Applications Are Open for the Rolls-Royce PhD Scholarship in the UK 2027
About this scholarship
If you have a background in engineering, materials science, manufacturing, computing, or physics, consider the Rolls Royce Scholarships for fully funded PhDs in the UK. These scholarships cover tuition fees and provide a tax-free stipend of up to £25,518 per year, with some projects lasting up to four years.
Rolls-Royce supports 500 PhD candidates and 800 research staff, offering an international environment to develop advanced engineering skills. Register your interest in their sponsored programmes to explore available opportunities.
Application Deadline:
Varies by individual PhD project (deadlines are set independently per project listing).
Tell Me About The Opportunity:
The Rolls-Royce PhD Scholarships offer fully funded doctoral research opportunities across a network of leading universities in the United Kingdom. Rather than a single pooled scholarship, Rolls-Royce partners with major UK academic institutions and University Technology Centres (UTCs) to fund specific engineering, computing, and material science research projects. Scholars work at the intersection of academic innovation and industrial application, tackling real-world challenges in aerospace, propulsion, advanced manufacturing, and net-zero technologies.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Structural Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics.
Type:
Fully Funded Doctoral / PhD Research Studentship Program
Who can Apply?
- Graduates holding (or expecting to complete) at least a First-Class or Upper Second-Class degree in a relevant technical or scientific discipline.
- Applicants interested in advanced research across participating UK institutions (including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, and others).
- Note on Fee Status: While many projects welcome international applicants, eligibility rules vary significantly by project. Some specific Rolls-Royce-sponsored positions are restricted strictly to UK/Home fee-paying students, while others open doors globally. Candidates must verify the fee conditions on each target project listing.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is managed directly by the host university and project supervisors based on academic transcripts, research background, technical competencies (e.g., programming, CAD, simulation, lab techniques), letters of recommendation, and alignment with the specific objectives of the advertised PhD topic.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Open to students worldwide, subject to individual project restrictions and fee-status requirements.
Where will the Award be Taken?
United Kingdom (at participating partner universities and University Technology Centres).
How Many Awards?
Multiple project-specific positions are available across the UK network at any given time (Rolls-Royce routinely supports hundreds of active PhD researchers).
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Full Tuition Coverage: Payment of applicable university PhD tuition fees (depending on project fee status).
- Living Stipend: A tax-free annual maintenance stipend of up to approximately £25,518 per year (varies by project structure and funding source).
- Duration: Typically funded for up to 4 years of full-time doctoral study.
- Industry Access: Direct collaboration with Rolls-Royce industrial experts, access to specialized laboratories, and real-world engineering exposure.
How Long Will the Award Last?
Up to 4 years, aligned with the operational period of the specific doctoral project.
How to Apply:
- Identify a Project: Search for active Rolls-Royce-sponsored PhD positions via platforms like FindAPhD, jobs.ac.uk, or the official Rolls-Royce Careers PhD portal.
- Review Criteria: Read the precise project description, ensuring you meet the academic criteria and check whether international fee status is accepted.
- Prepare Documents: Assemble your academic CV, degree transcripts, degree certificates, references, a tailored personal statement or cover letter, and a research proposal if requested.
- Submit Application: Apply directly through the designated university’s postgraduate admissions portal or as instructed in the specific project advertisement before its closing date.