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The city of Manchester is the mecca for music and sports enthusiasts because of football fervour and the famous Manchester International Festival. With over 99,000 students enrolled, 19,000 of them are international students, Manchester is a favoured destination because of its affordability and student-friendly accommodation. If you are planning to study in UK then here is a list of universities in Manchester for you to explore!
Affordable Universities 1.5 Hours Away from London
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Why Study in Manchester?
Given below are some of the top reasons why students choose to study in Manchester, of all places in the world.
- Affordability: Manchester is a top choice for students because of its affordability. The average cost of living in Manchester is £10,330 and £13,340. Students can find affordable accommodation at half the price when compared with cities like London.
- Easy to Navigate: Manchester is a big city but students can easily travel across the city because of its excellent public transportation facilities. Students have access to discounted cycles, rails and buses.
- Top Universities: Manchester is home to 5 prestigious universities – The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, University of Bolton and University Academy.
- Renowned Alumni: Manchester has been a proud home to regal personalities like Benedict Cumberbatch, Anthony Burgess, Alan Turing and Julie Walters who have transformed the world through their work and experiences.
- Companies: Universities in Manchester are a preferred choice for most recruiters and students alike. Some of the best companies like Barclays, Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, and Peninsula actively hire talented graduates and offer internships, training workshops and direct placements.
Find Out Your Dream UK University with this UK Universities Quiz!
Life in Manchester as an International Student
As an international student researching Manchester colleges and universities, you’re probably looking for ways to save money. For international students, the cost of living in Manchester is quite inexpensive, around £1100 per month (without tuition). Furthermore, Manchester was awarded the most inexpensive city in the UK for students in 2020.
Wherever you travel as an international student, your biggest expense will be rent. The cost of living in Manchester is from £408 and £596 per month. International students can reside and travel across the city in safety. They will not only have easy access to the countryside; Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield are all fantastic Northern cities within an hour of Manchester.
Top Universities in Manchester
Manchester is home to some of the most popular universities in the UK. Here are the top 5 universities:
University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is situated in the heart of the city, surrounded by a number of parks. The University of Manchester was the world’s first and most famous civic university, dedicated to pushing the limits of knowledge through research and teaching. It is well-known for its excellent academic standing and focuses on humanities courses such as Philosophy and Linguistics, as well as science courses. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, the University of Manchester was rated 32nd, while in the Times Higher Education 2024, it was ranked 51st. Nobel Laureates Niels Bohr, Ernest Rutherford, John Hicks, and A.V Hill have all left their mark on the university.
| Total International Students | 10,000 |
| Endowments Value | Pound 222.4 million |
| No.of Campuses | 2 |
| Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense | INR 6.9 Lakh |
Also Read: How to Study in Glasgow?
University of Salford
The University of Salford, established in 1967, is a higher education institution in Manchester, North West England, located less than two miles from the city centre. The university has a reputation for being one of Manchester’s finest universities. Several industrial projects and creative development programmes assist the university’s attempts to build a vibrant education community in Salford and beyond. Other enticing university features include huge green areas, parking lots, calm study rooms, and buildings with high-end academic equipment, in addition to sporting facilities.
There are seven schools at the university. From undergraduate to doctoral levels, they provide remote learning in addition to traditional sit-in classroom sessions. On campus, there are approximately 50 student-run clubs and groups dedicated to diverse social, academic, and self-interests.
| UG/PG Course Ratio | 1: 0.99 |
| Endowments Value | Pound 49 million |
| No.of Campuses | 4 |
| Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense | INR 3.8 Lakh |
Must Read: How to Pursue an MPhil in the UK?
University of Bolton
Since each institution in the United Kingdom is special and has its own charms, selecting a university in the United Kingdom is not an easy task. The University of Bolton offers a wide range of programmes, including foundation programmes, bachelor’s degrees, pre-semesters, master’s degrees, and MPhil/Ph.D. degrees. Not only that but there are a number of other features that will entice you and make this university an ideal decision for you.
The institution has a high degree of student satisfaction; it was ranked first in the National Student Survey. It offers a welcoming and pleasant learning environment, as well as a focused study group with modern comforts.
| UG/PG Course Ratio | 1 : 0.66 |
| Endowments Value | Pound 160,000 |
| No.of Campuses | 1 |
| Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense | INR 4.5 Lakh |
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University is both a public and a private university, making it one of Manchester’s best universities. With a long history dating back to 1824, the university is one of Europe’s largest higher education institutions. It is one of the best universities in the UK, with 37,000 students and over 1,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional disciplines. It’s easy to see why Manchester is such a popular choice for students from all around the world.
Manchester Metropolitan University receives around 52,000 applications each year. What is it about this institution that has made it so well-known? The university has a distinct atmosphere that you’ll fall in love with the minute you walk in. It’s the perfect combination of contemporary and traditional. It is known as an artist’s mecca, with top-notch filmmaking, art, graphic design, and illustration programmes.
| Endowments Value | Pound 1 million |
| No.of Campuses | 2 |
| Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense | INR 8.3 Lakh |
Also Read: Sandwich Courses in the UK
The Royal Northern College of Music
The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is a well-known international college that offers classical music and art programmes in the metropolitan environment of Manchester. The university offers courses and programmes that lead to statutorily defined higher education degrees such as bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The college has a long history of drawing talented students from all around the world. The institution provides students with expert musical education as well as research and performing possibilities. Aside from hosting over 400 concerts each year, the college is also a vibrant live music venue that allows students to perform in front of large crowds and interact with professional musicians on a regular basis.
| Endowments Value | Pound 1.4 million |
| No.of Campuses | 2 |
| Yearly Hostel & Meals Expense | INR 8.9 Lakh |
Other Top Universities in Manchester
Apart from the top 5 universities in Manchester given above, here are some top colleges/institutes in Manchester that you can join as an international student:
The Manchester College
Manchester College, founded in 2008, is one of Manchester’s greatest new institutions. This university has witnessed tremendous success and excellent student satisfaction rates in subjects such as Arts, Science, Engineering, and Law since its inception, ultimately making it one of the largest Further Education colleges in the UK and one of the best universities in Manchester.
- Location: Several campuses in Manchester
- Type of University: Private
- Average Fees: £9000 per year
- UK ranking: 6th
- Acceptance Rate: 56.1%
- Eligibility: IELTS Score of 6.5
BPP University
It is a member of the BPP Professional Education Group. BPP University, founded in 1992, offers academic and professional education courses to over 21,000 students across 13 campuses. Students at BPP University are educated through lectures by experienced faculty members, industrial trips, and internships. They are given a lot of information and experience. Law, Business & Technology, Health, and Nursing are among the most popular courses.
- Location: Oxford Street
- Type of University: Private
- Average Fees: £15,000 per year
- Russell Group ranking: 24th
- Acceptance Rate: 98%
- Eligibility: IELTS Score of 6.5
Must Read: BPP University Admissions 2024-25: Requirements, Dates, Admission Process
University of Law
Are you a law student seeking the finest law school in Manchester? Well, the University of Law might be the place for you. The University of Law, which began enrolling students in 2012, is dedicated to preparing its students not only academically but also professionally in the fields of law and business, offering them employability services such as CV advice, interview preparation through mock interviews, and finding pro bono opportunities.
- Location: New York Street
- Type of University: Private
- Average Fees: £14,600 per year
- World QS ranking: 28
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Eligibility: IELTS Score of 6.0
Arden University
Arden University was founded in 2015 as one of Manchester’s best specialist online learning universities to be established in the past 50 years. Arden University has approximately 23,000 students learning abroad, both online and at study centres. Moreover, it also offers some of the greatest programs in business and management, computing and information technology, psychology, and sociology.
- Location: Minshull Street and Dickinson Street
- Type of University: Private
- Average Fees: £12,150 per year
- Country ranking: 182
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Eligibility: IELTS Score of 6.0
Must Read: Arden University Courses for International Students 2024
BIMM
Since 2001, BIMM University has provided a diverse range of courses to over 9,000 students across 15 colleges in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Ireland. With premier courses such as Modern Music, Performing Arts, and Filmmaking, the university has long been regarded as one of the best in Manchester for music and creative education. Because of BIMM’s international reputation, notable artists such as Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Metallica have given masterclasses here.
- Location: Great Marlborough Street and Bank Chambers
- Type of University: Private
- Average Fees: £14,250 per year
- World QS ranking: 71
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Eligibility: IELTS Score of 6.0
English Proficiency Test Score
In the above-mentioned universities, IELTS and TOEFL are certainly mandatory while applying for any course. Reading, hearing, speaking, and writing are all evaluated in order to earn an English language certificate, such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
However, students should keep a look at the websites of universities to determine if they need a language certificate to study at their chosen university.
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Application Process
Candidates who are interested to study in universities in Manchester can apply through the UCAS application
- Register on the official site and you will be provided with your username details
- Sign in and fill in all the details
- Select the desired university and degree
- Complete filling your education history with all the qualifications.
- Fill in the details of your employment history.
- Fill in your statement.
- Submit the application form by paying the mentioned fees.
Students can also submit and file their online applications by directly registering on the official universities’ websites.
Documents Required
The following documents are required to apply for a student visa by aspirants who wish to study in Manchester:
- Coloured passport-size photograph
- A valid passport
- The Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number along with other documents required to obtain CAS
- Proof of financial stability
- Assessment documentation
- Details of your travel plans and where you are about to reside
- Health checkup report
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Student Visa in the UK
Here are the two main types of UK Student Visas you can choose from to study in the UK:
| Tier 4 Student Visa | Short-term Student Visa |
| UK Tier 4 Visa is for those who are 16 years of age or above and have enrolled in a course exceeding more than 11 months. | This type of visa is for those students who want to enrol in a short-term course. |
| You will have to collect your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) or letter of acceptance from the institution where you have applied to study. |
(BONUS) Scope of Studying in the UK
Must Read: Study in the UK without IELTS
Conclusion
Another key issue that applicants must address is the selection of a university. The rating agencies’ rankings are methodologically evaluated based on the performance parameters of the universities, which aid in identifying good ones and establishing relevant comparisons. The task of selecting, on the other hand, is fairly hard because it is intimately tied to numerous criteria relating to the application.
Manchester is a fantastic city in which to study and live. The colleges are contemporary and progressive, and the city of Manchester provides several part-time career options for college students. It is really difficult to choose the appropriate one among so many options. Hence, you can reach out to your trusted study abroad consultants at Leverage Edu, who will guide you through the whole process.
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FAQs
Ans. The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, University of Bolton and The Royal Northern College of Music are the 5 major universities in Manchester.
Ans. The University of Manchester is the best university in Manchester.
Ans. Living expenses in London are 45 per cent higher than those in Manchester.
Ans. According to Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings, the University of Salford comes in at number 801.
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