University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 | Fully Funded

The University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships exist to fix a specific, unfair gap: brilliant students across the Global South who have the academic record and leadership potential to thrive at a top UK university, but not the financial means to get there.

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Open now for the 2027/28 academic year, with applications running 1 to 31 August 2026, this fully funded opportunity supports postgraduate study — either full-time on campus in Manchester or part-time through distance learning, without requiring you to leave your job — for talented students from six African countries: Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

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With only 30 places available across both formats, this is a genuinely competitive scholarship, but one built specifically around impact rather than just academic prestige — Manchester wants candidates with a real plan to bring what they learn back home.

University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships Summary

About the Scholarship

Built around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, this scholarship empowers young professionals from the Global South to pursue solutions to real challenges in their own countries. It’s specifically designed for academically outstanding candidates with genuine leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to social, economic, or environmental impact back home.

Two study formats are available:

• Full-time, on-campus Master’s degree in Manchester (1 year)
• Part-time, distance learning Master’s degree (3–5 years)

A detail worth knowing: the final list of eligible courses for the 2027/28 academic year won’t be confirmed by Manchester until October 2026 — after applications open. Review the current provisional list, but confirm your specific programme is included once the final list is published.

Available Fields of Study

Scholarships span a genuinely wide range of disciplines, including engineering and technology, environment and sustainability, health and medical sciences, development studies and education, human rights and law, computer science, and materials and textiles — with named programmes including MSc Renewable Energy and Clean Technology, MPH Public Health, MSc International Development, MSc Cyber Security, MSc Artificial Intelligence, LLM International Financial Law, and MSc Climate Change, among dozens more.

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Eligibility Requirements

• Be a resident and citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe
• Not have previously studied outside Africa (training of six months or less doesn’t count against this)
• Have at least two years of work experience directly related to your chosen field — unpaid internships and voluntary work don’t count
• Hold a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record
• Be genuinely committed to returning home after your studies to make a real impact
• Be able to explain clearly how studying at Manchester will benefit your specific community, not just your own career

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

What the Scholarship Covers

For on-campus scholars:

• Full tuition fees
• Return international airfare
• A living allowance
• UK visa costs

For distance-learning scholars:

• Full tuition fee coverage, allowing you to complete a Manchester degree remotely while continuing your local employment

Required Documents

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• An updated CV
• A personal statement covering your motivation and career goals
• Proof of citizenship or residency
• Evidence of relevant work experience
• Reference letters, if requested at a later stage

How to Apply

1. Complete the official Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 application form, available during the August 2026 application window
2. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll be invited to apply for your chosen Master’s course — do not apply for academic admission before you’re specifically instructed to
3. Provide a recognised English language qualification meeting your chosen course’s specific requirement
4. Secure an unconditional offer for your Master’s course — this is required before your scholarship application can be shortlisted
5. Wait for Manchester to confirm the outcome of your application, expected by June 2027
6. If selected, begin your studies in September 2027

Official Application Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the current application window for this scholarship?

1 to 31 August 2026, for entry in September 2027.

How many scholarships are awarded each year?

30 in total — 20 for full-time, on-campus study, and 10 for part-time distance learning.

Do I need a university admission offer before applying for the scholarship?

No, not initially. You apply for the scholarship first. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’re then invited to apply for your specific Master’s course, and you’ll need an unconditional offer before your scholarship application can be shortlisted.

Is the full list of eligible courses available now?

Not yet in final form. Manchester states the confirmed 2027/28 eligible course list won’t be finalised until October 2026, after applications open — check the provisional list, and confirm your specific programme once the final list is published.

Can I apply if I’ve studied outside Africa before?

Only if that experience was training of six months or less. More substantial prior study outside Africa disqualifies you from this specific scholarship.

Disclaimer: All scholarship details were verified directly against the University of Manchester’s official page as of August 2026, reflecting the 2027/28 cycle. Given the approaching deadline, confirm all current details directly at manchester.ac.uk before applying.