University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship 2026

Still deciding if studying abroad is right for you? The University of Manchester is offering the 2026 Global Futures Scholarships, a fund totalling over £4.5 million dedicated to empowering the next generation of global leaders.

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This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship. From who is eligible to a detailed, step-by-step application process and a breakdown of the award, we will provide you with the information you need to confidently apply and secure your future.

Understanding the University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship

The University of Manchester, a prestigious public research university in the UK, is committed to supporting talented international students who have the potential to make a global impact. Through its Global Futures Scholarship, the university aims to nurture scholars who can influence the grand challenges of our time, such as poverty eradication, climate change, and social justice.

The scholarship is highly competitive and is awarded based on academic merit and the quality of your responses in the online application form. It is a fantastic opportunity for students who are ready to take on the academic rigor of a top-tier UK university.

Scholarship Benefits

The Global Futures Scholarship offers significant financial support to help cover your tuition fees. For other funding options, see this ultimate guide to student loans for international students.

• Undergraduate Awards: The university offers more than 100 scholarships, each valued at £30,000. This award is distributed over a consecutive period of three years, with £10,000 per year, and is a discount on the published international tuition fees. To maintain the scholarship each year, undergraduate scholars must achieve at least a 60% average in their final exams.
• Master’s Awards: More than 200 merit-based master’s scholarships are available, with each award valued at £18,000. This scholarship is awarded as a one-off discount on your tuition fees.

Who is Eligible? A Detailed Breakdown of Requirements

To be considered for this prestigious award, you must meet a set of specific criteria. It is crucial to review these requirements carefully before you begin your application.

Eligible Countries

The 2026 Global Futures Scholarships for Africa are open to international, fee-paying students who are domiciled in the following countries:

• Botswana
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Tanzania
• Zimbabwe
• Egypt

Important Note on Domicile: To be considered domiciled in one of these countries, you must have predominantly resided there for the last three years. The university considers your permanent country of residence, not just a temporary place of study.

Applicant Status & Financial Requirements

• Self-Funded: You must be a self-funded student. This means you cannot be sponsored by another organization or a government body.
• Previous Study: You are not eligible for this scholarship if you have previously studied at a higher education institution in the UK.

Program Eligibility

The scholarship is only applicable to full-time courses of study delivered on the University of Manchester’s UK campus. The following courses are not eligible for the award:

• Medicine (MBChB)
• Dentistry (BDS)
• Architecture
• Any courses with an integrated foundation year
• Blended and distance learning programs
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Master of Architecture (MArch)
• Architecture and Urbanism (MA)
• Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Clinical Medicine and Dentistry degrees

Application Process

The application process for the Global Futures Scholarship is distinct from your general university application. It is a two-step process that you must follow precisely. For general tips on how to apply for scholarships successfully, click here.

Step 1: Secure Your Admission Offer

The first and most critical step is to apply for and secure an offer of admission for an eligible undergraduate or master’s program at the University of Manchester. The scholarship is only available to students who have already been made an offer of study.

• For Undergraduates: You must apply for direct first-year entry in 2026.
• For Masters: You must hold an unconditional offer to study a full-time, on-campus master’s course starting in September 2026.

Step 2: Submit the Scholarship Application Form

Once you have received and accepted an offer of study, the University of Manchester’s International Office will automatically email the scholarship application form to all eligible offer-holders. Remember to also prepare any necessary documents, such as a recommendation letter, and read this guide on how to ask for a recommendation letter for a scholarship.

Please note: The application form is not available until you have an offer. The form will be emailed from December 2025 until the closing date.

How You Are Selected

Your application will be assessed based on your academic merit and the quality of your responses in the online scholarship form. The university also aims to achieve a balance by gender, domicile, and course in the final allocation of awards. How to win a fully-funded undergraduate scholarship will provide additional information.

Important Dates and Deadlines for 2026

Meeting the deadlines is absolutely essential. The dates vary slightly depending on whether you are an undergraduate or master’s applicant, and the specific qualification you are applying with.

Undergraduate Deadlines

• April 9, 2026: Final deadline to apply if you are taking A-levels, an IB Diploma, or the NCUK International Foundation Year.
• May 25, 2026: Deadline to have selected the University of Manchester as your ‘Firm’ UCAS choice.
• May 18, 2026: Notification date for successful applicants with IB, A-level, or NCUK IFY qualifications.

Master’s Deadlines

• April 23, 2026: Final deadline to hold an unconditional offer and to submit your online scholarship application form.
• May 29, 2026: All successful applicants will be notified of the university’s decision.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need an IELTS score to be eligible for this scholarship?

This is a common point of confusion. The scholarship application form itself does not require a separate IELTS score. However, to be eligible for the scholarship, you must first be admitted to the university, and all international students must meet the university’s English language requirements for their course. This almost always requires an official English test score like IELTS, TOEFL, or a recognized equivalent.

How is the scholarship paid to successful applicants?

The scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee discount. This means the award amount (£10,000 per year for undergraduates, £18,000 for masters) will be directly subtracted from your total tuition fees for the year. For tips on finding accommodation while you study, read about the best student accommodation tips for moving abroad.

Can I apply if I have a low GPA?

The scholarship is merit-based. While strong academic performance is a key criterion, the university also considers the quality of your application form and your potential to contribute to global challenges. If your academic record has an upward trend or is balanced by significant extracurricular or professional achievements, you may still be a strong candidate. Read the best way to explain a low GPA in a personal statement for additional support.

What makes a strong scholarship application?

A strong application demonstrates not only academic excellence but also passion, a clear sense of purpose, and an understanding of how your studies will help you address a global challenge. Take the time to thoughtfully answer the questions in the online application form, linking your past experiences and future goals to the scholarship’s mission. For tips on how to write a scholarship essay, read our guide on writing a scholarship essay that wins. You can also check out our A-Z guide on writing the “Why I Deserve This Scholarship” essay.

Is this scholarship for all international students?

No, this specific Global Futures Scholarship is open only to international students from the selected African countries listed in the eligibility criteria. The University of Manchester has other scholarships available for students from different regions.