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 ranking by QS was 7th Best University in the UK, 11th Best University in Europe, and 35th in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
University of Manchester Acceptance Rate 2025
The University of Manchester acceptance rate stands at around 39% according to various unofficial sources, suggesting that out of every 100 students who apply to the University of Manchester admissions, the university is likely to admit 39 of these. This makes the admission criteria of the university moderately selective.
|
Particulars
|
Headcount
|
|---|
|
Undergraduate Students
|
26,000 |
|
Postgraduate Students
|
14,000+ |
|
Total Students
|
44,000+
|
|
Acceptance Rate
|
Around 39%
|
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 about 9,985 applicants. This suggests that the University of Manchester acceptance rate for UG students is a mere 10.7%. The enrollment data and subject-wise acceptance rates for 2024 for the top 10 popular UG University of Manchester subjects were:
| 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)
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 160 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.
|
Particulars
|
Headcount
|
|---|
|
International Students
|
14,500 (25%)
|
|
Indian Students
|
Approx. 1,500
|
|
Total South Asian Students
|
1,700
|
|
Total Enrolled Students
|
44,000+
|
The University of Manchester received 36,990 applications from prospective UG students for 2024, of which the university admitted 3,630 candidates, suggesting that the UG University of Manchester acceptance rate for international students is 9.8%. Moreover, according to data by HESA, the no. of international students decreased by over 4,000 from last year. 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)
University of Manchester Acceptance Rate Trends
The no. of UG applications received by the University of Manchester has seen an increase of 15.7% in the last five years, whereas the no. of students admitted dropped by -8.6%. As a result, the Manchester University acceptance rate has also dropped by -21.3% since 2020.
| 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% |
On the other hand no. of applications received by international UG students has increased by 26.7%, whereas the no. of students admitted has decreased by -12.7%. As a result, the University of Manchester acceptance rate for international students has decreased significantly, 31.2% to be exact, since 2020. This suggests increased selectivity for the foreign students.
| 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% |
(Source: UCAS Undergraduate end-of-cycle data resources 2024)
Also check University of Manchester Placements
University of Manchester Admission Requirements for Indian Students
The Uni of Manchester admission requirements for Indian students vary for UG and PG students and are mentioned below. Students shall visit the official website for more course specific details.
UG
- Students who have completed a Higher Secondary School Certificate from CBSE / ISC (Class 12) must have achieved a minimum of 80-95% overall.
- 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.
- 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 uni. 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
Check University of Manchester Reviews
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 so 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- MU 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.
Also read University of Manchester Fees
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%, making its admission criteria moderately selective. This means that the University of Manchester is more selective
Comments