University of Birmingham - The Institution of Mechanical Engineers Frederic Barnes Waldron “Best Student Prize

What you get

You will receive a certificate and a bronze medal, recognising you as the top mechanical engineering student at your university. Some universities include a cheque for around 235 EUR (approximately £200), although this varies from university to university. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ (IMechE) main award consists of a certificate and a medal. The chair of your regional IMechE branch will present you with the medal during your graduation ceremony. This is a one-off award, presented once a year, and is not a rolling scholarship.

Who can win it

• Study level: You are a Bachelor’s student, which means you are studying to obtain your first academic degree.
• Progress: You have completed at least two years of your degree course.
• Field and degree: You are studying mechanical engineering on a degree programme accredited by the IMechE.
• Membership: You are an associate member of the IMechE.
• Grades: Your department has named you the best mechanical engineering student in your year group.
• Nationality and location: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply to any university worldwide that offers a degree programme accredited by the IMechE.

How to apply

You cannot apply yourself. The head of department at your university will put you forward, and each university may nominate only one student per year. The nomination must be received by the IMechE by 30 September.

How realistic are your chances?

Each year, only one student per university wins this prize, and it is awarded solely on the basis of whether you are ranked top of your year by your department. The cash prize is modest, so the recognition is more important than the money. If you are among the top students on an IMechE-accredited mechanical engineering degree programme and are an affiliate member, make sure your department knows that you are eligible so that your name is considered for nomination.