2026 University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships in UK for Africans

The University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships 2026 offers aspiring African student dreaming of studying in the United Kingdom to earn a degree at one of the UK’s most prestigious and research-intensive universities. This scholarship initiative offers significant financial support for both undergraduate and postgraduate international students, including those from Nigeria and other African countries.

This article will break down everything you need to know, from eligibility criteria and award values to application processes and tips, to help you navigate this life-changing opportunity.

What Are the Global Futures Scholarships?

The Global Futures Scholarships are a flagship suite of merit-based financial awards offered by the University of Manchester to outstanding international students who will begin their studies in September 2026. With more than £6 million in total funding and over 300 awards, the scholarships aim to support academically talented learners from across the globe — with dedicated awards for students domiciled in specific African countries.

These scholarships are part of Manchester’s broader commitment to global access, diversity, and academic excellence, providing opportunities for those who may otherwise struggle to afford international study.

What Funding Is Available for African Students?

The Global Futures Scholarships include both undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s) awards, with different values depending on the level of study and your country of domicile.

Undergraduate Scholarships (Up to £30,000)

  • The University of Manchester offers more than 100 merit-based undergraduate scholarships of up to £30,000.
  • These are structured as £10,000 per year for three years, credited as a discount on published overseas tuition fees.

Continuation Requirements

To retain the scholarship each year, scholars usually must maintain satisfactory academic progress, such as achieving at least 60 % average in final exams and assessments annually.

This award significantly reduces the financial burden for international students undertaking bachelor’s degrees at Manchester, making access to high-quality UK education far more attainable.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Global Futures Undergraduate Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be domiciled in Nigeria, meaning Nigeria is your main country of residence
  • Be classified as an international (overseas) fee-paying student
  • Have applied for and received a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time undergraduate programme at the University of Manchester starting in September 2026
  • Demonstrate strong academic achievement, typically excellent WAEC/NECO/A-Level/IB or equivalent results
  • Be self-funded (not fully sponsored by a government or organisation)
  • Enrol in an eligible on-campus course

Not eligible:

  • Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture with foundation years
  • Courses delivered fully online or by distance learning

How to Apply

There is no separate public application portal for this scholarship.

  • Apply for an undergraduate degree programme at the University of Manchester
  • Once you receive an offer of admission, eligible students will be automatically emailed a link to the Global Futures Scholarship application form
  • Complete and submit the scholarship form before the stated deadline
  • Shortlisted candidates are assessed based on academic merit and scholarship statement

Master’s Scholarships (£18,000)

  • For postgraduate taught master’s degrees, more than 200 merit-based scholarships are available to international students from eligible regions.
  • For most African students, the award value is £18,000, given as a fee discount on published overseas tuition fees.

This award applies directly to your tuition bill, meaning you pay £18,000 less in tuition costs.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Global Futures Postgraduate Scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be domiciled in Nigeria
  • Hold an offer (conditional or unconditional) for a full-time, on-campus master’s programme beginning in September 2026
  • Be classified as an international fee-paying student
  • Demonstrate excellent academic performance in their undergraduate degree
  • Be self-funded
  • Accept the offer and enrol as planned

Not eligible:

  • MBA programmes
  • MPhil programmes
  • Distance-learning or blended courses

How to Apply

  • Submit an application for a master’s programme at the University of Manchester
  • After receiving an offer, eligible Nigerian students will receive an email invitation to apply for the Global Futures Scholarship
  • Complete the scholarship form, usually including:
    • Academic background
    • Motivation for studying at Manchester
    • Career goals and future impact
  • Submit the application before the scholarship deadline stated in the email
  • Successful applicants receive the award as a tuition fee reduction

Eligible African Countries

To qualify for the Global Futures Scholarships for Africa in 2026, you must meet the following criteria regarding country domicile:

The scholarships are open to students who are domiciled in the following African countries:

Undergraduates

  • Botswana
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Mauritius
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Zimbabwe

Graduates

  • Botswana
  • Egypt
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Mauritius
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Zimbabwe

Note:

  • Domicile means your primary residence, you must have predominantly lived in the country for the last few years, not just temporarily for education.
  • These awards are intended for self-funded international students, those who are not already fully sponsored by another scholarship or government programme.

Tips to Improve Your Chances

While Global Futures Scholarships are competitive, strong preparation can improve your likelihood of success:

  • Apply Early for Your Degree Programme: Getting your offer early in the admissions cycle increases the time you have to complete and refine your scholarship application.
  • Build a Strong Scholarship Application: Focus on highlighting:
    • Academic achievements
    • Motivations behind your chosen degree
    • How your studies will impact your future career and contribute to your home country’s development.
  • Demonstrate Merit and Commitment: University selection panels look for evidence of academic excellence and potential for impact. Use your personal statement or essay to tell a compelling story.
  • Respect Deadlines: Missed deadlines can mean automatic exclusion, make sure you note both offer acceptance dates and scholarship application deadlines as specified in your communications.

Life as a Global Futures Scholar at Manchester

Beyond financial benefits, being a scholarship recipient at the University of Manchester means joining a vibrant, diverse, and academically rigorous community. Scholars benefit from:

  • Access to world-class research resources and faculty expertise
  • International student support services and visa guidance
  • A multicultural campus environment with networking opportunities
  • Student societies, academic events, and career development initiatives

These experiences help build global perspectives and prepare you for leadership roles after graduation.

Conclusion

The University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships 2026 offer a remarkable opportunity for African students, including those from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, Mauritius, Egypt, and Zimbabwe, to pursue undergraduate and master’s degrees in the UK with significant financial support.

Whether you plan to study science, business, engineering, law, or the humanities, these scholarships can help make your academic dreams a reality. Start early, prepare a strong application, and leverage this opportunity to propel your academic and professional future forward on a global stage.

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