Quick Answer: University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships for Filipino students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £6,000), Merit Scholarships (£2,000-£4,000), and country-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-May, requiring academic excellence (minimum 85% or equivalent) and meeting English language requirements.

Introduction

The University of Surrey, ranked 47th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2026, has become an increasingly popular destination for Filipino students seeking world-class education in engineering, business, and health sciences. With tuition fees ranging from £19,800 to £23,800 per year for international students, scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden for talented Filipino students.

This comprehensive guide covers all available University of Surrey scholarships for Filipino students in 2026, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and expert tips to maximize your chances of success.

Available University of Surrey Scholarships for Filipino Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program at Surrey offers the most substantial financial support for outstanding international students from the Philippines.

Award Amount: Up to £6,000 per year Duration: Renewable for the entire degree program Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic excellence (minimum 90% average or equivalent)
• Conditional or unconditional offer for undergraduate or postgraduate programs
• Demonstrated leadership potential or community involvement
• Meeting English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 overall)

Merit Scholarship Program

Designed for high-achieving Filipino students who demonstrate consistent academic performance.

Award Amount: £2,000 - £4,000 per year Eligibility:

• Minimum 85% academic average in final year of studies
• Valid offer for any Surrey undergraduate or postgraduate program
• No additional application required (automatic consideration)

Country-Specific Scholarships

Surrey occasionally offers targeted scholarships for students from specific regions, including Southeast Asia.

Award Amount: £1,500 - £3,000 Availability: Limited numbers (typically 10-15 awards annually) Focus Areas: STEM subjects, business, and social sciences

Application Process and Timeline 2026

Key Dates for Filipino Students

January 15, 2026: Scholarship applications open March 31, 2026: Priority deadline for International Excellence Scholarship May 15, 2026: Final deadline for all scholarship applications June 30, 2026: Scholarship results announced July 15, 2026: Acceptance deadline for scholarship offers

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Secure University Admission First

   • Apply through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate)
   • Obtain conditional or unconditional offer
   • Ensure you meet English language requirements

2. Prepare Required Documents

   • Academic transcripts (officially translated if in Filipino/Tagalog)
   • Personal statement (500-750 words)
   • Two academic references
   • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
   • Certificate of financial need (if applicable)

3. Complete Online Scholarship Application

   • Access through Surrey Student Portal
   • Upload all supporting documents
   • Submit before deadline (applications close at 11:59 PM UK time)

4. Interview Process (Selected Candidates)

   • Video interviews conducted via Microsoft Teams
   • 20-30 minute sessions with admissions committee
   • Questions focus on academic goals and motivation

Eligibility Criteria Specific to Filipino Students

Academic Requirements

For Undergraduate Programs:

• Successful completion of Senior High School with minimum 85% average
• Strong performance in relevant subjects for chosen degree
• Alternative qualifications: International Baccalaureate (minimum 32 points)

For Postgraduate Programs:

• Bachelor's degree from recognized Philippine institution
• Minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 or equivalent (85%+)
• Relevant work experience may strengthen application

English Language Requirements

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 88 overall with minimum 17 in each section
• PTE Academic: 59 overall with minimum 59 in each component
• Duolingo: 120 overall (accepted for 2026 entry)

Financial Demonstration

While not always required for scholarship applications, Filipino students should prepare to demonstrate financial capacity:

• Bank statements showing £25,000+ for living expenses
• Sponsorship letters from family or organizations
• Evidence of additional funding sources

Popular Programs Among Filipino Students

Engineering and Technology

• Aerospace Engineering: Known for industry partnerships with Airbus and Rolls-Royce
• Electronic Engineering: Strong job placement rates (95% within 6 months)
• Civil Engineering: Excellent facilities including structural testing laboratories

Business and Management

• International Business Management: Triple-accredited business school
• Accounting and Finance: Professional body exemptions available
• Marketing and Retail Management: Industry-focused curriculum

Health Sciences

• Nursing: High demand program with NHS partnerships
• Biomedical Sciences: State-of-the-art research facilities
• Veterinary Medicine: One of only 9 programs in the UK

Tips for Successful Scholarship Applications

Strengthen Your Personal Statement

1. Highlight Filipino Context

   • Discuss how your education will benefit the Philippines
   • Mention specific challenges you aim to address
   • Connect your goals to Surrey's strengths

2. Demonstrate Impact

   • Include quantifiable achievements from school or work
   • Discuss leadership roles in Filipino organizations
   • Show community involvement and social responsibility

3. Show Cultural Awareness

   • Explain how studying at Surrey will broaden your perspective
   • Discuss plans to contribute to campus diversity
   • Mention specific Surrey programs or facilities that appeal to you

Academic Excellence Strategies

• Grade Improvement: If final grades are pending, communicate expected improvements
• Additional Qualifications: Consider online courses or certifications in your field
• Research Experience: Participate in university research projects in the Philippines

Building Strong References

• Choose Appropriate Referees: Select teachers who know your academic abilities well
• Provide Context: Help referees understand Surrey's requirements and your goals
• Cultural Translation: Ensure referees understand UK grading expectations

Alternative Funding Options

External Scholarships for Filipino Students

Philippine Government Scholarships:

• Commission on Higher Education (CHED) scholarships
• Department of Science and Technology (DOST) programs
• Study abroad grants for priority courses

International Organizations:

• British Council Philippines scholarships
• Chevening Scholarships (postgraduate only)
• Commonwealth Scholarships for developing countries

University Payment Plans

Surrey offers flexible payment options for international students:

• Installment Plans: Pay tuition in 2-3 installments per year
• Early Payment Discount: 2% reduction for full annual payment
• Family Payment Plans: Options for families funding multiple children

Living Costs and Budgeting

Estimated Annual Expenses for Filipino Students

• Accommodation: £6,000 - £9,000 (on-campus preferred for first year)
• Food: £2,500 - £3,500 (campus dining plans available)
• Transportation: £800 - £1,200 (student discount cards available)
• Personal Expenses: £1,500 - £2,500
• Total Living Costs: £10,800 - £16,200 annually

Money-Saving Tips

• Campus Accommodation: Often more economical than private housing
• Meal Plans: University catering offers good value and convenience
• Student Discounts: Take advantage of retail and transport discounts
• Part-time Work: International students can work 20 hours per week

Student Support Services at Surrey

International Student Support

• Pre-arrival Guidance: Visa application support and travel arrangements
• Orientation Programs: Comprehensive introduction to UK academic culture
• Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and academic monitoring
• Cultural Integration: Filipino student society and cultural events

Academic Support

• English Language Support: Free academic writing workshops
• Study Skills: Time management and exam preparation sessions
• Personal Tutoring: One-to-one guidance throughout your studies
• Career Services: CV writing, interview preparation, and job placement support

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Graduate Employment Statistics

• Employment Rate: 94% of Surrey graduates employed within 15 months
• Starting Salaries: £25,000 - £35,000 for international graduates
• Industry Connections: Strong links with major UK and international employers

Post-Study Work Visa

Filipino graduates can apply for the UK's Graduate Route visa:

• Duration: 2 years for bachelor's/master's graduates, 3 years for PhD
• Work Rights: Full-time employment in any role
• Pathway to Permanent Residence: Potential route to long-term settlement

Application Checklist for Filipino Students

Before Applying:

• ✅ Research programs and entry requirements
• ✅ Prepare for English language tests
• ✅ Gather academic transcripts and translations
• ✅ Find your perfect university match through comprehensive comparison

During Application:

• ✅ Submit university application first
• ✅ Complete scholarship applications by deadlines
• ✅ Prepare for potential interviews
• ✅ Apply for student visa once accepted

After Acceptance:

• ✅ Confirm scholarship acceptance
• ✅ Arrange accommodation
• ✅ Book flights and plan arrival
• ✅ Attend pre-departure orientations

Conclusion

The University of Surrey offers excellent scholarship opportunities for ambitious Filipino students, with awards ranging from £1,500 to £6,000 annually. Success requires early preparation, strong academic performance, and compelling personal statements that demonstrate both individual merit and commitment to contributing to the Surrey community. Start your application process early in 2026 to maximize your chances of securing funding for your UK education journey.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Surrey ranks 47th in the UK according to The Complete University Guide 2026

💰 International Excellence Scholarships offer up to £6,000 annually, renewable throughout degree programs

🎓 94% of Surrey graduates are employed within 15 months of graduation with starting salaries of £25,000-£35,000

📈 Over 150 Filipino students currently study at Surrey across undergraduate and postgraduate programs

🏆 Surrey's business school holds triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA

💡 International students can work up to 20 hours per week, earning approximately £9.50-£12 per hour

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for University of Surrey scholarships as a Filipino student?

First, secure admission to Surrey through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate). Once you have an offer, complete the online scholarship application through the Surrey Student Portal between January 15 and May 15, 2026. Submit required documents including transcripts, personal statement, academic references, and English proficiency proof. Merit scholarships are considered automatically upon admission.

What are the minimum academic requirements for Surrey scholarships for Filipino students?

For Merit Scholarships, you need a minimum 85% average in your final year of studies. The International Excellence Scholarship requires 90%+ average along with demonstrated leadership potential. These percentages should be from your Senior High School completion (for undergraduates) or bachelor's degree (for postgraduates) from recognized Philippine institutions.

How much can I save with University of Surrey scholarships?

Scholarship awards range from £1,500 to £6,000 per year. The International Excellence Scholarship (£6,000 annually) can save you £18,000-£24,000 over a complete degree program since it's renewable. Combined with tuition fees of £19,800-£23,800 annually, scholarships can reduce your costs by 15-30% depending on the award amount.

What English language requirements must Filipino students meet for Surrey scholarships?

Filipino students need IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, TOEFL iBT 88 with minimum 17 in each section, or PTE Academic 59 overall. Duolingo 120 overall is also accepted for 2026 entry. These scores must be achieved before the scholarship application deadline, and meeting language requirements is mandatory for scholarship eligibility.

When should Filipino students apply for University of Surrey scholarships in 2026?

Scholarship applications open January 15, 2026. The priority deadline for International Excellence Scholarships is March 31, 2026, while all other scholarships have a final deadline of May 15, 2026. Results are announced by June 30, 2026. Apply early as some scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and you'll need time to prepare visa applications if successful.

Can I combine University of Surrey scholarships with other funding sources?

Yes, Surrey scholarships can typically be combined with external funding sources like Philippine government scholarships (CHED, DOST), British Council awards, or family sponsorship. However, you cannot combine multiple Surrey scholarships - you'll receive the highest value award you're eligible for. Always declare other funding sources in your application to avoid any conflicts or overfunding issues.

Key Takeaways

✅ Apply early for Surrey scholarships opening January 15, 2026, with priority deadline March 31 for top awards

✅ Maintain minimum 85% academic average for Merit Scholarships or 90%+ for International Excellence awards

✅ Prepare compelling personal statements highlighting Filipino context and future impact plans

✅ Secure university admission first before applying for scholarships through the Student Portal

✅ Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.5+) before scholarship application deadlines

✅ Consider combining Surrey scholarships with external Philippine or British Council funding opportunities