Cardiff University has climbed five places and is named the number one university in Wales, according to the latest rankings by The Complete University Guide 2026.
Published every year, the Complete University Guide helps prospective students make informed choices about their future, including those weighing up late decisions or exploring Clearing options.
It ranks UK universities nationally and in 74 different subject areas, using a range of different measures including student experience and academic performance. It includes 130 institutions.
The 2026 guide ranks Cardiff University 22nd in the UK and is based on ten measures: entry standards, student satisfaction, research quality, research intensity, academic services spend, spending on student facilities, continuation, student-staff ratio, graduate prospects - outcomes, and graduate prospects - on track.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner said: "We're one of a handful of institutions to have seen a rise of five places which is a welcome recognition of our achievements."
Cardiff is a place where we work in partnership with our students and we're committed to providing the best education and student experience for all. Coming top in Wales and being named as one of the top 25 institutions in the UK is testament to the commitment and expertise of our staff. I'm grateful to them all for their efforts.
Professor Amanda Chetwynd, Chair of the Complete University Guide Advisory Board, said: "Congratulations to Cardiff University for securing the top spot in this year's Wales Complete University Guide rankings and to all Universities in the region for supporting their students to achieve their ambitions. Our methodology draws on a range of trusted, independent measures that reflect the factors students care most about, including teaching quality, student satisfaction and graduate outcomes.
"Our regional tables show the strength and quality of Higher Education throughout the UK. Whether making early choices or preparing for Clearing, our university and subject league tables, along with regional insights, are here to help students navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives."
