A major funding opportunity has just opened for international students: The University of Manchester has announced its Global Futures Scholarships for the 2026–2027 cohort, offering one of the largest merit-based scholarship schemes in the UK. Available until early 2026, this opportunity is designed for academically outstanding students from the USA and Canada applying for undergraduate and master’s degrees. This article explains what the scholarship offers, who can apply, and the key deadlines you must follow to secure your chance.
The Global Futures Scholarships 2026 bring more than 300 awards worth over £6 million to support highly talented students beginning their studies in September 2026. Undergraduate students can receive scholarships worth £30,000 (£10,000 per year for three years), while master’s applicants are offered £10,000 towards tuition fees. These awards aim to support academic excellence and expand access to world-class education at one of the UK’s leading universities.
What the Scholarship Offers?
Undergraduate Awards
- More than 100 merit-based scholarships for international students.
- Total value: £30,000 (£10,000 per year for 3 years).
- Applied as a reduction in overseas tuition fees.
- Must be taking AP, Dual Enrolment, A-levels, IB, US High School Diploma, or Canadian High School Diploma.
- Continued awards in Years 2 and 3 depend on achieving a 60% average each year.
Master’s Awards
- More than 200 merit-based awards.
- Each scholarship is worth £10,000.
- Applied as a discount on overseas tuition fees.
- Selection is based on academic excellence and the strength of the online application.
Eligibility Checks
Undergraduate Eligibility
- Must be an international fee-paying student domiciled in the USA or Canada for at least the last three years (not primarily for full-time education).
- Must apply for direct first-year entry for September 2026.
- Must be self-funded (FAFSA and provincial loan recipients are eligible).
- Must accept a conditional or unconditional offer by 22 May 2026.
- Must hold or be working toward AP, Dual Enrolment, A-levels, IB, US High School Diploma, or Canadian High School Diploma.
- Scholarship is not available for Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture, blended learning, or integrated foundation year programmes.
Master’s Eligibility
- Must be an international fee-paying student domiciled in the USA or Canada.
- Must hold an offer for a full-time, on-campus master’s programme starting in September 2026.
- Must accept the offer by 22 May 2026 and pay the CAS deposit (if required) by 24 July 2026.
- MBA, MPhil, MArch, MA Architecture & Urbanism, MLA, PGCE, clinical programmes, and some Master’s by Research courses are not eligible.
- Must be self-funded (FAFSA recipients can apply).
Important Deadlines for 2026–2027
The application process for the University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships comes with strict timelines for the 2026–2027 cohort. Students who apply for admission before 14 January 2026 will automatically receive the scholarship application link once their academic application is submitted.
Those applying after this date must already be holding an offer by 5 March 2026 to receive the application form. All scholarship applications must be submitted no later than 5 March 2026. Successful applicants will begin receiving award notifications from 17 April 2026 onward. To remain eligible, applicants must select the University of Manchester as their firm choice in UCAS by 22 May 2026. Master’s applicants will also be required to pay any applicable CAS deposit by 24 July 2026 to secure their scholarship.