Whitworth Scholarship

Whitworth Scholarship Award

You will receive £10,000 per year (about 11,500 EUR) for an engineering degree in the UK. The funding runs for up to 4 years and is capped at a total of £40,000 (approximately 46,000 EUR). If you are studying part-time or as part of a work-integrated learning programme (combining study with paid work placements), the amount will be paid on a pro rata basis. You may combine this funding with other scholarships, but not with a second Whitworth grant. Years spent on work placements are not eligible for funding. The programme is run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and has supported around 3,200 engineers since 1868. It supports students who combine strong academic ability with genuine practical expertise in any field of engineering.

Who can apply

• What you study: An engineering degree in any discipline at BEng, MEng or MSc level.
• Practical background: After completing your full-time vocational training, you spent at least 2 years in a practice-oriented engineering field (either through training or in a professional role) before commencing your degree programme.
• Study stage: You are about to start your degree, are already studying, or have just graduated and would now like to undertake a Master’s programme.
• Nationality: You are a British national, a national of a Commonwealth country or an EU citizen.
• Residence: You have lived in the UK for at least 3 consecutive years immediately prior to the start of your degree programme.
• University: Any British further education college, higher education institution or university.
• Exception: If you are unable to meet a requirement due to a serious illness or for another valid reason, the IMechE may adjust the requirements.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online form on the Whitworth Scholarships website. To begin with, you will carry out a brief self-assessment to check that you meet the eligibility criteria. The application deadline is 17 July each year. All shortlisted candidates must attend an interview; the IMechE’s decision is final.

How realistic are your chances?

There is one unusual requirement that limits eligibility for this scholarship: you must have gained at least 2 years’ practical experience in the field of engineering prior to commencing your degree. This excludes most applicants who have moved straight from school to university. If you meet this practical profile and satisfy the residence and nationality requirements, the competition is significantly lower than for general engineering scholarships, so your prospects are good. A convincing interview will then tip the balance in your favour.