Top Universities in Manchester in 2026

Studying at top universities in Manchester has become one of the most sought-after options with over 99,000 students studying here out of which about 21,000 happen to be international students. Manchester is one of the most happening and culturally rich cities in England which has been ranked also as one of the best student cities in the world for international students at large. 

Manchester is one of the most sought-after cities to study in the UK because of its diversity, lower costs of living and wide range of options for growth. International students will get a variety of course options to pursue at Manchester universities, which are not just recognised but also well-known for their excellence. Check out all the important details about the top universities in Manchester in this article. 

Also Read: Universities & Colleges in Manchester, UK

Why Study at Universities in Manchester?

There are various reasons why international students aim to study at universities in Manchester, UK. One of the major reasons is the leading universities based on their rankings and reputation, while the other reasons are as follows:

• Manchester has jumped up three positions and is ranked at #27 by QS for its 'Best Student Cities Rankings' of 2025. This means Manchester is a leading city in the UK, known as one of the best student cities for international students.
• There is a vast cultural diversity where students from over 170+ countries come and study in Manchester universities every year. Thus, there is a strong international student community.
• Studying at top universities in Manchester can help students gain personal and professional growth based on the kind of exposure international applicants can get.
• Universities in Manchester offer graduate and postgraduate students accommodation across their residential halls and colleges, thus making it easier for international students to narrow down their hunt for accommodation in the city. 
• Finally, for international students who wish to study in Manchester, UK, the UK cost of living is not very high for those on a student budget. Approximately £11,500 is the annual cost of living in Manchester. 

There may be other reasons which may resonate with each individual, per se, based on their choices and the reasons for choosing to study in the top universities of Manchester. 

Top Universities in Manchester 2025-26

Check out the top-ranking universities in Manchester city for the year 2025-26 in the following table based on QS World University Rankings 2026 and THE World University Rankings 2025:

There are just three universities in the city of Manchester that have been ranked by these global ranking agencies. There are a few more leading universities that have been discussed in the section below.

Details on the Top 5 Universities in Manchester

Though universities like Oxford and Cambridge rank among the top universities in the UK and the world, there are also top universities in Manchester which are popular among international students. Let us check more about them below:

1. University of Manchester

First on the list is the most popular University of Manchester, situated in the heart of the city centre. It is known for its strong academia and focuses on humanities courses, such as Philosophy and Linguistics, apart from Science courses. The University of Manchester achieved the 35th position on the QS World University Rankings 2026 and =53 rank on the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025. Nobel laureates Ernest Rutherford, Niels Bohr, John Hicks, and A.V Hill studied at the University of Manchester.

2. Manchester Metropolitan University

Second in the league is Manchester Metropolitan University. It is a hub for creatives and provides top-rate filmmaking, art, graphic design and illustration courses. Previously situated in seven sites, MMU now has campuses in All Saints, Cheshire and Birley. The university has recently enhanced its infrastructural facilities by adding some stunning, brand-new, state-of-the-art complexes. Manchester Metropolitan University was ranked at =643rd position on the QS World University Rankings 2026 and between #601-800th by Times Higher Education Rankings 2025. Famous celebrities and politicians like the late Richard Griffiths, Tony Cunningham, Sarah Jane Burton, and Huw Edwards graduated from MMU.

3. University of Salford

The University of Salford, situated less than two miles from the city centre of Manchester in North West England, is a non-profit public higher education institution. The university has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. Famous for its Two Cities Boat Race in tradition since 1972, Salford gives special attention to sports and has 35 sports clubs ranging from Football to Ultimate Frisbee. David France, Jim Sturgess, Jason Manford and Peter Kay are some of the famous alumni of this university.

4. University of Bolton

In Greater Manchester and in the town of Bolton, the University of Bolton is highly ranked for student satisfaction.  It ranked 1st for student satisfaction in the North West since 2019 by the Complete University Guide. The university has a student body of around 11,000 and 700 academic and professional staff. Bolton offers an attractive infrastructure, a small and focused study group with state-of-the-art amenities. Further, the town of Bolton is friendly and thriving, and its proximity to Manchester and Liverpool provides exciting opportunities to explore and enjoy the life of metropolitan cities.

5. Royal Northern College of Music

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is a famous international college for the study of classical music and the arts, located in the heart of Manchester. The college has a great reputation for attracting talent across geographical boundaries and has students, teachers, conductors, composers and artists from all over the world. The RNCM has over 800 students and around 320 teaching staff from 60 different countries. The college provides excellent professional musical training to students, teachers and offers learning and performance opportunities.

The choice of university is another major challenge that the applicants have to grapple with. The rankings assigned by the rating agencies are evaluated methodologically based on the performance parameters of the universities that help in identifying good ones and drawing relative comparisons. However, the task of selection is quite complex as it is closely linked to many factors related to the applicant.

Manchester is a great place to study and live in for international students. The universities in Manchester city are modern and forward-thinking, and the city of Manchester also offers plenty of part-time job opportunities to college students. Selecting the right one in the maze of abundant choices is indeed quite challenging. This article aims to narrow down your choices, and we offer our unstinting support to the students who wish to study at Manchester universities to pursue their dreams. You can contact our experts at Shiksha Study Abroad for further guidance.

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