Top 5 Universities in Manchester, UK for International Students in 2025

As per the QS Best Student Cities 2024, Manchester has gained the 30th position. Besides music halls, sports, and fantastic nightlife, studying in Manchester is highly advantageous because of the following reasons:

• Great Connectivity: The Magic buses running on Oxford Road, one of the busiest routes in Europe, are often a major highlight of Manchester city. This city is located around two hours away from London by train. On the other hand, its tram network is constantly expanding, making it easier for the students to reach their universities in Manchester on time.
• Vibrant Festivals: Manchester is also known for monsoons, but dark clouds don’t disrupt the festivals of Mancunians. There is a ‘Pride festival,’ which is hugely celebrated for supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Manchester International Festival is also organised where leading artists show their best artworks. The local and abroad students can celebrate various festivals like Sounds of the City and Parklife.
• Student-Friendly City: With such a vast population of international students, Mancunians are always ready to cater to their needs. The students can try different types of cuisines without burning their pockets. The street markets are available throughout the city, giving the best discounts to the students. There are certain areas dedicated only to universities in Manchester UK, like Oxford Road, which is home to Fallowfield, has three different universities and multiple residence halls for international students.

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There are two types of universities in Manchester, UK; public and private. Let’s get insights about them in detail.

Private Universities

The private universities aren’t run by the British government but are approved by the state government. The degree options in private universities are often vast compared to those at public universities in Manchester. Private universities often get funding from the government for scholarships to study in the UK. On the other hand, private universities in Manchester, UK, charge higher tuition fees than public universities.

Public Universities

As the British government runs the public universities, the study options are vast, and tuition fees are much lower than in private universities. On the other hand, public universities in the UK often provide on-campus student accommodation, which is affordable and safe. Language isn’t a barrier because all the courses require UK English language proficiency. As a result, the public colleges in Manchester have become highly suitable for international students.

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Next, let’s explore the best universities in Manchester city.

What are the five universities in Manchester? More than 104,000 students are enrolled in top universities in Manchester, producing around 40,000 high-quality graduates every year. Some of the top universities in Manchester that international students should consider are:

• The University of Manchester
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• The University of Salford
• University of Bolton
• University Academy

Let us now take a look at this list of universities in Manchester in detail:

1. University of Manchester

When it comes to the best universities in Manchester, the University of Manchester is at the top of the list. This is a public university established in 2004 after the merger of Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology. This is one of the prestigious colleges in Manchester, situated in the city centre.

As per the QS World University Rankings 2025, the University of Manchester has secured the 32nd position. Luckily, this university has the best-in-class amenities for international students like reputed staff, excellent infrastructure, placement assistance, etc.

2. Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)

MMU is a public university that is home to artists interested in filmmaking, graphic design, and illustration programs. Initially, MMU had seven campuses, which later merged into Birley, All Saints, and Cheshire. Since 1824, this university has maintained its heritage, and around 40,000 students are enrolled at MMU. There are international students from 120 different countries studying at this university.

In terms of placement, this is one of the best universities near Manchester. MMU has also become one of the best universities near Manchester for placements because it has tied up with major giants like Nike and DHL.

3. University of Salford

In 1967, the University of Salford was established as a non-profit public university that picks certain students based on their previous academic grades. In the Manchester universities list, this is the only university giving much importance to sports, with 35 sports clubs spread across 160-acre land.

Besides, the Clifford Whitworth library of the University of Salford is famous because it has many books and digital resources used for learning, researching, and teaching purposes. The campus of the University of Salford also has the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, the first free public library in England.

4. University of Bolton

The University of Bolton is situated in Greater Manchester. Back in 1825, this was an open university named Bolton Mechanics Institute. In 1995, it received university status and became eligible to offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Among the best universities in Manchester for masters, the University of Bolton is topping the list because it provides a conducive learning environment focused on small student groups.

At Bolton University, the study programs are curated according to the latest market trends. This university also supports sports and allows students to participate in the BUCS league.

5. Royal Northern College of Music

The Royal Northern College of Music is situated in the heart of Manchester city and is very famous for providing study programs in classical music and the arts.

The teaching staff is composed of 320 members from 120 different nationalities. It has grabbed the attention of various international students interested in learning classical arts and music. Overall, this college provides exceptional training to artists, students, and teachers.

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If you wish to study at the universities in Manchester City, then ensure to achieve an overall standard of 65% for graduate and 80-95% for undergraduate courses. Check the official websites of universities in Manchester for international students for exact eligibility requirements.

Document Requirements to study in Manchester, UK

Next, let’s check the list of documents to be presented along with the application form.

• Coloured passport size photographs
• 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
• English Proficiency Test scores

Application Process to get into Universities in Manchester, UK

Following is the application process of universities in Manchester.

• Create an account on the UCAS portal, and you will be provided with a username and password.
• Sign in and fill out all the details.
• Select the desired university and degree after proper research.
• Fill in your education history with all the qualifications.
• Fill in the details of your employment history.
• Attach your documents as and when required.
• Fill in your statement of purpose (SOP).
• Submit the application form by paying the fees mentioned by the university.
• Wait for the university's reply for 6-8 weeks.

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As an international student learning about Manchester's colleges and universities, you’re undoubtedly thinking about cost-cutting. The cost of living in Manchester is very affordable for international students, i.e. £1100 (INR 1 lakh) per month (without tuition fee.) Besides, in 2020, Manchester City was named the most affordable city for students in the UK.

As an international student, wherever you go, your primary expense would be the rent. The cost of accommodation in Manchester falls in the range of £408 - £596 (INR 36,900-53,800) per month. The international students can safely live and travel across the city. They won’t just have easy access to the countryside; Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield are all wonderful northern cities within an hour's drive of Manchester.

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After having discussed the life of an international student in Manchester, let us now understand the classification of universities in Manchester city.

Manchester has an outstanding reputation among international students not only for its highly valued degree worldwide but also for the great returns and vibrant culture for the overall development of the students.  As you’re aware of the best universities in Manchester, learn more about other admission requirements to study in the UK, the student visa process, and more.

Now that we have explored all important aspects for studying in Manchester, it's your turn to make an informed decision. However, if you get confused at any step, you are already at the right place. Yocket Premium comes with a dedicated counsellor for you; get your profile built by top-of-the-field counselors; get your queries resolved in just one click; and make a strong application that will get you the admission you are looking for.