The University of Manchester, in partnership with the British Council’s Study UK campaign, is proud to announce the GREAT Scholarship for the academic year 2025–2026.This prestigious award offers £10,000 towards tuition fees for international students, with an enhanced amount of £15,000 for applicants from Nigeria. The scholarship is available to outstanding students holding an offer for a full-time postgraduate taught programme commencing in September 2025.
The University of Manchester has a rich history dating back to 1824, with its roots in the Manchester Mechanics’ Institute. It officially became the University of Manchester in 2004 after the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). Known for its world-leading research and innovation, the university has been home to 25 Nobel Prize winners and played a key role in scientific discoveries like the atom-splitting experiment and the development of the first modern computer. Today, it stands as one of the UK’s largest and most respected universities, welcoming students from all over the world.
Table of Briefs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Value | £10,000 (deducted from international tuition fee) or £15,000 (for students from Nigeria) |
| Tenable Period | For September 2025 entry only, non-deferrable |
| Eligible Study Level | Postgraduate taught programs |
| Eligible Nationalities | International students from specific countries |
| Number of Awards | 13 |
| Eligible Courses | All subjects except certain exclusions (see details) |
| Application Deadline | 24 April 2025 |
| Decision Notification | 30 May 2025 |
| Award Acceptance | Must accept offer by 15 June 2025 |
Background
The GREAT Scholarship is part of a collaborative initiative between Study UK—a campaign by the British Council—and UK universities to attract bright and ambitious international students to the United Kingdom. The University of Manchester, one of the UK’s top academic institutions, participates in this program by offering a select number of scholarships to exceptional postgraduate students.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the GREAT Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Academic Qualifications: You must have achieved a 2.i bachelor’s degree (or its international equivalent) in order to be eligible for the scholarship.
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Nationality: This scholarship is available to international students from a specific list of countries. For a detailed list of eligible nationalities, check the official scholarship page.
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Offer of Study: You must hold an offer of study at The University of Manchester before applying for this award.
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Study Program: The GREAT Scholarship is available for students pursuing postgraduate taught programs. Some courses such as PGCE, Clinical Medicine/Dentistry, and Architecture may not be eligible for the scholarship.
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Exclusions: The scholarship cannot be held by students who are sponsored or already have a full scholarship. However, it can be combined with other partial scholarships (excluding the Global Futures Scholarship).
Additionally, specific countries like France and Greece have additional subject restrictions, so it’s important to verify whether your chosen course is eligible.
Benefits
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Award Value: £10,000, or £15,000 for Nigerian students, will be deducted from your international tuition fees.
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Duration: The scholarship is intended for the September 2025 intake, and it cannot be deferred to a later date.
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Number of Awards: There are 13 scholarships available, so the competition may be fierce, and successful applicants will need to stand out in their applications.
Application Process
The application process for the GREAT Scholarship is simple and streamlined. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive an email invitation from the International Office of The University of Manchester to apply for the scholarship. The scholarship application will be sent to eligible candidates after they have received an offer of study at the university on or before 24 April 2025.
To apply for the scholarship, follow these steps:
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Check Eligibility: Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
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Accept Your Offer: Ensure you have received an offer of study for a postgraduate taught program.
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Submit Your Application: Apply for the scholarship via the link provided in the invitation email.
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Wait for Results: Successful applicants will be notified by 30 May 2025.
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Confirm Acceptance: If you are awarded the scholarship, you will need to confirm your place by accepting the offer by 15 June 2025.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 24 April 2025.
Conclusion
The GREAT Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students looking to pursue a postgraduate degree at The University of Manchester. With a generous value of £10,000 (or £15,000 for students from Nigeria), this scholarship will help reduce the financial strain of studying abroad. However, be sure to submit your application on time, follow all eligibility requirements, and confirm your scholarship acceptance by the deadline. For more detailed information on the scholarship and eligibility by country, check the official website or reach out to the International Office for assistance.