University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 in UK

The University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships are designed to support talented individuals from the Global South who have the potential to become leaders in sustainable development. The University of Manchester is committed to equal opportunity, and all applications are assessed on their merits. The university particularly encourages women to apply.

The scholarship programme offers two types of awards:

• Full-time, on-campus master's — One-year programme at the University of Manchester campus

• Part-time, distance learning master's — Three to five years online programme

There are 30 scholarships available for the 2027/28 academic year:

• 20 scholarships for full-time on-campus study

• 10 scholarships for part-time distance learning

Related: Learn more about master's funding at the University of Manchester and the university's commitment to sustainable development.

Successful Equity and Merit Scholarship recipients receive comprehensive financial support, including:

Full-Time On-Campus Master's Benefits

• Full tuition fees — Complete coverage of all tuition costs for the one-year master's programme

• Return international airfares — Economy return flights from home country to Manchester

• Living expenses — Stipend to cover accommodation, food, and daily living costs in Manchester

• Visa costs — Coverage of UK visa application fees

Part-Time Distance Learning Master's Benefits

• Full tuition fees — Complete coverage of all tuition costs for the three to five-year online programme

Additional Benefits

• World-class education — Study at a Russell Group university ranked among the top institutions globally

• Access to Manchester's research facilities — State-of-the-art libraries, laboratories, and academic resources

• Professional networking opportunities — Connect with global development professionals and alumni

• Career development support — Employability workshops, career counselling, and internship opportunities

• Leadership development — Training to drive sustainable development impact in home communities

• Alumni network membership — Join the University of Manchester's global alumni community

Note: The awards are intended for applicants who would not otherwise be able to study in Manchester without financial support.

All applicants must submit the following documents through the University of Manchester application portal:

• Completed scholarship application form — Submitted during the August 2026 application window

• Academic transcripts — Certified copies of all university-level qualifications

• Degree certificates — Proof of completion of bachelor's degree (or equivalent)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Highlighting academic achievements, professional experience, and community involvement

• Personal statement — Explaining:

  • Your motivation for studying at Manchester

  • How the degree will contribute to sustainable development in your home country

  • Why you require financial support

  • Your career plans upon returning home

• Two reference letters — Academic and/or professional references attesting to your abilities and potential

• Proof of English language proficiency — IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent (must be submitted by 30 November 2026)

• Evidence of professional experience — Employment certificates, volunteer records, or other documentation

• Evidence of community development involvement — Documentation of contributions to sustainable development initiatives

Important: All documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by certified English translations. Ensure your personal statement clearly addresses the scholarship's focus on sustainable development and financial need.

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Equity and Merit Scholarship:

Citizenship and Residency

• Must be a citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe

• Must be resident in one of these countries at the time of application

Academic Excellence

• Must hold an excellent academic record — Typically a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent)

• Must demonstrate strong academic potential for master's level study

Sustainable Development Commitment

• Must demonstrate the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development in their home community at local, national, or regional level

• Must show clear commitment to returning to their home country after completing the degree to apply their knowledge and skills

Financial Need

• Must be an applicant who would not otherwise be able to study in Manchester without financial support

• Must demonstrate genuine financial need for the scholarship

English Language Proficiency

• Must meet the University of Manchester's English language requirements for the chosen master's programme

• Must submit a valid English language qualification by 30 November 2026

Additional Requirements

• Must have at least two years of professional experience relevant to their field of study (preferred)

• Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community development

• Women are particularly encouraged to apply

Tip: A strong application will clearly articulate how the master's degree will enable you to contribute to sustainable development in your home country upon return.

Follow these steps to complete your application for the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship:

1. Check your eligibility — Ensure you are a citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe and meet all other requirements.

2. Identify your chosen master's course — Review the list of eligible courses on the scholarship webpage and select a programme aligned with your sustainable development goals.

3. Prepare your documents — Gather academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, personal statement, reference letters, and English language test results.

4. Write your personal statement — Clearly articulate:

   • Why you want to study at Manchester

   • How the degree will enable you to contribute to sustainable development in your home country

   • Why you need financial support

   • Your plans after returning home

5. Submit the scholarship application — Apply through the University of Manchester application portal during the 1 to 31 August 2026 window.

6. Await eligibility review — The university will review applications and confirm eligibility (September 2026).

7. Apply for your master's course — If eligible, you will be invited to apply for your chosen master's programme during 1 to 31 October 2026.

8. Submit English language qualification — Provide valid English test results by 30 November 2026.

9. Await assessment — Applications are assessed from November 2026 to May 2027.

10. Receive decision — Scholarship decisions are announced in June 2027.

Important: Applications for the scholarship are only open from 1 to 31 August 2026. Late applications will not be considered. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submission.