The University of Sheffield, a prestigious member of the Russell Group, is widely recognized for its excellence in engineering education and research. With partnerships spanning global industry leaders such as Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Boeing, and Unilever, it offers students not only academic knowledge but also real-world experience that enhances employability.
To support engineering talent, the university provides several scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These awards help alleviate tuition costs, recognize academic excellence, and attract high-potential students from around the globe. This guide outlines the major scholarships available to engineering students at the University of Sheffield, including eligibility, value, and how to apply.
Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships
Engineering Excellence Scholarship
This scholarship is automatically awarded to international undergraduate students who meet high academic standards. Depending on the applicant’s A-level or equivalent results, students can receive between £1,000 and £3,000 in their first year. The award is renewable each year based on academic performance, typically requiring a 70% average.
Eligibility criteria:
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Must be classified as an international (overseas fee-paying) student.
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Must hold an offer for a full-time undergraduate course in the Faculty of Engineering.
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Must choose Sheffield as their firm choice on UCAS.
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The award does not require a separate application.
This scholarship is available for students in departments such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Electronic, Aerospace, and Materials Engineering.
International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship
This scholarship awards £2,500 per year to international students starting undergraduate studies. It is renewable annually for the duration of the degree, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Students are assessed automatically based on academic achievement, and the scholarship is credited toward tuition fees. This award can significantly reduce the overall cost of an engineering degree, which typically ranges between £25,000 and £28,000 per year for international students.
Department-Specific Awards
Some engineering departments, such as Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronic Engineering, offer additional incentives to high-achieving students. These include Academic Achievement Scholarships of £1,000–£1,500 for students who attain top A-level grades.
Although not all departments advertise these scholarships publicly, many do notify eligible students at the time of offer. These scholarships are often stackable with the university-wide Excellence or Merit awards.
Postgraduate Engineering Scholarships
International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship
This scholarship provides a £2,500 reduction in tuition fees for international students entering a taught master’s program in engineering. It is automatically awarded to eligible applicants who accept their offer by a specific deadline.
Eligibility:
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Must be self-funded and paying international tuition fees.
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Must be accepted into an eligible master’s program within the Faculty of Engineering.
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No separate application is needed.
This scholarship is especially beneficial for students enrolling in advanced programs such as MSc in Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Civil Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering.
Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships
This is a fully funded scholarship for postgraduate students from developing countries who are pursuing specific master’s degrees in development-related subjects, including certain engineering programs.
What it covers:
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Full tuition fees.
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Living stipend (approximately £12,000 per year).
Eligibility:
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Must be a national of, or permanently domiciled in, a developing country.
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Must hold an offer for an eligible program and demonstrate strong academic and professional background.
As this is a highly competitive award, only a limited number of scholarships are available each year, and applications must include a detailed personal statement outlining the applicant’s career goals and motivation.
Additional Opportunities and Advice
External Scholarships
Students are also encouraged to explore scholarships offered by external bodies such as:
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The British Council
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Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
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Chevening Scholarships
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Country-specific government bursaries (e.g., PTDF for Nigerian students)
These awards often cover full tuition and living expenses and may be combined with Sheffield’s own merit scholarships if allowed.
Retention and Renewal Requirements
Most scholarships at Sheffield are renewable annually. However, to continue receiving the award, students must:
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Maintain a minimum academic average (usually around 60–70% depending on the scholarship).
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Complete full academic credit loads each year.
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Remain enrolled in the same program and pay their fees on time.
It is also important to note that most scholarships do not apply during placement years or study abroad years.
How to Apply and Prepare
Start Early
Engineering scholarships are often tied to course applications, so students should apply early to undergraduate or master’s programs. For undergraduate students, listing Sheffield as the firm choice on UCAS is often a requirement. For master’s programs, accept your offer by the university’s deadline often in early summer to be automatically considered.
Maximize Academic Performance
Grades play a critical role. Students aiming for the highest awards should aim to meet or exceed A*AA at A-level or its international equivalent. Postgraduate applicants should hold a first-class or strong upper-second class degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
Prepare Supporting Documents
For competitive scholarships, students may be asked to submit:
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Personal statements
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Proof of nationality or residency
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References
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Proof of financial need (for need-based awards)
Be sure to carefully follow all instructions and deadlines. Missing even a small requirement could result in disqualification.
Benefits of Studying Engineering at Sheffield
Beyond scholarships, Sheffield’s Faculty of Engineering offers an exceptional academic environment:
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World-Class Facilities: Including the Diamond Building, one of the UK’s most advanced university buildings for engineering education.
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Industry Partnerships: Opportunities for internships and research with multinational companies.
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Research Impact: Sheffield ranks in the UK’s top 10 for engineering research output and impact.
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Global Community: With thousands of international students, Sheffield offers a welcoming, multicultural campus experience.
In short, students benefit not just from financial support but also from a thriving academic and professional ecosystem.
Conclusion
Scholarships at the University of Sheffield make engineering education more accessible and rewarding for talented students around the world. Whether you are an undergraduate entering from high school or a graduate seeking to specialize, there are numerous funding options to explore. From automatic merit awards to competitive full scholarships, Sheffield recognizes and supports engineering excellence at every level.
To increase the likelihood of receiving support:
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Apply early.
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Focus on strong academic performance.
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Watch for departmental and external opportunities.
With the right preparation, engineering students can benefit from both academic prestige and financial assistance at one of the UK’s top universities.