Support from The University of Manchester
The University is committed to supporting eligible UK students from low-income households with financial support packages.
You don't need to apply for Manchester’s bursaries separately but you do need to make sure you consent to share your financial details with the University when applying to Student Finance England. The Student Services Centre at the University will then be able to automatically identify who is eligible.
The University of Manchester bursaries are paid in three instalments: 25% in December, 50% in February and 25% in April.
We'll take all reasonable steps to maintain the value of the annual financial support packages available to you. However, subject to regulatory approval, the University reserves the right to reduce the value of this support 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.
The 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 |
Unfortunately, if you're entitled to NHS support you won't be eligible for the Manchester Bursary, 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.
Read Abisola’s experience of being a Manchester Bursary holder.
Undergraduate Access Scholarships
The University’s Undergraduate Access Scholarships are generously funded by our alumni community and donors.
These scholarships are in addition to other bursaries you receive from the University and are for:
- 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 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 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 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 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 financial support of 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 you to take opportunities to spend a year abroad or in structured industry placements. Therefore, you will pay reduced fees for that year.
Further information on the tuition fees will be available nearer the time you go.
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 make sure 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 support.
You can find out more about our bursaries by reading the terms and conditions.