Support from The University of Manchester
The University is committed to supporting eligible UK students from low-income households through our financial support packages (bursaries and scholarships).
You don't need to apply for Manchester’s bursaries separately but should ensure that you consent to share your financial details with the University when making an application to Student Finance England.
The Student Services Centre at the University will then be able to automatically identify who is eligible for University of Manchester support.
The University of Manchester bursaries are paid in three instalments: 25% in December, 50% in February and 25% in April.
The University will take all reasonable steps to maintain the value of the annual financial support packages available to students. However, subject to regulatory approval, the University reserves the right to reduce the value of this support, including for students who have deferred entry and those in the course of study, if there is a reduction in tuition fees payable by reason of change in government policy.
In the event of significant changes, the Office for Students provides the option for universities to review their access and participation plan and seek approval for a variation which could include a reduction in the level of financial support provided.
The Manchester Bursary
The Manchester Bursary is available to UK students registered on an eligible undergraduate degree course at Manchester and who have had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance England. This cash bursary is additional to the government package of support.
The Manchester Bursary is available to eligible students, for the duration of their course, subject to a financial reassessment each year.
| Residual annual household income | Annual cash bursary |
| £0 to £25,000 | £2,000 |
| Between £25,001 and £35,000 | £1,000 |
*Students won't be eligible to receive the Manchester Bursary in any given academic year in which they're entitled to NHS support, with the exception of Medicine and Dentistry students who receive a lower level of funding when they become eligible for NHS support beyond Year 4 of their academic programme.
Undergraduate Access Scholarships
The University’s Undergraduate Access Scholarships are generously funded by our alumni community and donors. These scholarships are in addition to any other bursaries you may receive from the University and are awarded as follows:
- all students who have successfully completed the Manchester Access Programme and started an undergraduate course at the University will receive £1,000 a year throughout the duration of their undergraduate course;
- students under the age of 25 who have been in public care for a minimum of three months since the age of 11 will receive £1,000 a year throughout the duration of their undergraduate course;
- students under the age of 25 who have been estranged from their family for at least six months and have been studying without the support of a family network will receive £1,000 a year throughout the duration of their undergraduate course;
- students receiving the Undergraduate Access Scholarship based on their experience of local authority care or estrangement will be asked to provide evidence of this in their first term at Manchester in order to receive the award;
- students who complete the Manchester Access Programme and are care experienced or estranged from their families will receive £2,000-a-year of support. They will receive the UG Access Scholarship (MAP) and also the UG Access Scholarship (Care Experienced or Estranged).
Hear how Zain has benefitted from the Undergraduate Access Scholarship.
Foundation Year bursaries
The University of Manchester is also offering generous financial support worth up to £4,000 for UK students enrolling on its foundation ‘Year 0’ programmes in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biosciences, Science and Engineering.
With the aim of facilitating progression directly onto the relevant undergraduate course, these one-year programmes are designed to attract students from diverse educational backgrounds or those without the appropriate qualifications.
| Residual annual household income | Annual cash bursary |
| £0-£25,000 | £4,000 |
| Between £25,001 and £35,000 | £2,000 |
Financial support for students on a year abroad/year in industry
We want to encourage UK students to take up opportunities to spend a year abroad or in structured industry placements. For students on a year abroad/year in industry, there will be reduced fees for this additional year.
Further information regarding the precise level of tuition fees will be made available nearer the time students are due to undertake the additional year of study.
| Study programme | Household income criteria | Annual cash bursary |
| Study abroad | £0 to £25,000 £25,001 to £35,000 |
£2,000 £1,000 |
| Work placement UK/abroad (non-Erasmus) | £0 to £25,000 £25,001 to £35,000 |
£2,000 £1,000 |
When you apply to Student Finance England please ensure that you consent to share your financial details with the University. The Student Services Centre at Manchester will then be able to identify if you are eligible for University support.
You can find out more information about our bursaries by reading the following bursary terms and conditions.
Cost of Living Support Fund
This fund awards small grants and loans to students facing financial hardship.
Applications can be made all year round and submitted by any eligible students, regardless of study level or nationality.