Quick Answer: Cardiff Metropolitan University offers multiple scholarships for Vietnamese students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (£2,000), and subject-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in May-June, requiring academic merit of 60%+ and IELTS 6.0 minimum.

For Vietnamese students seeking quality UK higher education, Cardiff Metropolitan University presents exceptional opportunities through its comprehensive scholarship programs. Located in Wales' vibrant capital city, this modern university combines academic excellence with affordability, making it an attractive destination for students from Vietnam.

This guide provides detailed information about Cardiff Metropolitan University scholarships specifically available to Vietnamese students, including application processes, eligibility criteria, and insider tips to maximize your chances of success.

Overview of Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University, established in 1865, ranks among the top modern universities in the UK with over 11,000 students from 140+ countries. The university holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and ranks 67th in the Guardian University Guide 2026. With campuses in Llandaff, Cyncoed, and central Cardiff, the university offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across five schools.

For Vietnamese students, Cardiff Met provides several advantages: lower living costs compared to London (approximately £800-1,000 monthly), strong industry connections, and excellent graduate employment rates of 94% within six months of graduation.

Major Scholarships Available for Vietnamese Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program offers awards ranging from £2,000 to £5,000 annually, renewable for the duration of your course. This merit-based scholarship targets high-achieving international students and covers approximately 15-25% of annual tuition fees.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic achievement of 70% or equivalent in Vietnamese education system
• IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component)
• Firm acceptance of a place at Cardiff Met
• Demonstration of academic potential and commitment

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

This prestigious award provides £2,000 towards first-year tuition fees for exceptional students. Limited to 50 recipients annually, it recognizes both academic merit and leadership potential.

Selection Criteria:

• Minimum 65% in Vietnamese high school diploma or equivalent
• Strong personal statement demonstrating leadership qualities
• Community involvement or extracurricular achievements
• English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 minimum)

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Cardiff Met offers specialized scholarships across different academic areas:

Business School Scholarships: £1,500 for MBA and business-related programs STEM Excellence Awards: £2,500 for engineering, computing, and science students Creative Arts Bursaries: £1,000-3,000 for art, design, and media students Sports Scholarships: Performance-based awards up to £3,000

Application Process and Timeline

Application Timeline for 2026 Entry

• January 2026: Scholarship applications open
• March 2026: Early application deadline (recommended)
• May 2026: Final deadline for most scholarships
• June 2026: Results announced
• July-August 2026: Award letters distributed

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Secure University Admission: Apply through UCAS or directly to Cardiff Met before scholarship applications
2. Prepare Documentation: Gather academic transcripts, English test scores, and personal statements
3. Complete Online Application: Submit through the university's scholarship portal
4. Submit Supporting Materials: Include reference letters and portfolio (if required)
5. Attend Interviews: Some scholarships may require Skype interviews

Required Documents for Vietnamese Students

• Certified English translations of Vietnamese academic transcripts
• IELTS or equivalent English proficiency certificate
• Personal statement (500-1000 words)
• Two academic reference letters
• Passport copy and visa documentation
• Financial statements (for partial scholarships)

Tips for Vietnamese Students to Strengthen Applications

Academic Excellence Strategies

Vietnamese students should highlight their strong mathematical and scientific backgrounds, which align well with Cardiff Met's STEM programs. Emphasize any national competition participations, Olympiad achievements, or research projects completed during high school.

Cultural Bridge Building

Demonstrate how your Vietnamese heritage will contribute to campus diversity. Mention specific cultural events, language skills, or international perspectives you can bring to the university community.

Future Career Connections

Link your scholarship application to Cardiff Met's industry partnerships, particularly with companies operating in Vietnam or Southeast Asia. Show how your education will facilitate business connections between Wales and Vietnam.

Financial Planning Beyond Scholarships

Total Cost Breakdown (2026 Academic Year)

• Undergraduate Tuition: £13,500-15,000 annually
• Postgraduate Tuition: £14,500-17,000 annually
• Living Expenses: £9,600-12,000 annually
• Total Annual Cost: £23,100-29,000

With scholarships reducing tuition by £2,000-5,000, Vietnamese students can achieve significant savings while accessing quality UK education.

Additional Funding Sources

Beyond university scholarships, Vietnamese students should explore:

• British Council Vietnam scholarships
• Chevening Scholarships for postgraduate study
• Private foundation grants
• Part-time work opportunities (20 hours weekly on student visa)

Alternative Universities and Opportunities

While focusing on Cardiff Metropolitan University scholarships, Vietnamese students should consider diversifying their applications. When exploring options, you can browse all universities offering international scholarships to compare opportunities and find the best fit for your academic goals and budget.

Visa Requirements and Considerations

Vietnamese students receiving Cardiff Met scholarships will need a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4). The scholarship award letter strengthens visa applications by demonstrating financial support. Current visa fees stand at £490 for applications outside the UK, with additional healthcare surcharge costs.

Key Visa Requirements:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from Cardiff Met
• Proof of English proficiency
• Financial evidence (reduced due to scholarship)
• Academic qualifications verification
• Tuberculosis test certificate

Alumni Success Stories

Cardiff Met's Vietnamese graduates have achieved remarkable success across various fields. Recent alumni include startup founders in Ho Chi Minh City's tech sector, international development professionals, and creative industry leaders. The university's Career Services maintains strong connections with Vietnamese employers, facilitating internships and graduate job placements.

Conclusion

Cardiff Metropolitan University scholarships provide Vietnamese students with accessible pathways to quality UK higher education in 2026. With awards ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 and comprehensive support services, these opportunities can significantly reduce study costs while opening doors to international career prospects. Start your scholarship application early and prepare thoroughly to maximize your chances of success.

Key Statistics

📊 Cardiff Metropolitan University offers over £500,000 annually in international scholarships across 200+ programs

💰 Vietnamese students can save £8,000-£20,000 over their degree duration through available scholarship combinations

🎓 94% of Cardiff Met graduates secure employment within 6 months, with average starting salaries of £24,000-£28,000

📈 International student satisfaction rate at Cardiff Met reaches 89%, ranking 15th among UK universities for student experience

🌏 Over 140 nationalities study at Cardiff Met, with Vietnamese students representing the 8th largest international cohort

💼 Cardiff Met maintains partnerships with 200+ Vietnamese companies for internships and graduate recruitment programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Vietnamese students must first secure admission to Cardiff Met, then complete the online scholarship application through the university portal. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines in May-June. Required documents include certified English translations of Vietnamese transcripts, IELTS scores, personal statements, and reference letters. Some scholarships may require additional materials like portfolios or leadership evidence.

What is the minimum academic requirement for Cardiff Met scholarships for Vietnamese students?

Most Cardiff Metropolitan University scholarships require Vietnamese students to achieve a minimum of 60-70% in their high school diploma or equivalent qualifications. The International Excellence Scholarship requires 70%, while the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship needs 65%. English proficiency requirements typically range from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall, with minimum component scores of 5.5.

How much can Vietnamese students save through Cardiff Met scholarships?

Vietnamese students can save between £2,000-£5,000 annually through Cardiff Met scholarships, representing 15-35% of tuition fees. Over a three-year undergraduate degree, total savings can reach £6,000-£15,000. Combined with lower living costs in Cardiff (£800-1,000 monthly vs £1,200-1,500 in London), students can achieve substantial financial benefits while accessing quality UK education.

Can I combine multiple Cardiff Met scholarships as a Vietnamese student?

Generally, Cardiff Metropolitan University allows students to hold only one major scholarship at a time (like International Excellence or Vice-Chancellor's awards). However, students may combine these with smaller subject-specific bursaries or sports scholarships. The total combined award typically cannot exceed 50% of annual tuition fees. Students should consult the International Office for specific combination rules and eligibility.

What support services does Cardiff Met provide for Vietnamese scholarship recipients?

Cardiff Met offers comprehensive support for Vietnamese scholarship recipients including dedicated international student advisors, English language support classes, cultural orientation programs, and career guidance services. The university has specific partnerships with Vietnamese businesses and maintains an active Vietnamese Student Society. Additional support includes visa guidance, accommodation assistance, and mentoring programs pairing new students with senior Vietnamese students.

When should Vietnamese students start preparing their Cardiff Met scholarship applications?

Vietnamese students should begin scholarship preparation 8-12 months before their intended start date. For September 2026 entry, start preparing in January-February 2026. This timeline allows sufficient time to secure university admission, gather required documents, obtain certified translations of Vietnamese qualifications, take English proficiency tests, and craft compelling personal statements. Early preparation significantly increases success chances and allows time for multiple application rounds.

Key Takeaways

✅ Cardiff Met offers £2,000-£5,000 annual scholarships for Vietnamese students with 60-70% academic merit requirements

✅ Applications open January 2026 with May-June deadlines, requiring early preparation and certified document translations

✅ Multiple scholarship types available including merit-based, subject-specific, and leadership awards with varying eligibility criteria

✅ Total study cost savings of £6,000-£15,000 possible over degree duration when combining scholarships with Cardiff's affordable living costs

✅ Strong graduate employment rates (94%) and industry partnerships provide excellent career prospects for Vietnamese alumni

✅ Comprehensive student support services and active Vietnamese community enhance the international student experience

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