International Study Centre Undergraduate Progression Scholarship / Cardiff University NCUK International Scholarship

What you get

Both awards cut money off your tuition fees at Cardiff University when you move from a preparatory year (a foundation year) onto an undergraduate degree. They are fee discounts only. No cash is paid to you. There are two separate schemes, so read which one fits you.

International Study Centre (ISC) Progression Scholarship: about EUR 2,350 to EUR 3,500 per year (£2,000-£3,000), paid for up to 4 years of your degree. You get roughly EUR 2,350 (£2,000) if you finish an ISC foundation year or International Year One and pass onto your degree. You get roughly EUR 3,500 (£3,000) if you scored at least 75% overall on the foundation year, or at least 70% on the International Year One. On a 5-year degree, only the first 4 years are funded.

Cardiff University NCUK International Scholarship: a one-off about EUR 2,350 (£2,000), applied to your first year only. It is for students who complete the NCUK International Foundation Year at an approved NCUK centre.

Who can apply

• Where you come from: You are classed as an international (overseas) student for fee purposes. All nationalities can apply.
• Your pathway: For the ISC scholarship, you complete a Cardiff International Study Centre foundation year or International Year One in 2025/26. For the NCUK scholarship, you complete the NCUK International Foundation Year at an approved NCUK centre (International Year One is not covered).
• Your offer: You hold an offer for an eligible Cardiff undergraduate degree starting September 2026.
• Funding yourself: You pay your own way and receive no other non-repayable scholarships or grants.
• Study mode: You study full-time on campus. Placement years, years in industry and study-abroad years are not funded.
• Excluded subjects: Dentistry, Medicine and Healthcare degrees cannot get this award. The NCUK scholarship also excludes Certificate and Diploma awards.
• Grades (NCUK only): You must meet the published minimum entry grades for your course, even if Cardiff admits you with lower grades.

How to apply

The ISC scholarship needs no separate application. If you meet the rules and hold an eligible offer, it is awarded automatically when you enrol. The NCUK scholarship needs a separate application. Ask your NCUK study centre for the application link. Apply by 3 April 2026 (UK time) for guaranteed consideration. Later applications are only looked at if places remain, and none are accepted after 30 June 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

The ISC award is effectively automatic. If you finish your Cardiff foundation pathway, hold an eligible offer and fund yourself, you get it, and higher marks simply move you to the larger amount. The NCUK award is narrower, tied to one specific foundation route and needing an application by a fixed deadline. A well-matched student who applies early and meets the exact entry grades has good prospects.