The University of Manchester is offering an exciting opportunity for international students through its Global Futures Scholarships 2026. With over 300 awards available for undergraduate and master’s students, the total value of these scholarships exceeds £6 million. Applications are open to students beginning their studies in September 2026.
Founded in 1824, the University has built a strong global reputation for academic excellence and research. With 26 Nobel laureates associated with the institution, it continues to rank among the world’s leading universities. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Manchester is placed 35th globally and 7th in the UK.
Currently, the University hosts over 44,000 students, with nearly 14,500 international students from outside the EU, making it one of the most diverse academic communities in the UK. The institution also has a long-standing connection with students from Sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 400 students from the region enrolled.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be domiciled in one of the following countries:
• Botswana
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Mauritius
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Zimbabwe
Benefits
• £10,000 per year for up to three years of study.
• Renewal is based on maintaining a minimum of 60% in exams and assessments each year.
• Scholarships are applied as a discount on international tuition fees.
Eligibility Requirements
• Applicants must have resided in their eligible country for the last three years.
• Must be applying for first-year entry in 2026 with one of the following qualifications:
• A-levels
• IB Diploma
• South African NSC or IEB
• NCUK International Foundation Year
• Applicants must be self-funded and choose The University of Manchester as their firm UCAS choice by 25 May 2026.
Courses Not Covered
• Medicine (MBChB)
• Dentistry (BDS)
• Architecture or any course with an integrated foundation year
• Blended or distance learning programs
• Students who have previously studied in the UK
Application Deadlines
• A-level, IB, NCUK IFY: Apply by 09 April 2026
• South African NSC/IEB or November A-level Series: Apply by 26 February 2026
Successful applicants will be notified by:
• 08 April 2026 (NSC, IEB, November A-level)
• 18 May 2026 (A-level, IB, NCUK IFY)
Master’s Scholarships
The University is also offering 200+ merit-based scholarships for postgraduate students. Each scholarship is valued at £18,000, awarded as a reduction on tuition fees.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be domiciled in:
• Botswana
• Egypt
• Ghana
• Kenya
• Mauritius
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Zimbabwe
Benefits
• Each award is worth £18,000, applied as a tuition fee discount.
• Selection is based on academic excellence and the quality of the online application.
Eligibility Requirements
• Must have lived in an eligible country for the last three years.
• Hold an unconditional offer to study a full-time, on-campus master’s program at Manchester by 23 April 2026.
• Applicants must be self-funded.
Courses Not Covered
• MBA, MPhil, MArch, MA in Architecture and Urbanism, MLA
• PGCE
• Clinical Medicine and Dentistry degrees
• Some Master’s by Research courses
• Distance learning and blended programs
• Applicants who studied a Bachelor’s outside Africa
Application Deadline
• Submit your scholarship application by 23 April 2026.
• Successful applicants will be notified by 29 May 2026.
PhD Scholarships at the University of Manchester
PhD Scholarships
The University also offers PhD funding opportunities through various Schools and research groups. These include competitive bursaries for exceptional candidates. Applicants are advised to check the postgraduate research funding database and consult their academic School for details.
In addition, several faculty-specific and program-specific scholarships are available to African students pursuing doctoral research.
How to Apply
1. Apply for an eligible course and secure an offer (conditional or unconditional).
2. Eligible students will automatically receive a link to the scholarship application form.
3. Submit the completed form before the deadline relevant to your qualification.
More details can be found on the official University of Manchester website
Quick Facts – University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships 2026
• Over 300 scholarships available.
• Total funding: £6 million+.
• Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD.
• Deadline: Varies by qualification.
• Eligible regions: Africa and other selected international countries