GREAT Scholarships 2026–27: University of Manchester £10,000 Awards for International Students

GREAT Scholarships 2026–27: University of Manchester Offers £10,000 Funding for International Master’s Students

The GREAT Scholarships 2026–27 have once again opened doors for international students aspiring to study in the United Kingdom, with leading institutions such as The University of Manchester offering generous £10,000 tuition fee awards for eligible postgraduate applicants. Funded jointly by the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign and the British Council, these scholarships aim to attract high-achieving students from selected countries to pursue one-year taught Master’s degrees in the UK.

For students from countries including Pakistan, India, Nigeria, and Bangladesh, the University of Manchester’s GREAT Scholarships represent a valuable opportunity to significantly reduce the financial burden of UK higher education while studying at a globally ranked university.

What Are GREAT Scholarships?

The GREAT Scholarships program is a flagship international funding initiative launched by the British Council in partnership with UK universities. Each scholarship provides £10,000 towards tuition fees, applied directly to the recipient’s university account. The scheme primarily supports one-year taught postgraduate programs, covering a wide range of academic disciplines such as business, engineering, computer science, public policy, and social sciences.

Unlike fully funded scholarships, GREAT Scholarships are partial tuition awards, but they are highly competitive and widely recognized for their academic prestige and career value.

University of Manchester GREAT Scholarships 2026–27

The University of Manchester, one of the UK’s most prestigious research institutions, is a key participant in the GREAT Scholarships scheme for the 2026–27 academic year. The university is expected to offer multiple GREAT Scholarships to students from selected eligible countries, subject to course availability and funding allocations.

Each scholarship is worth £10,000 and is applicable only to one-year taught Master’s programs starting in the 2026–27 academic session. Research degrees and undergraduate programs are not covered under this scheme.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

For the University of Manchester, GREAT Scholarship applications generally follow a structured timeline:

• Applications Open: Around December 2025 (for eligible offer-holders)
• General Deadline: April 23, 2026
• Country-Specific Deadlines: May be earlier depending on nationality

For example:

• Pakistan deadline: Expected around March 26, 2026

Because deadlines vary by country, applicants are strongly advised to check their specific country page on the University of Manchester’s official website and the British Council’s Study UK platform to avoid missing earlier cut-off dates.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for GREAT Scholarships at the University of Manchester depends on both nationality and academic criteria. While the exact list may vary each year, eligible countries commonly include:

• Pakistan
• India
• Nigeria
• Bangladesh
• Ghana
• Kenya

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of an eligible country
• Hold an offer letter for a qualifying one-year taught Master’s program at the University of Manchester
• Meet academic and English language requirements
• Be willing to act as a GREAT Scholarships ambassador

How to Apply for the Scholarship

One important feature of the GREAT Scholarships is that students cannot apply directly without an offer. The process works as follows:

1. Apply for a Master’s Course
   Students must first apply to the University of Manchester and receive an offer for an eligible postgraduate taught program.
2. Receive an Invitation Email
   Once deemed eligible, the university’s international or scholarships office sends an email invitation containing a link to the GREAT Scholarship application form.
3. Submit Scholarship Application
   Applicants typically complete a short online form outlining academic background, motivation for studying in the UK, and future career goals.
4. Await Final Decision
   Successful candidates are notified before the start of the academic year, allowing time to arrange visas and finances.

Why GREAT Scholarships Are Important

With international tuition fees in the UK continuing to rise, the GREAT Scholarships play a crucial role in making UK education more accessible. While the award does not usually cover living expenses, it significantly lowers tuition costs, making study at a top university like Manchester more achievable for talented students from developing and emerging economies.

In addition to financial support, GREAT Scholars benefit from:

• Studying at world-ranked UK universities
• Enhanced employability through UK qualifications
• Global academic exposure and professional networks
• Recognition as a British Council GREAT Scholar

What Applicants Should Do Next

Prospective students interested in the University of Manchester’s GREAT Scholarships for 2026–27 should take the following steps immediately:

• Check eligibility for your country on the British Council Study UK website
• Apply early for your chosen Master’s program at the University of Manchester
• Monitor your email regularly, including spam folders, for scholarship invitations
• Submit your scholarship application before your country-specific deadline

Final Thoughts

The GREAT Scholarships 2026–27 at the University of Manchester offer a highly competitive yet attainable funding opportunity for international students aiming to study in the UK. With a £10,000 tuition award, global recognition, and access to world-class education, the scholarship can be a defining step toward academic and professional success.

Students are advised to rely only on official university pages and the British Council’s Study UK platform for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding eligibility, deadlines, and application procedures.