Apply for the University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships 2026/2027. Fully funded undergraduate aid for students at risk. Deadline: March 31, 2026.
The University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships 2026/2027 offer a life-changing pathway for individuals whose education has been disrupted by the devastation of war and armed conflict. Recognising that talented students are often forced to flee their homes, the University of Manchester has designed this mission-driven programme to provide a sanctuary for academic growth. By removing the financial barriers that prevent displaced individuals from accessing higher education, this scholarship empowers you to rebuild your future in one of the UK’s most prestigious academic environments.
If you are at immediate risk and possess a strong academic record, this fully funded undergraduate opportunity is your gateway to stability and professional excellence. The application window for the 2026 entry is now open, with a final deadline of March 31, 2026.
Key Details
| Feature | Description |
| Programme Level | Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Tuition + Stipend + Visa) |
| Sponsor | The University of Manchester |
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Scholarship Deadline | March 31, 2026 |
| Academic Start Date | September 2026 |
About the University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships
The University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships 2026/2027 were established to support the global community of displaced scholars. The University of Manchester is a member of the elite Russell Group and is consistently ranked among the top 30 universities in the world. However, beyond its academic prestige, the institution is committed to social responsibility. This scholarship is a direct response to global crises, ensuring that those who have been forced to flee conflict do not lose their chance to contribute to the world through education.
The programme specifically targets students who are currently living outside the UK or EU and are unable to continue their studies in their home countries due to serious safety risks. For the 2026 academic year, the university is offering up to six fully funded places. This support extends across the full duration of a three-year undergraduate degree, providing a stable foundation for students to integrate into UK university life and excel in their chosen fields.
Scholarship Benefits
The financial package provided by the University of Manchester is one of the most comprehensive in the UK. It is designed to cover every major cost associated with international study, ensuring that scholars do not need to seek external employment or additional funding.
- Full Tuition Fee Waiver: The scholarship covers the total cost of your undergraduate course fees for the entire duration of your programme (typically three years).
- Living Expenses Stipend: You will receive a generous allowance to cover accommodation, food, utilities, and daily necessities. In 2026, this is estimated to be worth approximately £13,000 to £16,000 per year, aligned with the actual cost of living in Manchester.
- Visa Costs: The university covers the expenses related to your UK student visa application, easing the administrative and financial burden of relocation.
- Academic and Personal Support: Scholars are integrated into a supportive community with access to dedicated advisors, peer mentoring, and wellbeing services.
- No Interview Requirement: The selection is made based on your written application and academic merit, reducing the stress often associated with high-stakes scholarship interviews.
Requirements for University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships
Eligibility for the University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships 2026/2027 is strictly defined by your circumstances of displacement and your academic potential. You must meet all of the following conditions to be considered:
- Immediate Risk: You must be at serious risk due to ongoing war or armed conflict.
- Displacement Timeline: you had to leave your home country (or move within it as an internally displaced person) within the last three years because of conflict.
- Educational Disruption: You are currently unable to start or finish a university degree because of the situation in your region.
- No Previous UK/EU Study: This award is reserved for those who have never had the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom or the European Union before.
- Active UCAS Application: You must have already applied for a full-time undergraduate course at The University of Manchester starting in September 2026 via the UCAS system.
- Academic Merit: You must demonstrate that you have performed well in your previous studies (high school or partial university transcripts).
- Residency Status: You cannot apply if you are currently living within the UK or the EU. This scholarship is specifically for those seeking to relocate from conflict zones or nearby transition countries.
English Language Requirements
While the scholarship application itself does not require immediate proof of English proficiency, your academic offer from the University of Manchester will.
- Scholarship Application Phase: You do not need to provide IELTS or other test results when you apply for the scholarship or during your initial UCAS submission.
- Offer Phase: If you are selected for a place, your offer letter will state the specific English language requirements for your course. You must meet these conditions to secure your place.
- Test Restrictions: It is critical to note that the University of Manchester does not accept Duolingo English Test results.
- Pre-sessional Courses: The scholarship does not cover the costs of pre-sessional English courses. You should aim to meet the language requirements through tests like IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic.
Selection Process
The selection for the University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships 2026/2027 is conducted by a specialist committee that reviews both your academic background and your personal narrative.
- Criteria: The committee looks for a high level of academic achievement and a clear, compelling reason why you wish to study your chosen course at Manchester.
- Personal Statement: Your ability to articulate your academic goals and how they align with the University’s values is heavily weighted.
- No Interview: Unlike many other full-ride scholarships, there is no interview process. The decision is based entirely on the documents submitted.
- Timeline: All applicants will be informed of the outcome by May 29, 2026.
- Finality: The decisions made by the selection panel are final and cannot be appealed.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
To successfully apply for this scholarship, you must follow a two-step application process involving both the UK central admission system (UCAS) and the university’s internal scholarship portal.
Step 1: Submit your UCAS Application
Before you can apply for the scholarship, you must apply for an undergraduate course at Manchester.
- Visit the UCAS website and register.
- Select The University of Manchester as one of your choices.
- Note: While the main UCAS deadline is in January, you can still apply as a late applicant if the course has space, but your scholarship application must be ready by March.
Step 2: Receive your University ID
Once your UCAS application is processed, Manchester will send you an acknowledgement email containing your unique 8-digit University of Manchester ID number. You will need this for the scholarship form.
Step 3: Complete the Scholarship Form
Visit the official University of Manchester Scholarship webpage to access the online application form: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/finance-and-scholarships/funding/humanitarian-scholarship/
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
You will be required to upload the following:
- A referee’s supporting statement (maximum 500 words).
- Scanned copies of your school or college qualifications/transcripts.
- A copy of the ID pages of your passport or national ID.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Ensure all documents are uploaded and your personal statement (300–350 words) is polished. Submit your application no later than March 31, 2026.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The competition for these six places is extremely high. Avoid these common errors to ensure your application remains valid:
- Applying while in the UK: If you have already arrived in the UK or EU, you are ineligible. This fund is for those still facing the risk of displacement or living in temporary transition.
- Choosing Ineligible Courses: Most 3-year degrees are eligible, but the scholarship generally does not cover high-cost clinical courses like Medicine or Dentistry. Always check the course profile first.
- Missing the ID Number: Attempting to fill out the scholarship form without a valid University of Manchester ID number will lead to an incomplete application.
- Generic Statements: Avoid writing a generic personal statement. Specifically address why you chose Manchester and how the “Humanitarian” nature of this scholarship aligns with your story.
- Incorrect References: Ensure your referee is someone who can speak to your academic potential and is aware of your current displacement status.
Final Thoughts
The University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships 2026/2027 represent more than just a financial grant; they are a commitment to human dignity and the power of education. In a world where conflict often silences potential, this programme gives a voice back to those who have lost so much. By providing full coverage of fees, living costs, and travel, Manchester ensures that your only focus will be your education and your future.
If you meet the criteria and are ready to take the next step in your academic journey, start your UCAS application today. The deadline of March 31, 2026, will arrive quickly, and securing your place at the university is the first and most vital step toward becoming a Manchester Humanitarian Scholar.