Erasmus guide University of Manchester
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at University of Manchester in Manchester, UK.
City
ManchesterCountry
United KingdomSnapshot
A global top-35 Russell Group university (QS #34, founded 1824) with 40,000 students in one of Europe's most vibrant student cities — home to 25 Nobel laureates, strong research, and an unbeatable music and culture scene.
Why students shortlist it
Large research university on Oxford Road in central Manchester, with strong options in materials, engineering, computer science, medicine-related fields, social sciences and economics. Good fit for students who want a UK city exchange outside London.
Teaching languages: English (sole teaching language)
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Partner nomination, online application, academic transcript, learning agreement, language proof where required, and UK Student visa if applicable.
Nomination Process
Your home university international office nominates you to Manchester Study Abroad by the deadline. Manchester then invites you to complete the full application independently.
Visa Support
Non-UK students need a UK Student visa (Tier 4). Manchester issues the CAS letter — allow 12 weeks minimum for UK visa processing. EU students need UK Student visa for stays over 6 months.
Buddy System
University of Manchester Students' Union (UoMSU) International Buddy Scheme and Manchester International Society connect exchange students with local peers.
Orientation Week
International Student Orientation runs before the main Welcome Week — essential for admin setup, student card, library access, and social events.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 (Autumn) | April 30 | May 31 |
| Semester 2 (Spring) | October 31 | November 30 |
Arrival Checklist
- Apply for UK Student visa immediately after receiving CAS — minimum 12 weeks processing.
- Book Manchester accommodation early — private market has good options at lower cost than London.
- Download the Manchester Metrolink app for tram transport.
- Get an NUS Extra (now TOTUM) card — student discounts across the UK.
Academics
Course Registration
Unit registration via Manchester's Online Student Record System (SRSA). Course pre-selection required at application stage. Some units cap — always submit alternatives.
Credit System
UK credits: 1 full-time year = 120 credits = 60 ECTS. Semester = 60 credits = 30 ECTS.
Grading System
UK percentage scale: 70%+ = First Class, 60–69% = 2:1, 50–59% = 2:2, 40–49% = Third. Grade conversion provided on transcripts.
Exam Culture
End-of-semester written exams and assessed coursework. Sciences lean exam-heavy; humanities balance essays and exams. Confirm timetable before booking return travel.
Library Access
The John Rylands Research Institute & Library — one of the UK's top research libraries with rare manuscripts and full digital access. Main Library open 24 hours during peak periods.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | £0 to Manchester (pay home institution fees only) | Exchange students pay no tuition to Manchester. Living costs in Manchester: approx. £1,000–1,600/month — significantly cheaper than London while maintaining … |
| Full Degree – UK/Home | £9,250/year | UK domestic students pay capped tuition rate. Postgraduate and professional programmes may differ. |
| Full degree – non-EU | £23,000–38,000/year | International fees vary by school. Medicine and dentistry highest. President's Doctoral Scholar Award and Equity and Merit scholarships available. |
£0 to Manchester (pay home institution fees only)
Exchange students pay no tuition to Manchester. Living costs in Manchester: approx. £1,000–1,600/month — significantly cheaper than London while maintaining …
£9,250/year
UK domestic students pay capped tuition rate. Postgraduate and professional programmes may differ.
£23,000–38,000/year
International fees vary by school. Medicine and dentistry highest. President's Doctoral Scholar Award and Equity and Merit scholarships available.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — IHS via visa or private insurance.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
University of Manchester Student Health Centre — GP service on campus, mental health support, and counselling.
Mental Health
UoM Student Support and Wellbeing — free counselling, mental health advisers, and crisis support. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust provides specialist referrals.
NHS via Immigration Health Surcharge
~£776/year (paid with UK Student visa)
Full NHS access for non-UK students — best option.
EHIC / GHIC
Home-country dependent
Limited UK coverage — supplement with private insurance.
Campus Services
International Study and Exchange Office
Main contact for exchange admission, CAS letters, learning agreements, and arrival guidance.
Students' Union (UoMSU)
400+ student societies, welfare support, on-campus bars, and social events.
Manchester Sport
Extensive sport facilities including Sugden Sports Centre in the city centre and University Sports Halls.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- UoMSU (400+ societies)
- Manchester Sport
- Alliance MBS clubs
Buddy Program
UoMSU International Buddy Scheme connects exchange students with local Manchester peers.
Sports & Recreation
- Manchester Sport (Sugden Centre + Sports Halls)
- Intramural and competitive leagues
- Cycling routes along Manchester Ship Canal
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend International Student Orientation — student card, library access, admin, and social events.
- Register with GP at Student Health Centre in first week.
- Get Metrolink day tram pass or contactless card — tram connects campus to city centre fast.
- Explore the Northern Quarter and Manchester Museum (free) — both iconic and free.
Key Dates
Before nomination
Confirm active Manchester partnership in your school and subject area.
Nomination deadline (Sem 1)
April 30
Home coordinator submits nomination — Manchester sends application link.
UK visa application
June–July
Start immediately after receiving CAS — 12 weeks minimum processing.
International Orientation
Mid-September
Attend before main Welcome Week — critical admin steps covered here.
Exam period
January / May–June
Check official exam timetable before booking return travel.