Established in 1824, the University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK and a part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities. In 2025, the University of Manchester was ranked by QS as the 7th Best University in the UK, 11th Best University in Europe, and 35th in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Note that the university is the most popular in the UK for UG applications (UCAS 2023 cycle), and it is the second most targeted university by the employers by the UK's leading employers according to the Graduate Market 2025. Times Higher Education ranked the University of Manchester #53 in the World, and it is the only university in the world to have been ranked amongst the top ten for social and environmental impact every year by the THE Impact Rankings.
Also Check: University of Manchester Reviews
University of Manchester Acceptance Rate 2025
The University of Manchester houses over 44,000 students, as per data provided by the Russel Group, and of these, around 26,000 students are undergraduates, while 14,000+ students enrolled are graduates. The University of Manchester acceptance rate stands at around 39%, suggesting that the university's admission criteria are moderately selective.
Particulars
|
Headcount
|
---|
Undergraduate Students
|
26,000 |
Postgraduate Students
|
14,000+ |
Total Students
|
44,000+
|
Acceptance Rate
|
Around 39%
|
University of Manchester Acceptance Rate for UG Students
As per the UCAS end-of-cycle data for undergraduates, the university received over 92,500 applications from prospective students for 2024, of which the university accepted almost 10,000 applicants. This suggests that the University of Manchester acceptance rate for UG students is a mere 10.7%
UG Particulars |
2024 Headcount |
---|
Student Applications |
92,500 |
Students Admitted |
9,985 |
UG Acceptance Rate |
10.79% |
The University of Manchester provides top-notch education across various fields. The enrollment data and subject-wise acceptance rates for 2024 for the top 10 popular subjects amongst undergraduate students at the university are given as follows:
Subject Group |
UG Applications Received |
UG Applicants Accepted |
University of Manchester Acceptance Rate |
---|
Business and Management |
12,940 |
1,135 |
8.7% |
Subjects Allied to Medicine |
12,665 |
1,040 |
8.2% |
Social Sciences |
12,585 |
1,320 |
10.4% |
Engineering and Technology |
10,520 |
1,145 |
10.8% |
Medicine and Dentistry |
4,940 |
655 |
13.2% |
Law |
4,830 |
385 |
7.9% |
Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies |
4,100 |
575 |
14% |
Computing |
4,095 |
380 |
9.2% |
Psychology |
4,080 |
410 |
10% |
Mathematical Sciences |
3,785 |
460 |
12.1% |
(Source: UCAS Undergraduate end-of-cycle data resources 2024)
Also Check: University of Manchester Courses
University of Manchester Acceptance Rate for International Students
Manchester’s international student enrollment is one of the largest amongst UK universities. Currently, the University of Manchester campus houses almost 14,500 international students representing over 170 nationalities. Having the biggest global alumni community for a campus-based UK university, the number of former students crosses 550,000, representing over 190 countries.
Moreover, of the total enrolled student body at the University of Manchester, international students account for 25% of the total, and the university houses around 1,500 Indian-origin students and 1,700 students in total hailing from countries across South Asia.
Particulars
|
Headcount
|
---|
International Students %
|
25%
|
Indian Students
|
Approx. 1,500
|
Total Enrolled Students
|
44,000+
|
The University of Manchester received almost 37,000 applications from prospective UG students for 2024, of which the university admitted 3,600 candidates, suggesting that the UG University of Manchester acceptance rate for international students is 9.8%.
UG Particulars |
2024 Headcount |
---|
International Student Applications |
36,990 |
International Students Admitted |
3,630 |
International UG Acceptance Rate |
9.81% |
(Source: UCAS Undergraduate end-of-cycle data resources 2024)
According to the data reported by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for 2023-24, the University of Manchester student enrollment records reveal that the number of international students at the university has decreased by over 4,000 as compared to the previous year. Earlier, the trends seemed to be increasing; however, a sudden drop in international enrollment could point to increased selectivity of the admission criteria for international students.
Academic Year
|
International Students
|
---|
2024-25
|
Almost 14,500 |
2023-24
|
18,660
|
2022-23
|
18,515
|
2021-22
|
18,170
|
2020-21
|
17,625
|
2019-20
|
15,335
|
(Source: HESA, official university website for 2024-25 figure)
Also check University of Manchester Placements
University of Manchester Acceptance Rate Trends
The University of Manchester has been receiving an increased number of applications over the years from prospective UG students over the years; however, the number of applicants accepted has been gradually declining. As a result, the University of Manchester acceptance rate for UG students has been slowly decreasing, going from 13.6% in 2020 down to 10.7% in 2024. This points to increasing selectivity of the admission criteria of the university.
Year |
UG Applications Received |
UG Applicants Accepted |
Manchester Acceptance Rate |
---|
2024 |
92,500 |
9,985 |
10.79% |
2023 |
93,450 |
9,630 |
10.30% |
2022 |
92,310 |
9,600 |
10.40% |
2021 |
88,330 |
11,070 |
12.53% |
2020 |
79,925 |
10,925 |
13.67% |
(Source: UCAS Undergraduate end-of-cycle data resources 2024)
When it comes to the statistics for the international students, the university has been receiving an increased number of applications from international UG students as well. On the other hand, the number of students admitted has also been slowly decreasing over the years, consequently making the UG University of Manchester acceptance rate drop from 14.2% in 2020 to 9.8% in 2024. Refer to the table given below for exact statsitics:
Year |
UG International Applications Received |
UG International Applicants Accepted |
Manchester Acceptance Rate |
---|
2024 |
36,990 |
3,630 |
9.81% |
2023 |
35,240 |
3,340 |
9.48% |
2022 |
34,145 |
3,300 |
9.66% |
2021 |
31,960 |
3,455 |
10,81% |
2020 |
29,195 |
4,160 |
14.25% |
University of Manchester Admission Requirements for Indian Students
The Uni of Manchester admission requirements for Indian students vary for UG and PG students. These are given as follows:
UG
- Students who have completed a Higher Secondary School Certificate from CBSE / ISC (Class 12) must have achieved a minimum of 80-95% overall. Also, note that the specified minimum requirements may vary depending on the chosen course
- Students achieving an overall Class 12 grade of 70% or higher (with a minimum of 75% in Mathematics and Physics and 65% in English) would be considered for the university's Science and Engineering program with an integrated foundation year. Applications for the university's Bioscience with a foundation year program would be considered following the completion of Class 12 HSC on a case-by-case basis
- Students passing Class 12 from the State Boards of West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat should also have 80-95% overall. Note that the applications from State boards shall not be considered for Medicine
PG
- MSC, MA, MRes: The applicants are required to have a minimum of a 3-year degree and have obtained a first-class position from a reputable university. Overall 60% - 80% is required
- MBA: The Uni of Manchester MBA requires applicants to have a minimum of 3 years' professional work experience plus a good UG degree
- PhD: Those applicants who have completed a minimum of a 3-year degree and obtained a first class at a reputable university are considered for PhDs
Also Check: University of Manchester Admissions
Tips to Get Selected at the University of Manchester
- Check Course-Specific Requirements- Basic requirements like English language proficiency proof, higher secondary school scores, LORs, etc., will vary based on the course of choice of the student. Thus, it is advised to check the official MU website to make sure one meets the eligibility criteria.
- Improve Academic Profile- Although not the sole determinant, academic record is one of the major factors of evaluation used by the University of Manchester. Therefore, the earlier students start improving their high school scores, the better.
- Improve English Language Proficiency- Much like any study abroad university, MU also requires its international applicants from non-English speaking countries to provide proof of English language ability. Thus, students are advised to work on the same early on instead of hustling or mugging up the expected questions at the last moment.
- Be mindful of Deadlines- Be good at time management and adhere to the deadlines dictated by the university.
University of Manchester Acceptance Rate VS University of Glasgow Acceptance Rate
The University of Glasgow acceptance rate is around 70%, which indicates that the university is somewhat selective. Whereas, the Uni of Manchester acceptance rate is around 39%. This means that the University of Manchester is more selective. Hence, students are required to have a good academic profile to get into. Students must submit strong recommendation letters and meet the English language requirements in order to secure admission to both universities.
Also read University of Manchester Cost
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