Call for Applications: Fully funded 2026 Equity and Merit Scholarships for international master’s students
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
Call for Applications: Fully funded 2026 Equity and Merit Scholarships for international master’s students
Overview
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals set the direction toward a better, more sustainable future for all. The Equity and Merit Scholarships aim to empower young professionals in the Global South to deliver solutions to meet these interlinked goals.
Each year The University of Manchester awards Equity and Merit Scholarships to academically excellent students from Africa who have the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development in their home countries. Across the globe, countries face many developmental challenges, and their brightest young minds have the aptitude and the will to make a difference.
Equity and Merit Scholarships are for academically excellent students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development in their home countries. The awards are intended for those who cannot afford to study in Manchester without a scholarship. The University of Manchester is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and all applications are considered on their merit.
University of Manchester offer two types of scholarship:
- Full-time, on-campus master’s (one-year duration).
- Part-time, distance learning master’s (three to five years duration).
There are 30 scholarships (20 for full-time study and ten for online study) available for a range of courses in engineering, environment, health sciences, development, education, textiles and law. The scheme is open to applicants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
The scholarships cover full tuition fees, and for students who will be studying in Manchester, the award includes return international airfares, living expenses and visas. University of Manchester master’s scholarships are aimed at talented applicants, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a scholarship, you will need:
- to be a resident citizen of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe, and have not previously studied outside of Africa (training of six months or less does not count);
- at least two years of professional experience related to your chosen field of study (this does not include unpaid internships or voluntary work);
- a bachelor’s degree (you must have graduated before September 2024) with an overall excellent grade. The awards are for academically outstanding students and typically this means that you are in the top 10% of your class;
- to be committed to returning home and able to demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on the future of your home country;
- a clear idea of how studying at Manchester will benefit both your career and the wider community.
Applications for September 2026 entry open on Friday, 1 August 2025 and close on Sunday, 31 August 2025. You can view a sample application form to help you prepare.
Application process
If you meet the eligibility requirements for the Equity and Merit Scholarship programme you will be invited to make an academic application for your chosen master’s course. Please do not apply for academic admission until you are directed to do so.
An offer of admission will be required before your application can be shortlisted. You will be provided with guidance on this when you are instructed to apply for admission. University of Manchester will be in touch with every applicant to inform you of the outcome of your application by June 2026.
Application timeline for 2026/27
| 1 to 31 August 2025 | Scholarship application window |
| September 2025 | Eligibility checks |
| 1 to 31 October 2025 | Academic application window |
| November 2025 to May 2026 | Review period |
| June 2026 | Results announced |
| September 2026 | Start of the academic year |
Click Here To Apply
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