The University of Manchester has officially opened the doors again for one of its most mission-driven opportunities: the Humanitarian Scholarships for 2026 entry—created for students whose education was derailed by war, conflict, and forced displacement. Launched in 2022, this programme is built for people at immediate risk who had to leave their homes and now need a real second chance to restart their future through higher education.
And this isn’t a “discount scholarship” or a partial tuition cut. Manchester is offering up to six (06) undergraduate scholarships for September 2026 entry, designed to remove the biggest barriers that stop displaced students from studying abroad: tuition costs, living expenses, and even visa costs. If you’ve been trying to figure out how someone can realistically study in the UK after being forced to flee, this scholarship is one of the rare answers that actually makes the plan possible.
What This Scholarship Covers?
If selected for the University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarship, the funding is structured to cover the major expenses that normally block applicants at the finish line. The scholarship pays for:
- Full tuition fees (the full cost of your undergraduate course)
- Living expenses (money to support food, housing, and day-to-day survival costs)
- Visa costs (so the legal process doesn’t become the financial trap)
This means the scholarship is built to support you as a student from the moment you start—without forcing you to “figure out the rest” later.
Benefits of Winning the Manchester Humanitarian Scholarship
This scholarship is more than funding—it’s a full restart button for students whose academic path was interrupted by circumstances they never chose. By covering tuition, living support, and visa costs, the University of Manchester removes the three most common reasons displaced students give up on studying abroad: the cost of admission, the cost of staying alive while studying, and the cost of legal entry.
For applicants who have been forced to pause their education, this programme creates something rare: a stable academic route back into a degree at a world-class UK university, with support designed around real humanitarian realities—not ideal scenarios. If you’ve been carrying strong grades, ambition, and a serious reason to study but conflict has blocked every route forward, this scholarship turns “I can’t” into “I can actually apply.”
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is specifically for people impacted by conflict and displacement, so eligibility is strict and purpose-driven. You must meet all of the following:
- You’re at serious risk due to war or conflict
- You were forced to leave your home country (or relocate within it) in the last three years because of conflict
- You cannot start or finish a university degree due to your circumstances
- You have never studied in the UK or EU before
- You have applied for an undergraduate course starting September 2026 at The University of Manchester
- You can clearly explain why you want to study the chosen course
- You have strong academic performance in your previous studies
- You cannot apply if you are currently living in the UK or EU.
English Language Requirement
You do not need to provide English language proof when applying through UCAS or when applying for the scholarship. However, if Manchester offers you admission, you must meet the English language conditions listed in your offer letter.
One key point: Duolingo English Test is not accepted for this process. Also note that the scholarship does not cover pre-sessional English courses, so you should plan around the English requirement early if you think you may need extra preparation.
Last Date to Apply
The last date to apply for The University of Manchester Humanitarian Scholarships for 2026 entry is Monday, 31 March 2026 at 5:00pm (BST), and applicants will be informed of results by the end of May 2026 ahead of the September 2026 start.