Studying abroad can be an amazing experience, but it also comes with high costs. Tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and other costs can quickly add up, making it difficult for many international students to afford to study in the UK. There is a good news for those searching for Scholarships for International Students in Manchester.
The good news is that there are scholarships available specifically for international students looking to study in Manchester. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make studying abroad more accessible.
In this blog post, we will highlight 10 great scholarships for international students at universities in Manchester. We will cover eligibility criteria, award amounts, and how to apply.
Why Study in Manchester?
Before diving into the scholarships, let’s first look at why Manchester is a great study destination for international students:
- World-class universities – Manchester is home to highly ranked schools like the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and more. These universities offer a wide range of high-quality degree programs.
- Vibrant student city – With over 100,000 students from around the world, Manchester has an energetic, cosmopolitan vibe. There’s always something happening, from concerts and sports matches to festivals and nightlife.
- Affordable – Living costs in Manchester tend to be lower than in other major UK cities like London. This makes it a relatively affordable place for students to live and study.
- Excellent career prospects – Manchester has a thriving economy and job market across sectors like technology, healthcare, media, and more. Students have opportunities for internships and graduate employment in major companies.
- Diverse city – Home to a large international community, Manchester is a multicultural city. International students will find it easy to meet people from all over the world.
Scholarships for International Students in Manchester
Now let’s take a look at 10 great scholarships available for international students at Manchester universities:
1. Manchester Global Scholarships
Provider: University of Manchester
Eligibility: High-achieving international undergraduate and master’s students from selected countries. Must have an offer to study at the University of Manchester.
Award: Up to £4,000 towards first-year tuition fees
How to apply: Eligible students are automatically considered. No separate application is required.
The Manchester Global Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit to help high-achieving international students fund their studies. They are renewable annually subject to strong academic performance.
2. Denys Holland Scholarship
Provider: University of Manchester
Eligibility: Undergraduate students from China entering the Faculty of Humanities. Based on financial need and academic merit.
Award: Covers tuition fees plus £9,000 stipend
How to apply: Online application form via the scholarship website
The Denys Holland Scholarship supports academically gifted Chinese students looking to pursue undergraduate degrees in humanities subjects. The generous stipend provides help with living costs.
3. Manchester Met Excellence Scholarships
Provider: Manchester Metropolitan University
Eligibility: International undergraduate and postgraduate taught students with an offer to study at MMU. Based on academic achievement.
Award: £1,500 – £3,000
How to apply: Automatic consideration. No application required.
The Manchester Met Excellence Scholarships reward high-achieving international students. The awards help subsidize costs like tuition fees, accommodation, and study materials.
4. Chevening Scholarships
Provider: UK government’s global scholarship program
Eligibility: Students from over 160 countries. Must have an undergraduate degree and be applying for a one-year master’s in the UK.
Award: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, flights, and more.
How to apply: Online application via the Chevening website. Deadlines vary by country.
Chevening Scholarships are highly competitive awards that fully fund international students to study one-year master’s degrees in UK universities, including options in Manchester.
5. Faculty of Science and Engineering International Scholarships
Provider: Manchester Metropolitan University
Eligibility: Non-EU international students applying for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught degrees in the Faculty of Science and Engineering
Award: Up to 50% off international tuition fees
How to apply: Automatic consideration. No application required.
These scholarships make STEM degrees more affordable for international students at MMU. You must firmly accept an offer on an eligible program to receive the 50% discount on your first year’s tuition fees.
6. University of Manchester Momentum Scholarships
Provider: University of Manchester
Eligibility: Undergraduate international students entering courses in computer science, engineering, and natural sciences. Based on academic merit.
Award: £2,000 first year tuition fee reduction
How to apply: Automatic consideration. No application required.
Momentum Scholarships help the brightest international STEM students fund their studies. Renewable annually for duration of the degree, subject to strong performance.
7. Manchester International Scholarship
Provider: Manchester Metropolitan University
Eligibility: Overseas undergraduate students entering any course at MMU. Based on academic ability and potential.
Award: Up to £3,000 fee reduction
How to apply: Automatic consideration. No application required.
Awarded to high-achieving international students, this scholarship helps reduce the cost of tuition fees. Renewable annually based on satisfactory grades.
8. School of Arts, Languages and Cultures International Excellence Scholarship
Provider: University of Manchester
Eligibility: Overseas master’s students in the fields of arts, languages and cultures. Based on academic merit.
Award: £5,000 tuition fee reduction
How to apply: Automatic consideration for eligible applicants. No separate application.
This scholarship helps high-achieving international students fund postgraduate study in subjects like languages, literature, linguistics and more offered within the Faculty of Humanities.
9. Salford Academic Excellence Scholarship
Provider: University of Salford
Eligibility: Non-EU students with outstanding academic records applying for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Award: Up to 50% off first year tuition fees
How to apply: Automatic consideration for eligible applicants. No separate application.
The Salford Academic Excellence Scholarship rewards highly motivated international students with discounts on their tuition fees to help fund their studies.
10. Manchester University NHS Bursary
Provider: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Eligibility: International students accepted onto nursing, midwifery, radiography, physiotherapy and other eligible healthcare courses.
Award: Up to £3,000 per year living cost support
How to apply: Online application form. Deadlines apply.
This bursary provides financial assistance with living costs for international students training in certain shortage fields within the NHS. An agreement to work for the NHS post-qualification is required.
How to Find Scholarships for International Students
Beyond the scholarships above, there are many other funding opportunities for international students looking to study in Manchester. Here are some tips on finding scholarships:
- Check university websites – Universities like Manchester Metropolitan often have dedicated scholarship pages for international students.
- Look for home country scholarships – Your own government or organizations may offer scholarships for studying abroad.
- Search national scholarship databases – Sites like Scholarships.com and StudentScholarships.org list many US and UK-wide scholarships.
- Contact target departments – Get in touch with faculty directly as they may offer subject-specific scholarships.
- Check large global providers – Organizations like the British Council and DAAD offer numerous scholarship options.
- Look at external private scholarships – Charities, trusts, corporations, and foundations provide scholarships internationally.
Thoroughly researching all possible scholarships and applying to as many as you are eligible for maximizes your chances of receiving funding.
Final Thoughts
Studying internationally offers amazing experiences but can be expensive. Fortunately, Manchester provides many excellent scholarship opportunities that help make studying abroad more affordable for international students.
From university-provided scholarships recognizing academic achievement to large external awards covering all costs, there are various funding options to explore. Being proactive and applying to multiple relevant scholarships can help increase your chances of success.
If studying in Manchester interests you, don’t let finances deter you. Do thorough research, apply widely and get help from your chosen university’s international student office. With determination and a bit of luck, you may just win a scholarship to fund an incredible British education!
FAQs on Scholarships for International Students in Manchester
What are the benefits of winning a scholarship?
Scholarships provide financial assistance that reduces the cost of studying abroad. This makes international education more accessible. Scholarships also recognize academic excellence and achievement. Obtaining one looks great on your resume.
What criteria are used to award scholarships?
Common criteria include academic merit, financial need, community service achievements, sports/arts talent, essays, and specific background/demographic factors. Each scholarship has its own set of eligibility requirements.
When should I apply for scholarships?
Start researching and applying for scholarships 12-18 months before your course begins. Application deadlines vary greatly but are often between January to August for programs starting in September.
How can I maximize my chances of winning?
Applying to more scholarships increases odds of success. Make sure you closely meet all eligibility criteria. Follow instructions carefully and submit complete, accurate applications before deadlines. Write strong essays highlighting your strengths.
Are there scholarships just for graduate students?
Yes, many scholarships target master’s and PhD students specifically. Universities and external providers offer postgraduate-only scholarships. Master’s focused options include Chevening Awards, Commonwealth Scholarships, and Marshall Scholarships.
Are scholarships only for tuition fees or do they cover living costs?
It depends on the scholarship. Some cover just tuition fees while others provide a stipend for accommodation, flights, visa costs, health insurance and living expenses. Check award details carefully.
Do I have to repay scholarship money?
Most scholarships are gifts you can use towards your studies and living costs, and you will not need to repay the amount in the future. But some may have conditions like requiring you to work for a specific organization for a few years after graduating.