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Manchester is the UK’s third-best student city after London and Edinburgh. This strong position is due largely to the world-class universities in Manchester, as well as a fun-packed student culture that gives London a run for its money.
Located in the north-west of England, Manchester is especially well known for its music scene, which has produced big-name bands such as The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis. Today its numerous venues continue to be a central part of the UK music circuit, welcoming globally successfully acts and nurturing new talent. More generally, arts, culture and excellent nightlife are all very much in good supply, as are opportunities to explore the rich history of this part of the UK. Manchester played a central role in the industrial revolution – and this can be seen today in the imposing old textile factories and warehouses still dotted around the city.
Manchester’s lively student scene earned it a score in the top 50 for student view, reflecting the great student experience on offer. One respondent to our student survey commented: “It's a big enough city with plenty to see and do, but small and inclusive enough that there is still a sense of community among everyone. It's very multicultural and welcomes anyone and everyone.” Another summed up: “The city is wonderful, I don't want to leave. Plus the people are so friendly and the nightlife is amazing: best city I’ve been to.”
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Manchester?
It's a fun and friendly city
Named as one of the top 30 best cities to live in in the world this year, Manchester is a thriving, music filled choice for any student looking to have a university experience they will never forget.
For example, the music scene. Oasis, The Happy Mondays and Joy Division are just a few of the Manchester bands famous for their musical influence.
Or you could enjoy the culture that the city has to offer. Take a walk around Manchester and you‘ll see how chilled out the city is.
You could become all artsy at the Whitworth Gallery or similarly Manchester Museum, taking in the latest exhibitions for the month. There are plenty of parades held in the city centre during the year, ranging from Chinese New Year to Manchester Day and also the biggest event for the LGBTQ+ community, Manchester Pride.
Manchester ranks 80th in the world for affordability this year, making it cheaper than some other European cities.
According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment in Manchester’s city centre costs around US$1,172, meaning rent in Manchester is 53.61 percent lower than in London on average. A single person's estimated monthly costs are US$947 without rent.
Careers in Manchester
Manchester ranked joint 40th in the world for employability this year. Graduates leaving universities in the city will have received one of the world's best educations and will be in good stead to compete in a competitive job market.
The majority of graduate schemes are offered by larger organisations ranging from multinational companies to opportunities in the NHS, civil service, and local government. Some sites list graduate schemes and internships by deadline or do a review of the forthcoming year.
Some opportunities do exist within smaller organisations including; advertising agencies, management consultancies, the not-for-profit sector including Cancer Research and Teach First.
Niamh is Deputy Head of Content at QS (TopMBA.com; topuniversities.com), creating and editing content for an international student audience. Having gained her journalism qualification at the Press Association, London and since written for different international publications, she's now enjoying telling the stories of students, alumni, faculty, entrepreneurs and organizations from across the globe.
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Study in Manchester
Niamh Ollerton
Updated Jul 09, 2024Save
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Table of contents
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QS Best Student Cities ranking: 27th
Manchester is the UK’s third-best student city after London and Edinburgh. This strong position is due largely to the world-class universities in Manchester, as well as a fun-packed student culture that gives London a run for its money.
Located in the north-west of England, Manchester is especially well known for its music scene, which has produced big-name bands such as The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis. Today its numerous venues continue to be a central part of the UK music circuit, welcoming globally successfully acts and nurturing new talent. More generally, arts, culture and excellent nightlife are all very much in good supply, as are opportunities to explore the rich history of this part of the UK. Manchester played a central role in the industrial revolution – and this can be seen today in the imposing old textile factories and warehouses still dotted around the city.
Three universities in Manchester feature in the QS World University Rankings® 2025, the most notable of which is the University of Manchester, which is ranked joint 34th in the world.
Manchester’s lively student scene earned it a score in the top 50 for student view, reflecting the great student experience on offer. One respondent to our student survey commented: “It's a big enough city with plenty to see and do, but small and inclusive enough that there is still a sense of community among everyone. It's very multicultural and welcomes anyone and everyone.” Another summed up: “The city is wonderful, I don't want to leave. Plus the people are so friendly and the nightlife is amazing: best city I’ve been to.”
Are you studying in Manchester? Rate your experience.
Best universities in Manchester
More about Manchester
Number of universities ranked by QS
3
Highest-ranked institution
University of Manchester (joint 34th)
Population
2,812,000
Average international fees (at ranked unis)
US$24,000
Desirability rank
48th
Employer Activity rank
=40th
Affordability rank
80th
Student View rank
44th
To find out how each of the above categories is calculated, view the methodology.
Why study in Manchester?
It's a fun and friendly city
Named as one of the top 30 best cities to live in in the world this year, Manchester is a thriving, music filled choice for any student looking to have a university experience they will never forget.
For example, the music scene. Oasis, The Happy Mondays and Joy Division are just a few of the Manchester bands famous for their musical influence.
Or you could enjoy the culture that the city has to offer. Take a walk around Manchester and you‘ll see how chilled out the city is.
You could become all artsy at the Whitworth Gallery or similarly Manchester Museum, taking in the latest exhibitions for the month. There are plenty of parades held in the city centre during the year, ranging from Chinese New Year to Manchester Day and also the biggest event for the LGBTQ+ community, Manchester Pride.
Testimonials
Cost of living in Manchester
Manchester ranks 80th in the world for affordability this year, making it cheaper than some other European cities.
According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment in Manchester’s city centre costs around US$1,172, meaning rent in Manchester is 53.61 percent lower than in London on average. A single person's estimated monthly costs are US$947 without rent.
Careers in Manchester
Manchester ranked joint 40th in the world for employability this year. Graduates leaving universities in the city will have received one of the world's best educations and will be in good stead to compete in a competitive job market.
The majority of graduate schemes are offered by larger organisations ranging from multinational companies to opportunities in the NHS, civil service, and local government. Some sites list graduate schemes and internships by deadline or do a review of the forthcoming year.
Some opportunities do exist within smaller organisations including; advertising agencies, management consultancies, the not-for-profit sector including Cancer Research and Teach First.
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Niamh is Deputy Head of Content at QS (TopMBA.com; topuniversities.com), creating and editing content for an international student audience. Having gained her journalism qualification at the Press Association, London and since written for different international publications, she's now enjoying telling the stories of students, alumni, faculty, entrepreneurs and organizations from across the globe.
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