Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027 in UK

Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027 in the UK | Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships

The Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 at the University of Manchester offer an excellent opportunity for talented professionals from selected African countries to pursue a Master's degree in the United Kingdom. The scholarship program is designed for academically strong individuals who have professional experience and want to use advanced education to create meaningful change in their home countries.

For the 2027/28 academic year, the University of Manchester plans to provide 30 scholarships: 20 for full-time, on-campus Master's study in Manchester and 10 for part-time distance-learning Master's programs. The scholarships are intended for resident citizens of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

The program is particularly suitable for professionals who already have experience in their chosen field and can demonstrate how a Master's degree will help them contribute to sustainable development when they return home.

Scholarship Overview

Category	Details
Host Country	United Kingdom
University	University of Manchester
Degree Level	Master's
Scholarship Type	Fully Funded
Awards Available	30
On-Campus Awards	20
Distance Learning Awards	10
Eligible Countries	Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Study Start	September 2027
Application Deadline	31 August 2026

The University of Manchester confirms that applications for September 2027 entry open on 1 August 2026 and close on 31 August 2026.

What Does the Equity and Merit Scholarship Cover?

The benefits depend on whether the successful applicant receives an on-campus or distance-learning award.

On-Campus Scholarship

The 20 full-time scholarships provide comprehensive financial support, including:

Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance
Return economy-class airfare between the applicant's home country and the UK
UK student visa costs
One year of full-time Master's study in Manchester
Access to a wide range of eligible Master's programs

The University of Manchester states that tuition is covered by the university, while donor funding supports living expenses, flights and visas.

Distance-Learning Scholarship

Ten scholarships are available for eligible part-time distance-learning Master's programs. These awards cover:

Full tuition fees
Part-time study over approximately three to five years
Study from the applicant's home country

The distance-learning scholarship does not provide the living allowance, flights or UK visa costs because students remain in their home countries.

Who Can Apply?

The Equity and Merit Scholarships have specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must be resident citizens and nationals of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda or Zimbabwe. Applicants living outside these countries are not eligible for this scholarship.

Candidates must also:

Hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.
Have obtained their Bachelor's degree before September 2025 under the 2027/28 scholarship requirements.
Have at least two years of paid professional experience related to their proposed field of study.
Not have previously studied outside Africa, except for short training of six months or less.
Meet the academic entry requirements of their selected Master's program.
Meet the English-language requirements of their chosen course.
Demonstrate a clear plan to return home after completing their studies.
Explain how their education will contribute to their career and wider community.

One of the most important requirements is professional experience. Unpaid internships and voluntary work do not count toward the required two years of professional experience.

Available Fields of Study

The University of Manchester offers more than 80 eligible Master's programs under the Equity and Merit scheme. Available subjects span a broad range of disciplines, including:

Computer Science
Engineering
Advanced Manufacturing
Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Public Health
Education
Humanitarian Response
Development Studies
Environment
Law
Health Sciences
Materials and related fields
Human Resource Management

The exact list of eligible programs can change for each scholarship cycle, so applicants should check the University's current course list before applying.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before beginning the application. Important documents include:

Equity and Merit Scholarship application form
Proof of citizenship and residence
Bachelor's degree certificate
Academic transcript
Evidence of at least two years of relevant paid employment
Personal statement
Professional or academic references
English-language qualification, when required
Additional documents required by the selected Master's course

Applicants should make sure their professional experience is clearly documented and connected to the Master's degree they intend to study.

How to Apply for Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027

The application process is slightly different from many other UK scholarships because applicants apply for the scholarship first and are invited to apply for their chosen Master's course afterward if they meet the initial eligibility requirements.

Follow these steps:

Check that you are a resident citizen of one of the six eligible countries.
Confirm that you have at least two years of relevant paid professional experience.
Review the eligible Master's courses at the University of Manchester.
Prepare your degree documents, employment evidence, references and personal statement.
Submit the Equity and Merit Scholarship application between 1 and 31 August 2026.
If eligible, you will be invited to apply for your selected Master's course during October 2026.
Obtain an unconditional offer for the Master's program.
Submit your required English-language qualification by 30 November 2026.
Wait for the final scholarship decision, expected in June 2027.

Application Timeline

The key dates for the 2027/28 intake are:

1 August 2026: Scholarship applications open
31 August 2026: Scholarship application deadline
October 2026: Eligible candidates are invited to apply for their Master's course
30 November 2026: English-language qualification deadline
Early 2027: Shortlisting and assessment
June 2027: Scholarship decisions announced
September 2027: Academic year begins

Why Apply for the University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarship?

This scholarship provides more than financial assistance. Successful candidates gain the opportunity to study at a globally recognized UK university, develop advanced professional skills and build international academic networks.

The program specifically aims to support professionals who can use their education to address development challenges in their countries. The University of Manchester highlights sustainable development and the potential for scholars to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

For on-campus scholars, the combination of tuition funding, living support, international airfare and visa costs can substantially reduce the financial burden of studying in the UK.

Final Thoughts

The Equity and Merit Scholarships 2027/28 are a highly competitive opportunity for experienced professionals from Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe who want to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Manchester.

With 30 scholarships available, including 20 fully supported on-campus awards and 10 distance-learning awards, the program offers different pathways for professionals depending on their circumstances. Applicants should pay particular attention to the two-year professional experience requirement, country eligibility, and the commitment to return home after completing their studies.

For September 2027 entry, the scholarship application deadline is 31 August 2026, so eligible candidates should prepare their applications as early as possible. The official University of Manchester page should be checked for the latest course list, requirements and application instructions.Apply Now