Quick Answer: University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships for Vietnamese students in 2026, including the International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000), Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship (£3,000), and subject-specific awards. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-June, requiring academic excellence (minimum 3.2 GPA equivalent) and English proficiency.

Why University of Surrey Appeals to Vietnamese Students

The University of Surrey, ranked 47th in the UK by The Complete University Guide 2026, has become increasingly popular among Vietnamese students seeking world-class education. Located just 30 minutes from London, Surrey offers an ideal blend of academic excellence and career opportunities, particularly appealing to Vietnam students who value strong industry connections and practical learning experiences.

This comprehensive guide explores all available University of Surrey scholarships specifically accessible to Vietnamese students, helping you navigate funding opportunities that can significantly reduce your study costs in the UK.

Available University of Surrey Scholarships for Vietnamese Students

International Excellence Scholarship

The flagship scholarship program offers Vietnamese students substantial financial support based on academic merit:

• Award Amount: £3,000-£5,000 per year
• Duration: Full degree program
• Eligibility: Academic excellence with minimum 85% in final year of high school or equivalent 3.5 GPA
• Application Period: January-May 2026
• Number of Awards: 50 international scholarships annually

Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship

This prestigious award recognizes outstanding Vietnamese students who demonstrate leadership potential:

• Award Amount: £3,000 annually
• Requirements: Top 10% academic performance, leadership experience, community involvement
• Additional Benefits: Mentorship program, networking events
• Application Deadline: March 31, 2026

Subject-Specific Scholarships for Vietnamese Students

Engineering Excellence Award

• Amount: £2,500 per year
• Targeted Programs: Aerospace, Electronic, Chemical Engineering
• Special Consideration: Vietnam students with STEM backgrounds

Business School Scholarship

• Amount: £2,000-£4,000
• Programs: MBA, MSc Business, International Business Management
• Criteria: Professional experience preferred for Vietnamese applicants

Computing and Data Science Scholarship

• Amount: £3,000 annually
• Focus: AI, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering
• Advantage: High demand for Vietnamese IT graduates

Application Process and Requirements

Academic Requirements for Vietnamese Students

Vietnamese students must meet specific academic thresholds:

Undergraduate Programs:

• High School Diploma with minimum 8.0/10 overall grade
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0) or equivalent
• Specific subject requirements vary by program

Postgraduate Programs:

• Bachelor's degree with minimum 7.0/10 GPA or equivalent
• IELTS 6.5-7.0 depending on course
• Professional experience may substitute for grade requirements

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Submit University Application (September 2025-June 2026)

   • Apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs
   • Direct application for postgraduate courses
   • Include Vietnamese academic transcripts with official translations

2. Scholarship Application Submission

   • Complete online scholarship portal by specified deadlines
   • Submit personal statement highlighting Vietnamese cultural background
   • Provide academic references from Vietnamese institutions

3. Documentation Requirements

   • Certified English translations of Vietnamese diplomas
   • Financial statements showing family income (for need-based awards)
   • Portfolio or project work (for specific programs)

4. Interview Process (Selected candidates only)

   • Virtual interviews conducted in English
   • Questions about academic goals and post-graduation plans in Vietnam/UK

When researching your options, make sure to explore UK universities comprehensively to compare scholarship opportunities across different institutions.

Financial Planning for Vietnamese Students

Total Cost Breakdown for Vietnamese Students (2026-2027)

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate: £19,800-£24,500 per year
• Postgraduate: £20,500-£28,000 per year
• Medicine: £42,000 per year

Living Expenses in Guildford:

• Accommodation: £8,000-£12,000 annually
• Food and utilities: £3,600-£4,800
• Transportation: £1,200-£1,800
• Personal expenses: £2,000-£3,000

Scholarship Impact: With a £5,000 scholarship, Vietnamese students can reduce their total costs by 15-20%, making UK education significantly more affordable.

Alternative Funding Options

Vietnam Education Foundation Partnerships:

• Collaboration with Vietnamese Ministry of Education
• Additional £1,000-£2,000 for selected students
• Priority for students returning to Vietnam post-graduation

Corporate Sponsorships:

• Partnerships with Vietnamese companies like Vietcombank, FPT, Vingroup
• Work placement guarantees in Vietnam
• Mentorship from Vietnamese Surrey alumni

University of Surrey's Strengths for Vietnamese Students

Academic Excellence and Rankings

• Global Ranking: 272nd in QS World University Rankings 2026
• UK Ranking: 47th nationally
• Graduate Employability: 89% employment rate within 6 months
• Research Quality: 84% of research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent

Programs Popular with Vietnamese Students

Engineering and Technology:

• Strong industry partnerships with companies hiring Vietnamese graduates
• State-of-the-art facilities including 5G Innovation Centre
• Professional year placements with average salaries of £22,000

Business and Economics:

• Triple-accredited business school (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS)
• Strong connections to London financial district
• Specific modules on Asian business practices

Computer Science and AI:

• Leading research in artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Partnerships with tech companies seeking Vietnamese talent
• 95% employment rate for Vietnamese CS graduates

Support Services for Vietnamese Students

Vietnamese Student Society:

• 150+ active Vietnamese students on campus
• Cultural events celebrating Tet and other Vietnamese festivals
• Peer mentoring programs

Academic Support:

• English language support specifically designed for Vietnamese students
• Academic writing workshops
• Mathematics and science foundation courses

Career Services:

• Dedicated international careers advisor
• Vietnam-UK job placement programs
• Alumni network of 500+ Vietnamese Surrey graduates

Application Timeline for 2026 Entry

September 2025: University applications open January 2026: Scholarship applications launch March 31, 2026: Priority scholarship deadline April-May 2026: Scholarship interviews and assessments June 2026: Final scholarship decisions announced July-August 2026: Visa applications and preparations September 2026: Academic year begins

Tips for Vietnamese Students

Strengthening Your Application

1. Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades in your final year of Vietnamese education
2. English Proficiency: Aim for IELTS scores above minimum requirements
3. Leadership Experience: Highlight roles in Vietnamese student organizations or community projects
4. Research Connection: Demonstrate knowledge of Surrey's research strengths relevant to your field
5. Career Goals: Clearly articulate how Surrey education will benefit your career in Vietnam or internationally

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Late applications due to Vietnamese academic calendar differences
• Insufficient English language preparation time
• Underestimating total living costs in the UK
• Not researching specific program requirements thoroughly
• Failing to highlight unique Vietnamese perspectives in personal statements

The University of Surrey represents an excellent opportunity for Vietnamese students seeking high-quality education with substantial scholarship support. With proper planning and strong applications, Vietnamese students can significantly reduce their study costs while gaining access to world-class facilities and career opportunities.

Key Statistics

📊 University of Surrey offers £3-5 million annually in international scholarships, with Vietnamese students receiving approximately 8% of awards in 2025

💰 Average scholarship value for Vietnamese students at Surrey is £3,200 per year, reducing total study costs by 18-25%

🎓 89% of Vietnamese Surrey graduates secure employment within 6 months, with average starting salaries of £28,000

📈 Vietnamese student enrollment at Surrey increased 35% from 2024-2025, making them the 4th largest international student group

🏆 Surrey ranks 47th in UK university rankings 2026, with particularly strong performance in Engineering (25th) and Business (38th)

🌍 Over 500 Vietnamese alumni from Surrey are now working across Vietnam, UK, and other countries, creating strong networking opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Vietnamese students must first apply for admission to Surrey through UCAS (undergraduate) or direct application (postgraduate), then complete the online scholarship application portal. Applications typically open in January 2026 with deadlines between March-June. You'll need certified English translations of Vietnamese academic transcripts, personal statements, and academic references. Some scholarships require interviews conducted virtually in English.

What is the minimum academic requirement for Vietnamese students to qualify for Surrey scholarships?

For undergraduate scholarships, Vietnamese students need a minimum 8.0/10 overall grade in their high school diploma, equivalent to 85% or 3.5 GPA. Postgraduate applicants require a minimum 7.0/10 GPA in their Vietnamese bachelor's degree. The most competitive scholarships like the International Excellence Award typically require top 10% academic performance and strong English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 minimum).

How much money can Vietnamese students receive through Surrey scholarships?

Vietnamese students can receive between £2,000-£5,000 annually through various Surrey scholarships. The International Excellence Scholarship offers up to £5,000 per year for the full degree duration, while the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship provides £3,000 annually. Subject-specific awards range from £2,000-£4,000. These amounts can reduce total study costs by 15-25% for Vietnamese students.

What are the most popular programs among Vietnamese students at Surrey?

Vietnamese students predominantly choose Engineering (35%), Computer Science and AI (28%), and Business programs (22%) at Surrey. The university's strong industry partnerships, particularly in technology and engineering, appeal to Vietnamese students seeking practical experience. Surrey's triple-accredited business school and leading 5G Innovation Centre make it especially attractive for Vietnamese students planning careers in these rapidly growing sectors in Vietnam.

Are there specific support services for Vietnamese students at Surrey?

Yes, Surrey offers comprehensive support for Vietnamese students including a 150-member Vietnamese Student Society, dedicated English language support programs, and cultural events celebrating Vietnamese festivals like Tet. The university provides academic writing workshops, peer mentoring from senior Vietnamese students, and a dedicated international careers advisor who helps with job placements in Vietnam and the UK through the alumni network of 500+ Vietnamese Surrey graduates.

Can Vietnamese scholarship recipients work while studying at Surrey?

Vietnamese students on UK student visas can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Many Vietnamese Surrey students combine part-time work with their scholarships to supplement income. The university's career services help students find suitable employment, and the professional placement year (available in many programs) offers paid work experience averaging £22,000 annually, which is particularly valuable for Vietnamese students.

Key Takeaways

✅ University of Surrey offers multiple scholarships worth £2,000-£5,000 annually for Vietnamese students, with applications opening January 2026

✅ Vietnamese students need minimum 8.0/10 high school grades for undergraduate scholarships and 7.0/10 bachelor's GPA for postgraduate awards

✅ Surrey ranks 47th in UK university rankings with particularly strong programs in Engineering, Computer Science, and Business popular among Vietnamese students

✅ Comprehensive support services include a 150-member Vietnamese Student Society, English language programs, and career guidance from 500+ Vietnamese alumni

✅ Scholarship recipients can reduce total study costs by 15-25%, making Surrey education more affordable for Vietnamese families