Higher Education in WalesWales has a higher education system that includes highly respected universities that produce world-class research as well as numerous colleges that offer vocational and academic programs. Although all institutions are private, they receive public funding and are guided by higher education policies determined by the Welsh Assembly Government. Recent policy changes will increase the focus of higher education institutions to support a strong economy and increase access to all residents. Applications for admission to undergraduate programs at universities in Wales are primarily made through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) that is used throughout the UK. Acceptance to a program is typically based on scores on A-level exams taken by students at the end of secondary school. Alternate qualifications are also considered for students who did not take the A-levels but have continued their education through an alternate path. Individual schools and programs have differing acceptance criteria. Tuition is very reasonable when compared with schools in the US. Additionally, tuition for UK students does not need to be paid until after graduation at which time it is converted into a loan that has to start being paid back after the student begins earning a set minimum salary. Types of Schools and DegreesAs of 2010, there were 12 universities along with about 25 other institutions referred to a further education colleges. These colleges focus on vocational, pre-university and continuing education. The universities offer a wide array of academic degree programs in humanities, arts, business and science as well as professional programs in medicine, dentistry and law. Most programs are taught in English but an increasing number are taught in Welsh in an effort to reverse the declining use of the Welsh language. Wales signed onto the Bologna Agreement which has created standards for degrees across Europe. Bachelor's degrees can be earned in three years, master's degrees in another one or two years and doctoral degrees in an additional three years. Five-year undergraduate degrees in medicine, veterinary medicine, law and teaching are also available. International StudentsA steadily increasing number of foreign students are studying in Wales each year. Recent figures indicate that over 11, 000 full-time students from over 102 countries outside of the EU are attending a university in Wales. Bangor University and Cardiff University are two schools that attract large numbers of foreigners. Students from outside the EU represent an average of about 10 percent of university populations. International students applying to undergraduate programs in Wales need to do so through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Graduate students should apply directly to the university. Students whose first language is not English will need to obtain an acceptable score on a standardized English language exam such as TOEFL. Students will be admitted based on secondary school grades, standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT and AP test scores. European Union students pay the same reasonable tuition that UK students pay. Students from outside the EU pay tuition rates that vary by school and program and in some cases approach the rates charged by many US schools. About WalesThe country of Wales is part of the United Kingdom and is located in the western part of the island of Great Britain which it shares with England and Scotland. Its population of about three million people speaks English with about 20 percent of the population also speaking fluent Welsh. It has limited self-governing authority while the central government of the United Kingdom retains primary responsibility in many areas. The economy is primarily service-based with tourism and light manufacturing making significant contributions. Residents primarily live in small towns and villages in the south of the country with the largest city of Cardiff having a population of only about 300, 000. Tourists are attracted to the mountainous landscapes, sandy beaches, historical sites and the unique culture which includes the Welsh language, folk music and customs. Resources Higher Education Wales
Higher Education Funding Council for Wales
Wales International Consortium