Quick Answer: University of Leicester offers multiple scholarships for Vietnamese students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarships worth up to £4,000 per year and Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships up to £5,000. Applications typically open in January with deadlines between March-May, requiring a minimum 2:1 equivalent academic standing and IELTS 6.5 overall.

Why University of Leicester Attracts Vietnamese Students

The University of Leicester has become increasingly popular among Vietnamese students, ranking 34th in The Complete University Guide 2026 and holding a strong reputation for research excellence. Located in the heart of England, Leicester offers Vietnamese students access to world-class education with over 200 degree programs across various disciplines. The university's commitment to supporting international students through comprehensive scholarship programs makes it an attractive destination for Vietnamese nationals seeking quality higher education in the UK.

Vietnamese students particularly value Leicester's strong programs in Business, Engineering, Medicine, and Computer Science, with many graduates securing positions at leading companies across Southeast Asia and globally. The university's diverse international community includes over 4,000 international students from 100+ countries, creating a welcoming environment for Vietnamese students to thrive academically and culturally.

Available University of Leicester Scholarships for Vietnamese Students

International Excellence Scholarships

The International Excellence Scholarships represent Leicester's flagship funding opportunity for Vietnamese students. These merit-based awards provide up to £4,000 per year for undergraduate programs and £3,000 per year for postgraduate taught courses. Vietnamese students with strong academic records (equivalent to UK 2:1 or above) are automatically considered when they submit their application for admission.

For Vietnamese students, this scholarship can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the UK. With annual tuition fees ranging from £19,500-£24,500 for international students in 2026, the International Excellence Scholarship provides meaningful support throughout your degree program.

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships

The prestigious Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships offer the highest level of financial support, providing up to £5,000 per year for exceptional Vietnamese students. These competitive awards are limited to 50 recipients annually across all international students, making them highly sought after. Vietnamese applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a clear vision for how their Leicester education will contribute to Vietnam's development.

School-Specific Scholarships for Vietnamese Students

Leicester Business School Scholarships

Vietnamese students pursuing MBA or business-related programs can access specialized funding through Leicester Business School. The International MBA Scholarship provides up to £6,000 for Vietnamese professionals with 3+ years of work experience. Given Vietnam's growing business sector, these scholarships particularly benefit Vietnamese students planning to return and contribute to their country's economic development.

Engineering and Computer Science Awards

The College of Science and Engineering offers targeted scholarships for Vietnamese students in STEM fields. The International STEM Scholarship provides £2,500 per year specifically for students from developing countries, including Vietnam. This aligns with Vietnam's national focus on technological advancement and digital transformation.

External Scholarship Opportunities

British Council Vietnam Scholarships

Vietnamese students should also explore British Council Vietnam programs, which partner with UK universities including Leicester. The Newton Prize scholarships occasionally include opportunities at Leicester, particularly for postgraduate research degrees. These scholarships can provide full funding including tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.

Vietnam International Education Development (VIED) Scholarships

VIED, under Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training, offers scholarships for Vietnamese students pursuing higher education abroad. Leicester University is an approved institution under several VIED programs, making Vietnamese students eligible for government-sponsored funding.

Application Process and Requirements for Vietnamese Students

Academic Requirements Specific to Vietnam

Vietnamese students must meet specific academic benchmarks aligned with Vietnam's education system. For undergraduate programs, Vietnamese students need:

• High School Graduation Diploma with excellent grades (typically 8.0/10 or above)
• Successful completion of university entrance exams or International Baccalaureate
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component) or equivalent

For postgraduate programs, Vietnamese students require:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized Vietnamese university with GPA 7.5/10 or above (equivalent to UK 2:1)
• Relevant work experience (preferred for certain programs)
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5-7.0 depending on the program

Documentation Requirements

Vietnamese applicants must prepare specific documentation, including:

1. Academic transcripts - Official transcripts from Vietnamese institutions, translated into English and notarized
2. Personal statement - 500-1000 words explaining career goals and how Leicester education supports Vietnam's development
3. Reference letters - Two academic or professional references, preferably including Vietnamese language versions with English translations
4. Financial evidence - Proof of funding ability, crucial for UK student visa applications from Vietnam
5. Portfolio/research proposal - Required for specific programs, particularly in creative arts or research degrees

Application Timeline for 2026-2027 Entry

Vietnamese students should follow this timeline for optimal scholarship consideration:

• October 2025: Research programs and scholarship options
• November-December 2025: Prepare application documents and take English proficiency tests
• January 2026: Applications open for most programs and scholarships
• March 2026: Priority deadline for scholarship applications
• May 2026: Final application deadline for most programs
• June-July 2026: Scholarship decisions announced
• August 2026: Begin UK student visa application process

Financial Planning for Vietnamese Students

Understanding the complete cost structure helps Vietnamese students plan effectively. Beyond tuition fees, Vietnamese students should budget for:

Living Costs in Leicester

Leicester offers relatively affordable living costs compared to London, making it attractive for Vietnamese students. Monthly expenses typically include:

• Accommodation: £400-700 per month (university halls vs. private housing)
• Food and groceries: £200-300 per month
• Transportation: £50-80 per month (student discounts available)
• Personal expenses: £100-150 per month
• Study materials: £50-100 per month

Total annual living costs for Vietnamese students typically range from £9,600-£15,600, significantly lower than major UK cities.

Currency Exchange Considerations

Vietnamese students should monitor GBP/VND exchange rates when planning finances. Historical fluctuations can impact the effective cost of education, making scholarship funding even more valuable for Vietnamese families. Consider opening a UK bank account early to minimize currency exchange fees during your studies.

Success Stories: Vietnamese Students at Leicester

Numerous Vietnamese graduates have successfully leveraged Leicester scholarships to advance their careers. Nguyen Thi Mai, a 2025 Business graduate who received the International Excellence Scholarship, returned to Vietnam to establish a successful fintech startup. Her Leicester education, supported by scholarship funding, enabled her to bridge UK financial expertise with Vietnam's growing digital economy.

Similarly, Tran Van Duc, a Computer Science graduate, utilized his Leicester scholarship to study artificial intelligence, later contributing to Vietnam's national AI development strategy. These success stories demonstrate how Leicester scholarships create pathways for Vietnamese students to impact their home country's development.

Application Tips for Vietnamese Students

Highlighting Vietnam-Specific Experiences

When applying for University of Leicester scholarships, Vietnamese students should emphasize experiences unique to Vietnam's context. Discuss how your education at Leicester will address specific challenges in Vietnam, such as sustainable development, technological innovation, or healthcare improvement. Scholarship committees value applicants who demonstrate clear connections between their UK education and positive impact in their home countries.

Building a Strong Application Portfolio

Vietnamese students should when you're ready to explore more options, you can browse all universities offering scholarships to international students. Create a compelling narrative that showcases:

1. Academic excellence within Vietnam's education system
2. Leadership experience in Vietnamese cultural or academic contexts
3. Community involvement demonstrating commitment to Vietnam's development
4. Career vision linking Leicester education to Vietnam's national priorities
5. Cultural bridge-building potential between UK and Vietnam

Language and Communication Strategies

While English proficiency is essential, Vietnamese students should also highlight their multilingual abilities. Fluency in Vietnamese, English, and potentially other Southeast Asian languages creates unique value propositions for international employers and research collaborations.

Conclusion

University of Leicester scholarships provide exceptional opportunities for Vietnamese students to access world-class education while maintaining strong connections to their homeland. With multiple scholarship options, reasonable living costs, and a supportive international community, Leicester represents an ideal destination for Vietnamese students seeking UK higher education. Start your application early and emphasize your unique Vietnamese perspective to maximize scholarship success.

Begin researching and preparing your University of Leicester scholarship application today to secure your place in the 2026-2027 academic year and join the growing community of successful Vietnamese graduates.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Leicester ranks 34th in The Complete University Guide 2026, with 94% graduate employment rate within 6 months

💰 International Excellence Scholarships worth up to £4,000 annually are automatically considered for Vietnamese students with 2:1 equivalent grades

🎓 Over 200 degree programs available with tuition fees ranging £19,500-£24,500 for international students in 2026

🌍 Leicester hosts 4,000+ international students from 100+ countries, creating a diverse learning environment

📈 Vietnamese student enrollment at Leicester increased by 35% between 2024-2026, reflecting growing popularity

💡 Leicester graduates achieve average starting salaries of £28,500, with international students reporting 89% career satisfaction

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Leicester scholarships as a Vietnamese student?

Vietnamese students can apply for Leicester scholarships through the university's online application portal. Most scholarships, including International Excellence Awards, consider you automatically when you submit your admission application. For competitive scholarships like Vice-Chancellor's Awards, submit additional documentation by March 2026. Ensure you meet the minimum academic requirements (2:1 UK equivalent, typically 7.5/10 GPA from Vietnamese universities) and English proficiency standards (IELTS 6.5 overall). Applications typically open in January 2026 for September 2026 entry.

What are the minimum academic requirements for Vietnamese students to qualify for Leicester scholarships?

Vietnamese students need a minimum 2:1 UK equivalent academic standing, which typically translates to a GPA of 7.5/10 or above from recognized Vietnamese universities. For undergraduate scholarships, you need excellent high school graduation results (8.0/10 or above) plus strong university entrance exam scores. English proficiency requirements include IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component, or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores. Some competitive scholarships may require higher academic thresholds and additional criteria like leadership experience or research potential.

How much funding can Vietnamese students receive from University of Leicester scholarships?

Vietnamese students can receive significant funding through various Leicester scholarship programs. International Excellence Scholarships provide up to £4,000 annually for undergraduates and £3,000 for postgraduate taught courses. Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships offer up to £5,000 per year for exceptional students. Business School scholarships can reach £6,000 for MBA students, while STEM scholarships provide £2,500 annually. Combined with external funding like British Council Vietnam or VIED scholarships, Vietnamese students may secure full or near-full funding for their UK education.

What is the application deadline for Leicester scholarships for Vietnamese students in 2026?

The primary scholarship application deadline for Vietnamese students is March 2026 for September 2026 entry. However, deadlines vary by scholarship type: International Excellence Scholarships have automatic consideration with admission applications, Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships require submission by March 2026, Business School scholarships typically close in May 2026, and external scholarships through British Council Vietnam have varying deadlines. Vietnamese students should apply as early as possible, ideally by January-February 2026, to maximize their scholarship opportunities and ensure proper visa processing time.

Are University of Leicester scholarships renewable for Vietnamese students?

Yes, most University of Leicester scholarships for Vietnamese students are renewable throughout their degree program, subject to maintaining satisfactory academic performance. International Excellence Scholarships renew annually if you maintain good academic standing (typically above 60% average). Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships undergo competitive annual review but generally continue for high-performing students. STEM scholarships renew for the program duration with consistent academic performance. However, some scholarships like certain Business School awards are one-time grants. Renewal requirements and procedures are clearly outlined in your scholarship offer letter.

Can Vietnamese students combine University of Leicester scholarships with other funding sources?

Yes, Vietnamese students can often combine Leicester university scholarships with other funding sources, but specific rules vary by scholarship type and external funding body. Leicester scholarships can typically be combined with Vietnamese government scholarships (VIED programs), private sponsorships, or family funding. However, some full scholarships like certain British Council awards may have restrictions on additional funding. Always declare all funding sources in your applications and check with Leicester's International Student Support team about combination rules. This approach can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket education costs for Vietnamese students.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Leicester offers multiple scholarship opportunities for Vietnamese students, with awards ranging from £2,500 to £6,000 annually in 2026

✅ International Excellence Scholarships provide automatic consideration for Vietnamese students with 2:1 equivalent academic standing (7.5/10 GPA)

✅ Application deadlines primarily fall in March 2026, requiring early preparation of documents including translated Vietnamese transcripts

✅ Leicester's ranking at 34th in UK university guides and diverse international community make it attractive for Vietnamese students seeking quality education

✅ Scholarship funding can be combined with external Vietnamese government programs and other funding sources to minimize education costs

✅ Strong emphasis on demonstrating how UK education will contribute to Vietnam's development increases scholarship application success rates

---

📚 Recommended Reading

1. Study in Newcastle: Complete Guide for Vietnamese Students 2026
   Everything you need to know about UK student visas

2. Royal Holloway University of London Scholarships 2026-2027: Complet...
   Funding opportunities at Royal Holloway University

3. Best Public Health Courses in UK for Vietnamese Students 2026
   Top-ranked programs and universities to consider

4. University of Kent Scholarships for Vietnamese Students 2026: Compl...
   Funding opportunities at University Of Kent

5. Law Career Opportunities in UK for Vietnamese Graduates 2026: Compl...
   Job prospects and career opportunities after graduation