University of Manchester vs University of Warwick

University of Manchester vs University of Warwick

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Both Manchester and Warwick are high-ranking UK universities with good global standings, although Manchester tends to rank a bit higher overall. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Manchester is approximately 35th, while Warwick sits at 74th. Manchester is #53, while Warwick is #106, based on Times Higher Education rankings, which better indicate Manchester's wider international research visibility.

In subject areas, Manchester tops in Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Computer Science, with top 50 rankings internationally. Warwick is strong in Business & Management, Economics, Mathematics, and Data Science, with top 100 rankings in a number of fields. Manchester's strengths are in STEM and clinical research, whereas Warwick excels in analytical depth and interdisciplinary innovation.

General Information

The University of Manchester, which was established in 1824, is situated in Manchester, one of Britain's biggest and most cosmopolitan cities. It has a student body of around 44,000, with 26,000 of those being undergraduates. The University of Warwick, which was set up in 1965, is situated in Coventry and has a total student enrollment of around 29,000, comprising 18,000 undergraduates.

Manchester presents a dynamic city campus with global connectivity and cultural diversity. Warwick presents a standalone, contemporary campus with emphasis on student engagement, innovation, and sustainability.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Admissions to both of these universities are competitive. Manchester's acceptance rate is around 76%, whereas that of Warwick is much lower at 14%, particularly for international students. Manchester students generally have IELTS scores of 6.5–7.0, GMAT 650, and TOEFL 109, whereas Warwick's entry requirements include IELTS 7.0, GMAT 620, and TOEFL 92.

Warwick is more competitive for business, economics, and data science programs. Manchester provides wider access across faculties, with robust encouragement for research-driven applicants.

Research Impact & Facilities

Manchester's research facilities include the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, Jodrell Bank Observatory, and Alliance Manchester Business School, facilitating world-leading work in physics, medicine, and engineering. It is #28 in the world for research output and innovation.

Warwick has 13 Research Technology Platforms, the Warwick Business School, and interdisciplinary centres such as the National Centre for Research Culture. Its particular strengths are in data science, sustainability, and social impact, with a culture of collaborative research and good industry partnerships.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both institutions are public universities with financial assistance. Manchester's average rate of undergraduate tuition is approximately £31,680, along with living expenses of £15,940/year. Warwick's tuition is slightly more economical at £29,830, and its on-campus living expenses are more reasonable at £1,260/year.

Warwick provides attractive scholarships, particularly for postgraduate students, while Manchester offers wider funding opportunities across faculties. Warwick's lower living expenses make it cheaper for international students.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Manchester alumni receive average salaries of $85,000 USD (~INR 70,00,000), with preferred employers being IBM, Accenture, Barclays, and Bain & Company. Highly paid degrees are LLM ($104,000) and Executive MBA ($98,000).

Warwick alumni earn a bit higher on average—$96,000 USD (~INR 79,00,000)—with a strong presence in finance, consulting, and analytics. Preferred employers are Deloitte, HSBC, Google, and McKinsey, buoyed by Warwick Business School's global reputation.