirements at the University of South Wales, you must have a diploma with a grade of 3 or higher in English from upper secondary school. Please note that higher English requirements may apply if you hold an international diploma, such as the IB Diploma, or another international qualification.
If you do not meet the standard English requirements and English has been the language of instruction and assessment throughout your studies at Noroff, you can provide evidence through a Medium of Instruction letter. For assistance, please contact
You can also demonstrate your English proficiency by taking the Password Test, a free assessment offered by USW and conducted at the Noroff campus nearest to you after your application has been evaluated by the university. If you cannot attend in person, you may take an approved online test, Password Skills Plus, which requires a fee. A passing score is 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
Tuition fees for international full-time students for the academic year 2026/27 vary by program:
- For Creative Industries programs, the tuition fee is £16,800 per year.
- For IT programs (Computing, Engineering, Sciences), the tuition fee is £17,200 per year.
USW Scholarships
International students may be eligible for a scholarship ranging from £1,500 to £2,500. You will be automatically considered for this scholarship when you apply. Please note that this is not a cash scholarship but an amount deducted from your tuition fees.
Deposit
Applicants who are eligible for support from Lånekassen do not need to pay a deposit. However, they must provide a preliminary statement confirming their entitlement to financial support.
Download the preliminary statement of loans and grants.
Applicants funding their studies independently (i.e., not receiving Lånekassen support) must pay a deposit of £3,000 before receiving their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Living Costs
Living costs in South Wales are generally lower than in many other UK cities, making it a more affordable option for students. It is important to plan ahead and ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the entire duration of your studies.
This includes costs such as accommodation, food, transport, and leisure activities. While estimates can provide a useful guide, actual expenses may vary depending on lifestyle and personal choices.
For more information, visit UK living costs for EU and international students.
As a student at the University of South Wales, you have several accommodation options depending on the type of housing that suits you best. Before deciding, it’s a good idea to find out which campus your course is based at, as this will help you choose accommodation that is convenient for your studies.
Pontypridd Campus
Students can apply for university-owned accommodation on campus, managed by USW. Living on campus is a great way to meet fellow students and join the USW community, with many social activities and lectures just a short walk away. Private housing is also an option.
Explore Pontypridd Accommodation Options.
Cardiff Campus
Accommodation is available through selected private providers rather than university-owned housing. These modern and safe student residences offer a social atmosphere and are shared with students from USW and other institutions. Private rental options are also available in the city.
Explore Cardiff Accommodation Options.
Newport Campus
Similar to Cardiff, housing is offered through private providers in Newport. Students can enjoy a supportive student environment while living independently. Renting privately is also possible.
Explore Newport Accommodation Options.
How to Apply for Accommodation
To apply for student accommodation, you must first have accepted your offer of study from USW. It is possible to accept your offer even if you have not yet completed your studies, as long as you have received a conditional offer. You can find further details about the accommodation application process here.
Students who wish to study in the United Kingdom must apply for a student visa.
The University of South Wales provides a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Please note that you must have received your final offer and your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before you can apply for a visa. This is only issued after you have uploaded your final transcript from Noroff with 120 ECTS credits and met any other requirements.
Before starting your application, please contact us at
We recommend that you both contact us and submit your application using a private email address, as your Noroff account will be deactivated once you have completed your studies.
Application Guide
1. Click the link for the degree you wish to apply for, then select “How to Apply.”
Network and IT Security:
3D Design and Game Technology:
Sound and Music Production:
Film Production:
Digital Marketing:
2. Create an Account and Complete the Fields:
Details
Use your private email address, not your Noroff account.
Nationality
Select your nationality, your country of birth, and the country of your permanent residence or legal residence permit. For Residential Category, choose EEA National if you live in Norway.
Address
Enter your home address.
Education History
List all education from upper secondary school and beyond, including your studies at Noroff. Add Noroff Vocational School, address: Tordenskjoldsgate 9, 4612 Kristiansand (or “NA” if required). You can add multiple entries by clicking the “Add” button.
In the Awards section, include the school name, program of study, and the qualification obtained—usually “Diploma.” If you are still completing your Noroff program, write “pending” in the Result field.
Employment
If you only have part-time work unrelated to your studies, tick “I have not been in employment.”
Personal Statement
Write a few paragraphs explaining why you wish to study at the University of South Wales (USW).
Referees
Enter “No reference required” in the name field and
About You
Under Fee Payment Method, choose “Government” if you are applying for funding from Lånekassen. Under Occupation Category, select “Not classified.” Under Nominated Contact, add
Additional Details
Choose “International” as the application type. If you are completing a two-year program at Noroff, select “3” for Which year of the course are you applying for. If you are completing a one-year program at Noroff (currently only Digital Marketing), select “2.”
If you achieved a grade of 3 or higher in English on your Norwegian upper secondary diploma, you meet the English language requirement. If you do not meet this requirement, you can alternatively provide evidence through a Medium of Instruction letter or an English language test, as explained under “English Language Requirements.”
Document Upload
Upload your upper secondary school diploma and your Noroff diploma or temporary transcript. All documents must be in English.
If applying to a USW creative program, please refer to the portfolio guidelines provided by USW.
Application Response Time
You will normally receive a decision within 2–3 weeks.
In most cases, you will first receive a conditional offer, which requires successful completion of your Noroff studies and fulfillment of any additional requirements before final admission.
Applications typically open in the fall, the year prior to the desired intake, provided that the application links for the upcoming academic year are available. To allow sufficient time for visa processing, we strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance, ideally no later than June 15 of the intake year.
Our partner universities
Solent University
Are you passionate about film or graphic design? Solent University is especially popular among Norwegian students.
BIMM University
BIMM University is a leading institution for creative education, focusing on music, film, performing arts, and creative technology.
Teesside University
If you are interested in 3D, game design or graphic communications, this could be the university for you.
Deakin University
Deakin has TV, sound and movie studios, and is competent in digital media, visual communication and design.
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales is skilled whith 3D, sound and music, and network and security.