We are a group of international students and graduates at Cardiff University. We are writing to express our concerns regarding the significant change in Cardiff University’s QS World Ranking from 154th in 2024 to 186th in 2025. As proud members of the Cardiff University community, we feel compelled to share our thoughts on the impact this ranking has on us and our futures.

As international students, the QS ranking is an essential factor in many potential applicants’ decision-making process when selecting a university. It serves as a global benchmark that reflects the quality of education, research capabilities, and overall reputation of an institution. A higher ranking often translates to better employment opportunities post-graduation, as employers worldwide frequently use these rankings to gauge the prestige and quality of potential candidates' alma maters.

The significant drop in our university’s ranking is alarming. For many international students, their choice to study at Cardiff was influenced by its past standing, which was once as high as 124th in 2016. This decline raises concerns not only about the university’s academic standing but also about our future employability and the value of our degrees in the global job market. 

We want to stress that our intention is to seek constructive dialogue on how we can collectively work towards improving our university’s ranking. Cardiff University is an institution with high domestic academic and employer reputation, which we believe has not been accurately reflected in QS ranking. We understand that rankings are multifaceted and influenced by various factors, but we also believe that with strategic focus and concerted efforts, there is potential for significant improvement.

We kindly request that the university leadership and relevant departments place greater emphasis on understanding and enhancing the factors that influence the QS rankings. This could include improving research output and impact, increasing international collaborations, and enhancing student and faculty satisfaction.

We are confident that with dedicated efforts, Cardiff University can reclaim its position among the top global institutions. We are proud to be part of this university and are committed to contributing positively to its growth and reputation.