MastersFully Funded

Equity and Merit Scholarships

The Equity and Merit Scholarships at the University of Manchester are for academically excellent international master’s students from specific African countries who have the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development in their home countries. The scholarships cover full tuition fees and, for on-campus students, also include airfares, living expenses, and visas. Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience and an excellent academic record. The program offers both full-time on-campus and part-time distance learning options in various fields related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Provider: The University of Manchester
Host country: United Kingdom
Deadline: Expected August 31, 2027 (annual cycle)

Official source Track this application

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: To apply for a scholarship, you must: be a resident citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe; hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with the required grade; have at least two years’ professional experience related to your chosen field of study; be committed to returning home and be able to demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the future of your home country; have a clear idea of how studying at Manchester will benefit both your career and the wider community; have not previously studied outside of Africa (training of six months or less does not count).
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters
Deadline: Expected August 31, 2027 (annual cycle)

Key eligibility criteria

To apply for a scholarship, you must: be a resident citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe; hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with the required grade; have at least two years’ professional experience related to your chosen field of study; be committed to returning home and be able to demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the future of your home country; have a clear idea of how studying at Manchester will benefit both your career and the wider community; have not previously studied outside of Africa (training of six months or less does not count).

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Equity and Merit Scholarships (2026)

## Equity and Merit Scholarships: A Comprehensive Brief for Prospective Applicants ### Overview The University of Manchester's Equity and Merit Scholarships are designed to empower academically excellent young professionals from the Global South to contribute to sustainable development in their home countries. These scholarships align with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, fostering solutions for a better, more sustainable future for all. The program is specifically tailored for individuals who would otherwise find it challenging to finance their studies at Manchester. The University is committed to equal opportunity, and all applications are assessed based on their merit, with a particular encouragement for women to apply. The scholarships are available for a diverse range of Master's programs across various disciplines, including engineering, environment, health sciences, development, education, textiles, and law. These awards are a significant investment in building local capacity and leadership in developing nations. ### Benefits The Equity and Merit Scholarships offer comprehensive financial support, ensuring that recipients can focus on their studies without the burden of tuition fees and living costs. The core benefit for all scholarship recipients is the coverage of full tuition fees for their chosen Master's program. For students opting for full-time, on-campus study in Manchester, the scholarship package is even more extensive. It includes the cost of return international airfares, facilitating travel to and from the UK. Additionally, these scholarships cover living expenses, providing a stipend to support daily life in Manchester, and also include visa costs, streamlining the relocation process. This holistic support package aims to remove financial barriers and enable talented individuals to access world-class education at the University of Manchester. ### Eligibility The Equity and Merit Scholarships target talented applicants, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in their home countries. To be considered for these scholarships, applicants must be a resident citizen of one of the specified countries: Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe. A crucial requirement is that applicants must not have previously studied outside of Africa for a period exceeding six months. Furthermore, candidates need to possess at least two years of professional experience directly related to their chosen field of study; this excludes unpaid internships or voluntary work. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree, having graduated before September 2024, with an overall excellent grade, typically placing them in the top 10% of their class. Finally, a strong commitment to returning to their home country and a clear vision of how their studies at Manchester will benefit both their career and the wider community are essential. ### Required Documents The official page for the Equity and Merit Scholarships does not explicitly list a separate section for "Required Documents." However, based on the application process outlined, several implicit documents or information will be necessary for a complete application. Applicants will need to provide evidence of their academic qualifications, such as transcripts and degree certificates, to demonstrate their "overall excellent grade" and prove graduation before September 2024. Documentation of professional experience, outlining at least two years of relevant work, will also be crucial. Furthermore, the application process implies the submission of materials that articulate the applicant's commitment to returning home and a clear idea of how their studies will benefit their career and community, likely in the form of a personal statement or essays. As an offer of admission is required before shortlisting, applicants will also need to fulfill the standard application requirements for their chosen Master's course at the University of Manchester, which typically involves academic references, proof of English language proficiency, and a detailed CV. ### How to Apply The application process for the Equity and Merit Scholarships is a two-stage process. The most recent application window for September 2026 entry officially closed on August 31, 2025. Initially, prospective candidates who fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the scholarship program were invited to submit an academic application for their preferred Master's course. A crucial step in this process is securing an offer of admission from the University of Manchester for their chosen Master's program. This offer of admission is a prerequisite for an applicant's scholarship application to be considered for shortlisting. The University commits to informing every applicant of the outcome of their scholarship application by July 2026. Prospective applicants for future cycles should closely monitor the official scholarship page for updated application timelines and instructions. ### Key Dates For the 2026/27 academic year, the application timeline for the Equity and Merit Scholarships has been clearly outlined. The scholarship application window was open from August 1 to August 31, 2025. Following this, eligibility checks were conducted during September 2025. The academic application window, during which eligible candidates applied for their chosen Master's courses, ran from October 1 to October 31, 2025. A review period for all applications then took place from November 2025 to May 2026. The results of the scholarship applications are scheduled to be announced in June 2026. The academic year for successful applicants will commence in September 2026. Prospective applicants for subsequent years should anticipate a similar annual cycle and plan accordingly. ### Selection Criteria Selection for the Equity and Merit Scholarships is based on a rigorous evaluation of an applicant's academic excellence, professional experience, and their potential to contribute to sustainable development. Applicants must demonstrate an "overall excellent grade" in their bachelor's degree, typically placing them in the top 10% of their class, indicating strong academic prowess. The requirement of at least two years of professional experience related to their chosen field underscores the importance of practical application and impact. Crucially, candidates must clearly articulate their commitment to returning home and their ability to make a positive impact on the future of their home country. They must also demonstrate a clear understanding of how studying at Manchester will not only benefit their individual career but also the wider community. The University's commitment to equal opportunity means that all applications are considered on their individual merit, with a particular emphasis on encouraging women to apply. The overarching goal is to identify individuals who are not only academically strong but also possess the leadership qualities and vision to drive sustainable change. ### Tips To maximize your chances of securing an Equity and Merit Scholarship, consider the following tips. First, meticulously review the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet all requirements, paying close attention to residency, previous study abroad, and professional experience details. Second, focus on achieving a truly excellent academic record; the scholarship targets the top 10% of graduates. Third, thoughtfully choose a Master's program from the approved list that directly aligns with your professional background and future aspirations for contributing to sustainable development in your home country. Fourth, craft a compelling personal statement or essays that clearly articulate your commitment to returning home and how your studies at Manchester will create a tangible positive impact on your community and nation. Highlight your leadership potential and any relevant experiences where you have championed sustainable development goals. Finally, be aware of the application deadlines and submit all required academic and scholarship application materials well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues. Seek feedback on your application materials before submission to refine your message and strengthen your case. ### Official Source For the most current and authoritative information regarding the Equity and Merit Scholarships, including detailed eligibility requirements, the full list of available courses, and the application process, please refer to the official University of Manchester website: [https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/fees-and-funding/masters-student-funding/equity-merit-scholarships/](https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/fees-and-funding/masters-student-funding/equity-merit-scholarships/)", eligibility=

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Equity and Merit Scholarships eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

To apply for a scholarship, you must: be a resident citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe; hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with the required grade; have at least two years’ professional experience related to your chosen field of study; be committed to returning home and be able to demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the future of your home country; have a clear idea of how studying at Manchester will benefit both your career and the wider community; have not previously studied outside of Africa (training of six months or less does not count).

Equity and Merit Scholarships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Equity and Merit Scholarships 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/fees-and-funding/masters-student-funding/equity-merit-scholarships/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: To apply for a scholarship, you must: be a resident citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe; hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with the required grade; have at least two years’ professional experience related to your chosen field of study; be committed to returning home and be able to demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the future of your home country; have a clear idea of how studying at Manchester will benefit both your career and the wider community; have not previously studied outside of Africa (training of six months or less does not count).. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Expected August 31, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Equity and Merit Scholarships deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Expected August 31, 2027 (annual cycle). This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Expected August 31, 2027 (annual cycle)
Provider deadline information: Expected August 31, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Equity and Merit Scholarships?+

To apply for a scholarship, you must: be a resident citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe; hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with the required grade; have at least two years’ professional experience related to your chosen field of study; be committed to returning home and be able to demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the future of your home country; have a clear idea of how studying at Manchester will benefit both your career and the wider community; have not previously studied outside of Africa (training of six months or less does not count).

What funding does the Equity and Merit Scholarships offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Expected August 31, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/fees-and-funding/masters-student-funding/equity-merit-scholarships/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: To apply for a scholarship, you must: be a resident citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe; hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution with the required grade; have at least two years’ professional experience related to your chosen field of study; be committed to returning home and be able to demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the future of your home country; have a clear idea of how studying at Manchester will benefit both your career and the wider community; have not previously studied outside of Africa (training of six months or less does not count).. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Expected August 31, 2027 (annual cycle). Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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