Quick Answer: Cardiff Metropolitan University offers multiple scholarships for Pakistani students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (£3,000-£5,000), Sports Excellence Awards (£2,000), and subject-specific bursaries. Applications typically open in January with deadlines between March-May, requiring IELTS 6.0-6.5 and strong academic records.

Cardiff Metropolitan University has established itself as one of Wales' most accessible and supportive institutions for international students, particularly those from Pakistan. Located in the vibrant capital city of Cardiff, the university offers a comprehensive range of scholarships specifically designed to make quality UK education more affordable for Pakistani students.

With over 12,000 students from more than 140 countries, Cardiff Met (as it's commonly known) has built a strong reputation for practical, career-focused education. The university's commitment to international students is reflected in its generous scholarship programs, which have supported hundreds of Pakistani students in pursuing their UK education dreams.

Cardiff Metropolitan University International Scholarships

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program for Pakistani students offers substantial financial support based on academic merit. This scholarship provides £3,000 for undergraduate programs and £5,000 for postgraduate degrees. The scholarship is automatically applied to tuition fees and renewed annually for undergraduate students who maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Pakistani citizenship with valid passport
• Unconditional offer for full-time degree program
• IELTS score of 6.0 (undergraduate) or 6.5 (postgraduate)
• Minimum 65% in intermediate/bachelor's degree
• No previous UK degree study

Cardiff Met Sports Excellence Awards

Recognizing Pakistan's rich sporting heritage, particularly in cricket and hockey, Cardiff Met offers Sports Excellence Awards worth £2,000 annually. These scholarships combine academic study with high-level sports training at the university's National Indoor Athletics Centre.

Available Sports Include:

• Cricket (indoor and outdoor facilities)
• Hockey (artificial pitches)
• Football and rugby
• Tennis and badminton
• Athletics and swimming

Subject-Specific Bursaries

Cardiff Met offers targeted bursaries for specific academic areas popular among Pakistani students:

Business and Management Bursary (£2,500)

• Available for MBA and business undergraduate programs
• Requires 3+ years work experience for postgraduate applicants
• Particularly valuable for students from Karachi and Lahore's business sectors

Engineering and Technology Scholarship (£3,000)

• Covers mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering programs
• Includes product design and computer science courses
• Priority given to students from technical backgrounds

Healthcare Professions Support (£2,000)

• Available for nursing, physiotherapy, and healthcare management
• Requires relevant academic background or work experience
• Additional clinical placement support included

Application Process and Deadlines 2026

Application Timeline

Cardiff Met operates on a rolling admission basis, but scholarship applications have specific deadlines:

January 15, 2026: Scholarship applications open March 30, 2026: Priority deadline for September intake scholarships May 15, 2026: Final deadline for most scholarship programs June 30, 2026: Late applications considered based on availability

Required Documentation

Pakistani students must submit:

1. Academic Transcripts: Attested copies from HEC (Higher Education Commission of Pakistan)
2. English Language Proof: IELTS Academic or equivalent
3. Personal Statement: 500-750 words explaining academic goals and career aspirations
4. Reference Letters: Two academic or professional references
5. Financial Statements: Bank statements showing £15,000+ available funds
6. Passport Copy: Valid for at least 18 months

Tips for Strong Applications

Successful Pakistani applicants typically demonstrate:

• Clear career goals aligned with chosen program
• Understanding of UK education system and Cardiff Met's strengths
• Evidence of academic excellence or professional achievement
• Genuine intention to return to Pakistan post-graduation (important for visa applications)
• Leadership experience or community involvement

Living Costs and Additional Support

Estimated Annual Expenses (2026)

Accommodation: £4,500-£6,500

• University halls of residence preferred for first-year students
• Shared private accommodation from £350-£450 monthly
• Homestay options available through international office

Living Expenses: £6,000-£8,000

• Food and groceries: £200-£250 monthly
• Transportation: £50-£70 monthly (student discounts available)
• Personal expenses: £150-£200 monthly

Support Services for Pakistani Students

Cardiff Met provides comprehensive support through:

Pakistan Student Society: Active community organizing cultural events and academic support Halal Food Options: Multiple on-campus outlets and nearby restaurants Prayer Facilities: Multi-faith center with dedicated Islamic prayer space Career Services: Specialized support for international students seeking UK work experience Pre-departure Briefings: Online sessions for Pakistani students covering visa, travel, and arrival information

University Rankings and Recognition

Cardiff Metropolitan University holds several important accreditations valued by Pakistani employers:

• Times Higher Education: Ranked in top 150 young universities globally
• Complete University Guide 2026: 72nd overall in UK rankings
• Graduate Employability: 94% of graduates employed within 15 months
• International Student Satisfaction: 89% satisfaction rate (2026 survey)

The university's strong industry connections, particularly in business, engineering, and healthcare, make it an excellent choice for Pakistani students seeking practical, career-oriented education. Many graduates return to Pakistan with valuable UK qualifications that are highly regarded by employers in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

Alternative Funding Options

Beyond university scholarships, Pakistani students can explore:

GREAT Scholarships: UK government initiative offering £10,000 awards Chevening Scholarships: Full funding for exceptional postgraduate students Commonwealth Scholarships: Available for specific development-related programs External Scholarships: From Pakistani government and private foundations

For students still researching their options, it's worth exploring multiple universities to find your perfect university match based on program quality, scholarship availability, and career outcomes.

Conclusion

Cardiff Metropolitan University's scholarship programs provide excellent opportunities for Pakistani students to access quality UK education at reduced costs. With application deadlines starting in early 2026, prospective students should begin their preparation immediately to maximize their chances of securing funding. The university's strong support systems and diverse international community make it an ideal choice for Pakistani students beginning their UK education journey.

Key Statistics

📊 Cardiff Met offers £3,000-£5,000 International Excellence Scholarships for Pakistani students with 65%+ academic records

💰 Total annual costs including tuition and living expenses range from £20,500-£25,000 for Pakistani students in 2026

🎓 94% of Cardiff Met graduates secure employment within 15 months of graduation, making it attractive for career-focused Pakistani students

📈 Over 12,000 international students from 140+ countries study at Cardiff Met, with a growing Pakistani student community

🏆 Cardiff Met ranks in the top 150 young universities globally according to Times Higher Education 2026 rankings

⏰ Scholarship applications for 2026 entry open January 15th with priority deadlines of March 30th for most programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Cardiff Metropolitan University scholarships as a Pakistani student?

Submit your scholarship application online through Cardiff Met's portal between January 15-May 15, 2026. You'll need attested academic transcripts from HEC Pakistan, IELTS scores (6.0+ for undergraduate, 6.5+ for postgraduate), a personal statement, two reference letters, and proof of funds showing £15,000+ in bank statements. The priority deadline for most scholarships is March 30, 2026, so apply early for the best chances of securing funding.

What is the International Excellence Scholarship amount for Pakistani students?

The International Excellence Scholarship provides £3,000 annually for undergraduate programs and £5,000 for postgraduate degrees. This scholarship is merit-based and automatically deducted from your tuition fees. For undergraduate students, it's renewable annually provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout your degree program.

How much does it cost to study at Cardiff Metropolitan University for Pakistani students in 2026?

Total annual costs for Pakistani students range from £20,500-£25,000, including tuition fees (£13,000-£15,000), accommodation (£4,500-£6,500), and living expenses (£6,000-£8,000). With scholarships like the International Excellence Award (£3,000-£5,000), net costs can be reduced significantly. Additional costs include visa fees (£363), health surcharge (£470 annually), and travel expenses.

What IELTS score do I need for Cardiff Met scholarships?

You need IELTS Academic 6.0 overall for undergraduate scholarships and 6.5 overall for postgraduate scholarships, with no individual band below 5.5. Cardiff Met also accepts TOEFL (79+ iBT), PTE Academic (58+), and other English tests. If you don't meet the requirement, you can take a pre-sessional English course, but this may affect scholarship eligibility timing.

Does Cardiff Metropolitan University offer sports scholarships for Pakistani students?

Yes, Cardiff Met offers Sports Excellence Awards worth £2,000 annually for talented athletes. Pakistani students can apply for scholarships in cricket, hockey, football, tennis, badminton, athletics, and swimming. You need to demonstrate sporting achievement at national or regional level, maintain academic standards, and participate in university sports teams. The scholarship includes access to high-quality training facilities and coaching.

When do Cardiff Met scholarship applications open and close for 2026?

Scholarship applications open January 15, 2026, with a priority deadline of March 30, 2026, for September intake. The final deadline is May 15, 2026, though funding may be limited for late applications. Pakistani students should apply early as scholarships are competitive. You can submit your scholarship application before receiving your final academic results, but conditional offers must be confirmed by July 31, 2026.

Are Cardiff Met scholarships available for both undergraduate and postgraduate Pakistani students?

Yes, Cardiff Met offers scholarships for both levels, with postgraduate students typically receiving higher amounts. Undergraduate scholarships include the International Excellence (£3,000), Sports Awards (£2,000), and subject-specific bursaries (£2,000-£2,500). Postgraduate scholarships include International Excellence (£5,000), MBA bursaries (£2,500), and research funding opportunities. Some scholarships are renewable for multi-year programs.

What support services does Cardiff Met provide for Pakistani students?

Cardiff Met offers comprehensive support including a Pakistan Student Society, halal food options on campus, Islamic prayer facilities in the multi-faith center, and specialized career services for international students. The university provides pre-departure briefings, airport pickup services, orientation programs, and ongoing academic support. There's also assistance with UK visa applications, work placement opportunities, and connections to the local Pakistani community in Cardiff.

Key Takeaways

✅ Cardiff Met offers multiple scholarships worth £2,000-£5,000 annually for Pakistani students with applications opening January 15, 2026

✅ Priority scholarship deadline is March 30, 2026, requiring IELTS 6.0-6.5 and strong academic records from HEC-attested transcripts

✅ Total annual costs range £20,500-£25,000 but can be significantly reduced through scholarships and careful budgeting

✅ The university provides excellent support for Pakistani students including halal food, prayer facilities, and active student community

✅ 94% graduate employment rate and strong industry connections make Cardiff Met valuable for career advancement in Pakistan

✅ Sports Excellence Awards available for talented athletes, particularly in cricket and hockey popular among Pakistani students

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