Top 8 Scholarships for International Students in Manchester 

Studying in Manchester sounds exciting, but the costs can pile up very quickly. There is tuition, travel, food, & student accommodation in Manchester & a whole lot. That is why scholarships matter more than students realize. A good one doesn’t just cut your fees; it takes pressure off your monthly budget & lets you enjoy the city instead of stressing over every bill.  

Below are the top 8 scholarships in Manchester, that helps in making it one of the most affordable study cities. Let’s get started!

What Are the Best Scholarships for International Students in Manchester? 

Manchester has got a mix of university funded awards & major international scholarships. This makes it one of the budget-friendly study cities if you plan things early on. Students apply for these scholarships in Manchester because they offer real financial support. It helps you balance tuition fees, living expenses, & the cost of student accommodation in Manchester.

Global Futures Scholarship 

It is one of the most sought-after scholarships in Manchester. It is made especially for students who are from South Asia, Southeast Asia, & Africa. The award amount ranges between £5,000–£7,500 depending on your region.  

• There are some regions that receive up to £8,000 for PG entry. In order to get it, one must have a strong academic background+ unconditional/conditional offer from the university.  

• This scholarship is offered by the University of Manchester, one of the best universities in Manchester. UoM awards over 100 Global Futures Scholarships every year.

• It is a solid option for students who are trying to manage their budgets for student accommodation in the UK. 

Humanities Bicentenary Scholarships / Manchester Humanities International Excellence Scholarship 

It is a great scholarship for MA & MSc students in humanities & social sciences. Its award allows you to have tuition fee discounts that can go up to £10,000, depending on the course. In order to get the scholarship, one must have a strong academic history, especially in essay-based subjects.  

• These scholarships are competitive, but Manchester’s humanities school enrolls thousands of master’s students annually.  

• This means that intake is large & your chances are not unrealistic. It is a good pick if you’re planning to live near the university in one of the top student accommodations in Manchester.

Faculty of Science and Engineering Scholarships 

This scholarship is designed for future scientists, engineers, & tech enthusiasts. You will usually receive £4,000–£6,000, but sometimes it can go higher for exceptional students.

• To get this scholarship you need to have high academic achievement & recommendation from the faculty.  

• STEM students often spend more on labs/materials. So, this scholarship helps reduce costs while you plan for student accommodation & daily expenses. 

International PG Merit Scholarship 

This is one of the most commonly awarded scholarships in Manchester for master’s students. The award amounts to £6,000–£8,000 toward tuition fees. A high undergraduate GPA that is usually equivalent to a UK 2:1+ offer for an eligible taught master’s.  

• This scholarship is given to a sizeable group of high-achieving applicants.  

• A great option if you want a tuition reduction so you can budget better for student accommodation in the UK & living costs.

Level Up Your Future by claiming your scholarship in Manchester through University Living today! 

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) International Scholarships 

Manchester Met has a strong international community & offers several scholarship tiers.  

• Postgraduate Scholarship: £3,000 – £6,000 

• International Academic Excellence Scholarship: Amount varies but can cover a significant portion of tuition. 

• Eligibility: Offer letter + good academic record (not necessarily top 1%). 

• Extra Insight: MMU awards hundreds of scholarships each year. This makes it one of the more accessible options. 

Chevening Scholarship 

This is one of the fully funded scholarships awarded for one year’s master’s courses. It is one of the strongest scholarships in Manchester. It covers monthly cost of living, tuition fees, & visa fees.

• Its eligibility requires a minimum of two years of work experience with bachelor’s degree. Chevening selects 1,800+ scholars every year from more than 160 countries. 

• Perfect if you want a stress-free study year without worrying about rent or living costs. 

Commonwealth Scholarship 

It is designed for students of commonwealth nations. This scholarship covers full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs & research grants. Over 800 students receive this scholarship each year. A great option if you’re planning to offset tuition & free up the budget for student accommodation. 

Rhodes Scholarship 

A legendary, fully funded PG course that is available for Oxford. There are many applicants that apply for this scholarship on the planet. It includes tuition, living stipends, allowances, & course-related expenses.  

• You need to show exceptional academics+ proven leadership + extracurricular achievements. Only 100 scholars are globally selected per year for this.  

• Even though Rhodes scholars’ study at Oxford, Manchester-bound students often shortlist it during UK scholarship searches. 

Who Is Eligible to Apply for Scholarships in Manchester? 

A lot of people think that Manchester scholarships are only there for toppers or straight A students. But it is not at all true. Different scholarships ask for different things, some focus on grades, while others on leadership. And there are a few that just want you be committed to your course. But below is the general idea of eligibility that is required for eligibility: 

• You must be an international student. 

• You need an offer (or application in progress) for a Manchester university. 

• A minimum GPA or grade requirement is usually mentioned. 

• Some scholarships check English language scores. 

• Research or leadership-based awards require extra documents or experience. 

The good thing is, you don’t have to be perfect to get there. Most of the scholarships in Manchester look for strong performance, not unrealistic perfection. So, apply early & match yourself with scholarships suited to your course. 

What Documents Do I Need for Scholarship Applications in Manchester? 

The paperwork part feels boring, but it’s honestly where most of the students slip up. So, missing even one document can delay your application process. Or it can knock you out of the race completely. So having everything ready early makes the whole process smoother. This is especially when you are juggling visa, deadlines, & choosing student accommodation in Manchester at the same time. Most of the applications ask for: 

• Academic transcripts 

• Passport/ID 

• English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) 

• Offer letter from the university 

• CV or academic profile 

• Personal statement / scholarship essay 

• Letters of recommendation (mainly for PG + research students) 

Keep these ready so you’re not scrambling at the last minute while also sorting flights and student accommodation in Manchester. 

How Do I Apply for Manchester Scholarships as a First-Time International Student? 

Applying for scholarships for the first time feels a bit overwhelming. Deadlines hit faster than you expect. But once you break it down, it’s way more manageable. Think of it like a checklist: one step at a time, and you’ll get through it without losing your mind. If it is your first time applying, then don’t panic. The process is that it looks harder than it actually is. 

• Apply to your course first. Most university scholarships unlock only after you have an offer. 

• Check out university websites for official scholarship pages & criteria. 

• Review eligibility carefully. Course, country, GPA, all matter. 

• Prepare documents ahead of deadlines. 

• Submit applications early. Scholarships fill fast, especially for STEM and business courses. 

• Track multiple applications, don’t just apply to one. 

A lot of students juggle these steps while also booking student accommodation in UK, so organizing everything early helps a lot. 

Conclusion 

Scholarships can genuinely reshape your entire study journey in Manchester. They free up your budget, give you breathing space & let you focus on what actually matters. It includes things like your classes, your routine, & settling into the city without constantly watching your bank balance. Even partial tuition support feels huge when you’re balancing rent, groceries, and weekend travel. 

So, start early, match yourself with the right scholarships, & keep your documents ready. And when you’re ready to sort your living situation, University Living can help you find verified, budget-friendly student accommodation across Manchester, no stress, no endless scrolling.

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