The Manchester Scholarship 2027 offers talented students from selected African countries the chance to study for a Master’s degree at the University of Manchester in the UK. The award covers full tuition and, for on-campus students, also provides living expenses, return airfare, and visa support.
For the September 2027 intake, applications opened on 1 August 2026 and close on 31 August 2026. Therefore, eligible students should prepare their applications as soon as possible.
Manchester Scholarship 2027 Overview
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| University | University of Manchester |
| Degree Level | Master’s |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Awards Available | 30 |
| On-Campus Awards | 20 |
| Online Awards | 10 |
| Application Opens | 1 August 2026 |
| Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Study Start | September 2027 |
The university offers 20 scholarships for full-time on-campus study and 10 scholarships for part-time distance learning.
Benefits of the Manchester Scholarship 2027
Successful students can receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Living expenses for on-campus study
- Return international airfare
- UK visa support
- Access to a world-class university
- Academic and professional development opportunities
Moreover, the scholarship aims to support students who could not otherwise afford to study in Manchester.
Eligibility for the Manchester Scholarship 2027
Applicants must:
- Be citizens and residents of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe.
- Hold a qualifying bachelor’s degree.
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance.
- Show commitment to returning home after graduation.
- Explain how their studies can benefit their community or country.
- Have not previously studied outside Africa, except for short training of six months or less.
Importantly, the scholarship is not open to Pakistani applicants. The eligible countries are limited to the six countries listed above.
Eligible Master’s Programmes
The scholarship covers a wide selection of Master’s programmes.
Eligible areas include:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cyber Security
- Machine Learning
- Robotics
- Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Health Sciences
- Development
- Education
- Law
- Peace and Conflict Studies
The final list of eligible programmes for 2027/28 will be confirmed by the university in October 2026.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Academic transcripts
- CV or résumé
- Professional experience details
- Personal statements
- English-language qualification
- Evidence supporting their community involvement
- Other documents requested by the university
Next, applicants should review their chosen Master’s programme because course-specific requirements can differ.
How to Apply for the Manchester Scholarship 2027
The application process is straightforward.
First, check whether your nationality and academic background meet the scholarship requirements.
Next, choose an eligible Master’s programme at Manchester.
Then, prepare your academic documents, CV, professional experience details, and supporting statements.
After that, complete the scholarship application through the official University of Manchester application system.
Finally, submit your scholarship application before 31 August 2026.
Manchester Scholarship 2027 Selection Process
The university assesses applications based on academic excellence, professional experience, leadership potential, commitment to development, and the applicant’s plans for contributing to their home country.
Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate how studying at Manchester can help them create meaningful change in their communities.
Application Timeline
| Date | Stage |
| 1 August 2026 | Applications open |
| 31 August 2026 | Scholarship deadline |
| September 2026 | Eligibility review |
| 1–31 October 2026 | Eligible applicants apply for Master’s courses |
| 30 November 2026 | English qualification deadline |
| November 2026 – May 2027 | Assessment |
| June 2027 | Scholarship decisions |
| September 2027 | Programme begins |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes:
- Applying from an ineligible country.
- Missing the 31 August deadline.
- Choosing a non-eligible Master’s programme.
- Ignoring the two-year professional experience requirement.
- Writing a generic personal statement.
- Failing to explain your plans for contributing to your home country.
Most importantly, check the nationality requirement before spending time preparing the application.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
First, explain your career goals clearly.
Next, highlight professional achievements that demonstrate leadership.
In addition, describe a real problem in your community that you want to help solve.
Furthermore, connect your proposed Master’s degree with your long-term development goals.
Finally, make sure your application tells one clear story from your experience to your future plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Manchester Scholarship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. The scholarship covers full tuition fees. For students studying on campus in Manchester, it also includes living expenses, return international airfare, and visa support.
What is the deadline?
The application deadline for September 2027 entry is 31 August 2026.
Can Pakistani students apply?
No. The 2027 scholarship is currently limited to citizens and residents of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
How many scholarships are available?
The university offers 30 awards: 20 for full-time on-campus study and 10 for part-time distance learning.
Do I need work experience?
Yes. Applicants need at least two years of professional experience related to their chosen field. Unpaid internships and voluntary work do not count.
When will successful students start?
Successful scholars will begin their Master’s programmes in September 2027.
Related Scholarships
You may also like:
- UWA Scholarship 2027
- McCall MacBain Scholarship 2027
- Vanier Scholarship 2027
- Clarendon Scholarship 2027
- Knight-Hennessy Scholarship 2027
Final Thoughts
The Manchester Scholarship 2027 is an excellent opportunity for eligible students from selected African countries who want to study in the UK without carrying the full cost of their education. Moreover, the programme combines tuition support with living, travel, and visa assistance for on-campus scholars.
The deadline is 31 August 2026, so eligible applicants should start preparing their applications immediately.
Official Application
University of Manchester – Equity and Merit Scholarships:
Official Scholarship Page
