The British Council has officially launched the second edition of the British Council Study Award, offering scholarships worth up to VND 320 million for students aged 6 to 17 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The British Council Teaching Centre will award 10 British Council Study Award 2026 scholarships, worth a combined total of up to VND 320 million, to primary, lower secondary and high school students residing in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Each scholarship includes 76 hours of English language learning at British Council Teaching Centres across Vietnam.
A distinctive feature of the programme is its inclusive and learner-centred selection process, which reflects the British Council’s commitment to creating opportunities for all. Rather than focusing solely on academic performance or existing English proficiency, the Study Award recognises students’ motivation, potential and personal journeys. Through this initiative, the British Council aims to broaden access to internationally recognised English language programmes for young learners who demonstrate a genuine passion for learning and a strong desire to grow.
Beyond financial support, the scholarship forms part of the British Council’s long-term commitment to working alongside the Government of Vietnam to support the gradual development of English as a second language within the school system.
Applications will be open from 28 June to 12 July 2026. Students are required to submit an online application together with a personal essay of up to 300 words, written in either Vietnamese or English, outlining their learning motivation and reasons for applying. Candidates shortlisted through the application round will be invited to attend an in-person interview with the judging panel on 26 July 2026. Scholarship criteria and interview questions have been carefully adapted for different age groups to ensure an age-appropriate and supportive experience for applicants.
Winners of the British Council Study Award 2026 will enjoy fully funded study at the British Council in a modern, inspiring and international-standard learning environment. Through the programme, students will develop essential global citizenship skills, including communication, collaboration and critical thinking. Scholarship recipients will also have the opportunity to serve as British Council ambassadors, helping to inspire a love of English within their communities. In addition, the scholarship will serve as a valuable achievement on their academic profile, opening up further opportunities for future development.
Gemma Thompson, Academic Director, English Programmes at the British Council, said: "We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their backgrounds. Through the British Council Study Award 2026, we hope to support students who demonstrate strong motivation and ambition, helping them gain access to a world-class English learning environment and empowering them to confidently unlock future opportunities."
"My dream is to travel around the world and become a photographer, so English will help me achieve that dream. When my mum told me about this scholarship, I wanted to apply straight away. When I found out that I had been selected, I felt very happy and proud," shared Le Tue Nhien, a seven-year-old scholarship recipient from Hanoi.
The 2025 British Council Study Award programme achieved strong results, with more than 400 applications received, nine full scholarships awarded, and strong engagement from both students and parents.
Do Tran Tung Lam, a student at Tri Duc High School in Ho Chi Minh City and one of the inaugural scholarship recipients, commented: "This scholarship gave me the opportunity to prove – and inspire others to believe – that with determination and fair opportunities, anyone can excel."
With operations in more than 100 countries and territories worldwide, the British Council continues to deliver impactful educational initiatives that help learners, particularly children and young people, realise their full potential.
Parents and students interested in the British Council Study Award 2026 can find further information and submit their applications
