If you are considering a taught master’s (for example an MA, MSc or MRes) at The University of Manchester, it is essential to understand how much it will cost and what funding options are available. This post guides you through the key fee issues and funding routes for postgraduate taught programmes.

1. Understanding tuition fees

1. Tuition fees cover registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation. They also include membership of the university library, students’ union and athletic union. The University of Manchester+1
2. The University charges different fee rates depending on whether you are classed as a “Home” (UK) student or an “Overseas/International” student. The University of Manchester+1
3. For international students, fees vary by individual master’s course — the cost is influenced by whether the course is full-time, modular, whether it includes lab or clinical elements, and whether it includes a “clinical” year. The University of Manchester
4. Because the fees differ by course, it is always important to check the course profile page for the exact fee figure for your chosen programme. The University of Manchester+1

2. International student fees (important for applicants from Bangladesh or other overseas)

1. If you are studying a full-time taught master’s as an international student, you will be charged the overseas tuition fee rate applicable to that course. The University of Manchester
2. For part-clinical courses, a mix of non-clinical and clinical fee rates may apply depending on the years of study. The University of Manchester
3. Fees can increase annually for modular courses (where you take modules rather than a standard full-time year) — so make sure you check how this applies to your course. The University of Manchester
4. You must be able to show you can pay your tuition fees and living costs when your offer is made. The University of Manchester

3. Funding options for taught master’s students

Because master’s programmes typically have fewer funding opportunities than undergraduate or PhD studies, planning your funding early is key. The University of Manchester+1

a) UK postgraduate loans

1. If you are eligible and domiciled in the UK (or meet residence criteria), you may apply for a postgraduate loan. For example, the maximum loan available in 2024/2025 for taught master’s is around £12,471. The University of Manchester+1
2. This loan can be used toward tuition and living costs. You repay it once your income exceeds the repayment threshold. The University of Manchester

b) University-awarded funding and bursaries

1. The University offers its own bursaries and scholarships. For example, the “Manchester Master’s Bursary” provides around £4,000 per eligible student for certain master’s programmes. The University of Manchester
2. There are also “Equity and Merit Scholarships” for capable students who might otherwise not be able to study, and funding for international students via the university’s database of awards. The University of Manchester
3. Some Schools or subject areas may have additional awards or funding competitions specific to that discipline. Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health+1

c) Other financial support

1. The university has a funding database where you can search for external sources of funding (e.g., charities, foundations, country-specific scholarships) relevant to your country of origin or subject area. The University of Manchester+1
2. There may also be special discounts (for example alumni discounts if you previously studied at Manchester) or small grants to help with living costs and unexpected hardship. alc.manchester.ac.uk+1

4. Tips for planning your budget and funding strategy

1. Start early: Investigate all possible funding routes well before the application deadline. Funding competitions may have earlier deadlines than course applications.
2. Check your course fee: Because each master’s at Manchester may charge a different fee (especially for international students or clinical years), use the course profile to get accurate numbers.
3. Calculate total cost: Don’t just look at tuition. Consider living costs, visa/immigration costs (if applicable), travel, insurance, and any equipment or field trip costs.
4. Compare funding to costs: If you are relying on a loan (e.g., UK postgraduate loan) check how much of your tuition and living cost it will cover, and plan how you will cover the rest.
5. Apply for scholarships early: For university bursaries like the Manchester Master’s Bursary, you may need to apply after you receive an offer but before the deadline. Also check if you must hold an offer to apply for the funding. The University of Manchester+1
6. For international students: Explore whether there are scholarships in your country, your government’s funding or employer sponsorship, as well as Manchester’s international funding schemes.
7. Check payment and instalment options: The university offers various payment options for tuition fees (such as instalments, bank transfer, direct debit) for international students. The University of Manchester

5. Summary

Choosing the right master’s programme at the University of Manchester means not just finding the right academic fit but also ensuring you understand the financial commitment and how you will fund it. In summary:

1. Tuition fees vary by course, student status (home vs international) and type of programme.
2. International students must check the specific fee for their chosen programme and plan living costs.
3. Funding is available but limited for taught master’s compared with research degrees — so early research and application are key.
4. Loans (for UK students) and university bursaries/scholarships are important funding routes.
5. Always check your course profile, the university’s funding database and deadlines for scholarships.

If you like, I can pull together a detailed list of scholarships available for international students at Manchester (especially relevant for students from South Asia) and include eligibility, deadlines and amounts. Would you like me to do that?

References

1. Master’s fees and funding – The University of Manchester.
2. International student fees for master’s – The University of Manchester.
3. Master’s student funding – The University of Manchester.
4. Postgraduate loans – The University of Manchester.
5. Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health fees and funding – The University of Manchester.