Cardiff Metropolitan University Scholarships for International Students: Full Guide 2025/26
Introduction
Cardiff Metropolitan University (“Cardiff Met”) in Wales offers several scholarship and funding options for international students. These awards help reduce tuition fees and make study more affordable. This guide covers what scholarships are available, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and tips to maximise your chances of getting them.
Why Choose Cardiff Met + Its Scholarship Support
- Fully reputable UK university with strong programmes in business, arts, sport, health, engineering.
- Scholarships automatically considered in many cases — fewer extra application procedures. cardiffmet.ac.uk
- Special support for asylum seekers/refugees via the Sanctuary Award. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1
- Multiple types of scholarships: undergraduate, postgraduate taught, MBA, and alumni discounts. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1
Key Scholarship Options at Cardiff Met for International Students
| Scholarship / Discount | Award / Benefit | Who Can Get It | Important Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Scholarship | ~ £2,500 reduction in tuition fee | International students starting undergraduate programmes | Must accept offer by deposit deadline; full-time, on campus. cardiffmet.ac.uk |
| MBA Scholarship | Up to £4,000 off tuition | International MBA students with academic/professional experience | Applies only to eligible MBA programme(s); full-time; certain conditions. cardiffmet.ac.uk |
| Vice Chancellor Scholarship | Up to £3,500 reduction | For MA and MSc programmes, based on academic/professional experience | Only for PG taught courses with standard fee (£17,600); some specialist courses excluded. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1 |
| Full Fee Discount | Up to £1,000 off if paying full fees by deposit deadline | International undergrad, postgraduate taught, or MBA | Must pay full fee by deposit deadline; applies only to full-fee international students. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1 |
| Alumni Scholarship | 20% reduction in course fees | Students who did their undergraduate degree at Cardiff Met (or TNE partner institutions) and now enrolling in taught postgraduate programmes | Must be full-time campus programme; some courses may be excluded. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1 |
| Sanctuary Award | Full tuition fee waiver + support (travel, meals, mentoring, laptop) | Asylum seekers; refugees; people under humanitarian or similar protection status; people under Homes for Ukraine scheme etc. cardiffmet.ac.uk+2cardiffmet.ac.uk+2 |
Eligibility Criteria & FAQs
- International full-fee status: Must be international student paying full fees. If your status changes to home, you lose eligibility. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1
- Full-time, on-campus study: Scholarships typically require you to be studying full-time, not via distance learning. cardiffmet.ac.uk
- Accept offer + deposit: You must accept your offer and pay the deposit by the deadline specified. Missing this can, in many cases, invalidate the scholarship. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1
- One scholarship only: You can usually receive only one scholarship or award; they do not stack. cardiffmet.ac.uk
- Exceptions: Sponsorships (from government/employer), courses with credit exemptions, short courses (<1 year) often are excluded. cardiffmet.ac.uk
Application Process: How To Get the Scholarship
- Choose your course & apply to Cardiff Met (undergrad, postgrad, MBA) through the normal admissions process.
- Check whether your intended programme is eligible for any of the scholarships (MBA programmes, MA/MSc, etc.).
- Accept your offer and pay the deposit by the stated deadline in your offer letter.
- For the Sanctuary Award, submit the separate application after receiving your offer and meet its stricter eligibility. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1
- Confirm all academic & English requirements are met before the deadline.
Financial Impact: What You Stand to Save
- If your tuition fee is around £17,600 for a postgraduate programme, a £3,500 Vice Chancellor Scholarship reduces the cost to £14,100.
- An alumni discount of 20% on PG fees is also a significant saving for those who did their undergraduate at Cardiff Met.
- For students eligible for Sanctuary Award, the tuition can be fully waived — huge benefit if you qualify.
Deadlines & Important Dates
- Typical entry points: September 2025; sometimes January intakes are also eligible. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1
- Sanctuary Award application deadlines are usually in mid-year (for example, deadline was 1st July 2025 for September 2025 intake) cardiffmet.ac.uk+1
- Deposit deadlines: These are specified in your offer letter. You must pay by deadlines to secure many scholarship offers. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1
Tips to Increase Chances of Success
- Maintain a strong academic record from your previous studies.
- Highlight professional/work experience, where required (MBA, Vice Chancellor scholarships).
- Apply early, ensure all documents (transcripts, English proofs) are ready.
- If eligible for the Sanctuary Award, ensure you fully demonstrate your eligibility and provide required evidence.
- Monitor deadlines carefully, especially the deposit and scholarship offering dates.
Common Pitfalls & What to Watch Out For
- Don’t assume all courses are eligible – some specialist courses may be excluded. cardiffmet.ac.uk
- You cannot combine multiple scholarships – only one per student.
- If you defer your entry, the scholarship may not be honoured or could change. cardiffmet.ac.uk
- Be aware that scholarships usually apply only to tuition fees; they do not cover living costs, travel, visa, accommodation etc. Sanctuary Award partly helps with travel or meals etc., but not usually accommodation. cardiffmet.ac.uk+1
Example: If You’re From Pakistan (Hypothetical Application)
Suppose you’re a Pakistani student wishing to enroll in a Master’s (PG taught) programme at Cardiff Met:
- You apply, get an offer, satisfy English and academic conditions.
- If eligible, you might receive the Vice Chancellor Scholarship (if your programme qualifies) or the Alumni Scholarship (if you did UG at Cardiff Met) or Full Fee Discount if you can pay deposit early.
- If you are a refugee/asylum seeker or under Homes for Ukraine scheme, you may qualify for the Sanctuary Award.
- After scholarships, your fee could reduce from ~£17,600 to perhaps ~£13,000-£14,000 or less, depending on award.
