University of Manchester Announces the Opening the Application window for the Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027–2028 intake The International Students from the Following Countries Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe Who wants to Pursue their Masters Degree in UK Are invited to Apply.
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University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027–2028 – Key Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Manchester |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Study Location | United Kingdom |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe |
| Number of Scholarships | 30 |
| Full-Time Scholarships | 20 full-time, on-campus scholarships |
| Part-Time Scholarships | 10 part-time, online scholarships |
| Application Opens | 1 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Study Begins | September 2027 |
Why Should Students Apply for the Equity and Merit Scholarship?
he University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships provide more than financial support—they invest in future leaders who are committed to addressing pressing development challenges across Africa. Whether your passion lies in engineering, public health, education, environmental sustainability, international development, law, or technology, this scholarship offers an opportunity to gain a world-class education while developing the skills needed to create lasting impact in your community.
What Does the Equity and Merit Scholarship Cover?
- Full tuition fees
- Return international airfare
- Visa costs
- Living expenses
- Comprehensive financial support throughout the programme
Students awarded the online master’s scholarship will receive:
Who Can Apply for the Equity and Merit Scholarships?
The scholarships are open to resident citizens of the following countries:
- Ethiopia
- Malawi
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
READ: Skoll MBA Scholarship 2027 in the UK | Fully Funded Oxford MBA
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the Scholarship?
- Be a resident citizen of one of the eligible countries.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution that meets the University’s academic requirements.
- Have completed the bachelor’s degree before September 2025.
- Possess at least two years of relevant professional work experience (unpaid internships and volunteer work do not count).
- Demonstrate commitment to returning home after graduation.
- Show strong potential to contribute to sustainable development at the community, national, or regional level.
- Clearly explain how studying at the University of Manchester will advance both their career and their country’s development.
- Not have previously studied outside Africa (except training lasting six months or less).
Which Master’s Courses Are Eligible for the Scholarship?
The University lists eligible courses across areas including:
- Engineering
- Environment
- Health sciences
- Global and international development
- Education
- Law
- Computer science
- Other selected fields
What Is the Application Timeline for the Equity and Merit Scholarship?
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1–31 August 2026 | Scholarship applications open |
| September 2026 | Eligibility review |
| October 2026 | Eligible applicants invited to apply for master’s programmes |
| 30 November 2026 | English language qualification deadline |
| November 2026 – May 2027 | Application assessment |
| June 2027 | Scholarship decisions announced |
| September 2027 | Programme begins |
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Scholarships For International Students
How Can International Students Apply for the Equity and Merit Scholarship?
- Checking your eligibility.
- Preparing the required information and documents.
- Submitting the Equity and Merit Scholarship application during the designated application period.
- Waiting for the University to review eligibility.
- Applying for the selected master’s course when invited.
- Meeting the English-language qualification deadline.
- Completing the academic admission process.
- Waiting for the final scholarship decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship?
Citizens and residents of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe who meet the academic, professional, and other eligibility requirements can apply.
Is the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship fully funded?
The full-time on-campus award covers full tuition fees, return international airfare, visa costs, and living expenses. Online scholars receive full tuition-fee coverage for eligible programmes.
How many scholarships are available for 2027/28?
There are 30 scholarships: 20 full-time, on-campus awards and 10 part-time, online awards.
What is the scholarship application deadline?
The deadline for the 2027/28 scholarship application is 31 August 2026.
When does the scholarship application open?
Applications open on 1 August 2026.
When will the 2027/28 programme begin?
The academic year is scheduled to begin in September 2027.
Do I need two years of work experience?
Yes. Applicants must have at least two years of relevant professional experience. Unpaid internships and voluntary work do not count toward this requirement.
Does volunteer experience count as professional experience?
No. The University of Manchester specifically states that voluntary work does not count toward the required two years of professional experience.
Can Tanzanian students apply for this scholarship?
Yes. Tanzania is one of the six countries eligible for the Equity and Merit Scholarships.
Can Ugandan students apply for the scholarship?
Yes. Uganda is included among the eligible countries.
Can Malawian students apply for the scholarship?
Yes. Malawi is one of the eligible countries.
Can Rwandan students apply for the scholarship?
Yes. Rwanda is one of the countries whose citizens and residents can apply.
Can Ethiopian students apply for the scholarship?
Yes. Ethiopian citizens and residents can apply if they meet all other requirements.
Can Zimbabwean students apply for the scholarship?
Yes. Zimbabwe is included among the six eligible countries.
Can women apply for the Equity and Merit Scholarship?
Yes. Women are encouraged to apply, and the university particularly encourages applications from women.
Can I apply for an online master’s programme?
Yes. Ten scholarships are available for eligible part-time, distance-learning master’s programmes.
Do online scholars receive living expenses and airfare?
The online scholarship provides full tuition-fee coverage for eligible distance-learning programmes. The additional travel and living support applies to students studying in Manchester.
Do I need to have studied outside Africa before?
Applicants must not have previously studied outside Africa, except for training lasting six months or less.
When must my bachelor’s degree have been awarded?
For the 2027/28 scholarship, the University of Manchester states that the bachelor’s degree must have been awarded before September 2025.
Do I need an unconditional offer before scholarship shortlisting?
Yes. Applicants must hold an unconditional offer for their chosen master’s course before they can be shortlisted for the scholarship.
When will scholarship decisions be announced?
Scholarship decisions are expected to be announced in June 2027.
Can I apply after 31 August 2026?
Applicants should submit their scholarship application by the stated deadline of 31 August 2026. Late applications should not be assumed to be accepted.
Where can I find the official scholarship information?
The official University of Manchester scholarship page contains the latest information about eligibility, eligible courses, funding, deadlines, and the application process. Visit the official University of Manchester scholarship page
