Explore the best engineering scholarships in UK with a complete application guide. Learn top funding options, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and expert tips to secure your award. Driven by a passion for innovation and problem-solving, many ambitious students set their sights on engineering as a gateway to global impact.
Each year, more than 50,000 learners enroll in engineering programs across the UK, powering an industry that contributes billions to the national economy and shapes future technologies. Backed by over 300 engineering scholarships in UK, financial barriers no longer need to stand between talent and opportunity.
Notably, around 60 percent of these awards are directed toward high demand disciplines such as mechanical, chemical, civil, and electrical engineering. In this guide, we explore the most competitive engineering scholarships in UK, breaking down eligibility requirements, application pathways, and expert strategies designed to help you secure funding and confidently advance your academic journey.
Read Also: How to Write a Winning Scholarship Personal Statement
Engineering Scholarships in UK
Ambitious innovators with a passion for problem-solving will find that engineering scholarships in the UK open doors to world-renowned institutions and cutting-edge research environments. Designed for students aiming to study at some of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious universities, these funding opportunities make elite engineering education more accessible and achievable.
Structured primarily around merit, most engineering scholarships in UK reward strong academic performance, demonstrated financial need, and a clear commitment to advancing engineering solutions that address real world challenges. In many cases, awards extend beyond full tuition coverage and include generous living grants, typically ranging from £10,000 to £15,000 per year, to support accommodation, study materials, and everyday expenses.
Driving national growth, engineering graduates contribute more than £20 billion annually to the UK economy, highlighting why sustained investment in engineering talent matters. At the same time, fast-growing sectors such as renewable energy and aerospace engineering have seen a 25 per cent rise in scholarship applications over the past five years, reflecting shifting industry priorities. In a country known for high living costs, these scholarships remove financial barriers and empower deserving students to focus fully on learning, innovation, and long-term impact.
Read Also: How to Apply for Scholarships Without Work Experience
Top 20 Engineering Scholarships in the UK
For aspiring engineers seeking financial relief while studying abroad, the UK offers a wide portfolio of funding opportunities designed to reduce costs and accelerate career growth. Below are some of the most competitive engineering scholarships in UK that international and domestic students should actively consider.
1. Institution of Mechanical Engineers Awards and Scholarships (IMechE)
Backed by one of the UK’s most respected professional bodies, the IMechE scheme delivers targeted financial support to students pursuing mechanical engineering degrees. These engineering scholarships in UK help offset tuition and living costs while opening doors to industry engagement, research exposure, and professional mentorship. Award holders also benefit from networking with engineering leaders across automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors, positioning them for long-term career success.
2. Quest Scholarships
Designed to promote access and inclusion, Quest Scholarships support high performing students in engineering and STEM disciplines. These engineering scholarships in UK ease financial pressure through tuition support while offering mentoring, leadership development, and professional training. Recipients gain a competitive edge in civil, mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure related fields through structured career guidance and industry exposure.
3. British Chevening Scholarships
- Who can apply: Nationals of Chevening eligible countries with an undergraduate degree, two years of work experience, and an unconditional UK university offer
- Type of scholarship: Government-funded
- Deadline: June 2026
- Grant amount: Up to £30,000 per year
- Application link: https://www.chevening.org/apply
Recognized globally, Chevening delivers full funding for postgraduate study and remains one of the most prestigious engineering scholarships in UK. Sponsored by the UK government, the award covers tuition, travel, accommodation, and living expenses while providing access to elite leadership training and global professional networks. Engineering scholars emerge prepared for influential roles in technology, innovation, and policy driven industries worldwide.
Read Also: Best Time to Start Preparing for Scholarships
4. Royal Academy of Engineering Awards (RAE)
- Who can apply: Applicants with an academic appointment or offer, proven research capability, and an industry backed collaborative project
- Type of scholarship: Private funding
- Deadline: February 25, 2026
- Grant amount: £5,000 spread over three years
- Application link: https://grants.raeng.org.uk/
Focused on innovation and impact, RAE Awards support engineering students and early career researchers working closely with industry partners. These engineering scholarships in UK fund research driven initiatives while providing mentorship and professional development support. The program is especially valuable for candidates in civil, mechanical, and electronic engineering who aim to translate academic research into real world solutions.
5. Arkwright UK Engineering Scholarships
- Who can apply: High achieving UK students holding an unconditional offer for an engineering degree and demonstrating leadership potential?
- Type of scholarship: Private charitable organization
- Deadline: November 21, 2026
- Grant amount: £3,000 per year
- Application link: https://www.arkwright.org.uk/
Highly selective and widely respected, the Arkwright scheme ranks among the most sought after engineering scholarships in UK. It supports academically outstanding students through financial assistance, structured mentoring, and industry networking. Scholars gain early access to professional placements and engineering communities, making this award particularly attractive for students pursuing careers in civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.
6. The Engineers Trust
- Who can apply: Candidates currently enrolled in or holding an offer for a UK engineering program who can clearly demonstrate strong academic merit alongside genuine financial need.
- Type of scholarship: Institution linked
- Deadline: March 15, 2026
- Grant amount: £2,500 per year
Designed to widen access to engineering education, the Engineers Trust delivers targeted financial support to students who show both academic distinction and economic disadvantage. Among the most practical engineering scholarships in UK, this award helps offset tuition costs and everyday living expenses, allowing recipients to concentrate fully on their studies. Beyond funding, scholars often benefit from structured mentoring, industry insight, and early career exposure. Open to learners across civil, electrical, and mechanical disciplines, the programme strengthens employability while promoting social mobility within the engineering sector.
Read Also: Empowering Student Success Through Blended Learning
7. Ford Scholarship Programme
- Who can apply: Students holding an unconditional offer for automotive or closely related engineering courses at recognised UK institutions.
- Type of scholarship: Private scholarship (Corporate Ford Motor Company)
- Deadline: July 8, 2026
- Grant amount: £4,000
Focused on nurturing future innovators in mobility and manufacturing, the Ford Scholarship Programme supports ambitious students pursuing automotive and mechanical engineering degrees. Counted among highly competitive engineering scholarships in UK, the award contributes toward tuition and living costs while opening doors to industry led learning. Recipients gain access to internships within Ford UK, professional mentoring, and real world engineering environments. For students passionate about vehicle design, sustainable transport, and advanced manufacturing, this scholarship blends academic funding with hands-on industry immersion.
8. IET Postgraduate Research Awards
- Who can apply: Applicants with an unconditional offer for postgraduate research in engineering or technology related fields.
- Type of scholarship: Private scholarship
- Deadline: April 3, 2026
- Grant amount: £10,000
- Application link: theiet.org/
The IET Postgraduate Research Awards are among the most prestigious funding opportunities for advanced engineering research in the UK. These engineering scholarships in UK are tailored for students committed to innovation, offering substantial financial backing to support high-impact research projects. Award holders benefit from professional recognition, access to specialist networks, and engagement with industry leaders through the Institution of Engineering and Technology. This scholarship suits researchers aiming to push technological boundaries while strengthening their academic and professional profiles.
9. International Engineering Management Scholarships
- Who can apply: International students with an unconditional offer to study Engineering Management at a UK university.
- Type of scholarship: University-specific scholarship
- Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Grant amount: £8,000
Created for globally minded students, the International Engineering Management Scholarships bridge technical expertise with strategic leadership training. Recognised among forward looking engineering scholarships in UK, this award reduces tuition pressure while supporting living costs for international learners. Recipients gain access to leadership development initiatives, professional mentoring, and high value networking opportunities with industry stakeholders. Ideal for students aspiring to roles in project management, industrial systems, and technical operations, this scholarship prepares graduates to lead complex engineering driven organisations.
10. Whitworth Scholarship Award
- Who can apply: Applicants demonstrating exceptional academic achievement in engineering disciplines and a clear commitment to industry advancement.
- Type of scholarship: Institution linked
- Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Grant amount: £5,000
- Application link: whitworthscholarship.com/
The Whitworth Scholarship Award recognises engineering students who combine academic excellence with innovation potential. As one of the long standing engineering scholarships in UK, it offers meaningful financial relief through tuition support and assistance with living costs. Award recipients often gain access to research funding, expert mentorship, and tailored career development opportunities. Particularly suited to students in mechanical, civil, and aerospace engineering, this scholarship strengthens industry engagement while enabling scholars to focus on impactful learning and research.
Read Also: 35 Art Scholarships For International Students in 2026
11. Imperial College London Electrical and Electronics Engineering Scholarships
- Who can apply: Applicants holding an unconditional offer to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Imperial College London
- Type of scholarship: University-specific scholarship
- Deadline: April 4, 2025
- Grant amount: £7,500 per year
Designed for high performing doctoral candidates, the Imperial College London Electrical and Electronics Engineering Scholarships stand out among competitive engineering scholarships in UK. These awards reduce financial pressure through tuition support and living cost assistance, enabling scholars to dedicate their energy to advanced research. Beneficiaries gain structured mentorship from leading academics, access to globally recognised laboratories, and, in some cases, funding collaboration with the China Scholarship Council. This opportunity is particularly attractive for students focusing on semiconductors, robotics, smart grids, and emerging electrical technologies.
12. The Siemens Postgraduate Engineering Award
- Who can apply: Applicants with an unconditional offer for a postgraduate engineering course delivered in collaboration with Siemens
- Type of scholarship: Private scholarship
- Deadline: February 15, 2025
- Grant amount: £6,000 per year
- Application link: siemens.com/global/en/company/scholarships
Backed by one of the world’s most influential engineering corporations, the Siemens Postgraduate Engineering Award is a practical route into industry aligned engineering scholarships in UK. This award provides meaningful financial support toward tuition, allowing students to focus on postgraduate study in mechanical engineering, engineering management, and applied research fields. Selected scholars benefit from exclusive access to Siemens internship pathways, professional development programmes, and global networking events, making it an ideal choice for those pursuing careers in automation, manufacturing systems, and industrial engineering innovation.
13. University of Cambridge Engineering Scholarship
- Who can apply: Applicants with an unconditional offer to study an engineering programme at the University of Cambridge
- Type of scholarship: University-specific scholarship
- Deadline: January 7, 2025
- Grant amount: £8,000 per year
- Application link: cam.ac.uk/engineering/scholarships
Renowned for academic excellence, the University of Cambridge offers some of the most prestigious engineering scholarships in UK for international students. These awards contribute toward tuition fees and living expenses, ensuring financial stability for outstanding candidates. Recipients gain exposure to world leading research initiatives, personalised mentorship from distinguished faculty, and opportunities to collaborate with global technology partners. This scholarship is particularly suited to students specialising in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering who aspire to combine rigorous theory with high impact innovation.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Medical Universities in Canada 2026
14. Heriot Watt University Engineering Scholarship
- Who can apply: Applicants with an unconditional offer to study engineering at Heriot Watt University
- Type of scholarship: University-specific scholarship
- Deadline: May 30, 2026
- Grant amount: £4,000
Heriot Watt University actively supports inclusion through targeted engineering scholarships in UK, including initiatives designed to encourage women into science and engineering disciplines. This scholarship provides tuition fee reductions and maintenance bursaries, easing the financial burden on talented students. With over £10 million invested annually in scholarships and bursaries, Heriot Watt continues to rank among the most supportive UK institutions for engineering students seeking affordable, industry focused education with strong employability outcomes.
15. University of Strathclyde Engineering Excellence Scholarship
The University of Strathclyde Engineering Excellence Scholarship delivers consistent financial relief through a yearly tuition fee reduction, positioning it as a practical option among engineering scholarships in UK. Open to undergraduate and postgraduate international students, this award reduces long-term study costs while offering added value through academic mentorship, access to research funding, and invitations to professional engineering forums. It is especially beneficial for students pursuing civil, electronic, and biomedical engineering who seek global exposure and applied learning.
16. The Shipwrights Bursary Scheme
- Who can apply: Applicants with an unconditional offer to study maritime or shipbuilding related engineering courses
- Type of scholarship: Private scholarship (Charitable organisation)
- Deadline: September 2026
- Grant amount: £200 to £2,000 per year
- Application link: shipwrightsbursary.com/
Focused on specialist disciplines, the Shipwrights Bursary Scheme supports students entering maritime engineering, naval architecture, and shipbuilding. Among niche engineering scholarships in UK, this bursary offers flexible financial assistance that can be applied toward tuition or academic expenses. Award holders often gain access to shipbuilding workshops, industry placements, and mentorship from experienced maritime professionals, making it a valuable pathway for students targeting careers in marine engineering and naval industries.
Read Also: Malardalen University Scholarship 2026 in Sweden
17. Lloyds Register Foundation Scholarships
- Who can apply: Students pursuing degrees in engineering, science, or technology with a focus on safety and risk
- Type of scholarship: Private scholarship (Charitable organisation)
- Deadline: November 24, 2026
- Grant amount: Up to £10,000 per year
- Application link: lrfoundation.org.uk/en/funding/
The Lloyds Register Foundation Scholarships are impact driven engineering scholarships in UK that prioritise safety, risk management, and technological resilience. Providing up to £10,000 annually, these scholarships support tuition and research activities for students committed to advancing safety standards. Ideal for those specialising in maritime, aerospace, and civil engineering safety, the award empowers scholars to contribute to global engineering solutions that protect lives, infrastructure, and the environment.
18. Engineering Horizons Bursary
Created to remove barriers to education, the Engineering Horizons Bursary supports students who demonstrate resilience and potential despite financial hardship. As one of the most inclusive engineering scholarships in UK, it combines financial aid with career mentoring, leadership development, and access to industry placements. This bursary is well suited for students pursuing structural, mechanical, or energy engineering who require both funding and professional guidance to progress.
19. Centennial Scholarships
The Centennial Scholarships recognise academic merit and practical potential within engineering technology disciplines. These awards, often grouped alongside applied engineering scholarships in UK linked programmes, provide financial assistance that can range from modest tuition support to substantial project funding. Recipients benefit from technical training, applied research opportunities, and professional mentorship, making this scholarship particularly suitable for students specialising in automation, engineering technology, and applied sciences.
20. BP STEM Scholarships
The BP STEM Scholarships combine financial assistance with direct industry exposure, positioning them among the most career focused engineering scholarships in UK. Offering annual tuition support, these scholarships also unlock internship opportunities, leadership programmes, and professional networking within BP. They are especially valuable for students specialising in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, and energy management who aim to align academic study with real world energy sector experience.
Read Also: Malardalen University Scholarship 2026 in Sweden
5 Tips to Secure Engineering Scholarships
Winning engineering scholarships in UK can be highly competitive, yet a focused strategy can dramatically improve your odds. Below are five practical tips designed to help you stand out and position your application for success.
1. Begin Your Scholarship Research Early
Starting early gives you time to map eligibility rules, deadlines, and documentation requirements. Evidence consistently shows that early applicants are better prepared and significantly more successful when applying for engineering scholarships in UK.
2. Build and Sustain Academic Excellence
Strong academic performance remains a core selection benchmark. Prioritise high achievement in STEM subjects, as scholarship panels often use consistent grades as a signal of discipline, capability, and long term potential.
3. Customise Every Application Strategically
Each scholarship has a distinct mission. Align your personal statement with the values, goals, and outcomes of specific engineering scholarships in UK, clearly demonstrating relevance, motivation, and future impact.
4. Strengthen Your Profile with Practical Experience
Hands-on exposure through internships, research projects, or engineering competitions shows applied competence. Practical engagement highlights readiness for real world engineering challenges and differentiates you from purely academic applicants.
5. Secure Authoritative Recommendations
Choose referees who understand your technical strengths and professional attitude. Strong, specific recommendations from academics or industry mentors can significantly elevate your credibility and reinforce your scholarship application.
Read Also: ADBI Free Online Courses (ADBI E-Learning)
Conclusion
Engineering scholarships in the UK open powerful pathways for aspiring engineers to access world class education without overwhelming financial pressure. Beyond funding, these opportunities recognise academic excellence, technical curiosity, and the drive to solve real world problems. As competition intensifies, success increasingly depends on informed planning, strategic applications, and a clear alignment between your goals and each scholarship’s mission.
By understanding eligibility criteria, preparing strong academic records, and presenting a compelling personal narrative, applicants can significantly improve their chances of securing support. The UK’s engineering ecosystem continues to invest in global talent, offering scholarships that connect students with cutting edge research, industry partnerships, and long term career prospects.
Whether your ambition lies in innovation, sustainability, or advanced technology, the right scholarship can accelerate your journey and expand your professional horizon. With the right preparation and persistence, engineering scholarships in the UK can transform potential into lasting impact.