If you are aiming for a degree that carries weight globally, the University of Manchester (UoM) might be exactly what you are looking for. It is part of the elite Russell Group, ranked among top 30 universities in the world, and based in one of the UK’s most exciting student cities.
You get academic prestige without London-level expenses. Whether you are into business, science, engineering, or humanities, University of Manchester blends top teaching, cutting-edge research, and real-world relevance. It is not just about lectures, it is about joining a diverse, international crowd and being part of a city that never sleeps.
Over 41,000 students from more than 160 countries study here. So if you are from abroad; you are not alone and you will settle in quicker than you think.
What Is the Acceptance Rate at the University of Manchester?
The University of Manchester has an estimated acceptance rate of around 56%.
It’s moderately selective, not impossible to get into, but they definitely expect strong academic performance, especially in competitive programs like Computer Science, Law, and Medicine. For Master’s programs, a first-class or upper second-class (2:1) degree is usually expected.
How Can International Students Apply at the University of Manchester?
You can apply to undergraduate programs via UCAS, and postgraduate courses directly through the University of Manchester’s application portal.
The process is straightforward but competitive, and you’ll need to prepare early for high-demand degrees.
For Bachelor’s Applicants:
- Apply via UCAS (max 5 courses)
- Submit predicted grades or completed high school diploma (A-levels/IB/CBSE accepted)
- English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent)
- Personal statement
- Academic references
- Application deadline: January 31 (equal consideration)
For Master’s Applicants:
- Apply through the university’s portal
- Recognized Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE for English (IELTS 6.5–7.0 preferred)
- Statement of purpose
- Resume/CV
- 1–2 academic or professional references
Key Tip:
Some programs fill up fast, early applications (October–December) have higher chances, especially for scholarships.
What Courses Does the University of Manchester Offer?
Manchester offers 400+ undergraduate and postgraduate courses across humanities, science, engineering, social science, and business.
Popular Bachelor’s Courses:
- BSc Computer Science
- BEng Mechanical Engineering
- BA International Relations
- BSc Biomedical Sciences
- LLB Law
- BSc Psychology
Top Postgraduate Courses:
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Business Analytics
- MA Political Science
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
- MSc Finance
- MSc Marketing
- MSc Public Health
Several programs include placement years, internships, or research components, making them ideal for career-focused students.
What’s the Cost to Study at Manchester?
Tuition fees for international students range from £20,000 to £30,000 per year depending on your program.
Courses in Medicine, Engineering, and Business are typically on the higher end, while Arts and Humanities are slightly cheaper.
Annual Tuition Fees (estimate):
| Program Type | Fee Range |
| Bachelor’s | £20,000 – £29,000 |
| Master’s | £22,000 – £30,000 |
| MBA | £47,000 (full-time) |
Living Expenses in Manchester:
| Item | Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Rent (shared flat) | £450 – £700 |
| Food & groceries | £150 – £250 |
| Transport (bus pass) | £40 – £60 |
| Utilities & Wi-Fi | £50 – £100 |
| Personal expenses | £100 – £200 |
Estimated monthly cost: £850–£1,100
Manchester is more affordable than London; you’ll save on rent, food, and general living.
Are Scholarships Available for International Students?
Yes, the University of Manchester offers a range of merit-based and country-specific scholarships to international students.
Undergraduate Scholarships:
- Global Futures Scholarship
– Up to £5,000/year for eligible international students
– Based on academic excellence and application strength - Humanitarian Scholarships
– For refugees or displaced students
– Full tuition and living support
Master’s Scholarships:
- Manchester Master’s Bursary
– For UK/EU students from low-income backgrounds
– Up to £4,000 - Global Futures (PG)
– Up to £6,000 for international postgraduates - GREAT Scholarships (India, China, etc.)
– Funded jointly with the British Council
– Up to £10,000 for tuition
Some faculties also offer departmental awards, especially in STEM and humanities.
When Are the Intakes and Deadlines?
Main intakes are in September, with some postgraduate programs also accepting January or February entry.
Application Deadlines:
| Level | Deadline |
| UCAS (UG) | January 31 (main round) |
| PG Courses | Rolling, but early apps (by March) recommended |
| Scholarships | Vary by scheme, most close by April–May |
What’s Student Life Like in Manchester?
Manchester is one of the UK’s most vibrant, diverse, and affordable cities for students.
You’ll find:
- 400+ student societies and clubs
- Access to Manchester Museum and Whitworth Art Gallery (both university-owned)
- Massive music, sports, and cultural events
- Europe’s largest student union
- Great nightlife, indie cafes, and iconic football stadiums (Man Utd & Man City)
From curry mile to art trails, you’ll never run out of things to explore – it’s a proper student city that knows how to mix work and play.
How Does Manchester Rank Globally?
The University of Manchester ranks among the top 30 globally and top 10 in the UK.
Global Rankings (2025):
| Ranking Body | Rank |
| QS World | #27 |
| Times Higher Ed | Top 30 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | Top 35 |
| UK National Rank | #6–8 |
Strong subjects include:
- Computer Science
- Accounting & Finance
- Engineering
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Politics
Conclusion
If you’re aiming high, want a solid global degree, and still need to watch your budget, Manchester makes a lot of sense. You’ll get the reputation of a world-class university without the insane cost of living in London.
From the labs to the libraries, from the buzzing music scene to peaceful green spaces, it’s a place where serious learning meets real experience. Whether you’re a coder, researcher, artist, or business student -Manchester doesn’t just prepare you for a job. It opens up the world.
So yeah, if Manchester’s on your radar, it deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the acceptance rate at the University of Manchester?
The acceptance rate is around 56%, varying by program and level of competition.
2. Can I study in English at UoM?
Yes, all programs are taught in English. Language support is available for non-native speakers.
3. How much does it cost to study at Manchester?
Tuition fee is £20,000–£30,000/year. MBA is higher. Living costs add another £850–£1,100/month.
4. Are there scholarships for international students?
Yes, UoM offers Global Futures, GREAT, and other scholarships worth £5,000–£10,000.
5. How do I apply to Manchester?
Use UCAS for undergraduate courses and the university portal for postgraduate programs.
6. Is IELTS required for admission?
Yes. Most courses require IELTS 6.5–7.0. TOEFL and PTE are also accepted.
7. When does the academic year start?
Most courses start in September. Some PG courses offer January intake.
8. Can international students work during studies?
Yes, up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during holidays.
9. Is Manchester a good city for students?
Absolutely. It’s student-friendly, multicultural, affordable, and full of life.
10. What is the job outlook after graduating from Manchester?
Very strong. The university is top-ranked for employability and has global alumni networks.