Scholarships
How to Secure a Scholarship for Data Analysis at the University of Manchester: The Complete Guide
Pursuing a degree in Data Analysis or Data Science at one of the UK’s top institutions like the University of Manchester is a dream for many students worldwide. But let’s face it—quality education can come with a hefty price tag. The good news? A wide range of scholarships and funding options are available to help make this dream a reality.
Whether you’re an international applicant, a UK resident, or a returning Manchester alumnus, here’s your ultimate guide to securing a scholarship for a Data Analysis course at the University of Manchester.
📘 Step 1: Understand the Program
The University of Manchester offers several programs related to data analysis, including:
- MSc Data Science (Social Analytics)
- MSc Business Analytics: Operational Research and Risk Analysis
- MSc Data Science (Computer Science route)
- MSc Artificial Intelligence
These programs typically include coursework in machine learning, statistics, data mining, and programming (Python, R, SQL)—making them perfect for aspiring data analysts.
💷 Step 2: Know the Cost
For most of these postgraduate programs, the tuition fees are:
- UK students: ~£13,000–£15,000/year
- International students: ~£30,000–£35,000/year
You’ll also need to factor in living costs, which the university estimates at about £12,000–£15,000 per year.
🎯 Step 3: Identify Scholarship Opportunities
Here are the main scholarship options you should explore:
1. Manchester Humanities International Excellence Scholarship
- For high-achieving international students applying to postgraduate taught programs.
- Awards of up to £2,000–£3,000 toward tuition fees.
- No separate application needed—considered automatically when you apply to the course.
2. Manchester Alumni Scholarship
- If you’ve previously studied at Manchester and earned a first-class undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for a £3,000 discount on postgraduate tuition fees.
3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
- For students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
- Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- Apply via the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and choose University of Manchester as your institution.
4. Chevening Scholarships
- Fully funded by the UK government for future global leaders.
- Open to students from 160+ countries.
- Covers tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and more.
- Highly competitive; requires at least 2 years of work experience.
5. President’s Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards
- While mainly for PhD students, some Master’s students aiming to continue with research can consider this long-term plan.
- Offers full funding and research support.
6. External Country-Specific Funding
- LPDP (Indonesia), Fulbright (USA), DAAD (Germany), SACM (Saudi Arabia) are just a few examples.
- Check your local Ministry of Education or Embassy website for opportunities.
📅 Step 4: Understand Application Deadlines
The university runs a staged application process, especially for high-demand courses:
- Stage 1: Apply by early December
- Stage 2: Apply by early March
- Stage 3: Apply by early May
- Stage 4: Apply by July (final stage, limited availability)
✅ Tip: Apply as early as possible. Some scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis or during early application windows.
📝 Step 5: Perfect Your Application
To boost your chances of getting a scholarship:
- Highlight academic excellence: A strong GPA or first-class degree helps.
- Showcase relevant experience: Internships, work experience, or projects in data, tech, or analytics.
- Write a compelling personal statement: Focus on your passion for data analysis, future goals, and why Manchester is your ideal place.
- Include your funding intentions: Clearly mention in your university application that you are seeking scholarships or financial aid.
- Submit all required documents early: Transcripts, references, English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL), etc.
📬 Step 6: Use the Right Contacts
Still unsure where to start? Reach out directly to the admissions or funding teams:
- General Postgraduate Admissions: pg-soss@manchester.ac.uk
- Scholarship Queries: Often found on the department or faculty’s dedicated scholarship page.
Useful links:
🚀 Final Thoughts
Securing a scholarship to study Data Analysis at the University of Manchester is absolutely achievable—with the right preparation and persistence. Start early, research thoroughly, and build an outstanding application. Whether you’re aiming for government-funded support, university-specific aid, or external scholarships, your journey into data science at one of the world’s top universities could be fully funded.
Your future in data starts here. Make it happen!
