The Guide to Financing your Studies at the University of Manchester

Embarking on an educational journey at the University of Manchester is an exciting and transformative experience. As an international student, it is crucial to plan your finances wisely to ensure a smooth and successful academic endeavor. From tuition fees and living expenses to scholarships and part-time work opportunities, understanding the financial landscape is essential for a fulfilling university experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various financial aspects that international students need to consider when studying at the University of Manchester. From providing an overview of tuition fees and living costs to discussing available scholarships, grants, and financial aid options, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary to make informed decisions about funding your education. Additionally, we will delve into part-time work opportunities and provide tips on managing your finances effectively during your time at the university.

Studying in one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions comes with its unique financial considerations. However, with proper planning and research, financing your studies at the University of Manchester can be an attainable goal. We understand that each student’s financial situation is unique, and our aim is to present a range of options and strategies to help you make the most of your academic journey.

Whether you are seeking information on tuition fees, scholarships, or managing your day-to-day expenses, this guide will serve as a valuable resource to navigate the financial landscape at the University of Manchester. By understanding the financial aspects and planning ahead, you can focus on your studies, immerse yourself in campus life, and make the most of the opportunities available to you.

Join us as we explore the financial considerations for international students at the University of Manchester and embark on a journey towards realizing your academic aspirations in one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are a significant consideration for international students pursuing their education at the University of Manchester. The university sets tuition fees at a level that reflects the quality of education and the resources provided to students throughout their academic journey.

Tuition fees for international students at the University of Manchester vary depending on the chosen program and level of study. It is crucial to refer to the university’s official website or contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding tuition fees specific to your course.

While tuition fees may represent a significant investment, it is important to recognize the value of the education and the potential return on investment in terms of career prospects and personal growth. The University of Manchester is known for its exceptional teaching standards, cutting-edge research, and state-of-the-art facilities, making it a worthwhile investment in your future.

Tuition fees for UK students:

The tuition fee for 2023 entry is £9,250 per year.

For international students:

the tuition fees are generally higher than those for domestic (UK/EU) students. This difference is due to the fact that domestic students often benefit from government subsidies and funding schemes that reduce their tuition burden.

International students will pay 20% of the standard international fee for their work placement or study abroad year.

Scholarships

To support international students in financing their education, the University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, promote diversity, and provide financial assistance to talented students from various backgrounds.

The university offers a combination of merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and country-specific scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic achievements, while need-based scholarships consider the financial circumstances of the applicant. Country-specific scholarships are designed to support students from specific regions or countries.

It is important for prospective international students to thoroughly research and explore the available scholarships. The University of Manchester’s official website provides detailed information about the scholarships on offer, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and application procedures. It is crucial to review the requirements carefully and ensure that you meet the criteria before submitting an application.

Timeline for 2024/25

Applications for academic admission in 2024	1 October 2023
Scholarship applications open	1 March 2024
Application deadline	15 April 2024
Deadline for undergraduate applicants to accept Manchester as their firm UCAS choice	20 May 2024
Selection panel assesses applications	May 2024
Applicants receive results	28 June 2024
Students arrive in Manchester	September 2024

Global Futures Scholarship

The University of Manchester is delighted to provide over £2.9 million in scholarships to international students starting their studies in September 2023. This scholarship opportunity is available for both undergraduate and master’s students.

For undergraduate students, they are offering 40 merit-based scholarships worth £5,000 each to students from South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Please note that the scholarship application form will only be accessible to students who have applied and received an offer for a full-time undergraduate program starting in 2023. Eligible students must be pursuing one of the following qualifications: A-levels (including international and Sri Lankan A-levels), IB, or Indian Standard XII (CBSE, CISCE, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat boards only).

Award Details

The Global Futures scholarships will be awarded based on academic excellence and the responses provided in the online application form, which will be sent via email to all eligible offer-holders. The partial scholarships will be available to applicants from South Asia, specifically India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Each scholarship is valued at £5,000 for the first year of study, with an additional £5,000 awarded in the second and third years, contingent upon maintaining a 60% average each year. The scholarships will be deducted from the published tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria

• To be eligible for the South Asian awards, applicants must be international fee-paying students from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka, and they must be applying for direct first-year entry in 2023.
• They should have, or be working towards, one of the following qualifications: A-levels (including international and Sri Lankan A-levels), IB Diploma, or Indian Standard XII (CBSE, CISCE, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat boards only).
• Applicants must have accepted a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time program at Manchester and submit an online scholarship application form by May 19, 2023.
• The scholarship awards will be granted after the confirmation of exam results between June and August 2023, depending on the qualification obtained. The application form will be sent via email to all relevant offer-holders.
• Selection for the scholarship will be based on academic merit and the quality of the scholarship application. Applicants must be self-funded (not sponsored) and should not be pursuing Medicine (MBChB), Dentistry (BDS), or Architecture degrees.
• Furthermore, applicants must have selected The University of Manchester as their Firm UCAS choice by May 19, 2023.
• Those who have previously completed a degree in the UK or are enrolled in blended or distance learning programs are not eligible for the scholarship.
• To apply, applicants must complete the online scholarship application form by May 19, 2023. The link to the application form will be emailed to all relevant offer-holders. The University will inform all scholarship applicants of its decision by August 2023, following the release of exam results.

Humanitarian Scholarship

Award Details

The University holds social responsibility as a core value, and are dedicated to assisting individuals who are fleeing conflict and persecution by providing students with educational opportunities at Manchester.

Established in 2022, the Humanitarian Scholarship program aims to support individuals who are facing immediate risk due to armed conflict and have been compelled to leave their homes. The scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and visas.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be at significant risk directly resulting from armed conflict.
• Be internally displaced or have been forced to leave your home country within the last three years due to armed conflict.
• Be unable to access or complete higher education.
• Have not previously studied in the UK or EU at any level.
• Have received an offer of admission for entry in September 2024.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to your chosen course.
• Have an excellent academic background.

Unfortunately, the University is unable to consider applications from individuals who are currently in the UK or EU.

Available Courses

These scholarships are available for undergraduate degrees that span three years. However, applicants for Medicine (MBChB), Dentistry (BDS), Nursing, or Architecture degrees are not eligible.

For those who lack the necessary qualifications for direct entry into our three-year degree programs in engineering, natural sciences, and biosciences, we also offer scholarships for our integrated foundation year or Biosciences Foundation course. It’s important to note that funding is not available for the foundation program in partnership with INTO Manchester.

Also read: A Comprehensive Guide To Scholarships For US Universities

Subject-Specific Awards

Award Details

The University has introduced various subject-specific programs to assist students entering in 2023, which have been developed by faculties and schools across the institution.

The Manchester International Excellence Scholarships

The Manchester International Excellence Scholarships are available to undergraduate students who are paying tuition fees and hail from the following countries: Bangladesh, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

Scholarships will be awarded to the most outstanding applicants based on the information provided in their UCAS applications. For the 2023 intake, there are 50 competitive scholarships available. The scholarship entails £4,000 for the first year of study and £1,500 per year for the subsequent years, up to the fourth year.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be an international fee-paying and self-funded student from one of the aforementioned countries.
• Hold an offer for a full-time undergraduate course in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
• Accept this offer and select The University of Manchester as your firm choice on UCAS by the end of June.
• Maintain an average performance of 60% each year during your undergraduate studies and actively participate in marketing activities to support future students applying from these regions.
• Ensure that you are fully registered with your Department on an undergraduate degree course as a new student.

There is no separate application form for this scholarship. All eligible international students who hold an offer of a place within the Faculty of Science and Engineering will automatically be considered. Scholarships will be granted based on academic merit.

Cost of Living

One of the key areas of support offered is budgeting. The Student Services Centre provides valuable resources and tools to help international students create realistic budgets tailored to their specific needs. These resources take into account the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and other essential costs. By assisting students in creating a budget, the university aims to promote financial awareness and responsible spending.

In addition to budgeting assistance, the Student Services Centre also offers guidance on banking services. International students may have questions about opening a bank account in the UK, understanding banking procedures, or managing transactions. The dedicated support staff can provide information on reputable banking institutions, guide students through the process of opening an account, and help them navigate the banking system effectively.

Managing expenses can be challenging, especially for international students who may be unfamiliar with the local cost of living. The University of Manchester’s support services provide advice on cost-effective living arrangements, affordable shopping options, and tips for saving money on everyday expenses. Workshops and seminars are often organized to educate students on various financial aspects, such as finding part-time employment, accessing discounts and student offers, and maximizing financial resources.

By providing access to resources, workshops, and personalized advice, the University of Manchester empowers international students to make sound financial decisions and manage their finances effectively. This comprehensive support system enables students to focus on their studies and fully engage in the university experience, knowing that their financial well-being is prioritized and supported.

Estimated living costs 2023/24 for undergraduate students

Cost	Undergraduate year (41 weeks)	Weekly cost (based on 41 weeks)
Accommodation (self-catered)*	£6,570**	£160.24
Meals (excluding meals out)	£2,050	£50
Clothes	£400
Transport (including local transport and travelling home/visiting friends)***	£460	Weekly, monthly and annual bus passes available
Other (for example, books, equipment, mobile phone bill, socialising, laundry, photocopying and printing)	£2,460	£60
Total	£11,940

 

*For catered accommodation (breakfast and an evening meal on weekdays) add approximately £790 to the annual total – the ‘meals’ total will be less if the student chooses catered accommodation.

** The University of Manchester self-catered accommodation can range in price from £4,618 to £8,190 a year.

***Based on cost of annual bus pass.

Source: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/experience/student-life/living-costs/ 

To understand the breakdown of daily and weekly expenses, here is the diary of a student who has accounted for all her costs living at Manchester:

Monday

7:00 am – To start the week off right, I wake up and prepare myself a delicious breakfast. Today, I indulge in eggs and roasted peppers on toast as a treat before diving into my work. Thankfully, I have a well-stocked fridge, so I don’t anticipate needing to do a significant grocery shop anytime soon.

2:00 pm – I quickly put together a salad for lunch and enjoy some crisps and chocolate fingers for a well-rounded meal. Then, I head to the university for my first lecture of the day.

6:00 pm – As the day winds down, I head home and warm up some leftovers in the microwave for dinner while I continue working on my laptop.

8:00 pm – I meet a friend for drinks, and the evening ends up costing me £6.50, with an additional £3 for the bus ride. My total daily spending amounts to £9.50.

Tuesday

8:00 am – I wake up a little later than usual and quickly have my breakfast, consisting of toast and a cup of tea, before heading out the door.

9:30 am – I meet some friends at Anchor coffee shop for a work/coffee date. I treat myself to a latte, and my friend enjoys a peppermint tea. The total cost is £4. Later, my friend kindly buys us all some cake—such a delightful surprise!

2:00 pm – On my way home, I make a quick stop at Lidl to buy a couple of peppers for my lunch salad and some chocolate. Additionally, I grab a bottle of makeup remover, an item that occasionally slips my mind. These purchases amount to £7.20. During my first and last lecture of the day, I resist the urge to buy coffee and satisfy my cravings with the chocolate I bought earlier.

5:00 pm – I have a “Content Ambassador” meeting at the university until 7:00 pm, where tea and biscuits are provided. Afterward, I cycle over to a friend’s house for another meeting before heading home to prepare sausages and vegetables for a late dinner. My overall spending for the day comes to £11.20.

Wednesday

8:30 am – With no lectures scheduled for today, I enjoy a leisurely start to the morning. Eventually, I motivate myself to get out of bed and make a cup of coffee and some toast before delving into my university work.

12:30 pm – I arrange to meet my friend at the university for lunch, but before that, I decide to treat myself to a chicken bake from Greggs on the way. I also indulge in a latte and a sausage roll. This meal costs me £3.45.

02:00 pm – It’s time for a boxing session, an activity I thoroughly enjoy for its excellent workout and fun atmosphere. As a member of the boxing society, the session costs me £3. Fortunately, my piano lesson afterward gets canceled, giving me some unexpected free time at home.

6:00 pm – I stop by Lidl to pick up some dessert for an upcoming dinner with a friend. I also grab some “hummus chips” (fancy crisps) and chickpeas to prepare homemade hummus—a fancier touch. These items amount to £2.40. In the evening, my friend brings over dinner, and we enjoy a cozy night in. My spending for the day totals £8.85.

Thursday

7:30 am – I spend the morning cooking, doing laundry, and preparing for a Bible study session that I will be leading later in the evening. I then cycle to the university to meet a friend for lunch.

12:00 pm – For lunch, I savor a homemade hummus with the crisps I bought yesterday and purchase a coke to give me an extra boost of energy. This lunch costs me £1.50. Afterward, we head to the library to work for the rest of the afternoon.

6:00 pm – Every Thursday, I attend a student Bible study at my church, where a hot dinner is provided. It only costs £2.50, which is a fantastic deal for a full plate of chicken curry—a delicious dish with no washing up required. Today’s daily spending is relatively low, leaving me feeling content. I spend a total of £4.

Friday

8:30 am – I pick up some snacks for a PASS study session I’m leading in the morning before my seminar at 9:00 am. Additionally, since I didn’t have time for breakfast, I buy a pastry and a tea when I arrive at the university. These items come to £4.

12:00 pm – After my seminar and PASS session, I cycle home to prepare lunch before my afternoon lecture. The weather is beautiful, so I decide to enjoy my hummus on toast outside in the sun.

2:00 pm – I attend my second lecture of the day, followed by a screening since it’s a film module. It turns into a relatively long afternoon. On my way home, I realize I’m running low on food, so I stop by Lidl to purchase essential items to last me well into the next week. These purchases amount to £13.50.

8:30 pm – After cooking a late dinner with my boyfriend, we join some friends at the pub. Two drinks and a shared Uber ride cost me £8.10. My total daily spending comes to £25.60.

Saturday

9:30 am – This is probably the latest I’ll ever sleep in, but after a late night, I allow myself a relaxed morning. Although it’s a beautiful day, I made plans to go to the library with friends, so after breakfast, I hop on my bike and head to the university once again.

1:00 pm – I decide to take my book outside to read and enjoy lunch in the sun—such a splendid decision. Moreover, I have a loyalty coffee card that’s now full, allowing me to treat myself to a free iced latte!

2:00 pm – During a bout of procrastination, I finally purchase a bike light from Amazon—an overdue purchase that I had been putting off for far too long. Cycling in the dark without one is definitely not cool. The light costs me £10. I also order new shoe laces, which amount to £4.

7:00 pm – This evening, I attend an opera performed by some of my friends at the university. As a music student, I am fortunate enough to receive a free ticket. It turns out to be a delightful evening, keeping my total daily spending at £14.

Sunday

8:00 am – I wake up early for a run to make the most of the glorious sunny weather. Then, I have a leisurely morning before heading to church.

1:00 pm – After church, a group of us gathers at a friend’s house for lunch and Bible study preparation, as we will be leading studies in the upcoming weeks. It turns into a long afternoon, but the delicious chorizo risotto we enjoy together makes it worthwhile. Our friend generously buys and cooks the food for all of us, so it costs me nothing.

6:00 pm – It seems to be a day of free food! I have my first cozy night of the week, and my boyfriend surprises me with pizza. It’s a relaxing end to the week, and my daily spending amounts to a whopping £0!

My overall spending this week was £73.05, broken down as follows:

Food: £29.55

Purchases: £19

Leisure: £19.50

Travel: £5

In conclusion, the University of Manchester offers a comprehensive range of financing options to support students in pursuing their academic ambitions. Whether you are an international student, a UK resident, or facing financial challenges, there are numerous scholarships, bursaries, and funding opportunities available to help ease the financial burden of studying at our prestigious institution. From merit-based scholarships to subject-specific awards, as well as support for students from low-income backgrounds, the university is committed to ensuring that finances do not become a barrier to education.