University of Manchester launches scholarships for people fleeing conflict and persecution

The University of Manchester has created fully-funded scholarships for 20 students who are fleeing war and persecution, with people now able to apply to start studying in September.

The University of Manchester Humanitarian scholarships were created in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but are open to any international applicant who has been displaced because of armed conflict or is at serious risk of persecution or violence due to race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.

There are ten undergraduate and ten postgraduate-taught places on offer in the first year and successful applicants will have their fees, living expenses and visas covered. It is expected the scheme will cost around £5m a year to operate.

Professor Nalin Thakkar, Vice-President for Social Responsibility said: “The war in Ukraine has had a devastating effect on people’s educational chances – we have many Ukrainian staff and students and they asked us what more the University could do to support their people. We are also conscious that many other people around the world can’t reach their potential because of war or persecution and wanted to help address that on a long-term basis.”

The deadline for applications is 30 June and detailed criteria are on the University website. The University will accept applications from individuals who have sought refuge in the UK as well as those who are currently living outside the UK. The scheme is flexible and anyone who is not sure if they meet the criteria should contact the University to discuss their application.

The University of Manchester Humanitarian scholarships are just one of the many on offer supporting the University’s social responsibility agenda, which include Equity and Merit Scholarships for students from sub-Saharan Africa and Undergraduate Access Scholarships for UK applicants who have been in care or estranged.