University Guide
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester traces its roots to 1824. Its current form was created in 2004 through the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and UMIST. Based around Oxford Road, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate study across subjects including science, engineering, healthcare and the humanities. Studying here also puts you close to Manchester’s museums, music venues and varied food scene, with plenty to explore beyond your course.
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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the University of Manchester.
Rankings
Manchester ranks 40th worldwide and seventh in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2027. It also places 60th worldwide and eighth in the UK in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, reflecting its position among the country’s leading research universities.
Employability
Manchester was the most targeted university by the UK’s top 100 graduate recruiters in The Graduate Market 2026 report. Its Careers Service helps students explore careers, prepare applications and find opportunities. Graduates can continue accessing one-to-one support, events and CareerConnect for up to two years after their course completion date.
Fees
Home undergraduate tuition fees are £9,790 a year for 2026/27. International undergraduate and postgraduate fees vary by course and entry year, so check your programme page for the exact amount. The university’s fees and funding pagesexplain the available support. Remember to budget separately for accommodation, everyday living costs and any additional course expenses.
Bursaries
The Manchester Bursary offers eligible undergraduates £2,600 or £1,300 per academic year, depending on their assessed household income. Eligibility is checked automatically using shared Student Finance information, with course and study-year exclusions applying. Other support includes access scholarships and accommodation bursaries. International applicants can also explore Global Futures Scholarships for 2027 entry, which have country-specific eligibility criteria and application deadlines.
Accommodation
Manchester offers catered and self-catered halls, with shared-bathroom and en-suite options. Its published self-catered accommodation costs range from £4,853 to £12,096 a year, depending on the room and contract. Hall fees include utilities, contents insurance and internet access. For 2026/27, the accommodation guarantee required eligible new students to apply and firmly accept an unconditional place by 31 August, alongside meeting the remaining conditions. The university says 2027/28 deadlines will be updated in early 2027. You can also compare private student accommodation through AFS.
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Students' Union
The University of Manchester Students’ Union represents students and supports over 500 clubs and societies. Its student groups offer ways to meet people, explore interests and get involved in campus life. The union also runs Manchester Academy music venues and provides a free, confidential and impartial Advice Service for students needing support.
Famous for
Manchester has links to 26 Nobel laureates across its current and former staff and students. It is particularly known for graphene, first isolated here in 2004 by Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov, whose work earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2010.
News
In October 2026, Manchester highlighted how postgraduate accounting students are supporting local charities. Its Social Responsibility Placement Programme expanded to five charities in its second year. Students helped organise financial information, analyse spending and donations, and improve reporting, gaining practical experience while supporting organisations across the city.
Accommodation for Students says
“Manchester is pretty perfect; just imagine a smaller London, with a slightly edgy and hipster vibe minus the traffic and bank-breaking prices. It almost feels like it’s made for students, and no matter what your passion in life is, be it sports, arts, food or just plain partying, Manchester has it all".
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