Institution of Civil Engineers - ICE QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship

Benefit

You will receive up to about EUR 9,250 (GBP 8,000) in total over the length of your civil engineering degree. You will also be offered a paid work placement every summer with a partner company in the construction or engineering sector, and often the chance of a full-time role with that company after you graduate. In addition, you will receive mentoring – that is, regular support and advice from an experienced engineer – as well as guidance on your path to becoming a qualified civil engineer. The scholarship is administered by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) through the Queen’s Jubilee Scholarship Trust (QUEST) and funded by construction companies.

Eligibility

• What you study: You are starting the first year of a full-time degree programme in civil engineering accredited by the ICE.
• Where you study: Any UK university offering a degree programme accredited by the ICE. You must already have been granted conditional or unconditional admission.
• When you start: Your degree programme starts in the autumn (September or October).
• Grades: Your predicted A-level grades are ABB or better, ideally in Maths, a science subject or an arts subject.
• What you show: Leadership skills, the ability to work as part of a team, initiative and a clear commitment to a career in civil engineering.

How to apply

You apply online via the QUEST portal and send an application form and a letter of recommendation from your school or university to the ICE. The application deadline is 05 June. A panel comprising academics and industry representatives will assess each application. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an online interview week. You must be available to take part online during this week; otherwise, you will be excluded from the selection process.

How realistic are your chances?

This is the ICE’s flagship scholarship and is open to students from all UK universities, meaning you will have to compete against strong candidates from across the country. The number of places available depends on how many companies are sponsoring scholarship holders this year. Good grades are merely the entry ticket. The selection panel looks for concrete evidence of leadership qualities, the ability to work in a team and a commitment to civil engineering. If you clearly meet the academic requirements and can demonstrate this commitment, you are a promising candidate – but be prepared for stiff competition.