Manchester Master's Bursary

What you get

You receive a 4,000 GBP (about 4,700 EUR) bursary to help cover living costs during a master's degree at the University of Manchester. If you study full time, it is paid in three instalments over one year. If you study part time, it is paid in six instalments over two years. The award comes from the University of Manchester, which set aside 100 bursaries for students starting in September 2026. It aims to help students from underrepresented backgrounds into postgraduate study.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are starting your first master's at the University of Manchester in September 2026. Eligible courses include the LLM, MA, MEd, MBA, MEnt, MPH, MPhil, MRes, MSc, MSc by Research and MusM. Not eligible: PGCert, PGDip, PGCE, integrated undergraduate master's (such as MChem or MMath), MArch, MA Architecture and Urbanism, MSc Physician Associate Studies, and PhDs.
• Fee status: You count as a 'home' student for fees for both your undergraduate degree and your master's. This is the fee category for UK residents, not international students.
• Timing: You started your undergraduate degree after September 2012 and graduated no more than five years ago (not before June 2021).
• No other funding: You do not get course funding from an employer, a public body or an undergraduate loan (such as NHS or PGCE funding), and you receive no other University funding. Fee discounts such as the alumni discount are still allowed.
• Background (at least one required): You fit at least one widening-participation factor. For example: you belong to a Black, Black British or mixed Black ethnic group; you are a care leaver, estranged student, young carer, refugee or asylum seeker; you are disabled or from a military family; you had free school meals in secondary school; or you lived in an area of low income or low university progression when you applied for your undergraduate course.

How to apply

You apply through the University of Manchester and submit a supporting statement. In it you explain which criteria you meet, what barriers you faced getting to master's study, and how the bursary would help. Applications for 2026 entry are now closed. The deadline for the next round has not yet been announced.

How realistic are your chances?

The bursary is narrowly targeted: you need home fee status, a recent Manchester place, and at least one widening-participation factor. This keeps the applicant pool smaller than an open scholarship. With 100 awards available, prospects are reasonable if you match well, but selection is competitive and priority goes to those who meet more of the personal, socio-economic and access criteria. The clearer your background case, the better your odds.