Free Money for African Students! Manchester University Scholarships Explained

The University of Manchester ranks among the top 30 universities in the world and is a leading choice for African students seeking quality UK education. With over 40,000 students from 160 countries, Manchester provides a vibrant multicultural environment alongside world-class teaching and research facilities.

For African students, the biggest challenge is often funding. Fortunately, the University of Manchester offers generous scholarship programs specifically designed for African applicants. This comprehensive 1,200-word guide explains all available options, eligibility criteria, application tips, and deadlines to help you secure financial support.

Section 1: Overview of Manchester’s African Scholarships

The University of Manchester provides three main categories of financial support for African students:

1. University-Managed Scholarships

• Funded directly by the university

  Loading...

  Advertisements

• Includes Global Futures Scholarships, Humanitarian Awards, and faculty-specific bursaries

• Typically offer £4,000-£8,000 tuition fee reductions

2. UK Government Scholarships

• Chevening Scholarships (full funding for Master’s)

• Commonwealth Scholarships (for Master’s/PhD)

• GREAT Scholarships (country-specific awards)

3. External Funding Partners

• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (full scholarships)

• African Leadership Centre Fellowships

• Corporate sponsorships (e.g., Shell, MTN scholarships)

Section 2: Detailed Breakdown of Key Scholarships

A. Global Futures Scholarship (Africa)

• Value: £4,000-£8,000 tuition discount

• Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate

• Eligible Countries: All African nations

• Requirements:

  • Hold an offer for any full-time Manchester program

  • Demonstrate academic excellence (usually 1st class/2:1 equivalent)

  • Submit a 500-word personal statement

*Tip: This is Manchester’s most accessible Africa-focused award with 30+ awards given annually.*

B. British Council GREAT Scholarships

• Value: £10,000 one-time payment

• Level: Postgraduate taught courses

• Eligible Countries: Changes yearly (2024 includes Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana)

• Featured Courses: Business, Engineering, Global Development

Deadline: Typically end of May

C. Humanitarian Scholarships

• Value: Up to full tuition + £12,000 living costs

• For: Refugees/students from conflict zones (e.g., Sudan, DRC)

• Unique Aspect: Considers applicants without complete academic records

D. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)

• Full Funding: Tuition + £18,000 stipend + flights

• Key Requirement: 2+ years work experience

• Application Timeline:

  • August: Applications open

  • November: Deadline

  • June-July: Results announced

Note: Requires unconditional offer from Manchester first

Section 3: Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Course

• Browse Manchester’s course finder (350+ undergraduate, 200+ postgraduate options)

• Check if your preferred program has subject-specific scholarships (e.g., Engineering Development Trust Awards)

Step 2: Secure Admission

• Submit academic transcripts, English test scores (IELTS 6.5+), references

• Receive conditional/unconditional offer before applying for most scholarships

Step 3: Prepare Documents

• Standard Requirements:

  • Academic certificates (certified translations if needed)

  • Personal statement (tailored to each scholarship)

  • Reference letters (academic/professional)

  • Proof of financial need (for need-based awards)

  • Research proposal (for PhD applicants)

*Pro Tip: Start collecting documents 3-4 months before deadlines*

Step 4: Submit Applications

• University scholarships: Via the online funding portal

• External scholarships: Through respective websites (Chevening, Commonwealth, etc.)

Section 4: Crucial Deadlines (2024-2025 Cycle)

Always confirm dates on official university pages

Section 5: Expert Application Tips

1. Craft a Winning Personal Statement

• Structure your 500-800 word essay with:

  • Introduction: Your background and goals

  • Academic Journey: Relevant achievements

  • Future Impact: How you’ll contribute to Africa

  • Why Manchester: Specific resources/facilities you’ll use

2. Secure Strong References

• Approach referees 3 months early

• Provide them with your CV and scholarship criteria

• Ideal referees: University lecturers or direct supervisors

3. Demonstrate Leadership

• Highlight:

  • Volunteer work

  • Student governance roles

  • Community projects

  • Professional initiatives

4. Apply Now and Widely

• Submit applications 2-4 weeks before deadlines

• Apply for 3-5 scholarships to maximize chances

Section 6: Alternative Funding Options

If you don’t secure a Manchester scholarship, consider:

A. Home Country Sponsorships

• Nigerian PTDF scholarships

• Kenyan government loans

• South African NSFAS funding

B. International Organizations

• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (full funding)

• African Development Bank scholarships

• Agence Française de Développement (AFD) grants

C. Partial Funding Strategies

• Combine smaller awards

• Apply for teaching/research assistantships

• Seek Manchester’s graduating student bursaries

Conclusion: Start Your Manchester Journey

The University of Manchester offers life-changing opportunities for African scholars. With proper planning and a strong application, you could join notable alumni like:

• Tommy Müturi (Kenyan Chevening Scholar, now UN policy advisor)

• Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (WTO Director-General, Manchester PhD)

Take Action Today:

1. Bookmark Manchester’s scholarship page

2. Join the Africa Scholarship Applicant Network on LinkedIn

3. Attend virtual funding webinars (held monthly)

With determination and this guide’s insights, your dream of studying at Manchester could become reality. Best of luck with your applications!