The University of Manchester is inviting applications for its Equity and Merit Scholarships for international master’s students from selected countries in Africa, including Uganda. The scholarship programme is designed to support academically talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to contribute to sustainable development in their communities and home countries.

For the 2027/28 academic year, the university is offering 30 scholarships, with 20 available for students pursuing full-time, on-campus master’s programmes and 10 for students undertaking part-time distance-learning master’s programmes. Eligible programmes are available in areas including engineering, environment, health sciences, global development, education and law.

The scholarships provide full tuition fee coverage. For students selected for full-time study in Manchester, the award also covers return international air travel, living expenses and visa costs, significantly reducing the financial burden of studying in the UK.

The opportunity is open to citizens and residents of Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution and meet the required academic standard for the scholarship. The degree must have been awarded before September 2025.

Applicants are also required to have at least two years of professional experience relevant to their intended field of study. Unpaid internships and voluntary work do not count towards the required professional experience. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a clear commitment to returning to their home country after completing their studies and explain how their education will contribute to positive change at a local, national or regional level.

Applicants must also have a clear understanding of how studying at the University of Manchester will advance their career and benefit the wider community. Another important requirement is that applicants must not have previously studied outside Africa, although training lasting six months or less is excluded from this restriction.

The university particularly encourages women to apply and states that all applications will be assessed on their individual merits, with a focus on supporting talented candidates who would otherwise be unable to study in Manchester without financial assistance.

Applications for the Equity and Merit Scholarships open on 1 August 2026 and close on 31 August 2026. During September, applications will be reviewed to determine eligibility. Successful applicants at this stage will then be invited to apply for their chosen master’s programme between 1 and 31 October 2026.

Applicants must submit their English language qualification by 30 November 2026. Scholarship applications will subsequently be assessed between November 2026 and May 2027, with final scholarship decisions expected in June 2027. Successful students will begin their studies in September 2027.

The scholarship offers a major opportunity for eligible African graduates with relevant professional experience to pursue a fully funded master’s degree at one of the UK’s leading universities while developing skills and knowledge that can be applied to development challenges in their home countries.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity