Syed Choudhury, 19, is charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorists acts and inviting support of a proscribed organisation.
Mr Choudury, of Grangetown, Cardiff, spoke only to confirm his identity.
He was remanded in custody until he is expected to enter a plea on 17 April.
Meanwhile, two men accused of helping a 17-year-old Cardiff boy leave the UK to join fighters in Syria will stand trial in London in June.
A Cardiff man who allegedly planned to fight in Syria alongside Islamic State militants has appeared at the Old Bailey in London.