Study in Manchester, The United Kingdom

About Manchester

Manchester is a major city in the North West of England and the centre of Greater Manchester. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), its population grew by 9.7% between the last two censuses, from just over 503,100 in 2011 to around 551,900 in 2021. The University of Manchester says the city is home to a student population of more than 100,000.

Students choose Manchester for its large universities in and around the city centre, its sport and nightlife, and an international airport close to the city.

Studying in Manchester

SpainExchange lists four higher education institutions in Manchester. Teaching is in English, and business, management, finance, economics and law are among the subjects most often offered.

• The University of Manchester was founded in 1824 and is part of the Russell Group of universities. Its community includes more than 44,000 students, 12,000 staff and 550,000 alumni from 190 countries, and 26 Nobel Prize winners have worked or studied there. Its campus is on Oxford Road, a short distance from the city centre.
• Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met) traces its history to the Manchester Mechanics' Institute of 1824. Manchester Polytechnic became Manchester Metropolitan University in 1992, when polytechnics were given the power to award their own degrees. It has over 44,000 students and is based in the heart of Manchester.
• Salford Business School, part of the University of Salford, is based on the Peel Park campus, about 5 minutes from Manchester city centre and linked to MediaCity.
• University Academy 92 (UA92) was founded by Gary Neville and the Class of 92 footballers in partnership with Lancaster University. It opened in 2019 and teaches in Old Trafford.

Cost of living for students

Accommodation is likely to be the main expense, according to the University of Manchester, whose hall fees include contents insurance, gas and electricity bills and internet access. In the private market, the ONS reports an average monthly private rent in Manchester of £1,373 in August 2026, and £1,003 for a one-bedroom home. Many students share a house in areas such as Fallowfield, a short bus ride from the University of Manchester campus.

For a Student visa, students on courses outside London must show £1,171 per month (for up to 9 months) in addition to their course fees. This is a minimum for the visa, not a full budget.

Visas for students

Courses of up to 6 months at an accredited institution, including English language courses, can usually be taken as a Standard Visitor. English courses of more than 6 and up to 11 months need a Short-term study visa, which costs £228. Degree courses need a Student visa, which costs £558 from outside the UK. After a degree, the Graduate visa allows 2 years in the UK if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027. Always check the current rules on GOV.UK before you apply.

Getting around and daily life

Manchester has a linked network of trams and buses and several central train stations. The Metrolink tram system and the bus network connect all parts of the city, and the Bee Network runs some free bus services around the city, according to the University of Manchester. The city centre is easy to reach on foot and has dedicated cycle lanes.

Manchester Airport is a short distance from the city and offers flights to over 200 destinations worldwide each year.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Manchester?

SpainExchange lists The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, Salford Business School of the University of Salford, and University Academy 92 (UA92), whose degrees are run in partnership with Lancaster University.

How many students live in Manchester?

The University of Manchester says the city has a student population of more than 100,000. The University of Manchester and Manchester Met each have more than 44,000 students.

How much does it cost to rent in Manchester?

The ONS reports an average private rent of £1,373 a month in Manchester in August 2026, and £1,003 for a one-bedroom home. Halls of residence and shared houses are the usual student options.

Is public transport in Manchester easy to use?

Yes. The city has a linked network of Metrolink trams, buses and train stations, and some Bee Network bus services in the city are free.