Applications are now open for the fully funded University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships 2025/2026 for international students
The pursuit of a postgraduate degree can be a significant catalyst for personal and professional growth, especially for those who aspire to drive positive change in their home countries. The University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship is a prestigious and comprehensive funding opportunity designed specifically for academically gifted and motivated students from select African nations. This scholarship is much more than a financial award; it is a commitment to developing future leaders who will return home with the expertise and vision to make a lasting impact on their communities.
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The scholarship is a lifeline for students who may not have the financial means to study abroad, covering not only full tuition fees but also providing a substantial support package for those who choose to study on campus in Manchester. This includes essential components such as return international airfares, a generous living stipend, and visa costs, effectively removing all major financial barriers. This holistic approach ensures that scholars can fully focus on their academic and personal development without financial worries. Additionally, for those who prefer the flexibility of remote learning, a similar fully funded option is available for select online degree programs.
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship is designed to be a truly all-encompassing award, ensuring that successful scholars can pursue their postgraduate studies without any financial strain. The benefits vary slightly depending on whether you are enrolled in an on-campus or online degree program.
On-Campus Degree Programs
For students who will be studying full-time in Manchester, the scholarship package is exceptionally generous, covering:
- Full Tuition Fees: All tuition fees for your chosen master’s course are paid in full.
- Return International Airfares: The cost of return flights from your home country to Manchester is covered.
- Living Expenses: A substantial living stipend is provided to cover accommodation, food, and other daily expenses throughout your stay.
- Visa Costs: All costs associated with obtaining your UK student visa are included, eliminating a significant administrative and financial burden.
Online Degree Programs
For students pursuing a distance learning master’s degree, the scholarship still provides full financial coverage, but the benefits are tailored to the online format:
- Full Tuition Fees: All tuition fees for the online degree program are covered.
This ensures that even students who cannot travel to the UK can still benefit from a world-class Manchester education and enhance their professional skills from their home country.
Eligibility Criteria
The University of Manchester has established a clear set of criteria to identify candidates who are not only academically outstanding but also possess a strong commitment to their home countries’ development. To be considered for the Equity and Merit Scholarship, prospective applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Academic and Professional Qualifications
- University Offer: You must first secure an offer of admission to a postgraduate degree program at the University of Manchester. This is a prerequisite to being considered for the scholarship.
- Postgraduate Requirements: Candidates must meet all the standard academic requirements for their chosen postgraduate degree program at the university.
- Degree Completion: You must hold a bachelor’s degree, having graduated no later than September 2023, with an overall excellent academic standing. The awards are specifically for academically exceptional students, typically meaning you rank in the top 10% of your graduating class.
- Professional Experience: You must possess a minimum of two years of relevant professional work experience in your chosen field of study. Please note that unpaid internships or voluntary work do not count towards this requirement.
Residency and Background Requirements
- Citizenship: You must be a resident citizen of one of the following eligible countries for this fully funded master’s scholarship: Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe.
- International Study History: You must not have previously studied outside of Africa. Brief training or short courses lasting six months or less are an exception to this rule.
Vision and Commitment
- Impact on Home Country: You must demonstrate a clear and compelling commitment to returning home and utilizing your newly acquired knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the future of your country.
- Career Alignment: You should have a well-articulated vision of how studying at the University of Manchester will specifically benefit your personal career trajectory and contribute to the wider community in your home country.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for the Equity and Merit Scholarship is a two-stage procedure that requires careful attention to detail. It is imperative to follow the university’s instructions precisely to ensure your application is considered.
- Initial Scholarship Application: The first step is to visit the official scholarship webpage by clicking the provided link. Here, you will find the link to the scholarship application form. You must complete this application first. Do not apply for academic admission at this stage. The scholarship application serves as an initial eligibility check.
- Invitation to Apply for a Master’s Course: If your scholarship application successfully meets the eligibility requirements, you will be contacted and invited to make a formal academic application for your chosen master’s course at the University of Manchester. The university will provide you with clear guidance on how to proceed with this academic application.
- Academic Admission and Shortlisting: An offer of admission from the University of Manchester will be a prerequisite for your scholarship application to be shortlisted. The university will review your academic application and, if successful, extend an offer of admission. Once you hold an offer, your scholarship application will be formally considered for the next stage of shortlisting.
- Final Decision: The University of Manchester has a clear timeline for communicating outcomes. You can expect to be informed of the final decision on your scholarship application by June 2026.
Why Choose the University of Manchester?
Choosing to pursue your postgraduate studies at the University of Manchester is a decision to invest in a world-class education that will not only advance your career but also empower you to be a leader of change.
Global Reputation and Academic Excellence
The University of Manchester is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and consistently ranks among the top universities globally. Its history of groundbreaking discoveries, including the birthplace of the modern computer and the isolation of graphene, underscores its commitment to innovation and research excellence. A master’s degree from this institution is a highly respected credential that will open doors internationally.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
The Equity and Merit Scholarship is a testament to the university’s deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility and global equity. The program is designed to empower individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a clear vision for sustainable development. By choosing Manchester, you join a community that actively seeks to use its academic and research prowess to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Diverse and Inclusive Community
With a vibrant student body of over 40,000 students from more than 160 countries, Manchester is a truly diverse and inclusive community. This multicultural environment provides an unparalleled opportunity to build a global network, engage with different perspectives, and develop the cross-cultural communication skills essential for effective leadership on the world stage.
Access to State-of-the-Art Resources
As a Manchester student, you will have access to exceptional academic and research resources, including one of the largest academic libraries in the UK, cutting-edge laboratories, and specialized research centers. For online students, the university’s robust virtual learning environment ensures a high-quality educational experience with comprehensive digital resources and support.
Strong Alumni Network
The University of Manchester has a vast and influential alumni network spanning the globe. Connecting with this network provides invaluable career guidance, mentorship, and professional opportunities long after you have graduated. As an Equity and Merit Scholar, you become part of an even more exclusive network of fellow changemakers, fostering lifelong connections and collaborations.
University of Manchester degree is more than an academic qualification—it is a passport to a future of impact, supported by a rich legacy of innovation, a commitment to global good, and a powerful network of peers and mentors.
Application Deadline:Â August 31, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does “fully funded” mean for the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship?
A1: “Fully funded” means the scholarship covers all major costs associated with your master’s program. For on-campus students, this includes full tuition fees, round-trip international airfares, a living stipend, and visa costs. For online students, it covers full tuition fees for the duration of the degree. This comprehensive support allows scholars to focus entirely on their studies and professional development.
Q2: Can I apply for the scholarship before I have been admitted to a master’s program at the University of Manchester?
A2: Yes, you must apply for the scholarship first. The application for the Equity and Merit Scholarship acts as an initial eligibility check. If you meet the criteria, the university will then invite you to make a formal academic application for your chosen master’s course. You must hold an offer of admission before your scholarship application can be shortlisted.
Q3: What is the latest I can have graduated to be eligible for this scholarship?
A3: To be considered for the scholarship, you must have completed your bachelor’s degree and graduated before September 2023. This requirement is in place to ensure that applicants have had sufficient time to gain the minimum of two years of relevant professional work experience that is also required for eligibility.
