Manchester is rated as the most livable city in the UK by The Economist because of its wide range of amenities that appeal to all tastes. From charming to sophisticated, the city provides a broad variety of beauty, music, sports, and culture. With a GDP of £134.59 billion, Manchester has the biggest economy in the UK outside of London. It has therefore gained a great reputation among overseas students who are eager to study in the UK.
With approximately 99,000 students enrolled at major universities in Manchester, of which roughly 21,000 are international, studying here has become one of the most sought-after options. Manchester’s universities are concentrated knowledge clusters and premier research hubs. They have a stellar academic history and are home to many professors and scholars who are well-known throughout the world, including 25 Nobel Laureates.
Why Study in Manchester UK?
- Manchester is a popular option for students due to its affordability: Manchester has an average cost of living between £10,330 and £13,340. Comparing prices with locations like London, students might discover accommodations that are half as expensive yet still inexpensive.
- Simple to Navigate: Despite Manchester’s size, students may move around it with ease because of the first-rate public transit system. Discounted bicycles, trains, and buses are available to students.
- Top Universities: The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, University of Bolton, and University Academy are the five esteemed universities located in Manchester.
- Student-Friendly City: Mancunians are always willing to accommodate the needs of the large number of international students living here. The students won’t have to break the bank to sample a variety of cuisines. Students can find the best deals at the street vendors located all around the city. In Manchester, UK, there are specific neighborhoods that are solely for universities. For example, Oxford Road, where Fallowfield is located, is home to three separate universities as well as numerous resident halls for international students.
- Prominent Alums: Manchester is pleased to have produced regal figures of global impact through their work and experiences, such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Anthony Burgess, Alan Turing, and Julie Walters.
- Companies: Most recruiters and students choose to work at Manchester universities. Prominent corporations such as Barclays, Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, and Peninsula aggressively seek out and hire bright new graduates. They also provide internships, workshops, and direct placements.
Life in Manchester For International Students
If you’re an overseas student investigating universities and colleges in Manchester, you’re undoubtedly hunting for methods to cut costs. Living expenses in Manchester are relatively low for overseas students, at about £1100 per month (tuition not included). In addition, Manchester was named the UK’s least expensive student city in 2020.
Rent will be your largest expense as an international student, wherever you go. Manchester has monthly living expenses ranging from £408 to £596. International students are free to live and move about the city without fear. Not only will they have easy access to the countryside, but Manchester is only an hour away from three wonderful Northern cities: Sheffield, Leeds, and Liverpool.
Types of Universities in Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom is home to both public and private universities. Let’s learn more about them in-depth.
- Private Universities: The state government authorizes private universities rather than the British government. Compared to Manchester’s public universities, private universities frequently offer a far wider range of degree programs. Government support for study abroad scholarships to private universities is common. Conversely, Manchester, UK private institutions have greater tuition than state universities.
- Public universities: Public universities are overseen by the British government, which also offers a wide range of study opportunities and far lower tuition than private institutions. However, inexpensive and secure on-campus housing is a common feature of public institutions in the UK. Since all of the courses demand competency in UK English, language is not a barrier. Consequently, Manchester’s public colleges are now quite appealing to overseas students.
Top Universities in Manchester
There are prestigious universities in Manchester that are well-liked by international students, even if colleges like Oxford and Cambridge are among the best in the UK and the entire globe. Below, let’s learn more about them:
The University of Manchester
The most well-known University of Manchester, which is located in the middle of the city, is ranked first on the list. It is renowned for its rigorous academic program and emphasizes humanities courses, such as linguistics and philosophy, in addition to science studies. According to the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Manchester came in at number 32, and the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 ranked it 351st. The University of Manchester was home to Nobel laureates Niels Bohr, A.V. Hill, John Hicks, and Ernest Rutherford.
| University kind | Public |
| World Rankings for Manchester University in 2024 | 32 |
| Average yearly cost of tuition | £19,000–£46,000, or 17,17,000–41,56,000 Indian rupees |
| well-liked classes | 700+ courses, including LLB, MBA, MSc Data Science, and MSc Management |
| Study advantages | Great facilities, reasonably priced on-campus housing, more than 700 courses offered, and scholarships available. |
Metropolitan University of Manchester (MMU)
Artists interested in programs in cinematography, graphic design, and illustration call MMU, a public institution, home. Seven campuses made up MMU at first; these subsequently combined to form Birley, All Saints, and Cheshire. This university has preserved its history since 1824, and it currently enrolls about 40,000 students. This university is home to international students from 120 different nations.
This university is among the finest around Manchester in terms of placement. Thanks to its partnerships with industry titans like DHL and Nike, MMU has emerged as one of the top institutions close to Manchester for employment opportunities.
| University kind | Public |
| World Rankings for Manchester University in 2024 | 590 |
| Average yearly cost of tuition | £17,000, or INR 15,36,000, was |
| well-liked classes | MA Animation, MA Multimedia Journalism, BSc (Hons) Computer Science, MArch, MSc International Business Management, etc. |
| Study advantages | There are more than fifty courses offered, placement help is given, and scholarships are accessible to students from overseas. |
Salford University
The University of Salford is a non-profit public higher education university located in North West England, less than two miles from Manchester’s city center. The university has a selective admissions strategy that takes into account applicants’ prior grades and academic standing. Applicants from abroad are welcome to apply for enrollment. Salford, which has been known for its Two Cities Boat Race since 1972, places a high value on sports and is home to 35 different sports organizations, from Ultimate Frisbee to football. Famous graduates of this university include Peter Kay, Jim Sturgess, Jason Manford, and David France.
| University kind | Public |
| World Rankings for Manchester University in 2024 | 851–900 |
| Average yearly cost of tuition | £14,700 to £18,990, or 13,29,000 to 17,16,000 Indian rupees |
| well-liked classes | MSc Public Health, MSc Aerospace Engineering, MBA, MSc Biotechnology, etc. |
| Study advantages | features the greatest campus, a number of international students’ social clubs, and placement support |
University of Bolton
Choosing a university in the United Kingdom is a difficult undertaking because every institution is unique and has its attractions. Numerous programs are available at the University of Bolton, such as foundation courses, bachelor’s, pre-semester, master’s, and MPhil/Ph.D. degrees. In addition, this university has a lot of other qualities that will draw you in and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. As indicated by its #1 ranking in the National Student Survey, the university enjoys a high level of student satisfaction. It provides a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for studying as well as a modern study group with a focus.
| University kind | Public |
| Average yearly cost of tuition | £11,250, or 10,17,000 INR, |
| well-liked classes | MSc in International Management, BSc (Hons) in Business Management, BA (Hons) in Animation & Illustration, MSc in Civil Engineering, etc. |
| Study advantages | Numerous social activities, reasonably priced tuition, cheap on-campus housing for students, a supportive academic atmosphere, etc. |
The Royal Northern College of Music
Located in the center of Manchester, the Royal Northern College of Music is well-known for offering academic programs in the arts and classical music.
There are 120 distinct nationalities represented among the 320 members of the teaching staff. Many international students who are interested in studying classical music and art have taken notice of it. All things considered, this college offers outstanding instruction to instructors, students, and artists
| University kind | General Public (Conservatoire) |
| Average yearly cost of tuition | A sum of £19,693 (INR 17,80,000) |
| well-liked classes | Master of Philosophy, Master of Performance, European Chamber Music Master, International Artist Diploma, Bachelor of Music |
| Study advantages | low tuition fees and access to all major classical music and art courses. |
English Proficiency Test Requirements:
IELTS and TOEFL are unquestionably required in the aforementioned universities while applying for any course. To obtain an English language certificate, such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System), reading, listening, speaking, and writing are all assessed.
Intakes in the UK:
Intakes in UK 2024: September, January And May Intakes
January Intake in UK for Indian Students: Top Universities, Requirement & Fees
May Intake in UK 2024: Top Universities, Fees, Deadlines
Documents Required And Application
Let’s now review the list of materials that must be included with the application.
- colored passport-size photos
- a valid passport
- The reference number for Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
together with other paperwork needed to receive CAS
- Evidence of sound financial standing
- Documentation of assessments
- Information about your itinerary and the place you will shortly be living
- Report on health examination
- English Language Ability test results
Manchester University’s application process is listed here.
- You will receive a username and password when you register on the UCAS portal.
- Please log in and complete all fields.
- After doing adequate study, decide on the chosen university and degree.
- Enter all of the necessary information about your educational background.
- Please provide the specifics of your work experience.
- Please attach your documents as needed.
- Complete the SOP, or statement of purpose.
- Pay the fees specified by the university and apply.
- Await the university’s response for six to eight weeks.
Conclusion
The choice of university is another important consideration for applicants. The performance metrics of the institutions are the basis for a methodical evaluation of the rating agencies’ rankings, which helps identify the best ones and provide pertinent comparisons. On the other hand, choosing is a difficult undertaking because it is closely linked to several application-related criteria.
Manchester is an excellent place to live and study. The universities are modern and forward-thinking, and Manchester offers a variety of part-time job opportunities for college students. Selecting the right one from so many alternatives is incredibly tough. Therefore, you can get in touch with Leverage Edu, your go-to study abroad experts, who will help you throughout the entire
FAQs
What is the number of universities in Manchester?
The University of Manchester, University of Salford, University of Bolton, Royal Northern College of Music, and Manchester Metropolitan University are the top five universities in Manchester.
How much does living in Manchester cost for Indian students?
Indian students in Manchester pay £1,100 a month for living expenses, which vary based on lifestyle and other significant variables.
Do foreign students in Manchester receive financial aid for their studies?
Indeed, scholarships are offered by Manchester City’s public colleges to deserving students from both domestic and other countries, including India.
Is employment possible for foreign students in Manchester City?
Yes, foreign students can work in Manchester City and make between £48,000 and £63,000 a year.
Gaurav Kandari is a seasoned study abroad consultant with over 5 years of experience, specializing in guiding students to the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. An avid traveler, he draws on his global adventures to enrich his consulting, providing invaluable insights to aspiring scholars.
