The University of Manchester is proud to announce the Master’s Bursary for entry in September 2025. This bursary scheme is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to widening participation in postgraduate education.
The University of Manchester has a rich history dating back to 1824 with the founding of the Manchester Mechanics’ Institute, and later the Victoria University in 1851. It became the University of Manchester in its current form in 2004, following the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and UMIST (University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. Known for its pioneering research and academic excellence, the university has produced 25 Nobel Prize winners and has long been a leader in science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Today, it is one of the UK’s largest and most respected universities.
Table of Briefs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Bursaries | 125 (50 by the University, 50 via Aline Egan legacy, 25 by Faculty of Humanities) |
| Bursary Value | £4,000 (paid in three instalments) |
| Application Deadline | 1 June 2025 |
| Eligible Courses | Full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) master’s degrees |
| Not Eligible Courses | PGCert/PGDip, PGCE, MArch, MA Architecture and Urbanism, MSc Physician Associate Studies, PhD |
| Residency Requirement | UK home student with minimum 5 years residence before undergraduate study |
| Academic Requirement | First-time master’s student who began undergraduate study after September 2012 |
Background
Postgraduate education is becoming increasingly important in today’s competitive job market. A master’s degree can provide deeper subject knowledge, specialized skills, and greater career opportunities. However, the rising cost of tuition and living expenses can deter many talented students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—from continuing their education.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Manchester Master’s Bursary, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
Essential Eligibility
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First-time master’s student: This must be your first postgraduate master’s qualification.
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Eligible course: Enrolled in an LLM, MA, MEd, MBA, MEnt, MPH, MPhil, MRes, MSc, MSc by Research, or MusM.
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Study format: Must be undertaking a full-time 1-year or part-time 2-year course starting in September 2025.
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Fee status: Classified as a Home student paying UK tuition fees.
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Residency: Lived in the UK for at least five years before starting undergraduate education.
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Undergraduate start: Commenced undergraduate study after September 2012.
Not Eligible
The following courses do not qualify:
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Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas (PGCert, PGDip)
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PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
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Integrated undergraduate master’s degrees (e.g., MMath, MChem)
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Master of Architecture (MArch)
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MA Architecture and Urbanism
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MSc Physician Associate Studies
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PhD or any doctoral-level study
Benefits
Each successful applicant will receive a £4,000 bursary, paid in three instalments:
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October
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January
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April
For part-time students, the payment will be split equally:
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£2,000 in Year 1
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£2,000 in Year 2
The bursary is made possible through three funding streams:
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50 funded by The University of Manchester
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50 funded through the Aline Egan legacy
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25 reserved for Faculty of Humanities students
Application Process
Applying for the bursary is straightforward but competitive.
Here’s how to do it:
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Confirm eligibility: Ensure you meet all the academic, course, and residency criteria.
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Submit your master’s application: You must have applied for an eligible master’s course at the University of Manchester.
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Prepare supporting documents: Details about required documentation will be available on the bursary application page.
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Complete the bursary application form: Available on the University of Manchester website.
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Submit before the deadline: Applications close on Sunday, 1 June 2025 at 11:59 PM (BST).
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 1 June 2025.
Conclusion
The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a remarkable opportunity for driven students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue a postgraduate education without financial strain. With 125 bursaries available and strong institutional support, this initiative reflects the University of Manchester’s commitment to equity and excellence in higher education.