How to apply

Read through this page before you start your application, it's got all the details you need to know as well as some tips to make your application stand out.

Have a look at our project vacancies, and select the one(s) you're interested in. Make sure you fit the eligibility and entry requirements listed on the advert. 

You may find it helpful to get in touch with the named contact for that project to find out more details about what the project will involve. If you're not sure which project might be best suited to you, get in touch with us and we'll help you to figure it out.

You can apply for a maximum of 3 projects

When you're ready to apply, make sure you have all the supporting documents we require, and start your application here. Guidance on completing your application can be accessed below.

All the projects will start on 1 September 2026.

You may want to take a look at our page on the selection process, and our frequently asked questions.

Application guidance (pdf)

Application Supporting Documents

Please include the following with your application:

• CV
• Personal/supporting statement (we do not require a research proposal)
• Complete/most recent academic transcripts
• Details of two referees that can comment on your academic ability/work ethic
• If you have not previously been educated in English, then you must provide evidence of your English ability

You can use our prompts to help structure your personal statement.

Your application will be assessed against the relevant parts of our core competencies framework. You should therefore make sure that your application demonstrates a strong foundation in these areas. You can use the framework to prepare for your presentation and interview as well.

Look at our How to Apply page for more details on using the application system.

Entry Requirements

A first or strong 2:1, at BEng or MEng level, in a relevant science or engineering subject, including (but not limited to): Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or Computer Science. Each project will have its own specific requirements.

If you have not been previously educated in English, we require an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.

English language requirements

Funding

We provide fully-funded four-year scholarships to our CDT students that cover tuition fees (Home or International), plus an annual tax-free stipend of £28,000 (equivalent to a £34,000 taxable salary). Each student also has access to £35,000 each across the four years, which can be used for equipment, conference attendance, travel and project consumables. Our scholarships are available to UK and international students, but not every project will be open to international students (see below).

Eligibility

Our projects state whether they are open to home (UK) or international students. Please check the project advert before applying. To be considered a UK Home student, you must have no restrictions on how long you can stay in the UK, and should have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least 3 years prior to the start of the scholarship.

UKRI residential eligibility criteria

Downloads & Links

Personal statement prompts

Core competencies framework (pdf)

Application guidance (pdf)

You can always contact us on made4manufacturing@sheffield.ac.uk if you have any questions about the application process