10 Best Universities in Manchester in 2025

Universities in Manchester are a start to your dreams. The doors of the best universities in Manchester UK are open for you, making you stand in awe and pinch yourselves. It's difficult to say 'Manchester' without your mind immediately wandering to football. Being home to top-notch universities in Manchester, it is also a popular student destination. More than 100,000 students flock to the city for a career they have always wished for. It welcomes around 41,000 students worldwide.

With entire neighbourhoods dominated by students, Manchester has become a "student city," owing to the locations of the best unis in Manchester, like Oxford Road (near BPP University) and Fallowfield. With a platter of world-renowned universities in the city of Manchester and the world, you have a lot of tasks to do. But worry not; we will guide you with the top 10 universities in Manchester list.

Why Study in Manchester?

Manchester has become a top destination as it offers affordable universities in Manchester for international students, offering a blend of world-class education, rich cultural diversity, and a student-friendly environment. Whether it’s the city’s globally recognized universities or its affordable cost of living, Manchester provides an ideal setting for students seeking both academic excellence and personal growth. Here's a breakdown of why Manchester is an attractive option for students from around the world:

1. Top-Ranked Universities 

 Manchester is home to globally recognized institutions like the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, known for their high academic standards and research output. These universities consistently rank among the top in the UK and internationally, offering world-class education in a variety of disciplines.

2. #30 Best Student Cities (QS 2024) 

 Manchester is ranked #30 in the world for student cities by QS, reflecting its strong appeal to both local and international students. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, thriving job market, and excellent academic institutions make it a top choice for students from across the globe.

3. Diverse International Community 

With students from over 170 countries, Manchester offers a truly multicultural environment. This diversity not only enriches the student experience but also provides international students with a supportive community, helping them adapt to life in a new country.

4. On-Campus Accommodation 

Manchester’s universities offer a wide range of convenient and affordable on-campus housing options. From modern dormitories to shared flats, students can find accommodations suited to their needs, which also fosters a sense of community and makes settling into university life easier.

5. Affordable Cost of Living 

Compared to other major UK cities, Manchester has a relatively affordable cost of living, with average annual expenses of around £11,500. This makes it a budget-friendly option for international students, allowing them to enjoy the city's amenities while managing their finances effectively.

Best Universities in Manchester

The Universities in Manchester offer a high-quality education along with an attractive student life on campus! We have a list of universities in Manchester for international students, along with the fees, popular courses, and so much more!

1. University of Manchester

Location: Oxford Rd

Type of University: Public

World QS ranking: 34

Intake Seasons: Fall/Spring

Acceptance Rate: 59.3%

Placement Rate: 94%

Tests Required: GPA: 2+, SAT: 1290+, ACT: 30+, TOEFL: 90+, IELTS: 6+

Fees: £19,000 per year

Established in the year 1824, the University of Manchester is one of the largest and pioneering universities in the industrial city of Manchester, UK. Part of the prestigious Russell Group of Universities and one of the best universities in Manchester, it boasts a student population of 40,000 students and 25 Nobel laureates part of its faculty or students, like Ernest Rutherford, Niels Bohr, John Hicks, and AV Hill. The University of Manchester offers more than 1,000 degree courses and holds a global reputation for the highest level of teaching and research in Management, Business Administration, Data Science, and Law. There are also many student accommodation near the University of Manchester which offers students a healthy environment for their overseas educational journey.

2. University of Salford

Location: Prestwood Road

Type of University: Public

QS ranking: 901

Intake Seasons: Fall/Spring

Acceptance Rate: 4.8%

Placement Rate: 86%

Tests Required: GPA: 2+, SAT: 1260+, ATAR: 80+, GMAT: 300+, GRE: 165 TOEFL: 79+  IELTS: 6+

Average Fees: £11,100 per year

Started in 1967, the University of Salford has the reputation of being one of the best universities in Manchester. The university offers over 190 courses like Business Administration, Biotechnology, Aerospace Engineering, and Public Health to its 3000 international students under 7 schools. On-campus facilities include a human performance laboratory, a fully climate-controlled energy house, the first of its kind, a THINKlab, and New Adelphi, the creative heart of the University of Salford. Notable alumni from one of the most famous universities in Manchester include David France, Jim Sturgess, Jason Manford, and Peter Kay. Find the best student accommodation near the University of Salford with amber!

3. University of Bolton

Location: Deane Road

Type of University: Public

QS ranking: 120

Intake Season: Fall/Spring

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Placement Rate: 82%

Test Scores: GPA: 2+, SAT: 1260+, GMAT: 580+, GRE: 165 TOEFL: 80+  IELTS: 6+

Average Fees: £11,250 per year

With a history of 40 years, the University of Bolton stands tall as one of the best universities in Manchester. Recently, it was awarded the Silver Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) award. The University of Bolton offers 30 courses professionally accredited, including traditional degree programmes such as Maths, Engineering, and Law, along with innovative ones. Emerging subjects, such as special and visual effects, motorsport engineering, and dental sciences, are available to choose too. The University of Bolton also has some of its brightest alumni, like Amir Iqbal Khan (Boxer), Sam Allardyce (Football Manager), Pete Shelley (Singer), and Chris Eagles (Footballer).

4. Manchester Metropolitan University

Location: All Saints Building

Type of University: Public

QS Ranking: 601

Intake Season: Fall/Spring

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Placement Rate: 94.6%

Test Scores: GPA: 3+, SAT: 1170+, ACT: 30, GMAT: 630+, TOEFL: 79+  IELTS: 5.5+

Average Fees: £15,500 per year

Manchester Metropolitan University commenced in 1970 and is known as one of the most marvellous universities in Manchester UK. By being one of the best universities in Manchester, the campus welcomes more than 40,000 students from 130 countries worldwide yearly. MMU has a wide array of courses like Art, Business, Marketing, and Technology. One of the biggest highlights of this university is the campus facilities like fully equipped theatres, radio and TV studios, plus a Manchester Poetry Library. Not only this, but some famous faces like John Bishop (Comedian), Sarah Burton OBE (Fashion Designer), and Steve Coogan (Actor) have also studied here. Now, we all know why it is one of the most sought-after universities in Manchester. Manchester is a very lively city. There is always something happening in the city. There are unlimited things to do in Manchester. 

5. The Royal Northern College of Music

Location: Oxford Road

Type of University: Public (Conservatoire)

QS Ranking: 5

Intake Season: Fall/Spring

Acceptance Rate: 18%

Placement Rate: 90%

Test Scores: GPA: 2.8+, GCE A level (A2): 2 subjects, GCSE level (grades A*-C/9-4): 3 subjects  IELTS: 5.5+

Average Fees: £26,600 per year

The Royal Northern College of Music is best known for classical music and art studies and is one of the significant universities in Manchester UK. The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) is a famous international musical college in the heart of Manchester. More than 800 students are mentored by the best teaching faculty from around the world. Some of the most popular courses that run in this college include Music, European Chamber Music, Philosophy, and Performing Arts. Some famous alumni are Carly Paoli (Singer), Alice Coote (Mezzo Soprano), HAUSER (Band), and Stephen Hough (Classical Pianist). One must definitely try the best restaurants in Manchester as it is known for its food and music taste

6. The Manchester College

Location: Several campuses in Manchester

Type of University: Private

Intake Season: Fall/Spring/Autumn

QS Ranking: -

Acceptance Rate: 76.1%

Placement Rate: 94.6%

Test Scores: GPA: 3.41+, SAT: 1170, ACT: 30, GMAT: 700+, GRE: 165, TOEFL: 80+,  IELTS: 5.5+

Average Fees: £9000 per year

Established in 2008, the institution is one of the largest further education colleges in the UK and the universities in Manchester. Since its establishment, this university has seen drastic success and high student satisfaction rates in courses like Arts, Science, Engineering, and Law. Students are given amenities like a box office, on-site training restaurants, and some outstanding training salons. Moreover, some pretty elite crowd like Johnny Marr (Musician), Brooke Vincent (Actress), Saoirse Monica-Jackson (Actress), and Matt Greenwood (Actor) proudly call this college their alma mater. It is said to be one of the cheap universities in Manchester. 

7. BPP University

Location: Oxford Street

Type of University: Private

QS Ranking: 246

Intake Season: Fall/Winter/Spring

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Placement Rate: 98%

Test Scores: GPA: 2+, SAT: 1200+, ACT: 30+, GMAT: 580+, GRE: 297, TOEFL: 79+,  IELTS: 6+

Average Fees: £15,000 per year

Part of the BPP Professional Education Group and started in 1992, BPP University provides programs and professional education courses to around 21,000 students across 13 centres. Some of the top courses include Law, Business and Technology, Health, and Nursing. Students can find a library with study zones, mock courtrooms, a pro bono centre, and a student lounge at the Manchester study centre. Thus providing students with ample knowledge and exposure. Afua Hirsch (Writer), Hammad Azhar (Politician), Chris Holmes (Musician), and Jonathan Neil Reynolds (Politician) are some of the notable alumni of this top University in Manchester

8. The University of Law

Location: New York Street

Type of University: Private

QS ranking: -

Intake Season: Fall/Spring

Acceptance Rate: 20%

Placement Rate: 78.4%

Test Scores: GPA: 3+, SAT: 1470, ACT: 33, LSAT: 169+, GRE: 299+, TOEFL: 100+,  IELTS: 5.5+

Average Fees: £14,600 per year

The University of Law started enrolling students in 2012, it is dedicated to preparing its students in the fields of law and business not just academically but also professionally. The University of Law students can find workshop rooms, library resources, and a cafe and games area on site. Some famous lawyers like Alex Gays (Corporate Lawyer) and Amber Melville-Brown (Lawyer) have studied within the four walls of this university. If you are wondering about the cost of living in Manchester then don’t stress over it. The job opportunities are always knocking there. 

9. Arden University

Location: Minshull Street and Dickinson Street

Type of University: Private

QS Ranking: -

Intake Seasons: Fall/Spring/Autumn

Acceptance Rate: 64%

Placement Rate: 91%

Test Scores: GPA: 2+, TOEFL: 80+, IELTS: 6+

Average Fees: £12,150 per year

Arden University was set up in 2015 as one of Manchester's specialist online learning universities to launch in the last 50 years. Arden enrols more than 23,000 students in some of the best courses in business and Management, Computing and IT, Psychology, and Sociology. Some notable alumni of Arden University include Johnson Muthama (politician and businessman) and Maria Bird-Browne (politician).  It is one of the best university in Manchester. 

10. BIMM

Location: Great Marlborough Street and Bank Chambers

Type of University: Private

QS ranking: -

Intake Seasons: Fall/Spring

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Placement Rate: 100%

Test Scores: GPA: 2, IELTS (UKVI): 5+, UCAS: 32+ 

Average Fees: £14,250 per year

Since 2001, BIMM University (Brighton Institute of Modern Music) has been offering a wide range of courses to over 9,000 students at 15 colleges in the UK, Germany, and Ireland. It is one of the best universities in Manchester. With top courses like Modern Music, Performing Arts, and Filmmaking, the university has been one of the best universities in Manchester for music and creative education. Legends such as Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Metallica give masterclasses here. BIMM students can attend student events such as industry sessions and live gigs. Some famous artists like James Bay, Ella Mai, and George Ezra also graduated from here. 

We hope this list of universities in Manchester helps you make an informed decision about studying at one of the most ideal of the universities in Manchester is definitely a dream come true. If you've already got your heart set on one, the next step would be looking for student accommodation nearby. Its relatively low cost of living makes Manchester an incredibly convenient student destination, along with its array of clubs, restaurants, museums, and much more so that students always have something to do in Manchester. Check out some more amazing student accommodations in Manchester, which students prefer the most.