Global Futures Scholarships 2026 at the University of Manchester – Southeast Asia Guide
The United Kingdom, with its globally recognized universities, continues to attract some of the brightest minds each year. Among the institutions leading this tradition is The University of Manchester, one of the UK’s top research-intensive universities with a proud history of innovation, social impact, and global partnerships.
To support talented students from around the world, the University has launched the Global Futures Scholarships 2026. This initiative offers more than 300 awards, with a combined value exceeding £6 million, for international students starting their studies in September 2026.
These benefits are specifically announced only for students from Southeast Asia—particularly those domiciled in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Both undergraduate and master’s applicants can benefit, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and submit their applications on time.
Overview of the Global Futures Scholarships 2026
The Global Futures Scholarships are part of the University of Manchester’s strategy to widen access for international students and ensure that academic excellence is rewarded, regardless of financial background.
Key highlights of the scheme:
More than 300 awards in 2026.
Undergraduate scholarships: worth up to £30,000 (£10,000 per year over three years).
Master’s scholarships: worth £10,000 as a tuition fee reduction.
Scholarships are allocated based on academic merit, predicted/achieved grades, and the quality of the application form.
Awards are designed to cover tuition fees only and are deducted directly from published international fees.
These scholarships are not automatic. Applicants must apply separately after receiving an eligible offer from the University. Selection is competitive, with careful attention to balancing academic excellence, gender representation, domicile, and diversity across disciplines.
Undergraduate Awards
Value of the Scholarship
Undergraduate applicants from Southeast Asia can receive scholarships valued at up to £30,000. The award is structured as follows:
£10,000 per year for three years of study.
Renewal for years two and three is conditional on maintaining a minimum overall average of 60% in examinations and assessments each year.
This design ensures that students are supported throughout their undergraduate journey while also encouraging consistent academic performance.
Eligible Qualifications
To apply, students must be pursuing or have completed one of the following:
A-Levels (including international A-Levels)
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)
Singapore Integrated Programme
STPM (Malaysia)
UEC (Malaysia)
Indian Standard XII (completed in an eligible Southeast Asian country)
Eligibility
Undergraduate applicants must meet the following:
Be domiciled in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.
Apply for direct first-year entry in September 2026.
Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a full-time eligible course at Manchester.
Be self-funded (not sponsored by government or external organizations).
Submit the scholarship application by 21 April 2026.
Select Manchester as their Firm UCAS choice by 29 May 2026.
Excluded Programs
Not all courses are eligible. Undergraduate scholarships are not available for:
Medicine (MBChB)
Dentistry (BDS)
Architecture (including foundation years)
Any program with an integrated foundation year
Blended or distance learning programs
Applicants who have previously studied at a UK higher education institution
Selection Criteria
Applications will be judged on:
Academic merit (grades, predicted and achieved).
Strength of the personal statement.
Efforts to achieve balance in award distribution across gender, domicile, qualification type, and discipline.
Master’s Awards
Value of the Scholarship
The Master’s scholarship awards £10,000 as a direct discount on tuition fees. Unlike undergraduate awards, the discount applies only for the first year of study, even for multi-year programs.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be domiciled in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam for the last three years.
Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a full-time, on-campus master’s course starting in September 2026.
Submit the application form by 30 April 2026.
Have completed their bachelor’s degree within Southeast Asia.
Be self-funded.
Possess at least a second-class upper division degree (or overseas equivalent).
Excluded Programs
The following programs are not eligible:
MBA
MPhil
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Architecture and Urbanism (MA)
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education)
Clinical Medicine and Dentistry degrees
Several Master’s by Research programs (Physics, Chemistry, Materials, Environmental Science, Textiles, etc.)
Selection Criteria
Master’s awards are based on:
Bachelor’s degree results (postgraduate qualifications are not considered).
Strength of the supporting statement.
Balance across gender, domicile, and course.
Additional credit may be given to applicants applying to courses underrepresented by Southeast Asian students.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to deadlines and conditions.
Undergraduate Timeline
Apply for an eligible course at the University of Manchester.
If offered admission, you will receive a link to the scholarship application form.
Submit the form by 21 April 2026.
Results announced by 22 May 2026.
Confirm Manchester as your Firm UCAS choice by 29 May 2026.
Share final academic results by 16 August 2026.
Master’s Timeline
Apply for a full-time, on-campus master’s program.
Receive an offer from the University.
Eligible applicants will receive the scholarship form link by email.
Submit the application form by 30 April 2026.
Results announced by 1 June 2026.
Accept your course offer and pay any required CAS deposit by 23 July 2026 (or earlier for some programs).
Responsibilities of Awardees
Scholarship recipients are expected to:
Maintain a minimum academic performance of 60% annually (undergraduate).
Work occasionally as student ambassadors (e.g., giving testimonials, joining presentations, creating blogs/vlogs).
Seek approval from the International Office before making program changes.
Understand that scholarships cannot be deferred to later academic years.
Note that awards cover tuition fees only; living expenses remain the student’s responsibility.
Why the Global Futures Scholarships Matter
For Southeast Asian students, these scholarships reduce a significant financial burden. The UK remains one of the more expensive study destinations, with international tuition fees averaging £20,000–£30,000 per year. The awards not only reduce direct costs but also make Manchester a more accessible choice compared to universities of similar standing.
The University of Manchester consistently ranks among the top global universities (QS, THE, and ARWU rankings). It has produced 25 Nobel laureates and is widely recognized for its role in major scientific and social advancements. Studying here places students within a thriving international community and gives them access to world-class research facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I apply if I studied outside Southeast Asia?
No. Both undergraduate and master’s applicants must have studied in Southeast Asia and be domiciled there for at least the past three years.
2. Can the scholarship be combined with other awards?
No. If the combined value of University of Manchester scholarships exceeds tuition fees, the maximum coverage will be tuition, with no cash balance.
3. Are living expenses covered?
No. The scholarship only applies to tuition fees. Students must fund their living costs separately.
4. What happens if I fail to meet the 60% requirement?
For undergraduates, continuation of the award is conditional on meeting this minimum. Falling below it will result in loss of the scholarship for subsequent years.
5. Can I defer the scholarship to 2027?
No. The award is strictly for September 2026 entry and cannot be postponed.
6. Are part-time or online courses eligible?
No. Only full-time, on-campus programs delivered in Manchester are eligible.
7. Can postgraduate applicants use their master’s grades instead of bachelor’s?
No. For master’s awards, only bachelor’s degree results are considered.
8. How competitive is the scholarship?
Very competitive. With only 300 awards across all international students, strong academics and a well-prepared statement are essential.
9. Can medicine or dentistry applicants apply?
No. These courses are excluded at both undergraduate and master’s levels.
10. How will successful applicants be informed?
By email, on or before the official result announcement dates: 22 May 2026 (UG) and 1 June 2026 (PG).
Conclusion
The University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarships 2026 provide an important pathway for ambitious students from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to study in the UK with reduced financial pressure. By covering part of the tuition fees and rewarding academic excellence, the scholarships ensure that more Southeast Asian students can join Manchester’s global community.
With clear eligibility rules, strict timelines, and a competitive selection process, applicants are encouraged to prepare early, maintain strong academic performance, and submit thoughtful, well-documented applications.
For students who meet the requirements, this scholarship is a valuable chance to study at a world-class institution and open doors to future opportunities in research, industry, and leadership.
Official Link: Please visit the official website for further details of the scholarship.
