APCA is pleased to share a major funding opportunity for outstanding professionals from our region: the University of Manchester's Equity and Merit Scholarships for the 2027/28 academic year.
These scholarships are designed for young professionals from the Global South who have the potential to drive sustainable development in their home countries — a mission closely aligned with APCA's own work strengthening health systems and care across Africa.
What's on offer
- 30 scholarships available, split between:
- 10 for online, part-time master's programmes (three to five years' duration)
- 20 for full-time, on-campus postgraduate taught programmes in Manchester (one year)
- Full tuition fees covered for all awardees
- For those studying on campus in Manchester, the award also covers return international airfares, living expenses, and visa costs
Relevant to our sector
Two online programmes on the eligible list are directly relevant to APCA's areas of work:
- MSc Global Health (Distance Learning)
- MSc International Disaster Management (part of the Humanitarian and Conflict Response cluster, which also includes MA Humanitarianism and Conflict Response and MA Peace and Conflict Studies)
A wide range of other postgraduate taught (on-campus) programmes are also eligible, spanning public health, development, environment, education, engineering, and more.
Who can apply
The scholarships are open to outstanding candidates who:
- Are resident citizens of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe
- Have not previously studied outside Africa (short training of six months or less does not count)
- Hold a bachelor's degree with an excellent overall grade (typically top 10% of their class), awarded before September 2025
- Have at least two years of professional experience relevant to their chosen field (unpaid internships and voluntary work do not count)
- Are committed to returning home and can demonstrate the potential to make a positive impact on their home country
- Can articulate a clear idea of how studying at Manchester will benefit both their career and their wider community
The University particularly encourages women to apply.
Key dates for the 2027/28 intake
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Scholarship application window | 1–31 August 2026 |
| Eligibility checks | September 2026 |
| Academic application window (for eligible applicants) | 1–31 October 2026 |
| Deadline for English language qualifications | 30 November 2026 |
| Application review | November 2026 – May 2027 |
| Results announced | June 2027 |
| Academic year begins | September 2027 |
Applications are open now and close on 31 August 2026 — candidates should not delay.
How to apply
Applicants first submit a scholarship application. Those who meet the eligibility criteria are then invited to apply for admission to their chosen master's programme; an offer of admission is required before a scholarship application can be shortlisted.
Full details, the current list of eligible programmes, and the application form are available on the University of Manchester's official scholarship page: University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships
Share this opportunity
This is a wonderful opportunity for talented professionals in our network. We encourage you to share this article with colleagues, partners, and contacts in Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe who may be eligible — and to help spread the word through your own networks and social media.
