The University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 offer funded Master’s study in the UK to academically strong applicants from six eligible African countries. For students studying on campus in Manchester, the scholarship covers full tuition fees as well as return international airfares, living expenses and visa costs. The programme also offers a separate part-time distance-learning route with 10 scholarships.
Applications for September 2027 entry are currently open from August 1 to August 31, 2026. Applicants do not need to have a Master’s admission offer when submitting the initial scholarship application. Eligible applicants are subsequently invited to apply for their chosen Master’s course.
A major point applicants should understand before applying is that this is not a general scholarship for all international students. Eligibility is limited to resident citizens and nationals of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe, together with specific academic, professional and study-history requirements.
University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships |
| Academic Year | 2027/28 |
| University | The University of Manchester |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Study Level | Master’s |
| Study Modes | Full-time on-campus or part-time distance learning |
| On-campus Duration | 1 year |
| Online Duration | 3–5 years, depending on programme |
| Total Scholarships | 30 |
| On-campus Awards | 20 |
| Online Awards | 10 |
| Eligible Countries | Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe |
| Applications Open | August 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Academic Admission Applications | From October 10, 2026 |
| English Qualification Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
| Scholarship Decisions | June 2027 |
| Master’s Start | September 2027 |
The University confirms that 30 awards are available: 20 for full-time study and 10 for online study. The 2027/28 application form also states that scholarship applications close at 17:00 BST on August 31, 2026.
What Is the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship 2027/28?
The Equity and Merit Scholarship programme is designed to support academically excellent applicants from selected African countries who have the potential to contribute to sustainable development in their home communities.
The University describes the awards as intended for applicants who would otherwise be unable to study in Manchester without financial support. It also states that applications are assessed on their merits and particularly encourages women to apply.
For 2027/28, the programme has two study routes:
- Full-time, on-campus Master’s: one year
- Part-time, distance-learning Master’s: three to five years, depending on the course
There are 20 on-campus scholarships and 10 online scholarships.
University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship Benefits
The funding differs depending on whether the recipient studies in Manchester or through the online route.
Full Tuition Fees
The University states that Equity and Merit Scholarships cover full tuition fees.
Living Expenses
For students studying in Manchester, the scholarship includes living expenses.
The University does not state a fixed living-expense amount on the current 2027/28 scholarship page, so applicants should not rely on an unofficial figure published elsewhere.
Return International Airfare
On-campus scholarship recipients receive return international airfares.
Visa Costs
The on-campus award also covers visa costs.
Online Scholarship Funding
Ten of the 30 scholarships are for part-time distance-learning Master’s study.
The University confirms full tuition-fee coverage for the scholarships, while the additional airfare, living-expense and visa benefits are specifically stated for students studying in Manchester.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that the online scholarship provides the same living and travel package as the on-campus award.
Who Can Apply for the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship 2027/28?
Applicants must satisfy all of the University’s stated eligibility conditions.
The 2027/28 application form explicitly says that if an applicant cannot confirm every eligibility statement, they are not eligible to apply.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must be a resident citizen and national of one of these countries:
- Ethiopia
- Malawi
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
Applicants from other countries are not eligible for this particular scholarship.
For example, Pakistan is not an eligible country for the Equity and Merit Scholarship 2027/28. Pakistani students should look at Manchester’s separate country-specific scholarships instead.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirement
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution and meet the University’s required academic grade.
For the 2027/28 scholarship, the Bachelor’s degree must have been awarded before September 2025.
Applicants should check Manchester’s official eligible-qualifications information to determine whether their specific degree and grade meet the requirement.
Professional Experience Requirement
Applicants must have at least:
Two years of professional experience related to their chosen field of study.
The University specifically states that unpaid internships and voluntary work do not count toward this requirement.
This is an important eligibility condition. Applicants should not count volunteer activities as a substitute for the required professional experience.
Previous Study Outside Africa
Applicants must not have previously studied outside Africa.
The University makes an exception for training lasting six months or less.
This requirement can exclude applicants who otherwise meet the academic criteria, so it should be checked carefully before submitting an application.
Commitment to Return Home
Applicants must be committed to returning home after their studies.
They must also demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the future of their home country.
Community and Career Impact
Applicants need to have a clear understanding of how studying at Manchester will benefit both their:
- Career
- Wider community
The application specifically asks applicants to explain the impact they expect their Master’s degree to have.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must provide a recognised English-language qualification that meets the requirements of their chosen Master’s course.
The scholarship itself does not have one single English-language score that applies to every course. Course-specific requirements apply.
The 2027/28 application form lists recognised qualifications including:
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS UKVI
- TOEFL iBT
- Pearson PTE Academic
- Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
If an applicant already has a valid English-language qualification, they can upload it with the scholarship application.
If they do not yet have one, eligible applicants must provide evidence by November 30, 2026.
The test report must also be valid on the start date of the Master’s course.
Eligible Master’s Courses
The University currently lists a broad selection of Master’s courses for the Equity and Merit Scholarships.
However, there is an important qualification: the final list of eligible courses for 2027/28 will be confirmed in October 2026, and course availability may change.
Computer Science
Current eligible Computer Science programmes include:
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Cyber Security
- MSc Machine Learning
- MSc Robotics
This makes the scholarship particularly relevant for applicants searching for Master’s funding in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, robotics and computer science.
Engineering
Current eligible engineering programmes include:
- MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering
- MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering
- MSc Advanced Manufacturing Technology and Systems Management
- MSc Commercial Project Management
- MSc Construction Project Management
- MSc Engineering Project Management
- MSc Management of Projects
- MSc Mechanical Engineering Design
- MSc Advanced Control and Systems Engineering
- MSc Communications and Signal Processing
- MSc Electrical Power Systems Engineering
- MSc Renewable Energy and Clean Technology
Development
The current list includes:
- MSc Development Economics and Policy
- MSc Digital Development
- MSc Global Development
- MSc Global Development (Development Management)
- MSc Global Development (Environment and Climate Change)
- MSc Global Development (Globalisation, Trade and Industry)
- MSc Global Development (Politics, Governance and Development Policy)
- MSc Global Development (Poverty and Inequality)
- MSc International Development: Public Policy and Management
- MSc Management and Implementation of Development Projects
- MSc Management and Information Systems: Change and Development
- MSc Organisational Change and Development
- MSc Research Methods with International Development
Education
Current eligible programmes include:
- MA Education for a Sustainable Environment
- MA Educational Leadership
- MA International Education
- MA International Education (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)
- MA International Education (Higher Education)
- MA International Education (TESOL)
- MA Peace and Conflict Studies
- MA TESOL
Environment
Current listed programmes include:
- MSc Climate Change: Science, Society and Solutions
- MSc Data Science (Urban Analytics)
- MSc Data Science (Earth and Environmental Analytics)
- MSc Environmental Governance
- MSc Environmental Impact Assessment and Management
- MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction
- MSc Geographical Information Science
- MSc Global Urban Development and Planning
- MSc Green Infrastructure
- MSc Pollution and Environmental Control
Law
Current eligible Law programmes include:
- LLM Corporate Governance
- LLM Intellectual Property Law
- LLM International Business and Commercial Law
- LLM International Economic Law
- LLM International Financial Law
- LLM Public International Law
- LLM Security and International Law
Medical and Health Sciences
Current programmes include:
- MSc Audiology
- MSc Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- MSc Biological Sciences
- MSc Cell Biology
- MSc Clinical Immunology
- MSc Computer-Aided Drug Discovery for Cancer Therapeutics
- MSc Health Data Science
- MSc Infection Biology
- MSc Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science
- MSc Medical and Molecular Virology
- MSc Medical Microbiology
- MSc Model-based Drug Development – Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Modelling
Online Master’s Courses
The University currently lists online or distance-learning options including:
- MPH Public Health
- MSc Analytical Chemistry and Measurement Science
- MSc Data Analytics and Social Statistics
- MSc Global Health
- MSc International Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response
- MSc Occupational Hygiene
- MSc Occupational Medicine
- MSc Pollution and Environmental Control
- MSc Sustainable Electrical Power Systems Engineering
- MSc Transformative Oncology
The duration varies by programme. For example, the application materials specify some online programmes as taking between two and five years.
University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship 2027/28 Application Process
One of the most important aspects of this scholarship is that the scholarship application comes before the academic Master’s application.
Applicants do not need to have an academic offer when they initially apply for the scholarship.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you:
- Are a resident citizen and national of an eligible country
- Hold the required Bachelor’s qualification
- Obtained the Bachelor’s degree before September 2025
- Have at least two years of relevant professional experience
- Have not previously studied outside Africa, apart from qualifying short training
- Can demonstrate how Manchester will benefit your career and community
- Are committed to returning home
Step 2: Submit the Scholarship Application
The scholarship application period for September 2027 entry is:
August 1–31, 2026
The 2027/28 application form specifies a final deadline of August 31, 2026 at 17:00 BST.
Step 3: Wait for the Eligibility Review
Manchester reviews scholarship applications for eligibility during September 2026.
Eligible applicants are then invited to apply for their chosen Master’s programme.
Step 4: Apply for Your Master’s Course
Eligible scholarship applicants are invited to apply for their selected Master’s programme during the next stage.
The current application materials state that Master’s applications officially open on October 10, 2026.
The University’s scholarship webpage gives the broader invitation period as October 1–31, 2026, so applicants should follow the exact instructions they receive from Manchester.
Step 5: Obtain an Unconditional Offer
Applicants must hold an unconditional offer for their Master’s course before they can be shortlisted for the scholarship.
This means submitting the scholarship application alone does not guarantee that an applicant will reach the final scholarship selection stage.
Step 6: Provide English-Language Evidence
Eligible applicants must provide evidence of their recognised English-language qualification by:
November 30, 2026.
Step 7: Wait for the Scholarship Decision
Applications are assessed between November 2026 and May 2027.
Scholarship decisions are announced in June 2027.
Required Documents
The official 2027/28 application form identifies the documents applicants need to upload.
Professional Reference
Applicants need a reference from someone familiar with their professional experience.
Manchester says this will usually be a manager at the applicant’s current or most recent employer.
The reference should:
- Be written on official company letterhead
- Be addressed to Equity & Merit Scholarships at The University of Manchester
- Be uploaded with the application
- Not be sent separately by email
Degree Certificate and Transcripts
Applicants must provide:
- Copy of degree certificate(s)
- Copy of degree transcript(s)
The transcript should show the subjects studied and grades achieved.
English-Language Certificate
Applicants can upload their English-language certificate if they already have one.
If they do not have one at the scholarship-application stage, they must provide the required evidence by November 30, 2026.
Document Format
The application form asks applicants to upload documents in PDF format.
If a document has multiple pages, Manchester recommends merging those pages into a single PDF before uploading.
Applicants should also avoid attaching documents that were not requested because the University says they will not be considered as part of the application.
Personal Statement Requirements
The 2027/28 scholarship application asks applicants to answer two important questions.
Why Have You Chosen Your Proposed Course?
Applicants should explain their reasons for choosing the proposed Master’s course and specifically connect their professional experience to their choice of programme.
The application asks for 250–300 words.
How Will the Master’s Degree Help You Improve the Lives of Others?
Applicants must explain how obtaining a Master’s degree from Manchester will help them improve the lives of others.
Manchester asks applicants to be specific and realistic and again requires 250–300 words.
The application form also states that these responses should be written in the applicant’s own words and warns that heavily AI-generated answers make it harder for the selection panel to assess the applicant’s suitability.
University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Scholarship applications open | August 1, 2026 |
| Scholarship deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Eligibility review | September 2026 |
| Master’s applications | October 2026 |
| English qualification deadline | November 30, 2026 |
| Application assessment | November 2026–May 2027 |
| Scholarship decisions | June 2027 |
| Academic year begins | September 2027 |
The University confirms this timeline on its official scholarship page.
University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship 2027/28 for African Students
The scholarship is specifically aimed at talented applicants from six African countries.
Eligible applicants must be resident citizens and nationals of:
- Ethiopia
- Malawi
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
The programme is designed for applicants who can demonstrate potential to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development in their communities at the local, national or regional level.
Is the Scholarship Available to Pakistani Students?
No.
Pakistan is not included among the six eligible countries for the Equity and Merit Scholarship 2027/28.
Pakistani applicants should not submit an Equity and Merit application expecting to qualify under the international-student category. The University maintains separate scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students.
University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship 2027/28 for Computer Science Students
Computer Science is one of the strongest subject areas currently represented in the scholarship’s eligible-course list.
Current eligible programmes include:
- MSc Advanced Computer Science
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Cyber Security
- MSc Machine Learning
- MSc Robotics
This means eligible applicants from the six participating countries with appropriate academic and professional backgrounds can potentially use the scholarship to pursue advanced study in these areas.
However, applicants should remember that the final 2027/28 eligible-course list will be confirmed in October 2026.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
You Do Not Need an Academic Offer to Apply for the Scholarship
The 2027/28 application form explicitly states that applicants do not need an academic offer of admission to submit the initial scholarship application.
If the scholarship application meets the eligibility criteria, Manchester will invite the applicant to apply for academic admission.
You Must Eventually Hold an Unconditional Offer
Although an academic offer is not required initially, an applicant must have an unconditional Master’s offer before being shortlisted for the scholarship.
The Course List Is Not Yet Final
The University states that the final list of 2027/28 eligible programmes will be confirmed in October 2026.
Course availability can therefore change.
Professional Experience Must Be Relevant
Two years of professional experience are required, but unpaid internships and voluntary work do not count toward this requirement.
The Scholarship Is Not Open to All International Students
Only applicants from the six listed countries can apply.
This should be checked before spending time on the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship 2027/28?
It is a Master’s scholarship programme at the University of Manchester for eligible applicants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. It provides full tuition-fee coverage, with additional funding for eligible students studying in Manchester.
Is the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship fully funded?
For full-time students studying on campus in Manchester, the scholarship covers full tuition fees, return international airfares, living expenses and visa costs.
How many scholarships are available?
There are 30 scholarships in total:
- 20 full-time on-campus scholarships
- 10 part-time online scholarships
What countries are eligible?
The eligible countries are:
Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Can Pakistani students apply?
No. Pakistan is not one of the eligible countries for this particular scholarship.
What degree level does the scholarship cover?
It covers eligible Master’s programmes at the University of Manchester.
How long is the on-campus Master’s scholarship?
The full-time on-campus Master’s route is normally one year.
How long are the online programmes?
The part-time distance-learning route is generally three to five years, depending on the programme.
How much professional experience is required?
Applicants need at least two years of professional experience related to their chosen field of study. Unpaid internships and voluntary work do not count.
Can I apply without a Master’s admission offer?
Yes. You do not need an academic offer to submit the initial scholarship application. If you meet the scholarship eligibility requirements, Manchester will invite you to apply for your chosen Master’s programme.
Do I eventually need an unconditional offer?
Yes. An unconditional Master’s offer is required before an applicant can be shortlisted for the scholarship.
When is the scholarship deadline?
The deadline is August 31, 2026 at 17:00 BST.
When do Master’s applications open?
The 2027/28 application form states that Master’s course applications officially open on October 10, 2026.
When must I submit my English qualification?
The deadline for eligible candidates to provide their English-language qualification is November 30, 2026.
When will scholarship results be announced?
The University says applicants will be contacted about the outcome by June 2027.
When does the 2027/28 academic year begin?
The academic year begins in September 2027.
Which English tests are accepted?
The 2027/28 application form lists IELTS Academic, IELTS UKVI, TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE Academic and Pearson PTE Academic UKVI. The qualification must meet the requirements of the selected Master’s course.
Is there one IELTS score for the whole scholarship?
No. The English requirement depends on the chosen Master’s course. Applicants should check the specific requirements of their programme.
Can I count volunteer work as professional experience?
No. The University explicitly excludes unpaid internships and voluntary work from the two-year professional-experience requirement.
Can I apply if I previously studied outside Africa?
Generally, no. The scholarship requires applicants not to have previously studied outside Africa, although training of six months or less does not count.
Are online scholarships available?
Yes. Ten of the 30 awards are for part-time distance-learning Master’s programmes.
Are online students given airfare and living expenses?
The University specifically states that return airfare, living expenses and visas are included for students studying in Manchester. The online route should therefore not be presented as having the same funding package.
Are the 2027/28 eligible courses final?
No. The University says the final list will be confirmed in October 2026, and course availability may change.
Final Thoughts
The University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 are a significant funding opportunity for eligible applicants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe who want to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Manchester.
The programme offers 30 awards, including 20 full-time on-campus scholarships and 10 part-time distance-learning scholarships. For students studying in Manchester, the funding package covers full tuition fees, return international airfares, living expenses and visa costs.
Applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility rules. The scholarship requires a Bachelor’s degree meeting Manchester’s academic requirements, at least two years of relevant professional experience, no previous study outside Africa apart from qualifying short training, and a clear commitment to returning home and contributing to their country’s development.
For the 2027/28 cycle, scholarship applications close on August 31, 2026 at 17:00 BST. Applicants do not need an academic offer when they submit the initial scholarship application, but eligible applicants will subsequently need to apply for their chosen Master’s course and obtain an unconditional offer before they can be shortlisted.
Applicants should also remember that the current course list is not final. Manchester says the final list for 2027/28 will be confirmed in October 2026.
For other opportunities, explore fully funded scholarships, Master’s scholarships, and scholarships for international students.
Official Sources
The University of Manchester — Equity and Merit Scholarships
Official University of Manchester scholarship page
University of Manchester — 2027/28 Application Form
Official 2027/28 application form
University of Manchester — Equity and Merit Programme
Official Equity and Merit programme information
Last verified: August 26, 2026. The scholarship is currently accepting applications for September 2027 entry, with the deadline on August 31, 2026.
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