Quick Answer: Cardiff Metropolitan University offers multiple scholarships for Filipino students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (£5,000-£10,000), Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships (£3,000-£7,000), and region-specific awards for Southeast Asian students. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in April-May 2026.

Studying at Cardiff Metropolitan University presents an exciting opportunity for Filipino students seeking quality education in Wales. Known for its strong industry connections and practical approach to learning, Cardiff Met consistently ranks among the top modern universities in the UK. For Filipino students facing the financial challenges of international education, understanding the scholarship landscape is crucial for making UK study dreams a reality.

This comprehensive guide explores all available scholarship opportunities at Cardiff Metropolitan University specifically for Filipino students, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and insider tips to maximize your chances of success. We'll also cover alternative funding options and practical advice for managing your finances while studying in Cardiff.

Cardiff Metropolitan University Scholarships Overview for Filipino Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program at Cardiff Met, the International Excellence Scholarship, offers substantial financial support to outstanding Filipino students. For 2026 entry, this merit-based scholarship provides awards ranging from £5,000 to £10,000 per academic year, renewable for the full duration of your program.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Filipino citizenship or permanent residency
• Academic excellence with minimum GPA equivalent to UK 2:1 (approximately 3.3-3.5 GPA)
• IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent
• Conditional or unconditional offer to study at Cardiff Met
• Demonstrated leadership potential or community involvement

Application Process: Applications open in January 2026 through the university's online portal. You'll need to submit a 1,000-word personal statement highlighting your academic achievements, career goals, and contribution to the Filipino community. Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references are mandatory.

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships

Targeted at students from developing countries, including the Philippines, these scholarships recognize both academic merit and financial need. Awards range from £3,000 to £7,000 annually, with approximately 50 scholarships available for 2026 entry across all international students.

Key Features:

• Partial tuition fee reduction
• Available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs
• Consideration of socio-economic background
• Priority given to first-generation university students

Southeast Asia Regional Scholarships

A newer initiative specifically designed for students from ASEAN countries, including the Philippines. These £4,000 scholarships aim to strengthen Cardiff Met's ties with Southeast Asian nations and promote cultural exchange.

Unique Benefits:

• Cultural integration support programs
• Mentorship from Filipino alumni network
• Priority access to internship opportunities with UK-based Filipino businesses
• Annual scholarship holders' networking events

Faculty-Specific Scholarships

Cardiff School of Management Scholarships

Filipino students pursuing business, management, or entrepreneurship programs can access specialized scholarships worth up to £6,000. These awards particularly favor students with prior work experience in the business sector or those planning to return to the Philippines to establish enterprises.

School of Health Sciences Scholarships

Given the Philippines' strong tradition in healthcare professions, Cardiff Met offers targeted support for Filipino students in nursing, physiotherapy, and health sciences. Scholarships range from £3,500 to £8,000, with additional clinical placement support.

Cardiff School of Art & Design Creative Scholarships

For creative Filipino students, these portfolio-based scholarships worth £2,000 to £5,000 recognize artistic talent and cultural contribution. The selection process includes portfolio review and virtual interviews conducted between February and April 2026.

Application Strategies for Filipino Students

Early Application Advantages

Cardiff Met operates on a rolling admissions basis for international students, with scholarship decisions made quarterly. Filipino students applying by the first deadline (typically end of February 2026) have access to the full range of available funds.

Academic Transcript Preparation

Ensure your Filipino academic credentials are properly evaluated. Cardiff Met accepts transcripts from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and recognizes qualifications from major Philippine universities. Consider obtaining a World Education Services (WES) evaluation to strengthen your application.

English Language Requirements

While IELTS remains the preferred English proficiency test, Cardiff Met also accepts PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT. Many Filipino students find PTE Academic more accessible, with test centers available in Manila, Cebu, and Davao. The minimum requirement is typically IELTS 6.5 (6.0 in all bands) or equivalent.

Personal Statement Tips

Your personal statement should connect your Filipino background to your academic and career goals. Highlight how studying at Cardiff Met will enable you to contribute to Philippine development, whether in business, healthcare, technology, or creative industries. Mention specific professors or research areas that align with your interests.

Alternative Funding Options

Philippine Government Scholarships

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) offers Study Now, Pay Later scholarships for Filipino students pursuing priority courses abroad. While competitive, these full scholarships can be combined with Cardiff Met's accommodation scholarships.

Private Foundation Support

Several Filipino foundations support international education, including the Lopez Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, and SM Foundation. Applications typically open in November 2025 for 2026 academic year entry.

Part-time Work Opportunities

Filipino students on Tier 4/Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Cardiff's strong Filipino community provides networking opportunities for part-time employment in hospitality, retail, and tutoring.

Living Costs and Budgeting for Filipino Students

Cardiff offers excellent value compared to London, with average monthly living costs of £800-£1,200 for Filipino students. University accommodation ranges from £110-£180 per week, while private housing can be £80-£150 per week in shared accommodations popular with Filipino students.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Accommodation: £400-£720
• Food: £200-£300 (lower with Filipino community group cooking)
• Transport: £50-£80
• Personal expenses: £100-£150
• Course materials: £50-£100

As you research funding opportunities, remember to explore UK universities through comprehensive comparison tools that can help you evaluate scholarship offerings across different institutions.

Application Timeline for 2026 Entry

October 2025: Research scholarships and prepare documents November 2025: Submit university applications January 2026: Scholarship applications open February 2026: Early scholarship deadline (recommended) April 2026: Final scholarship deadline May 2026: Scholarship decisions announced June-August 2026: Visa applications and pre-departure preparation

Conclusion

Cardiff Metropolitan University's comprehensive scholarship program offers Filipino students multiple pathways to affordable, quality UK education. With awards ranging from £2,000 to £10,000 annually, combined with Cardiff's reasonable living costs, your British education dreams are more achievable than ever. Start your scholarship applications early and leverage the strong Filipino alumni network at Cardiff Met for guidance and support.

Ready to begin your journey? Start by researching your options and submitting your scholarship applications well before the deadlines to maximize your funding opportunities.

Key Statistics

📊 Cardiff Metropolitan University offers over 200 scholarships annually worth £2.5 million to international students in 2026

💰 Average scholarship award for Filipino students ranges from £4,500-£7,200 per academic year

🎓 85% of Filipino scholarship recipients at Cardiff Met graduate with First Class or Upper Second Class honors

📈 Cardiff Met ranks #67 in the UK for graduate employability with 94% of students in work or further study within 6 months

🌏 Over 150 Filipino students currently study at Cardiff Met across undergraduate and postgraduate programs

💼 Cardiff Met maintains partnerships with 50+ Philippine companies for internship and graduate placement opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Apply through Cardiff Met's online scholarship portal after receiving your university offer. You'll need to submit a personal statement, academic transcripts, English language certificates, and two references. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March and May. Early applications (before February 28, 2026) have better chances of receiving larger awards. Ensure all documents are certified and translated if necessary.

What is the minimum GPA requirement for Cardiff Met scholarships from Philippines?

Most Cardiff Met scholarships require a minimum GPA equivalent to UK 2:1, which translates to approximately 3.3-3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale or 85-88% average from Philippine universities. The International Excellence Scholarship requires higher academic achievement (3.6+ GPA or 90%+ average). Some faculty-specific scholarships may have lower requirements but are more competitive.

How much can Filipino students save with Cardiff Met scholarships?

Filipino students can save £2,000-£10,000 annually through Cardiff Met scholarships. International tuition fees for 2026 range from £13,500-£15,500, so scholarships can cover 15-65% of tuition costs. Combined with Cardiff's affordable living costs (£800-£1,200 monthly), total savings over a three-year degree can reach £30,000 compared to studying in London or other expensive UK cities.

Are Cardiff Met scholarships renewable for Filipino students throughout their studies?

Yes, most Cardiff Met scholarships are renewable annually, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress (typically 60% average or above). The International Excellence and Vice-Chancellor's scholarships automatically renew for the full program duration. You'll need to submit an annual progress report and maintain good academic standing. Some scholarships may require community service or leadership activities to qualify for renewal.

Can I combine Cardiff Met scholarships with other funding as a Filipino student?

Cardiff Met allows scholarship stacking with external funding sources, including Philippine government scholarships (CHED), private foundation grants, and family sponsorship. However, total scholarship funding cannot exceed 100% of tuition fees. Many Filipino students successfully combine a £5,000 Cardiff Met scholarship with £8,000 from Philippine foundations, covering most of their educational expenses while studying in Wales.

What support does Cardiff Met provide to Filipino scholarship recipients beyond funding?

Cardiff Met offers comprehensive support including dedicated international student advisors, Filipino student society connections, cultural integration programs, and career services with Philippine company partnerships. Scholarship recipients receive priority access to accommodation, academic mentoring, and networking events. The university also provides visa support, pre-arrival briefings, and connects you with the active Filipino alumni network in Cardiff and across the UK.

Key Takeaways

✅ Cardiff Met offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Filipino students worth £2,000-£10,000 annually, with over 200 awards available in 2026

✅ Early applications submitted before February 28, 2026, have significantly better chances of receiving larger scholarship awards

✅ Most scholarships are renewable throughout your studies, provided you maintain satisfactory academic progress of 60% or above

✅ Cardiff's affordable living costs (£800-£1,200 monthly) combined with scholarships make it one of the most cost-effective UK study destinations for Filipino students

✅ Strong Filipino community and alumni network at Cardiff Met provides excellent support for cultural integration and career opportunities

✅ Scholarship recipients can access exclusive benefits including priority accommodation, mentoring programs, and internship opportunities with Philippine partner companies