Getting a UK master’s degree fully paid for isn’t a myth. The University of Manchester proves it every year through its Equity and Merit Scholarships — one of the most generous, long-running funded scholarship programmes open to African graduates today.
If you’re from Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe, hold a strong bachelor’s degree, and have real professional experience behind you, this scholarship could be your route into a top-ranked UK university without the tuition bill. Applications for the 2027/28 intake are open now, so here’s everything you need to know before you apply.
What Are the Equity and Merit Scholarships?
The Equity and Merit Scholarships are a flagship funding programme at the University of Manchester built for academically excellent students from disadvantaged backgrounds who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford postgraduate study in the UK. The university particularly encourages women to apply and looks for future leaders who plan to use their degree to tackle real development challenges back home — in health, engineering, technology, education, climate, or public policy.
Quick Facts: Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Manchester, UK |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Countries | Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe |
| Number of Awards | 30 (20 full-time on-campus + 10 part-time online) |
| Applications Open | 1 August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2026 |
| Intake | September 2027 |
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
How much you receive depends on whether you study on campus in Manchester or complete your degree online.
Full-Time, On-Campus Scholars
- 100% of tuition fees
- Return international airfare to and from the UK
- A living allowance to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses
- UK student visa costs
Part-Time, Online Scholars
- Full tuition fee coverage for eligible distance-learning master’s programmes
Online scholars keep working in their home country while studying, which is worth considering if you can’t step away from your job or family for a full year abroad.
Who Can Apply? Eligible Countries
You must be a citizen and resident of one of the following countries:
- Ethiopia
- Malawi
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify?
Before you start your application, check yourself against this list:
- You’re a citizen and resident of one of the six eligible countries.
- You hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution that meets Manchester’s entry requirements.
- You completed that degree before September 2025.
- You have at least two years of relevant paid work experience — unpaid internships and volunteering don’t count.
- You genuinely intend to return home after graduating.
- You can show real potential to contribute to sustainable development in your community, country, or region.
- You can clearly explain how a Manchester master’s will move your career and your country’s development forward.
- You haven’t studied outside Africa before (short training under six months is fine).
Which Master’s Programmes Are Included?
Eligible courses span a wide range of fields, and the confirmed list for 2027/28 will be released in October 2026. Broad subject areas currently include:
- Engineering: Chemical, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Machine Learning, Robotics
- Development Studies: Global Development, Development Economics and Policy, Digital Development
- Education: Educational Leadership, TESOL, International Education
- Environment: Climate Change, Environmental Governance, Green Infrastructure
- Law: Corporate Governance, International Economic Law, Public International Law
- Medical and Health Sciences: Health Data Science, Clinical Immunology, Global Health
- Humanitarian Studies: Humanitarianism and Conflict Response, Peace and Conflict Studies
- Online Programmes: Public Health, Global Health, Data Analytics and Social Statistics, and more
Check the official Manchester scholarship page for the full, up-to-date course list before you apply.
Application Timeline
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1–31 August 2026 | Scholarship application window is open |
| September 2026 | Eligibility review of submitted applications |
| October 2026 | Eligible applicants invited to apply for their chosen master’s programme |
| 30 November 2026 | Deadline to submit an English language qualification |
| November 2026 – May 2027 | Academic application assessment |
| June 2027 | Scholarship decisions announced |
| September 2027 | Programme begins |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Confirm your eligibility against the criteria above before you start.
- Review the sample application form so you know exactly what’s being asked in advance.
- Complete the official Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 application form between 1 and 31 August 2026.
- Wait for the eligibility outcome. If you pass, you’ll be invited (around October 2026) to apply for your chosen master’s course.
- Submit your English language qualification by 30 November 2026.
- Secure an unconditional offer from your chosen course — this is required before you can be shortlisted for the scholarship itself.
- Wait for the final decision, expected by June 2027.
Key Deadline: The scholarship application closes on 31 August 2026. Don’t wait until the final week — start gathering your documents now.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Lead with impact, not ambition. Manchester wants specifics: which problem in your country will you tackle, and how does this exact course help you do it?
- Document your work experience properly. Since unpaid roles don’t count, make sure you can back up your two years with payslips, contracts, or reference letters.
- Book your English test early. IELTS and similar test slots fill up fast, and you only have until 30 November 2026 once you’re invited to apply.
- Pick a course that matches your career story. A scattergun course choice weakens your case — reviewers want to see a clear line from your past experience to your chosen master’s.
- Get feedback on your personal statement from a mentor or former scholar before you submit. A second pair of eyes catches vague or generic language.
- Apply as early in the window as possible. It won’t improve your odds directly, but it gives you breathing room to fix mistakes.
Why This Scholarship Is Worth Applying For
This isn’t just tuition assistance — it’s a fully resourced launchpad. Whether your interest is engineering, public health, climate policy, law, or technology, the Equity and Merit Scholarship gives you a world-class UK education and expects you to bring that expertise home. For many past scholars, it’s been the single biggest career turning point of their lives.
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Apply here on the official University of Manchester scholarship page
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships?
Citizens and residents of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe with a recognised bachelor’s degree, at least two years of paid professional experience, and a clear commitment to returning home after their studies.
How many scholarships are available for 2027/28?
30 in total: 20 for full-time, on-campus master’s study and 10 for part-time, online master’s study.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
Yes, for on-campus scholars. They receive tuition fees, a living allowance, return flights, and visa costs. Online scholars receive full tuition coverage only.
When is the application deadline?
The application window opens 1 August 2026 and closes 31 August 2026 for entry in September 2027.
Can I apply without work experience?
No. You need at least two years of relevant, paid professional work experience. Unpaid internships and volunteering are not counted.
When will I know if I’ve won the scholarship?
The University of Manchester will confirm the outcome for all applicants by June 2027.
The Equity and Merit Scholarships open a real door to world-class postgraduate study without the financial barrier that stops so many talented graduates from applying. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t let the short application window pass you by — start preparing your documents today. And if you’re exploring other funded routes into UK or European postgraduate study, there are more fully funded scholarships worth comparing before you commit to one application.
