Scholarships to study in the UK: Chevening, GREAT and school scholarships

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

The UK is an attractive destination thanks to its one-year master's programs, long-standing university system and international environment. Scholarships to study abroad in the UK for Vietnamese people have three prominent groups: Chevening British Government scholarships, GREAT Scholarships co-sponsored by the British Government and schools, and individual scholarships for each school. This article summarizes the conditions, rights and experiences for each group.

Chevening Scholarship

Chevening is full scholarship of the British Government for outstanding individuals to study a one-year master's degree in the UK. Chevening looks for candidates with ambition, leadership qualities and a desire to create positive change for their country. Scholarships usually cover tuition, monthly living expenses, round-trip airfare and some allowances; See updated details on the official page.

Main conditions

According to Chevening's Eligibility page:

• Have at least two years of work experience after graduating from university, equivalent to 2,800 hours.
• Commit to returning home for at least two years after the end of the scholarship.
• Have a university degree that qualifies for a master's degree in the UK, and graduate at least two years before the deadline.
• Apply to three different qualifying courses, and have an unconditional offer from at least one course by the deadline.

Time and process

Chevening applications usually open around August and close in early November, followed by readings and interviews early the following year and results in the spring or summer. The application includes four essays on leadership, connections, reasons for studying in the UK and career plans. The council once pointed out common mistakes such as not using the STAR structure, saying "we" instead of "I", copying school website information - see analysis in the article scholarship denied.

GREAT Scholarships for Vietnamese students

GREAT Scholarships is a partnership program between the British Government's GREAT campaign, the British Council and universities. According to the British Council's Study UK page, for the 2026–27 academic year:

• Worth £10,000 tuition fee support.
• For one-year master's courses in multiple disciplines.
• Vietnam is among 18 eligible countries, with more than 140 places from more than 60 schools.
• Each school manages its own review process; The list of schools, majors and how to apply is on the page for Vietnam.

Because GREAT only supports part of the tuition fee, you need to prepare the rest yourself along with living expenses.

According to the most recent announcement; Conditions may change from year to year.

Scholarships to study abroad in the UK from schools

Most British universities offer scholarships for international students, the most common being a fixed amount or percentage tuition fee reduction. Some characteristics:

• Scholarships for Vietnamese or Southeast Asian students at some schools.
• Early payment discount scholarship – essentially a discount for paying tuition early.
• Doctoral scholarship full from research council or school, very competitive.

A closer look at the value of a one-year master's degree at Is the 1-year master's scholarship in the UK worth the investment?. For business, see more MBA and business scholarships.

Costs and financial proof

In addition to tuition, when applying for a Student visa you need to prove living expenses. According to GOV.UK, the current rate is 1,529 pounds/month if studying in London and 1,171 pounds/month if studying outside London, up to 9 months. Recipients of government scholarships or official sponsors may have their own regulations. See details at UK study visa.

Frequently asked questions

Does Chevening require IELTS?

Chevening requires you to have an unconditional offer from the school, so you actually have to meet the school's English language requirements. Check out the latest instructions on the Chevening site.

Can I get both Chevening and GREAT?

Chevening already covers full tuition fees, so it is not normally necessary and may not be permissible to receive other tuition scholarships. Please read the terms of each program.

Are GREAT Scholarships available for undergraduates?

Are not. According to the announcement, GREAT is for master's degree courses in one year.

Can I apply for Chevening if I have just graduated?

No, because Chevening requires a minimum of two years post-graduation work experience. You can aim for school or GREAT scholarships.

Conclusion

Scholarships to study in the UK are suitable for many subjects: Chevening for working people with leadership vision, GREAT and school scholarships for those who want to study a one-year master's degree at a significantly reduced cost. Please read the latest conditions carefully and prepare early. When ready to fly to the UK, VeDuHoc provides support via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

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