Quick Answer: Cardiff University offers several scholarships for Omani students in 2026, including the International Foundation Scholarship (up to £5,000), Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (£3,000-£8,000), and country-specific awards. Applications typically open in December 2025 for September 2026 entry, with most scholarships requiring a minimum 2:1 degree equivalent and IELTS 6.5 overall.

As an Omani student considering higher education in the UK, Cardiff University presents exceptional opportunities through its comprehensive scholarship programme. Ranked 166th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, Cardiff University has been supporting international students for over 140 years and currently hosts more than 8,000 international students from over 100 countries.

This guide provides everything you need to know about securing funding for your studies at Cardiff University, from application processes to eligibility criteria specifically relevant to Omani students.

Available Cardiff University Scholarships for Omani Students

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship is Cardiff University's flagship funding programme for exceptional international students. For 2026 entry, this scholarship offers:

• Award Value: £3,000 to £8,000 per year
• Duration: Full length of degree programme
• Eligibility: Minimum 2:1 UK degree equivalent (typically 80%+ from Omani universities)
• Application Deadline: 31st March 2026
• Available for: All undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes

Omani students who have completed their General Education Diploma with grades of A or B across core subjects typically meet the academic requirements. The scholarship considers both academic merit and financial need, making it particularly accessible for students from Oman.

International Foundation Scholarship

Specifically designed for students requiring foundation programmes, this scholarship is ideal for Omani students transitioning from the Omani education system:

• Award Value: Up to £5,000
• Eligibility: Omani General Education Diploma holders
• Requirements: Minimum grade B in relevant subjects
• Application Period: January 2026 to May 2026

School-Specific Scholarships

Cardiff Business School Scholarships

• MBA Excellence Scholarship: £10,000 for outstanding candidates
• MSc Scholarships: £2,500-£5,000 for various masters programmes
• Particularly beneficial for Omani students given the strong business links between Wales and Oman

Engineering School Awards

• International Engineering Scholarship: £3,000 annually
• Renewable for the full degree duration
• Aligns with Oman Vision 2040's focus on engineering and technology

Medicine Scholarships

• Limited availability due to programme restrictions
• Priority given to students from underrepresented regions including the Middle East
• Award values range from £2,000-£4,000 annually

Eligibility Criteria for Omani Students

Academic Requirements

Omani students must meet specific academic thresholds that translate as follows:

• Undergraduate: Omani General Education Diploma with minimum 75% average
• Postgraduate: Bachelor's degree with minimum 80% (equivalent to UK 2:1)
• PhD: Master's degree with distinction or minimum 85%

English Language Requirements

All Cardiff University scholarships require proof of English proficiency:

• IELTS: Minimum 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component
• TOEFL: Minimum 90 overall
• PTE Academic: Minimum 62 overall

Note: Some programmes may have higher requirements, particularly in Medicine and Law.

Additional Eligibility Factors

• Must be classified as an international student for tuition fee purposes
• Cannot be in receipt of other full scholarships or sponsorship
• Must demonstrate financial need through supporting documentation
• Some scholarships require a personal statement addressing career goals and contribution to Oman's development

Application Process and Timeline

Step 1: University Application (September 2025 - June 2026)

Before applying for scholarships, you must secure admission to Cardiff University. The process involves:

1. UCAS Application (for undergraduate programmes)
2. Direct Application (for postgraduate programmes)
3. Document Submission: Transcripts, certificates, English language scores

Step 2: Scholarship Application (December 2025 - March 2026)

Required Documents for Omani Students:

• Completed scholarship application form
• Personal statement (500-1000 words) highlighting:
  • Academic achievements and career aspirations
  • How the degree will contribute to Oman's development goals
  • Financial circumstances and need for support
• Academic transcripts with certified English translations
• Two academic references
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Financial documentation showing household income

Step 3: Assessment Period (April - June 2026)

Cardiff University's scholarship committee reviews applications based on:

• Academic excellence (40%)
• Financial need (30%)
• Personal statement quality (20%)
• Potential contribution to university community (10%)

Tips for Omani Students to Strengthen Applications

Highlighting Omani Context

Emphasize how your studies align with Oman Vision 2040, particularly in areas like:

• Sustainable development and renewable energy
• Healthcare innovation and medical technology
• Digital transformation and fintech
• Tourism and cultural preservation

Demonstrating Financial Need

Provide clear documentation of:

• Family income statements
• Currency conversion showing costs relative to Omani Riyal
• Any existing financial commitments or circumstances

Academic Excellence Indicators

Highlight achievements that translate well internationally:

• Top percentile rankings in General Education Diploma
• Participation in Sultan Qaboos University programmes
• Awards from Omani Ministry of Education
• Community service and leadership roles

Alternative Funding Sources

Omani Government Scholarships

The Ministry of Higher Education in Oman offers external scholarships that can complement Cardiff University awards:

• His Majesty's Scholarship: Full funding for exceptional students
• Government Merit Awards: Partial funding for various disciplines

These can be combined with Cardiff University scholarships to create comprehensive funding packages.

External UK Scholarships

Omani students can also apply for:

• Chevening Scholarships: Full funding for master's degrees
• Commonwealth Scholarships: For specific development-focused programmes
• British Council Scholarships: Various awards throughout the year

When exploring additional opportunities to support your UK education journey, you can explore UK universities to compare scholarship offerings across different institutions and find the best funding combinations for your academic goals.

Living Costs and Scholarship Impact

Cardiff Living Expenses for Omani Students

Monthly Budget Estimate (2026):

• Accommodation: £400-£600
• Food and groceries: £250-£350
• Transport: £50-£80
• Personal expenses: £150-£250
• Total: £850-£1,280 per month

Scholarship Coverage Analysis

A £5,000 scholarship effectively covers:

• 4-6 months of living expenses
• One-third of annual tuition fees for most programmes
• Provides significant financial relief for Omani families

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Cardiff University graduates have excellent career prospects, with 95% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months. For Omani students, the university's strong industry connections offer:

• Graduate Route Visa: Two years post-study work rights in the UK
• Alumni Network: Access to 200,000+ graduates worldwide
• Career Support: Dedicated international student career services
• Oman Connections: Alumni working in major Omani corporations and government

Cardiff University's commitment to supporting Omani students extends beyond financial aid, with dedicated support services and a growing Omani alumni community ready to mentor new students. The investment in a Cardiff education, supported by these scholarships, positions graduates to contribute significantly to Oman's economic diversification and development goals.

Key Statistics

📊 Cardiff University offers over £2.5 million in scholarships annually to international students from 100+ countries

💰 Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship recipients save up to £32,000 over a four-year degree programme

🎓 95% of Cardiff University graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of completion

📈 Cardiff University ranks 166th globally in QS World Rankings 2026 with particular strength in engineering and business

🇴🇲 Over 150 Omani students currently study at Cardiff University across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes

💵 Average scholarship award for Omani students is £4,500 per year, covering approximately 30% of annual tuition fees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Cardiff University scholarships as an Omani student?

First, apply for admission to Cardiff University through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate). Then submit your scholarship application between December 2025 and March 2026, including academic transcripts, personal statement, references, and financial documentation. Applications are assessed on academic merit (40%), financial need (30%), personal statement (20%), and community contribution potential (10%). Results are typically announced by June 2026.

What are the English language requirements for Cardiff University scholarships?

All scholarship applicants must meet Cardiff University's English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component, TOEFL 90 overall, or PTE Academic 62 overall. Some programmes like Medicine or Law may require higher scores. These scores must be achieved before the scholarship application deadline and be valid for the duration of your studies.

How much funding can Omani students receive from Cardiff University scholarships?

Cardiff University scholarships for Omani students range from £2,000 to £10,000 annually. The Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship offers £3,000-£8,000 per year, International Foundation Scholarships provide up to £5,000, and school-specific awards vary from £2,000-£4,000. Over a full degree, students can receive up to £32,000 in total funding, significantly reducing the financial burden of UK education.

What academic qualifications do Omani students need for Cardiff University scholarships?

For undergraduate scholarships, Omani students need a General Education Diploma with minimum 75% average (Grade B or above in core subjects). Postgraduate scholarships require a bachelor's degree with minimum 80% (equivalent to UK 2:1 classification). PhD scholarships need a master's degree with distinction or minimum 85%. These requirements may vary slightly between different schools and programmes within the university.

Can Omani students combine Cardiff University scholarships with other funding sources?

Yes, Omani students can often combine Cardiff University scholarships with external funding sources like Omani government scholarships, Chevening Awards, or Commonwealth Scholarships, provided there's no full sponsorship conflict. Many students create funding packages using multiple sources. However, you must declare all funding sources in your application and ensure compliance with visa regulations regarding financial sponsorship.

What is the difference between Cardiff University's undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for Omani students?

Undergraduate scholarships typically focus on General Education Diploma performance and potential, with awards like the International Foundation Scholarship (£5,000) for students needing pathway programmes. Postgraduate scholarships are more specialized by school, offering higher values like the MBA Excellence Scholarship (£10,000) or Engineering International Scholarship (£3,000). Postgraduate scholarships also consider professional experience and research potential alongside academic achievement.

When should Omani students start preparing their Cardiff University scholarship applications?

Omani students should begin preparation at least 12 months before intended study start date. University applications open in September (for following year entry), while scholarship applications typically open in December and close in March. Start gathering documents like transcripts, references, and English language certificates by August, and begin drafting personal statements by October to ensure high-quality applications that align with both academic goals and Oman's development priorities.

What career opportunities are available to Cardiff University scholarship recipients from Oman?

Cardiff University scholarship recipients from Oman have excellent career prospects, with access to the UK's Graduate Route visa allowing two years post-study work. The university's 95% graduate employment rate within 15 months, combined with strong alumni networks in Oman's government and private sectors, creates valuable opportunities. Many graduates return to contribute to Oman Vision 2040 objectives in healthcare, engineering, business, and sustainable development, while others pursue international careers with major multinational companies.

Key Takeaways

✅ Cardiff University offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Omani students worth £2,000-£10,000 annually, with the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship being the most comprehensive

✅ Applications require strong academic credentials (minimum 75% for undergraduate, 80% for postgraduate) plus IELTS 6.5 overall with supporting documentation

✅ Scholarship applications open in December 2025 for September 2026 entry, with most deadlines falling in March 2026 - early preparation is essential

✅ Omani students can combine Cardiff University scholarships with government funding and external awards to create comprehensive funding packages covering significant portions of study costs

✅ Personal statements should emphasize alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and demonstrate how UK education will contribute to national development goals

✅ Cardiff University's strong graduate employment rate (95%) and two-year post-study work visa provide excellent career opportunities for scholarship recipients