United Arab Emirates
Manchester is consistently ranked in the world’s top 40 (QS, 2027)
- Discover a city and university that has helped shape the modern world.
- A university preparing and supporting students to thrive in a changing world, shaped by both human potential and AI.
- Consistently amongst the most targeted universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers, 2004-2026)
Welcome
Admissions alerts and notices
We recognise that conflict and war in some regions may affect schooling, examinations, or access to official documentation. Please be assured that the University is actively monitoring these situations and working closely with awarding organisations to support applicants who may be impacted. Further details can be found by following the link below.
Join an established international community
With academic roots stretching back to 1824 and claims to 26 Nobel prizes and the ACM Turing Award 2022, The University of Manchester is one of the world’s leading institutions. This is confirmed in numerous rankings, including the QS World University Rankings 2027, which places us 40th in the world and 8th in the UK.
Our world-class campus has benefited from a £1 billion investment in teaching and research facilities. These include the newly opened £420 million engineering campus and the £105 million Henry Royce Institute, which is the UK’s National Institute for Advanced Materials Research and Innovation. It also includes the £85 million refurbishment of the ‘triple-crown’ (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) accredited Alliance Manchester Business School.
Together with our acclaimed teaching, these and other facilities, including one of only five National Research Libraries, give our students opportunities to enjoy an engaging and enriching experience across our portfolio of programmes.
Our provision spans the disciplines of engineering, humanities, medicine, sciences and social sciences. You can review the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2027 here.
With select students supported by well-known government bodies and other organisations such as ADNOC, the Abu Dhabi Police Attaché’s Office and the President’s Scholarship Office, we’re delighted to be a premier institution of choice for those students and their sponsors.
The University’s long-standing partnership with Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the signing of a $1 billion deal between a Manchester graphene University spin-out firm and the UAE to help tackle global sustainability challenges, helps to showcase the real world impact of our close ties with the UAE.
Our long tradition of giving international students a warm welcome and helping them to make Manchester their ‘home from home’, complements the diverse, dynamic and cosmopolitan community we enjoy shaping together.
On these pages, you'll find key information for students from the UAE, including an overview of entry requirements, exhibitions and visits.
Manchester
The single-site campus is at the heart of the city of Manchester. Manchester is one of the UK’s and the world’s most popular student cities – a buzzing modern metropolis and a vibrant, cosmopolitan, friendly place to live and learn.
Manchester has one of the most diverse populations in the UK with more than 200 languages spoken, restaurants and shops to cater to a wide range of taste and dietary requirements, as well as faith facilities to support those who follow the world’s major religions.
It is budget-friendly for international students as rent tends to be more reasonable than in other locations. Many amenities are within walking distance of the campus with most of the shops, theatres, cafes and restaurants just a short stroll away.
Employability
We are the most targeted university in the UK by the nation's top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2026), and among the leading institutions for global graduate employability (QS and Times Higher Education’s respective rankings).
World-leading research
We are recognised as a global powerhouse of research, with 96% of the University’s research impact activity assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), 2021.
World rankings
Using different methodologies, international rankings typically compare universities from across the globe for their research performance and academic reputation.
| League table | World | Europe | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Ranking (2027) | 40 | 16 | 8 |
| QS World University Rankings: Europe (2026) | 9 | ||
| Academic Ranking of World Universities (2025) | 46 | 13 | 6 |
| Times Higher Education (2026) | 56 | 8 | |
| Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings (2026) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| QS World University Sustainability Rankings | 9 | 6 | 4 |
Watch: Student stories
Video: Studying in Manchester
Hear from Lina talking about the city of Manchester.
Entry requirements
General requirements
Due to differences in the UK and UAE education systems, students with the Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama will be required to follow an approved international foundation course. Students who have an overall average of 90% or above in the Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama (including 90% in Maths and Physics) would be considered for the University’s Science and Engineering with an integrated foundation year programme. Applications for the University’s Biosciences with a foundation year programme would be considered following completion of the Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama on a case by case basis.
Students who have achieved an overall Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama, secondary school certificate grade of 85% or higher would be considered for the foundation programmes (Engineering and Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (including Management and Law), Biosciences, Pharmacy and Psychology) run in partnership with the University by INTO Manchester. Subject specific requirements may apply.
If you are completing three GCE A-level subjects, or the International Baccalaureate, you will be considered for direct entry to Year 1 provided that your predicted grades meet the minimum requirements stated in the individual course webpages.
If you are currently studying for a US diploma at school we would generally consider you for the international foundation course and the minimum requirement will be a GPA of 3.0/4.0. SAT I and SAT II tests are not required but will be considered a bonus (provided you have the minimum GPA). Under certain circumstances, three Advanced Placements (AP) subjects with high grades on top of SAT I/II may be considered for direct entry into Year 1.
For master’s programmes we consider a first degree from a recognised UAE university with a high percentage or GPA.
UAE master’s degrees from recognised universities (classified as Merit or above, or equivalent) are generally considered for PhD entry at The University of Manchester.
When assessing your academic record, we may consider not only your overall grade average, but also your performance relative to peers (such as class rank or percentile), the academic rigour of your programme and the reputation and standards of the institution at which the qualification was completed.
Applications are particularly welcomed from candidates evidencing academic excellence demonstrated within a demanding educational context who also exhibit future potential.
English language requirements
All international students coming to study in the UK on a Student Route visa are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English language. The minimum English language requirements for each programme are specified on the course description.
We accept a range of global English tests (eg IELTS, TOEFL iBT). In addition, we may be able to accept English from Indian Standard XII exams, depending on the Board and overall score achieved. Confirmation that English was the mode of instruction at your university is not accepted as evidence that you meet the requirements.
For further guidance about evidencing English language proficiency, please contact the International Office or the relevant admissions team. Alternatively, consult our English Language requirements.
Study abroad
If you are currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at any accredited university or college of higher education outside of the UK, you can apply to spend a semester or full year here at The University of Manchester.
We offer year/semester abroad programmes as well as participating in a number of exchange partnerships with key European and worldwide universities. Most students joining us for study abroad do so in their third year (of a four-year degree) although we do also accept applications from second- and final-year students.
Minimum entry requirements for study abroad students are a 60% average.
Finance
Scholarships
Global Futures Scholarship 2026
The University of Manchester is pleased to offer more than 300 awards to outstanding international students starting their studies in September 2026.
The total value of scholarships offered will be more than £6 million and are open to students applying for undergraduate and master’s degrees.
Undergraduate awards
We're proud to offer more than 100 merit-based undergraduate scholarships of up to £30,000 (£10,000 per year over three years) to international students from a selection of countries across the globe.
Our prestigious Global Futures Scholarships for the Middle East are open to overseas fee-paying applicants of any nationality who are ordinarily domiciled in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.
Please note: the application form will only be available once you've applied for an eligible course and received an offer.
Each award comprises £10,000 for the first year of study with a further £10,000 in the second and third years. Continuation of the award is conditional on attainment of 60% in final exams and assessments each year. Scholarships will be awarded as a discount on published international tuition fees.
You must be taking one of the following qualifications:
- A-level
- French Baccalaureate
- IB Diploma
- Indian XII Standard
Scholarships will be awarded based on academic excellence, predicted and achieved grades, and your online application form, which will be emailed to all eligible offer-holders.
Awardees will be selected based on academic merit, but we'll try to achieve a balance in the allocation of the awards by gender, domicile, qualification type and course of study.
- Applications will be considered from international fee-paying students domiciled in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- To be considered as 'domiciled' in these countries, you must've predominantly lived there during the last three years
- We consider your permanent country of residence to be the country in which you're ordinarily resident, not a country where you're only living for full-time education.
You must be applying for direct first-year entry in 2026 and have, or be working towards, one of the following qualifications:
- A-levels
- French Baccalaureate
- IB Diploma
- Indian Standard XII (CBSE, CISCE, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat)
Scholarship applications will be assessed on any previous exams, predicted grades in the above-listed qualifications and the strength of the personal statement.
- You must be self-funded (not sponsored).
- You must have selected The University of Manchester as your 'Firm' UCAS choice by 21 May 2026.
- The award only applies to full-time courses delivered at The University of Manchester’s UK campus.
The application form will be emailed automatically to all eligible applicants shortly after an academic offer is made. Forms will be emailed from December 2025 until the closing date.
Not eligible
- Applicants for Medicine (MBChB), Dentistry (BDS), Architecture, or any courses with an integrated foundation year.
- Applicants who've previously studied in the UK.
- Applicants for blended and distance learning programmes.
The above is provided as a summary but please ensure that you download and read our full terms and conditions (Word, 269KB).
The application deadline is 21 May 2026, you'll also need to have selected The University of Manchester as your 'Firm' UCAS choice by this date to be considered.
- You can apply before the 21 May 2026 deadline.
- Late applications won't be considered.
- Successful applicants will be notified by 23 June 2026.
Where exam results aren't available by the deadlines, awards offers will be conditional on academic performance as outlined in the full terms and conditions.
Master’s awards
We're proud to offer more than 200 merit-based master’s scholarships to prospective international students from a range of countries across the globe.
The value of The Global Futures Scholarships for overseas fee-paying students of any nationality from eligible Middle East countries is £10,000.
The awards are open to eligible applicants domiciled in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
These scholarships of £10,000 will be awarded based on academic excellence and the quality of your online application form.
Scholarships will be awarded as a discount on published overseas tuition fees.
- Applications will be considered from international fee-paying students domiciled in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- To be considered as 'domiciled' in these countries, you must have predominantly lived there during the last three years.
- We consider your permanent country of residence to be the country you're ordinarily resident, not a country where you're only living for full-time education.
- You must hold an offer to study a full-time, on-campus master’s course at The University of Manchester starting in September 2026 by 4 June 2026 and submit an online scholarship application form by the same deadline. The form will be emailed to all eligible offer-holders.
- You'll be considered based on academic merit and the quality of your application, but we'll try to achieve a balance by gender, domicile and course in the allocation of the awards.
- You must be self-funded (not sponsored).
Not eligible
- Applicants for MBA, MPhil, Master of Architecture (MArch), Architecture and Urbanism (MA), Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Clinical Medicine and Dentistry degrees.
- Some ‘Master’s by Research’ courses are also ineligible (see terms and conditions below).
- Applicants for blended and distance learning programmes.
The above is provided as a summary so make sure that you download and read our full terms and conditions (Word, 291KB).
You must hold a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time master’s course at The University of Manchester and submit an online scholarship application form by 4 June 2026.
All successful applicants will be notified by 10 July 2026.
The application form will be directly sent to all eligible offer-holders.
Other opportunities
- A number of other faculty, school and programme-specific scholarships are available to students.
- For PhDs, the University offers a number of competitive bursaries via individual Schools and research groups for well-qualified candidates. Check with your prospective academic School for details and the University’s postgraduate research funding database.
Careers and alumni
Manchester graduates have an excellent reputation among employers. We are the most targeted university by major UK graduate employers (The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research).
Find out more about Careers Service at Manchester.
Global Manchester
Manchester welcomes students from all over the world, creating a vibrant, inclusive community you can quickly feel part of.
With a rich cultural mix, global food scene and friendly atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with others, celebrate your own culture and experience new ones.
Through our strong international partnerships with universities, organisations and global networks, you’ll also benefit from opportunities such as study abroad, collaborative research and global career connections.
Together, this makes Manchester an exciting and supportive place to call home during your studies.
Meet us
For further information or any queries about our visits to the UAE, please contact jeremy.burgess@manchester.ac.uk.
Virtual Open Days
If there are no current opportunities to meet us, you can still discover what it’s like to study at Manchester.
By joining one of our virtual open days, you can explore the campus, accommodation and the city, join live sessions and Q&As with staff and current students - and get a real feel for student life and support available to you from application to graduation. It’s your chance to connect and ask questions.
- Undergraduate virtual open days
- Postgraduate taught information sessions
- Postgraduate research virtual open days
Campus tours
Thinking of visiting campus? Learn more about our international student campus tours.
Contacts
The International Team is here to help.
Please complete the form below to contact us with any questions you may have.
We also welcome enquiries from schools and invitations to any planned events.
British Council
The British Council in UAE offers advice to students who wish to study in the UK. There are British Council offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
British Council Abu Dhabi office
Abu Dhabi
Villa No. 16
Next to Bateen Healthcare Centre,
Al Qasbah Street, Al Bateen.
Tel: +971 600 529 995
Email: information@ae.britishcouncil.org
British Council Dubai office
Tariq Bin Ziyad Street,
Near Rashid Hospital.
Tel: +971 600 529 99
British Council Sharjah office
4th Floor, Omran Tower Mashreq Bank building,
King Abdul Aziz Street.
Tel: +971 600 529 995
Contact an agency
IDP Dubai Office
7th floor, The One Tower, Al Barsha Heights (TECOM), Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Office email: info.dubai@idp.com
Contact email: sabina.crasto@idp.com
Tel: +97143446814
Web: Educational consultants in UAE | IDP UAE [idp.com]
IDP Abu Dhabi Office
Office 404, Syscom College Building, Airport Road Near Corniche, Abu Dhabi , UAE
Office email: info.abudhabi@idp.com
Contact: Ferwen.tadesse@idp.com
Tel: +97126228367/68
Web: Educational consultants in UAE | IDP UAE [idp.com]
Working with an educational adviser or agent
If you are planning to seek the support of an educational adviser or ‘agent’, we would strongly recommend that you first refer to British Councils' Education agents page.
The University of Manchester’s contracted educational advisers are trusted, trained representatives of the institution. If you are dissatisfied with your experience, please email international@manchester.ac.uk.
Contact a student
If you would like to speak to a current student from your home country to hear about student life at Manchester, please contact the International Office via email international@manchester.ac.uk – please include your name and subject of interest.