Aberystwyth University

With a history dating back to 1867, Aberystwyth University is committed to providing high standards of teaching, assessment and feedback, backed up a robust personal tutor system. The University’s rigorous approach was recognised in the Gold award they received in the 2018 Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF). Aberystwyth has been named University of the Year for Teaching Quality in The Times, Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018.

Aberystwyth University places an emphasis on research-led teaching with academics who are leaders in their field of study and share the latest thinking and discoveries in their subject area. From developing Miscanthus bioenergy crops to medieval history, strategic studies and space exploration, the University’s research spans the arts, sciences and social sciences.

Alongside developing discipline-specific knowledge and critical thinking, the courses at Aberystwyth aim to equip students with the life skills for careers after graduation. Embedding employability across the programmes as a key strategic objective, as reflected in the latest Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey which showed that 97% of Aberystwyth graduates were in work or further study within six months of graduating in 2017.

Aberystwyth is known too for the all-round quality of its student experience. In the 2018 National Student Survey, Aberystwyth scored 90% for overall student satisfaction - one of the top scores among UK higher education institutions and the best in Wales.

The University is uniquely located between the coast of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains. Set in a truly beautiful part of the world, it is also amongst the safest places to study in the country. Aberystwyth University has two campuses and several locations for research and agricultural activities. The University's main teaching campus, Penglais located on Penglais Hill overlooking the town and Seafront.

Aberystwyth, fondly referred to as Aber by locals, is a vibrant cosmopolitan town located to the north west of Wales. Students and locals get on well in this close-knit community and it’s recognized as one of the safest places in Wales to be a student. (Complete University Guide, 2018) There are plenty of places to go walking with amazing views over the sea. Hop on a steam train at The Vale of Rheidol Railway, a service that has been running since 1902, and explore the beauty of the Rheidol valleys, parts of which are only accessible by train.

Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). It is located in the southwest of the island of Great Britain, with a diverse landscape that includes 2,700km of coastline and mountainous regions. There is easy access from Wales to the rest of the UK as well as to mainland Europe via road, rail, sea and air. Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is only 2 hours from London by road or train.

Wales is home to roughly 5% of the UK's population, with an average population density of 148 people per square kilometre. In the main cities, such as Cardiff, the density is significantly higher, allowing you the luxury of experiencing big city life with easy access to the quiet countryside.

Wales is a bilingual country, with both Welsh and English spoken throughout. You may be able to learn some Welsh during exchange, however no Welsh fluency is required to get by.

Wales has three National Parks which cover 20% of the country's land mass and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Key industries in Wales include Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, the Creative Industries, Financial and Professional Services and Fintech, Energy and Environment, Food and Drink, Life Sciences, Tech and Tourism. Wales is one of the safest parts of the United Kingdom and crime rates continue to fall.

Did you know….?

During the summer solstice, you can experience nearly 17 hours of daylight at Aberystwyth. Wales is home to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwll-llantysiliogogogoch, a town famous for its incredibly long name. The name means "The Church of St Mary in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and the church of St Tysilio near a red cave". 50% of the world’s passengers fly on aircraft with wings made in Wales
 
 

All students must meet standard exchange selection criteria and any host institution restrictions.

• UniSA Academic Transcript
• Passport
• Academic Reference
• Evidence of English language proficiency (International students only)”

Students are required to take 30 ECTS each semester which equals 60 Aberystwyth credits.  

• 18 units = 30 ECTS 
• 13.5 units = 22.5 ECTS 

Please see Aberystwyth University  website  for acceptable evidence of English language tests and required scores. 

Find courses at Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University offers airport pick up from Birmingham International Airport. More information on how to book this service can be found here.

Further information on how to get to the campus can be found here.

A limited number on-campus accommodation is reserved for exchange students. Further information can be found here. As soon as your place to study at Aberystwyth University is confirmed by the Study Abroad Office, you will receive an invitation to apply for accommodation by e-mail. It is advised that you complete your application as soon as possible, as accommodation is offered on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

More information on the accommodation options can be found here.

Alternatively, you may prefer to live in  Private Sector Accommodation in the town of Aberystwyth, which is within easy walking distance of the main campus and with a regular bus link. Aberystwyth University operates an Accommodation Service to help students find somewhere to live in private sector accommodation.

As an exchange partner with the University of South Australia, you do not have to pay tuition fees to Aberystwyth University, instead you will pay tuition as you would normally at UniSA. Travel and living expenses are at your own cost. The table below gives an indication of costs you will incur:  

More information can be found here.

You may be eligible to receive additional grants or scholarships to fund your experience. For more information please see the funding and scholarships website.

UniSA offers travel insurance as part of your exchange for up to 270 days (can be extended up to 365 days). For more information please see travel insurance website.  

Please click here to read the travel insurance policy. 

A list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found here. 

If you have any further questions about travel insurance, please contact the UniSA Insurance Office on 08 8302 1678.