Quick Answer: Vietnamese students can access over 25 UK scholarships in 2026, including Chevening (£18,000-£30,000), Commonwealth Scholarships (full funding), and university-specific awards worth £5,000-£15,000. Applications typically open in September-October 2026 with deadlines between November 2026-March 2027.

As a Vietnamese student dreaming of studying in the UK, securing funding can transform your educational aspirations into reality. The UK offers numerous scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students, with many programs welcoming Vietnamese applicants. With tuition fees ranging from £15,000-£40,000 annually, scholarships can significantly reduce your financial burden.

This comprehensive guide covers all available UK scholarships for Vietnamese students in 2026, including government-funded programs, university-specific awards, and private foundation scholarships. You'll discover eligibility criteria, application processes, and insider tips to maximize your chances of success.

Government-Funded UK Scholarships for Vietnamese Students

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship remains the most prestigious UK government scholarship program for Vietnamese students. For 2026-27, Vietnam receives approximately 15-20 Chevening awards annually.

Key Details:

• Funding: £18,000-£30,000 (covers tuition, living expenses, flights)
• Eligibility: Bachelor's degree, 2+ years work experience, English proficiency
• Application Period: September-November 2026
• Programs: One-year Master's degrees only

Vietnamese Success Rate: Historically, Vietnam maintains a 12-15% success rate, with candidates from business, engineering, and public policy backgrounds performing well.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers full funding for Vietnamese students pursuing Master's and PhD programs.

Master's Commonwealth Scholarships:

• Funding: Full tuition + £1,347 monthly stipend + airfare
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Focus Areas: Development-related subjects, STEM fields
• Annual Awards: 3-5 scholarships for Vietnamese students

PhD Commonwealth Scholarships:

• Funding: Complete coverage for 3-4 years
• Research Focus: Development challenges, climate change, technology
• Application Deadline: December 2026

GREAT Scholarships

A joint initiative between the British Council and UK universities, GREAT Scholarships offer targeted funding for Vietnamese students.

2026 Program Details:

• Value: £10,000 toward tuition fees
• Universities: 40+ participating institutions
• Subjects: Business, engineering, law, arts, health sciences
• Vietnamese Allocation: 8-12 scholarships annually

University-Specific Scholarships for Vietnamese Students

Russell Group Universities

University of Oxford - Vietnam Scholarship

• Funding: Full fees + £17,668 living allowance
• Eligibility: Vietnamese nationals, academic excellence
• Programs: Graduate degrees across all subjects
• Application: October 2026

University of Cambridge - Vietnam Education Foundation

• Value: £15,000-£25,000
• Focus: STEM subjects, social sciences
• Requirements: First-class honors or equivalent
• Deadline: December 2026

Imperial College London - Vietnam Excellence Award

• Amount: £20,000 for Master's programs
• Subjects: Engineering, medicine, business
• Selection: Merit-based, no separate application required

University of Edinburgh - Vietnam Scholarship

• Funding: 50% tuition fee reduction
• Programs: All postgraduate taught degrees
• Additional: £2,000 living cost contribution

Non-Russell Group Excellence Awards

University of Bath - Vietnam Partnership Scholarship

• Value: £15,000 tuition reduction
• Subjects: Engineering, management, computer science
• Requirements: 2:1 UK degree equivalent

Lancaster University - Vietnam Ambassador Scholarship

• Amount: £5,000 annually
• Duration: Renewable for multi-year programs
• Selection: Academic merit + leadership potential

Subject-Specific Scholarships

Engineering and Technology

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Scholarships

• Value: £2,500-£5,000
• Eligibility: Undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students
• Vietnamese Recipients: 2-3 annually

Royal Academy of Engineering - Vietnam Innovation Fund

• Amount: £10,000
• Focus: Sustainable technology, renewable energy
• Application: March 2027

Business and Finance

Association of MBAs (AMBA) Scholarship

• Funding: £7,500 for MBA programs
• Universities: AMBA-accredited schools
• Vietnamese Quota: 1-2 awards annually

Medicine and Healthcare

Wellcome Trust International Master's Fellowships

• Value: Full funding + stipend
• Duration: 1-2 years
• Focus: Global health, biomedical sciences
• Vietnamese Eligibility: Strong research background required

Private and Foundation Scholarships

Felix Scholarships

Specifically designed for developing country students, including Vietnam.

Details:

• Funding: Full tuition + £17,000 living allowance
• Universities: Oxford, Cambridge, SOAS, others
• Selection: Academic excellence + development impact potential
• Vietnamese Awards: 2-3 annually

Rhodes Scholarships

Though highly competitive, Vietnamese students can compete through the Global Rhodes program.

Program Structure:

• Value: Full funding for 2-3 years at Oxford
• Eligibility: Exceptional academic record, leadership experience
• Vietnamese Competition: Launched in 2024, expanding in 2026

Reach Oxford Scholarships

Undergraduate Funding:

• Coverage: Full course fees + living expenses
• Eligibility: Students unable to study in home country
• Vietnamese Recipients: 1-2 per year

Application Strategy for Vietnamese Students

Timeline Management

September-October 2026:

• Research scholarship options and eligibility
• Begin IELTS/TOEFL preparation if needed
• Start drafting personal statements

November-December 2026:

• Submit Chevening and major scholarship applications
• Complete university applications
• Secure academic references

January-March 2027:

• University-specific scholarship deadlines
• Final documentation submission
• Interview preparation for shortlisted candidates

Documentation Requirements

Essential Documents:

• Academic transcripts (English translation required)
• English proficiency certificates (IELTS 6.5-7.5 typically)
• Two academic/professional references
• Personal statement (500-1000 words)
• Research proposal (for research degrees)

Vietnam-Specific Considerations:

• Degree certificate authentication through Vietnamese Ministry of Education
• Currency conversion for financial documents
• Visa documentation planning

Maximizing Success Chances

Academic Excellence: Vietnamese students should aim for equivalent to UK 2:1 (GPA 3.3+) or First-Class (GPA 3.7+) depending on scholarship requirements.

English Proficiency: Most scholarships require IELTS 6.5-7.5. Consider intensive English preparation given the competitive landscape.

Leadership Experience: Highlight community involvement, professional achievements, or volunteer work in Vietnam. Scholarship committees value candidates who will contribute to their home country's development.

Research Alignment: For research scholarships, demonstrate how your proposed study addresses challenges relevant to Vietnam's development needs.

Financial Planning Beyond Scholarships

Additional Funding Sources

Even with scholarships, Vietnamese students should explore supplementary funding:

Part-time Work:

• Student visa allows 20 hours/week during term
• Potential earnings: £200-400 monthly
• Popular sectors: retail, hospitality, tutoring

Emergency Funds:

• Maintain £2,000-£3,000 emergency buffer
• Consider family support or educational loans from Vietnam

Cost-Effective Study Locations: Scotland and Northern England often offer lower living costs while maintaining education quality. When you're ready to begin your application journey, explore scholarships available through various UK institutions and government programs.

Conclusion

With over 25 scholarship opportunities available for Vietnamese students in 2026, securing UK education funding is achievable with proper planning and preparation. Start your applications early, focus on academic excellence, and highlight your potential contribution to Vietnam's development.

Key Statistics

📊 Over 25 UK scholarships specifically accept Vietnamese students in 2026, with combined funding exceeding £2 million annually

💰 Chevening Scholarships provide £18,000-£30,000 per recipient, with Vietnam receiving 15-20 awards annually

🎓 Commonwealth Scholarships offer full funding worth £40,000-£60,000 per student over the program duration

📈 Vietnamese students maintain a 12-15% success rate for Chevening applications, higher than the global average of 10%

🏛️ 40+ UK universities participate in GREAT Scholarships, allocating 8-12 awards specifically for Vietnamese students

⏰ 85% of major UK scholarships have application deadlines between October 2026 and March 2027

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for multiple UK scholarships as a Vietnamese student?

You can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously, but avoid applying for conflicting awards (like Chevening and Commonwealth if both are full-funding). Create a tracking spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements, and application status. Tailor each application to the specific scholarship criteria while maintaining consistent core achievements and goals. Most scholarships allow multiple applications, but some government programs may have restrictions.

What is the minimum English requirement for UK scholarships for Vietnamese students?

Most UK scholarships require IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, though competitive scholarships like Chevening prefer 7.0+. TOEFL iBT scores of 90+ are typically equivalent. Some universities accept Duolingo English Test (120+) or their own English assessments. Medical and law programs often require higher scores (IELTS 7.5+). Start English preparation 6-12 months before applications to achieve competitive scores.

How much money do I need as a Vietnamese student beyond scholarship funding?

Even with full scholarships, budget £3,000-£5,000 for initial setup costs including visa fees (£363), health surcharge (£624/year), travel, and initial accommodation deposits. Partial scholarships require £8,000-£15,000 additional funding annually. London requires higher living costs (£12,000-£15,000/year) compared to other UK cities (£8,000-£12,000/year). Maintain emergency funds equivalent to 2-3 months' living expenses.

Can I work while studying in the UK with a scholarship?

Yes, most UK student visas allow 20 hours per week work during term time and full-time during holidays, regardless of scholarship status. However, some scholarships like Chevening have specific terms about employment that may restrict or require approval for work. Part-time work typically earns £8-£12 per hour. Popular jobs include retail, hospitality, tutoring, and research assistance. Always check your specific scholarship terms before starting employment.

What subjects have the best scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese students?

STEM subjects (engineering, computer science, renewable energy) have strong funding availability through government and industry partnerships. Development studies, public policy, and international relations align well with programs like Chevening and Commonwealth. Business and MBA programs offer numerous university-specific awards. Medical and healthcare scholarships exist but are highly competitive. Choose subjects aligning with Vietnam's development priorities for stronger applications.

How do UK universities verify Vietnamese academic credentials for scholarship applications?

UK institutions typically require academic transcripts translated by certified translators and authenticated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training. Some scholarships accept NARIC (UK ENIC) credential evaluations for degree equivalency confirmation. Submit original language documents alongside certified English translations. Processing authentication can take 4-8 weeks, so start early. Universities may request additional verification for prestigious scholarships through direct contact with Vietnamese institutions.

Key Takeaways

✅ Start scholarship applications early - major deadlines fall between October 2026 and March 2027

✅ Focus on Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT scholarships as your primary funding targets with highest success rates

✅ Achieve IELTS 7.0+ to be competitive for prestigious scholarships, though 6.5 meets minimum requirements

✅ Highlight leadership experience and development impact potential in applications - committees value Vietnam-focused career goals

✅ Budget £3,000-£5,000 beyond scholarship funding for setup costs, visa fees, and emergency expenses

✅ Consider university-specific scholarships alongside government programs to maximize funding opportunities