Studying in the UK in 2026 is not just a plan but a smart and timely investment decision. With a shortened learning model, global degrees and especially the Graduate Route Visa policy that allows staying and working for up to 2 years, the UK has become the "hottest" destination.
I. Why choose to study in the UK in 2026?
Studying in the UK in 2026 is not just a plan but a smart and timely investment decision. After major changes in post-Brexit policy and the pandemic, the UK has affirmed its position as an ideal destination with many outstanding advantages, helping international students optimize their time and cost of studying in the UK.
- Elite and time-saving education system
The UK is famous for its shortened study model: Bachelor's degree is only 3 years, Master's degree is only 1 year. This helps you save significantly on the total cost of studying in the UK and enter the labor market sooner, especially when compared to countries with longer programs.
- Golden Opportunity Graduate Route Visa
This is the biggest reason why studying in the UK in 2026 is attractive. After graduating from a university or master's degree, you are allowed to stay and work legally in the UK for 2 years without the need for an employer to sponsor you, providing an invaluable opportunity to gain international work experience and opening the door to settling in the UK in the future.
- Globally recognized quality
Degrees from British universities (such as Oxford, Cambridge or Russell Group schools) are highly regarded worldwide, ensuring wide career opportunities and creating a competitive advantage when you return to Vietnam or look for work in any other developed country.
II. Detailed conditions for studying in the UK according to each level of study
To realize your dream of studying in the UK in 2026, you need to strictly meet the academic, language and financial requirements for studying in the UK. Careful preparation from the beginning will determine the success of your application and UK student visa.
1. Academic Requirements
Academic requirements for studying in the UK will vary depending on the program you choose, ensuring you have a solid foundation to keep up with the fast and intensive pace of study in the UK:
- Foundation/International Year One
This program is an important bridge for high school graduates in Vietnam, especially those who do not meet the requirements to study in the UK directly at University. The basic requirement is that you have graduated from high school and have a minimum GPA of usually 6.5 - 7.0 or higher.
Successful completion of the Foundation program will help you enter major universities in the UK directly, saving time and ensuring input quality.
- Undergraduate
If you want to enter directly into a Bachelor's degree, you will need to demonstrate that you have completed an equivalent international pre-university program, such as an A-Level or IB (International Baccalaureate) program.
If you have completed a Foundation course in the UK, you will need to achieve the required grades from this course to officially progress to the first year of university.
- Postgraduate
The requirements for studying in the UK for a Master's degree require that you have graduated from a university in Vietnam. The minimum GPA requirement for a Bachelor's degree is usually 6.5 - 7.0 (equivalent to a 2:2 Lower Second Class Honours classification in the UK) or higher, depending on the reputation of the school and the level of competition for the course.
Certain fields such as business or finance may require you to have work experience or GMAT/GRE scores.
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2. Foreign language requirements: IELTS to study in UK 2026
A foreign language is one of the compulsory conditions for studying in the UK, and IELTS is the most common certificate. The required score will increase gradually according to your academic level. Specifically, for the University Foundation program, you usually need to achieve IELTS 5.0 - 5.5 (no skill below 4.5 - 5.0).
For undergraduate level, the general standard is IELTS 6.0 – 6.5 (no skill below 5.5 – 6.0). For master level, the requirement will be higher, usually IELTS 6.5 – 7.0, especially highly specialized fields that may require 7.0 or higher.
Please note that you only need to take the IELTS UKVI if you do not have enough English score and need to study a Pre-sessional English course at school. If you have enough direct score to enter the main course, a regular IELTS Academic certificate is enough to meet the requirements to study in the UK and apply for a UK student visa.
3. Financial conditions & Visa documents
To ensure you are granted a UK student visa, proving your financial ability to study in the UK is an indispensable step. This is a mandatory requirement of the UK Home Office to ensure that international students have the ability to pay for their studies and living expenses in the UK without having to work illegally or rely on social welfare.
3.1 Visa application
To have your UK student visa application reviewed quickly and successfully, you need to fully prepare the following core documents:
- Official Acceptance Letter (CAS):This is the most important document, issued by the University once you have met all their UK study requirements. The CAS contains a unique reference number, confirming course details, UK study fees paid and outstanding fees.
- IELTS certificate for studying in the UK:Original or certified copy of IELTS certificate or other accepted English language certificate, demonstrating that you meet the language requirement of the course.
- Degrees and transcripts:All relevant degrees, transcripts, and diplomas (notarized translation into English) have been listed in CAS.
- Financial documents:Original or notarized copy of savings book/bank balance certificate and bank confirmation letter.
- Documents proving relationship (If any):If the bank account belongs to a parent or guardian, a birth certificate/legal documentation proving the relationship will be required, along with a letter of consent allowing the money to be used to pay for the costs of studying in the UK.
3.2 Financial conditions
You need to prove you have enough money to cover two main items:
- Outstanding tuition fees:The amount of tuition fees that have not been paid for the course.
- Living expenses for 9 months:The cost of living is set by the UK government based on the study area:
- In London (central area):£1,334 per month (total £12,006 for 9 months).
- Outside London (other areas):£1,023 per month (total £9,207 for 9 months).
Strict 28 Day Rule:The entire amount of funds required (outstanding tuition fees + 9 months living expenses) must be maintained in a bank account (in the form of a savings account, personal account, or parent's account) continuously for 28 days (ending no more than 31 days before the date of application for a UK Student Visa). Failure to comply with this 28-day rule is the most common reason for a UK Student Visa application to be refused.
III. Total cost of studying in the UK 2026
1. Tuition fees for studying in the UK in 2026 (By level and major)
|
Level / Field of Study |
Average tuition fees (GBP/year) |
Converted tuition fee (VND/year) (exchange rate ~32,000 VND/GBP) |
|
Foundation Program |
£10,000 – £18,000 |
320,000,000 – 576,000,000 VND |
|
Undergraduate |
£13,000 – £25,000 |
416,000,000 – 800,000,000 VND |
|
Postgraduate |
£15,000 – £30,000 |
480,000,000 – 960,000,000 VND |
|
PhD |
£18,000 – £35,000 |
576,000,000 – 1,120,000,000 VND |
|
Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry |
£30,000 – £50,000 |
960,000,000 – 1,600,000,000 VND |
|
Arts, Design, Media |
£15,000 – £25,000 |
480,000,000 – 800,000,000 VND |
2. Cost of living in the UK
|
Area / City |
Average cost of living (GBP/month) |
Conversion rate (VND/month) (~32,000 VND/GBP) |
|
London |
£1,300 – £1,800 |
41,600,000 – 57,600,000 VND |
|
Manchester / Birmingham |
£1,000 – £1,400 |
32,000,000 – 44,800,000 VND |
|
Leeds / Sheffield / Liverpool |
£900 – £1,200 |
28,800,000 – 38,400,000 VND |
|
Edinburgh / Glasgow |
£950 – £1,300 |
30,400,000 – 41,600,000 VND |
|
Student dormitories |
£400 – £800 |
12,800,000 – 25,600,000 VND |
|
Private flat/WG |
£500 – £1,000 |
16,000,000 – 32,000,000 VND |
IV. High value UK study abroad scholarships 2026
Hunting for scholarships to study in the UK is the most effective way to significantly reduce the cost of studying in the UK and prove your ability. In 2026, scholarship programs will still maintain a high level of competition, especially full scholarships and 50% scholarships to study in the UK from prestigious universities.
1. Government scholarships & prestigious organizations
These are the most prestigious scholarships, often covering full tuition fees and living costs in the UK, but require special application documents and experience:
- Chevening Scholarships
This lis a prestigious full scholarship from the UK Government, for Master's degree (1 year). This scholarship not only highly values academic achievement but also focuses on leadership experience and commitment to contributing to the country after graduation. This is the goal sought by many excellent students around the world.
- GREAT and Commonwealth Scholarships
These scholarships are often in partnership with the UK government and universities. GREAT scholarships are targeted at students from specific countries, providing significant funding for Masters degrees. Commonwealth Scholarships are full scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries.
2. Scholarships by school & faculty
The majority of international students receive scholarships to study in the UK from the universities themselves. These scholarships vary in value and conditions, significantly reducing the initial burden of studying in the UK:
- Entrance Scholarships
Based on excellent academic performance (high GPA, good IELTS score for studying abroad in the UK), the school will automatically or require application for consideration. The common scholarship level is £2,000 - £5,000, but can also be up to 20% - 30% of tuition fees.
- 50% scholarship to study in UK
This scholarship is highly sought after and is usually awarded to the most outstanding candidates of the course or to students studying at emerging universities, looking to attract talent. To achieve a 50% scholarship to study in the UK, you need a perfect profile, carefully prepared motivation letter and extracurricular activities.
- Departmental Scholarships
Some faculties (e.g. Business, Engineering) have their own scholarship budgets, which are sometimes less competitive but require applicants to have knowledge and experience relevant to the field of study.
3. Secrets to successful scholarship hunting
Hunting for a scholarship to study in the UK is a marathon, not a sprint. To beat thousands of other applicants, you need a perfect application strategy:
- Solid academic foundation: Maintain a high GPA (above 8.0) and achieve an IELTS score higher than the school's minimum requirement (e.g. 7.0 instead of 6.5). This is a decisive factor for your application to be considered for a scholarship.
- Invest in SOP and LOR: The Letter of Recommendation (SOP) should clearly state your academic goals, career aspirations and why you deserve the scholarship. Letters of Recommendation (LOR) should come from reputable professors, emphasizing your outstanding abilities and qualities.
- Prepare early: The process of applying for a scholarship to study in the UK takes place very early, usually 6–12 months before the course starts. Starting to prepare documents and IELTS to study in the UK from the beginning of 2025 is a prerequisite to submit the application before the important deadline of the scholarship funds.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK in 2026 is a worthy investment if you prepare carefully in terms of finance and documents. Understanding the conditions for studying in the UK, from IELTS to prove financial capacity to study in the UK, is the key to successfully receiving a UK student visa and making the most of the Graduate Route Visa opportunity after graduation.
