December 4, 2025
Manchester University Scholarships for International Students

Manchester University Scholarships for International Students

At the University of Manchester, a world-renowned institution recognized for academic excellence and global research impact, international students gain access to a wide range of fully funded and partially funded scholarships across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels.

As one of the UK’s most prestigious universities, Manchester invests heavily in attracting outstanding global talent, offering scholarship programs designed to support students from diverse backgrounds, academic disciplines, and financial situations.

We provide a comprehensive breakdown of the Manchester University Scholarships for International Students, including eligibility requirements, application steps, benefits, deadlines, and funding options tailored for students worldwide.

Why Choose the University of Manchester?

The University of Manchester stands out as one of the top-ranked universities globally, consistently recognized for:

  • World-class research excellence
  • Strong employability outcomes
  • Innovative learning facilities
  • A multicultural academic environment
  • Industry partnerships with global organizations

These strengths make Manchester a preferred destination for ambitious international students seeking competitive scholarship opportunities.

Types of Manchester University Scholarships for International Students

Manchester offers numerous scholarships at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. Below is a detailed breakdown.

Undergraduate Scholarships at the University of Manchester

1. Global Futures Scholarship

The Global Futures Scholarship is targeted at exceptional international applicants who demonstrate strong academic records and leadership potential.

Benefits include:

  • Awards of £5,000 to £7,000
  • Annual renewable benefits depending on performance
  • Applicable across a wide range of degree programs

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be classified as an international fee-paying student
  • Strong academic performance in secondary school
  • Completed UCAS application for an eligible course
  • Excellent personal statement and references

Postgraduate Taught Scholarships

1. Humanities International Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship supports outstanding students enrolling in master’s programs within the Faculty of Humanities.

Benefits:

  • Awards ranging from £6,000 to £10,000
  • Tuition fee reduction applied at the start of the academic year

Eligibility:

  • International fee status
  • Bachelor’s degree with upper second-class or higher
  • Strong academic reference and personal statement

2. Engineering the Future Scholarship

Designed for students applying to the Faculty of Science and Engineering, this highly competitive program rewards top academic performers.

Benefits:

  • Scholarships of £4,000, £6,000, or £10,000
  • Automatic consideration upon application for eligible courses

Eligibility:

  • International students with excellent academic track records
  • Acceptance into an engineering or science-related program at Manchester

3. Global Futures Scholarship – Postgraduate Version

At postgraduate level, the Global Futures Scholarship continues to support exceptional international applicants.

Benefits:

  • Awards between £6,000 and £10,000
  • Applicable to various master’s programs

Eligibility:

  • International fee-paying students
  • Strong undergraduate results
  • Compelling personal statement

Postgraduate Research (PhD) Scholarships

1. President’s Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Award

One of the most prestigious offers at Manchester, the PDS Award is designed for outstanding PhD candidates.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition coverage
  • Generous annual stipend
  • Research training and conference funding
  • Three-year renewable support

Eligibility:

  • Exceptional academic background
  • First-class or distinction-level master’s results
  • Strong research proposal

2. Faculty-Specific PhD Scholarships

Each faculty at Manchester offers tailored funding plans:

  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Scholarships
  • Biological Sciences Doctoral Awards
  • Humanities Doctoral Studentships

These typically include:

  • Full tuition fee waivers
  • Stipends for living expenses
  • Research support grants

Eligibility Criteria for Manchester University Scholarships for International Students

Although requirements vary, most scholarships follow core eligibility guidelines:

General Requirements Include:

  • International fee-paying classification
  • Outstanding academic performance
  • Submission of a complete course application
  • Strong references and supporting documents
  • Clear demonstration of leadership, ambition, and career goals

How to Apply for Manchester University Scholarships for International Students

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Select an Eligible Course

Most scholarships require you to apply to a degree program first. Ensure the course aligns with scholarship criteria.

2. Prepare Academic Documents

You will need:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Degree certificates
  • English language test results
  • Personal statement
  • CV or résumé
  • Research proposal (for PhD applicants)

3. Submit Your University Application

Applications are typically submitted via:

  • UCAS (undergraduate)
  • University of Manchester Application Portal (postgraduate)

4. Apply for Scholarships

Some scholarships require separate applications, while others provide automatic consideration.
Always confirm the process on the official Manchester website to avoid missing steps.

5. Attend Interviews (If Required)

High-value scholarships such as the PDS Award may include interviews or research reviews.

6. Receive an Offer

Successful applicants are notified via email and must accept before the deadline.

Benefits of Manchester University Scholarships for International Students

Scholarship packages at Manchester provide significant financial and educational support, such as:

Financial Benefits

  • Partial or full tuition fee waivers
  • Living stipend for PhD students
  • Research funding
  • Travel grants for conferences

Academic and Career Benefits

  • Access to world-class research labs
  • Mentorship from leading experts
  • International networking opportunities
  • Enhanced career prospects after graduation

Popular Programs Eligible for Scholarships

Many scholarships apply to high-demand programs, including:

  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Business Management
  • Economics
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Law
  • Environmental Science
  • Data Science
  • Healthcare programs

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning Scholarships at Manchester

  • Maintain excellent academic grades
  • Write a strong personal statement highlighting goals and achievements
  • Submit applications early
  • Demonstrate leadership and extracurricular involvement
  • Secure strong academic references
  • Present a clearly defined research proposal (for PhD candidates)

Application Deadlines

Deadlines vary by scholarship, but most fall between:

  • January – April for postgraduate taught
  • December – March for PhD programs
  • UCAS deadlines for undergraduates

Always verify the exact dates for your scholarship category.

Conclusion

The manchester university scholarships for international students open doors for ambitious students seeking world-class education and exceptional career prospects.

By understanding the available funding options, eligibility criteria, and application steps, international applicants gain a strategic advantage in securing financial support at one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions.