Cardiff University, founded in 1883, is a leading research-intensive university in the Welsh capital and a proud member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 UK research universities. With around 140 years of academic excellence, Cardiff is ranked QS #181 globally and consistently performs strongly in UK research assessments. The University is known for its strengths in journalism, optometry, pharmacy, architecture, engineering, business, computer science and the biomedical sciences. Cardiff has a strong international focus with global partnerships and educational links across China, India, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States and now Kazakhstan.

Cardiff University Kazakhstan opened in September 2025 in Astana as Cardiff's first overseas branch campus and the only Russell Group campus currently operating in Central Asia. The campus operates under the direct governance of Cardiff University to ensure full UK academic standards are maintained throughout. Cardiff University Kazakhstan is delivered in partnership with the Qualified Centre of Education Foundation (QCEF). Over 300 academically excellent students were enrolled in the first cohort, less than a year after planning began. All four-year undergraduate programmes include a Foundation Year (focused on either STEM or Business) and are taught in English by Cardiff and Cardiff Kazakhstan academics. Students have academic mobility options across Cardiff campuses and access to modern on-site student residences. The opening ceremony was attended by Cardiff's Vice-Chancellor, Welsh and Kazakh government officials, and the British Ambassador to Kazakhstan.

Astana is the futuristic capital of Kazakhstan, a planned city on the Eurasian Steppe with a striking modern skyline including the Bayterek tower, the Khan Shatyr entertainment centre and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. The city of around 1.4 million blends contemporary architecture with traditional Kazakh culture, and is home to the diplomatic, governmental and emerging business heart of the country. Cardiff's Astana campus offers modern on-site student residences and access to the city's growing cultural, dining and sporting scene. The campus also hosts cultural events celebrating Welsh and Kazakh traditions, with the opening ceremony featuring Welsh harp music alongside Kazakh national performances.