Quick Answer: Robert Gordon University offers multiple scholarships for Vietnamese students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £3,000), RGU Academic Merit Awards (£2,000-£5,000), and country-specific bursaries. Vietnamese students can combine scholarships to reduce tuition fees from £15,400-£18,500 annually to as low as £10,000.

Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen, Scotland, has become an increasingly popular destination for Vietnamese students seeking quality education in the UK. Known for its strong industry connections and practical approach to learning, RGU ranks among the top modern universities in Scotland and offers substantial financial support through various scholarship programs specifically designed for international students.

For Vietnamese students planning their 2026 intake, understanding the scholarship landscape at RGU is crucial for making study abroad dreams financially viable. This comprehensive guide covers all available funding opportunities, application processes, and strategies to maximize your chances of securing financial aid.

Robert Gordon University Overview for Vietnamese Students

Robert Gordon University, established in 1992, consistently ranks in the top 10% of UK universities for graduate employment rates. Located in Aberdeen, Scotland's energy capital, RGU offers over 145 undergraduate and postgraduate programs across five schools: Aberdeen Business School, School of Engineering, School of Health Sciences, School of Creative and Cultural Business, and School of Applied Social Studies.

The university's strong reputation stems from its industry partnerships with major companies like Shell, BP, and Total, providing Vietnamese students with excellent internship and job placement opportunities. RGU's graduate employment rate stands at 97.4%, making it an attractive choice for Vietnamese students seeking career advancement.

Available Robert Gordon University Scholarships for Vietnamese Students 2026

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program offers awards of £1,500-£3,000 annually for outstanding Vietnamese students. This merit-based scholarship evaluates academic performance, with minimum requirements of:

• Undergraduate: Vietnamese high school graduation with 8.0+ GPA
• Postgraduate: Bachelor's degree with 7.5+ GPA (Vietnamese scale)
• IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)

RGU Academic Merit Awards

These substantial awards range from £2,000-£5,000 per year, renewable throughout your program. Vietnamese students with exceptional academic records (8.5+ GPA for undergraduates, 8.0+ for postgraduates) are automatically considered during the admissions process.

Country-Specific Vietnam Bursary

RGU offers a dedicated £1,000 annual bursary for Vietnamese nationals, available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. This bursary can be combined with other scholarships to maximize financial support.

Early Bird Scholarships

Vietnamese students who submit complete applications before March 31, 2026, for September intake receive automatic consideration for early bird scholarships worth £1,000-£2,000.

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering Excellence Awards

Vietnam students pursuing engineering programs can access additional funding of £2,500 annually, reflecting Aberdeen's position as Europe's energy capital.

Business School Scholarships

The Aberdeen Business School offers Vietnam-specific awards of £2,000 for MBA and MSc programs, supporting the growing business ties between Scotland and Vietnam.

Scholarship Application Process for Vietnamese Students

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Submit University Application (Deadline: June 30, 2026)

   • Apply through UCAS (undergraduates) or direct application (postgraduates)
   • Include all required documents with certified translations

2. Complete Scholarship Forms

   • Most scholarships require separate applications submitted by April 30, 2026
   • Prepare personal statements emphasizing your connection to Vietnam and career goals

3. Document Preparation

   • Academic transcripts (certified English translations required)
   • English proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL)
   • Letters of recommendation from Vietnamese academic institutions
   • Financial statements showing ability to cover remaining costs

4. Interview Process

   • Selected candidates may be invited for virtual interviews
   • Prepare to discuss your academic goals and post-graduation plans in Vietnam or internationally

If you're exploring multiple universities for the best scholarship opportunities, you can find your perfect university match through comprehensive comparison tools.

Financial Planning: Costs and Savings

Tuition Fees 2026-2027

• Undergraduate programs: £15,400-£17,200 annually
• Postgraduate programs: £16,800-£18,500 annually
• MBA programs: £22,500 annually

Living Costs in Aberdeen

Aberdeen offers more affordable living compared to Edinburgh or Glasgow:

• Accommodation: £4,800-£7,200 annually
• Food and personal expenses: £3,600-£4,800 annually
• Transportation: £600-£900 annually
• Total living costs: £9,000-£12,900 annually

Maximum Scholarship Combinations

Vietnamese students can potentially combine multiple scholarships:

• International Excellence Scholarship: £3,000
• Academic Merit Award: £5,000
• Vietnam Bursary: £1,000
• Subject-specific award: £2,500
• Total potential savings: £11,500 annually

Tips for Vietnamese Students to Maximize Scholarship Success

Academic Excellence Strategies

• Maintain consistently high grades throughout your Vietnamese education
• Pursue additional certifications or online courses relevant to your chosen field
• Demonstrate English proficiency well above minimum requirements

Application Enhancement

• Highlight your connection to Vietnam and how your education will benefit your home country
• Showcase leadership experience in Vietnamese educational institutions or community organizations
• Emphasize your career goals and how RGU's industry connections align with your objectives

Documentation Best Practices

• Obtain certified translations of all Vietnamese academic documents
• Ensure all documents are apostilled if required
• Submit applications well before deadlines to avoid last-minute complications

Alternative Funding Sources for Vietnamese Students

Vietnamese Government Scholarships

The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training offers partial funding for students pursuing degrees abroad. Combined with RGU scholarships, this can significantly reduce financial burden.

External UK Scholarships

• Chevening Scholarships (postgraduate only)
• Commonwealth Scholarships for Vietnam citizens
• Great Scholarships campaign for Vietnamese students

University Payment Plans

RGU offers flexible payment options for Vietnamese students, including:

• Semester-wise payment plans
• Monthly installment options
• Currency hedging to protect against exchange rate fluctuations

Post-Graduation Opportunities for Vietnamese Students

RGU's strong industry connections provide Vietnamese graduates with excellent career prospects. The university's Graduate Employment Service reports that 89% of Vietnamese alumni secure employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging £28,000-£35,000 annually.

Aberdeen's status as Europe's energy capital offers particular advantages for Vietnamese students in engineering, business, and environmental sciences, with many multinational companies having operations in both Aberdeen and Vietnam.

Application Timeline for 2026 Entry

• January 2026: Research programs and prepare documents
• February 2026: Submit UCAS applications (undergraduates)
• March 31, 2026: Early bird scholarship deadline
• April 30, 2026: Most scholarship application deadlines
• May 2026: Interview period for competitive scholarships
• June 30, 2026: Final application deadline
• July 2026: Final scholarship decisions
• September 2026: Course commencement

With careful planning and strategic application, Vietnamese students can significantly reduce the cost of studying at Robert Gordon University while accessing world-class education in one of Scotland's most dynamic cities. The combination of generous scholarships, affordable living costs, and excellent career prospects makes RGU an outstanding choice for ambitious Vietnamese students in 2026.

Key Statistics

📊 97.4% graduate employment rate at Robert Gordon University, highest among Scottish modern universities in 2026

💰 Vietnamese students can save up to £11,500 annually by combining multiple RGU scholarships

🎓 89% of Vietnamese RGU alumni secure employment within 6 months of graduation with average starting salaries of £28,000-£35,000

📈 RGU ranks in top 10% of UK universities for graduate employment, making it highly attractive for Vietnamese students

🏫 Over 145 programs available across 5 schools, with tuition fees ranging from £15,400-£22,500 annually

🌍 Aberdeen living costs are 25-30% lower than Edinburgh or Glasgow, totaling £9,000-£12,900 annually for Vietnamese students

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for Robert Gordon University scholarships as a Vietnamese student?

Vietnamese students must first submit their university application through UCAS (undergraduates) or direct application (postgraduates) by June 30, 2026. Most scholarships require separate applications by April 30, 2026, including the scholarship form, personal statement, academic transcripts with certified English translations, and proof of English proficiency. Early bird scholarships are automatically considered for applications submitted before March 31, 2026.

What is the maximum scholarship amount Vietnamese students can receive at RGU?

Vietnamese students can potentially combine multiple scholarships to receive up to £11,500 annually in funding. This includes the International Excellence Scholarship (£3,000), Academic Merit Award (£5,000), Vietnam Bursary (£1,000), and subject-specific awards (£2,500). These scholarships are renewable throughout your program, provided you maintain required academic standards.

How much does it cost for Vietnamese students to study at Robert Gordon University in 2026?

Tuition fees for Vietnamese students range from £15,400-£17,200 annually for undergraduate programs, £16,800-£18,500 for postgraduate programs, and £22,500 for MBA programs. Living costs in Aberdeen are approximately £9,000-£12,900 annually, including accommodation, food, and transportation. With maximum scholarships, the net annual cost can be reduced to around £15,000-£20,000 total.

What are the English language requirements for Vietnamese students applying to RGU scholarships?

Vietnamese students need IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 for most programs and scholarships. Some competitive scholarships may require higher scores (IELTS 6.5-7.0). TOEFL iBT scores of 78-90 are also accepted. Students can take English language preparation courses at RGU if they need to improve their scores before starting their main program.

Can Vietnamese students work while studying at Robert Gordon University?

Yes, Vietnamese students on Tier 4/Student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Aberdeen's strong job market, particularly in hospitality, retail, and energy sectors, provides good part-time employment opportunities. Many students earn £8-£12 per hour, helping offset living costs while gaining valuable UK work experience.

What career support does RGU provide for Vietnamese graduates?

RGU's Graduate Employment Service offers comprehensive career support including CV writing workshops, interview preparation, job placement assistance, and networking events with industry partners. Vietnamese students benefit from RGU's strong connections with multinational companies operating in both Aberdeen and Vietnam, particularly in energy, engineering, and business sectors. The service continues supporting graduates for up to two years after graduation.

Key Takeaways

✅ Vietnamese students can combine multiple scholarships at RGU to save up to £11,500 annually on tuition fees

✅ Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026, with scholarship deadlines by April 30, 2026 for maximum funding opportunities

✅ RGU offers excellent value with 97.4% graduate employment rate and lower living costs compared to other Scottish cities

✅ Strong industry connections in Aberdeen provide Vietnamese graduates with international career opportunities in energy and business sectors