Education is important to us in Wales. It’s thought that Britain’s first university was set up by St. Illtud on the coast of the Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales in the 6th century.

Education in Wales is compulsory between the ages of 5 to 16 and we have about 1900 state schools offering free education to more than 470,000 pupils. Another 65,000 students between 16 and 19 are in vocational training in further education institutions. A number of overseas pupils are also enrolled in our private fee-paying schools.

A significant number of students all over Wales are educated either wholly or largely through the medium of Welsh and lessons in the language are compulsory for all until the age of 16. Welsh medium education is available to all age groups from nursery through to schools, colleges, universities and adult education.

Today the student population in Wales is large and diverse; there are 12 universities and 25 further education colleges and institutions. We have around 250,000 learners studying at further education institutions per year.

If you’re interested in joining the 8,000 international students from over 100 countries currently enrolled in higher education here, the Wales International Consortium offers guidance to international students wanting
to study in Wales. Find out more on our study pages.