University of Manchester: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

University of Manchester ranks at #35 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #10 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, reflecting its strength in all areas, whether it is research, academic reputation, diversity, or sustainability.

Here’s a quick overview of its notable rankings:

To truly understand the strength of a university, it's important to look beyond overall rankings and explore how it performs in your specific area of interest. 

However, Subject-specific rankings provide valuable insights into the performance of your chosen program. Let's explore the details of the course-wise ranking to see how your field of study ranks.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025

The University of Manchester has built a strong academic reputation, excelling in several key disciplines. It ranks #10 globally for its Nursing courses according to QS rankings, #23 for Accounting and Finance courses. The university also ranks #32 for Business and Bachelors in Economics in THE rankings. 

Below is a summary of its subject-wise rankings:

Now that you know where the university stands globally, let’s explore what you will need to get admission to the programs of your choice. 

The application deadlines for the MSc management courses are December, March, May, and July at the University of Manchester. All undergraduate courses commence in September. The application process for September 2026 entry begins in early September 2025, with various deadlines throughout the year. 

Applications submitted after the respective deadlines will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, provided space is available in your desired program.

The following table shows all the application deadlines for different programs and the intake they fall under.

Now that you’ve reviewed the admission requirements and application deadlines for studying at the University of Manchester, let’s take a look at the different programs offered.

University of Manchester’s acceptance rate hovers around 76%, reflecting its inclusive approach to higher education. 

An average of 44,000 applicants are enrolled annually, with 26,000 students enrolled in bachelor’s and 14,000 in master’s. Out of these 1500 students are from India. The  University of Manchester’s commitment is to provide opportunities for a diverse range of applicants to be part of the university's community.

As you move forward in your application journey, it's crucial to understand the specific Admission Requirements that will guide your next steps.

Admission Requirements

It's crucial to understand the admission process ahead of time. This preparation allows you to gather necessary documents, complete required tests (such as IELTS or TOEFL), and meet the stipulated academic standards, thereby increasing your chances of acceptance.

Below is an overview of the admission requirements and upcoming deadlines for the University of Manchester.

Academic Qualification

There are some major requirements for studying in the UK, including a GPA score, along with essential documents such as official transcripts, a statement of educational and professional objectives, and a letter of recommendation. 

For programs like the MSc in Artificial Intelligence, a resume or portfolio may also be required. For Indian students, a minimum of 65% (First Class with Distinction) in a BSc Eng, BEng, or BTech is required. 

Here are the academic requirements:

Language Proficiency

International applicants, including those from India, must demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, and DET tests. Students who have completed previous education in English may be eligible for a waiver.

Refer to the table below to check the minimum test scores accepted by the university.

Note: The requirements listed above are overall. A specific program may have specific requirements. Please check the official website before applying. 

Let’s now take a look at whether there are any competitive exam scores required.

Competitive Exams

The University of Manchester does not require SAT/ACT scores for most applicants but accepts them as supportive documents. Some MSc in Finance programs may ask for GMAT or GRE, depending on the course competitiveness.

Let’s now take a look at the visa requirements.

Visa Requirements

To study in the UK, Indian students must apply for a UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4). The application process involves several key documents and steps to ensure eligibility.

Here are the visa requirements to study at the University

Let’s now take a look at the admission dates and deadlines.

The University of Manchester offers undergraduate programs and master’s degrees across various disciplines. The exact number of undergraduate courses can vary each academic year due to new programs and changes in existing ones. 

The university provides close to 200+ Masters courses for prospective students such as Masters in Computer Science, Masters in Public Health, and more..

Here are some popular courses in different streams:

After reviewing some of the programs offered at the University of Manchester, let's examine the tuition fees for various courses.

The University of Manchester acceptance rate is 76%. Manchester University admissions officers view a student's GPA as a critical academic component. This means 76 out of 100 applications are accepted by the University. Therefore, admissions in Manchester University is less competitive. Manchester University admissions officers place a great deal of weight on letters of recommendation and, if available, an applicant's high school class rank. 

In addition to tuition fees, it's essential to account for your monthly living costs while studying in the UK. The city offers a more affordable student lifestyle compared to other prominent UK cities, such as London.

For international students, the cost of studying in the UK can range between £137 and £225 (INR 15K - INR 26K), influenced by individual choices and academic requirements.

Here’s an estimated breakdown of average weekly expenses for on-campus living:

Note: All INR (Indian Rupee) conversions are provided for reference only and are based on the current exchange rate.

The following section explores the essential living expenses you will encounter as an international student at the University of Manchester.

The total estimated cost of living in the UK for Indian students is £565 (INR 56K). Beyond tuition fees, living expenses like transport, housing, food, and course materials add to the overall living cost. The amount spent on living expenses can vary depending on the city. 

Here are the additional costs associated with studying at the University of Manchester.

Note: All INR (Indian Rupee) conversions are provided for reference only and are based on the current exchange rate.

To help ease the burden of tuition costs, the University of Manchester offers scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Let's check out some popular scholarships.

The MSc in Advanced Computer Science at the University of Manchester has a tuition fee of £37,500 per annum (INR 44.04L). The program lasts for one year and requires 180 UK credits, including 90 credits from taught course units.

Additionally, a £1,000 (INR 1.17L)deposit is required for international applicants before the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies Letter (CAS) is issued. 

These figures represent the annual tuition cost, excluding additional expenses such as housing, health insurance, and course materials.

Note: INR Currency conversions are approximate and reflect the current exchange rate. 

Let us now take a look at the aspects that break down the total estimated cost for international students, including housing, health insurance, and other essential expenditures.

The University of Manchester offers merit-based scholarships and need-based awards to students who rank within the top 10-15% of the applicant pool. You will need about 60% minimum performance required in exams and assessments each year to maintain scholarship funding for years 2 and 3

Scholarships ranging from $8000 (INR 9.39L) to $24,000 (INR 28.19L) are more likely to be awarded to early applicants each year.

Below is a breakdown of both internal and external scholarships available, including fully funded scholarships in the USA for Indian students:

Internal Scholarships

The University of Manchester offers internal scholarships, like the Global Future scholarship awards, for Indian students holding conditional/unconditional offers for September 2025 entry.

The University offers a range of scholarships, each with specific eligibility and benefits detailed in the table below. 

With a strong foundation in internal scholarships supporting a wide range of student needs, the University also recognizes external funding opportunities.

External Scholarships

Government bodies or private organizations provide external scholarships. Indian students aspiring to attend the University of Manchester can consider scholarships like the Great Scholarships and the Inlaks scholarships, which help cover both tuition and living expenses.

The scholarships listed below are based on service or merit. Let’s take a look at some prominent external scholarship options available:

Next, let’s explore the placement stats of the University of Manchester.

The University of Manchester offers extensive placement opportunities across a range of disciplines, providing industry experience to close to 1,200 students, securing international placements, and gaining work experience in countries such as Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, and South Africa. 

These placements typically last between 8 to 12 months and are supported by the university's Careers Service, which offers resources like CV clinics and mock interviews. 

Here are the key placement opportunities available to university graduates:

1. Placement Duration: Typically, placements last between 8 to 12 months, often referred to as a "Year-in-Industry" or "Sandwich Year".
2. Placement Opportunities: Available in numerous programs, including Accounting, Management, IT, Biomedical Sciences, and Engineering.
3. Placement Support: The university's Careers Service assists students in finding placements, offering resources like CV clinics, mock interviews, and employer networking events.
4. International Placements: Students have secured placements in countries such as Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, and South Africa, with over 1,200 international placements.
5. Placement Salaries: The average salary for placement students ranges between £23,000 (INR 27L) and £30,000 (INR 35L), with some earning up to £69,000 (INR 81.5L).
6. Post-Placement Employment: Approximately 42% of placement students receive a graduate job offer from their placement employer.
7. Postgraduate Placements: Postgraduate students, including those in MBA programs, also benefit from placements, with 86% of MBA work placement within 3 months of graduation

Let us now take a look at the top companies where University of Manchester students can find jobs in the UK as a fresher and are likely to get recruited for top positions.

Top Recruiters

Graduates from the University of Manchester are highly accredited by some of the world's most prestigious companies due to the university's solid academic foundation, research-driven teaching, and emphasis on developing employability skills. 

University of Manchester alumni secure roles in industries ranging from business and finance to engineering, technology, media, and more, both within the UK and internationally.

The University of Manchester, along with active employer engagement, supports placement opportunities across in-demand jobs in the UK and beyond.

• JP Morgan Chase: Recruits for roles in investment banking, technology, and financial analysis.
• Unilever: Seeks graduates for marketing, supply chain, and finance positions through its Future Leaders Programme.
• PwC: Offers roles in consulting, audit, and technology to business and economics graduates.
• BBC: Hires from media, communications, and creative disciplines for positions in production, journalism, and digital content.
• KPMG: Frequently recruits for tax, audit, and risk advisory roles from accounting and management programs.
• HSBC: Offers roles in corporate banking, investment analysis, and graduate training schemes.
• Accenture: Hires graduates across various fields for consulting and technology analyst positions.
• Rolls-Royce: Targets engineering and applied science students for internships and full-time positions.

Now, let's look at internship and co-op opportunities available for students at the University of Manchester.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities

The University of Manchester offers internship and cooperative education (co-op) programs designed to bridge academic learning with real-world experience. 

Internships offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen industry while earning credits toward their degree across a range of disciplines, including STEM, business, education, and athletics. 

The University ensures students graduate job-ready, with £5,000 (INR 4.31L) stipend for 200 hours. Here are the key requirements for internship eligibility at the University of Manchester:

• Student Experience Internships (SEI): Paid, full-time internships for penultimate-year undergraduates, typically lasting 8 weeks, with placements in the university or charities.
• Manchester Graduate Talent (MGT): Connects final-year students with graduate-level internships, providing recruitment support like role descriptions and interview scheduling.
• International Summer Internships: Facilitates internships in over 90 countries through partnerships with organizations like AIESEC and Erasmus Intern.
• Micro Internships with Practera: Virtual, project-based internships where students work on real-world business challenges in teams.
• One-Year Industrial Placements: Placements lasting 8 to 12 months integrated into certain degree programs, offering students professional experience before their final year.
• Work Experience Bursaries: Financial support for full-time undergraduates to undertake unpaid internships, helping with associated costs.
• Volunteering and Work Shadowing: Provides experience in various sectors like healthcare and education to enhance employability and professional networks.

These clubs and initiatives provide students with vital exposure in today’s competitive business world. Now, let's explore some of the notable alumni from the school.

The University of Manchester is home to a vast and influential alumni network, comprising over 480,000 graduates spread across 190 countries worldwide. This extensive community is among the largest global alumni networks of any campus-based university in the UK.

The following table highlights notable alumni and their diverse career paths.

After reviewing the distinguished alumni and their field of work, let's compare the University of Manchester with its competitors.

The University of Manchester's main campus, located in Greater Manchester, UK, spans approximately 667 acres. The campus is strategically situated in 2 areas, such as the Oxford Road Campus and the Sackville Street Campus. 

The campus blends historic architecture with modern, innovative facilities:

• Historic Buildings: Whitworth Hall, built between 1898 and 1902, serves as the ceremonial hall for graduations.
• Modern Facilities: The Nancy Rothwell Building is for the School of Engineering, providing state-of-the-art labs and collaborative areas.
• Green Spaces: Brunswick Park is the largest green space on campus, offering a tranquil environment for relaxation and outdoor activities.
• Cultural and Research Institutions: The Manchester Museum, recently renovated, offers a rich collection of exhibits for students and visitors.

After exploring the University of Manchester campus, let's examine the rankings as given in the QS & THE rankings and the US News report. 

University of Hertfordshire ranks #1000 among the top public universities in the UK. However, it still remains lower than the University of Manchester, as it ranks #35 in the  QS world ranking. 

The Tuition fees for graduate programs also range a little higher when compared to Teesside University, where they range from £9,250/INR 10.86L to £17,000/INR 19.96L annually.

To get a clear picture, here's a comparison of the University of Manchester with other public Universities in the UK. 

These universities offer advantages in terms of programs and financial aid. While the University of Manchester leads in rankings, the University of Hertfordshire and Teesside University have affordable tuition fees.