Study in UK: Fees, Intakes, Universities, Jobs for Vietnamese Students

The total average cost for self-funded Vietnamese students ranges from GBP £28,000 to £56,000+ per year. Average tuition fees range from GBP £14,000 to £38,000+ per year, depending on the university and major (Medical fields and MBAs are significantly higher). According to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) regulations, mandatory living costs are set at GBP £1,529 per month inside London and GBP £1,171 per month outside London.

To successfully secure UK scholarships ranging from 20%, 50%, to 100% tuition coverage (such as the Chevening Scholarship or university-specific funds), you must generally meet the following criteria:

• GPA: A minimum of 7.5/10 for undergraduate programmes and 7.0/10 or higher for master's programmes (prestigious large-scale scholarships require 8.5+).
• English Proficiency: An IELTS Academic score of at least 6.5 overall (with no sub-score below 6.0) or equivalent PTE Academic scores.
• Supporting Documents: A compelling Personal Statement, 1–2 letters of recommendation, and a well-structured academic CV.

Yes. International students enrolled in a full-time bachelor's or master's degree programme at a UK higher education institution are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week (full-time) during official university holiday breaks. For students enrolled in foundation or language courses below degree level, the limit is restricted to 10 hours per week. The national legal minimum wage baseline (National Living Wage) in the UK is GBP £12.71 per hour for students aged 21 and above, and GBP £10.85 for students who are 18–20 years old, effective April 1, 2026.

Through the Graduate Route Visa, Vietnamese international students who complete an eligible bachelor's or master's degree can stay and work in the UK for 2 years without needing a company sponsor. (This 2-year window changes to 1.5 years for courses starting from January 2027). For doctoral graduates completing a PhD, the stay period is extended to 3 years. This visa serves as an important stepping stone to transition into a long-term Skilled Worker Visa.

The financial capacity certificate or savings account for a UK student visa must cover: First-year tuition fees + 9 months of living expenses. Specifically, the required living expense fund is GBP £13,761 for courses in London and GBP £10,539 for courses outside London. Crucially, this money must be held in the account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting the visa application.

International students can get PR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) by transitioning from an unsponsored Graduate Visa to an employer-sponsored Skilled Worker Visa. Currently, you can apply for ILR after 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker visa. However, check the latest rules, as a 10-year baseline model is pending implementation.

UK visa rejections for Vietnamese applicants primarily stem from failing the strict 28-day financial rule, submitting unverified or not properly translated and certified documents, and failing credibility interviews. Rejections also frequently occur due to undisclosed past visa refusals, unexplained gaps in education or employment, and failure to demonstrate a genuine study purpose.

Generally, no. Most UK universities require Vietnamese students who have finished Grade 12 to complete a one-year Foundation Programme before entering Year 1 of a bachelor's degree. However, some universities will accept direct entry if you graduated from a highly ranked, specialised high school (Trường THPT Chuyên) with a high GPA (usually 8.0+) or if you have alternative qualifications like A-Levels or an International Baccalaureate (IB).

It depends on your course level. For below-degree courses such as Foundation programmes, you need IELTS for UKVI Academic, a UKVI-approved SELT. For direct entry to a bachelor’s or master’s degree, most UK universities assess English themselves and accept standard IELTS Academic. Always check your university’s requirements before booking.

Yes. Vietnamese applicants need to undergo the following:

• Tuberculosis (TB) Test: If you are travelling to the UK for more than 6 months, you must clear a TB screening at a UKVI-approved clinic (such as the IOM) in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City before applying.
• Credibility Interview: The Home Office frequently conducts short video interviews to ensure you are a genuine student. You will be asked questions regarding why you chose your specific university, how the course maps to your career in Vietnam, and how you plan to fund your stay.