The IGEM scholarship can help eligible engineering students manage some of the cost of an accredited degree while preparing for a career connected to gas, energy or the wider engineering sector.
IGEM offers separate routes for prospective undergraduates, current undergraduates and students preparing to begin an accredited master’s degree. Depending on your route, the published maximum award ranges from £6,000 to £9,000.
However, the 2026 application window has closed. IGEM has not yet announced confirmed dates for the next round.
Can you apply now? No. The 2026 deadline passed on 31 May 2026. For now, check your course accreditation, confirm your membership requirement, prepare your academic evidence and identify suitable referees.
IGEM Scholarship 2027: Current Position
IGEM states that its scholarship applications normally open in the middle of March and close on 31 May each year.
The latest published timetable followed this order:
- Applications opened in the middle of March.
- The application window closed on 31 May.
- IGEM reviewed the completed forms and supporting evidence.
- Shortlisted applicants attended interviews in July.
- Successful candidates received a funding offer.
- Funded study began in the next academic session.
The next round may follow a similar timetable. However, IGEM has not yet confirmed the 2027 opening date or deadline. Therefore, do not describe the IGEM scholarship 2027 as open until the organisation publishes a new application notice. You can monitor the official IGEM scholarship page.
What the IGEM Scholarship Supports
IGEM stands for the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers. It is a professional engineering institution supporting people and organisations connected with gas and the wider energy sector.
Its scholarship programme supports people working towards an engineering career with an interest in energy.
There are three student routes:
- Prospective undergraduate scholarship
- Current undergraduate scholarship
- Prospective postgraduate scholarship
However, these routes have different conditions. The correct option depends on your study stage when you apply.
For example, someone holding an offer for an undergraduate degree would use the prospective undergraduate route. By contrast, a student already in the first or second year of an eligible degree would use the current undergraduate route.
In addition, the programme is separate from the IGEM Engineering Technician Development Grant. That grant supports professional development for eligible Engineering Technician members. It is not a university scholarship.
IGEM Scholarship Funding Comparison
The table below compares the three student routes.
| IGEM scholarship route | Who it supports | Published maximum | Main academic condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prospective undergraduate | Students holding a conditional or unconditional offer for an accredited undergraduate engineering course | Up to £9,000 | The degree must begin in the next academic session |
| Current undergraduate | Students in the first or second year of an accredited engineering degree | Up to £6,000 | The student must be progressing at 2:1 standard or above |
| Prospective postgraduate | Graduates preparing to begin an accredited master’s degree | Up to £6,500 | Normally requires a first-class or 2:1 accredited undergraduate engineering degree |
However, the amounts must be understood carefully. First, the prospective undergraduate route provides up to £3,000 a year for a maximum of three years. This creates a total possible award of £9,000.
By comparison, the current undergraduate route provides up to £3,000 a year for a maximum of two years. The highest possible total is £6,000.
Finally, the prospective postgraduate route provides up to £6,500 for full-time study. IGEM adjusts the amount for eligible part-time study lasting up to two years.
These figures are maximum amounts. In other words, the phrase up to does not guarantee that every successful applicant will receive the full award.
In addition, IGEM does not describe these awards as full scholarships covering every tuition and living cost. Therefore, calculate the remaining amount you would need before accepting a university offer.
IGEM Scholarship Eligibility
The first eligibility check is your course.
The undergraduate routes require an Engineering Council-accredited degree. Meanwhile, the postgraduate route requires an eligible master’s course and a suitable undergraduate engineering qualification.
General conditions include:
- Correct scholarship route selected for your study stage
- Course accreditation confirmed
- Academic conditions met
- Relevant membership requirement satisfied
- Required supporting documents prepared
- Availability for an interview confirmed
- IGEM employees excluded from applying
In addition, continued undergraduate funding depends on satisfactory progress.
Even so, meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee an award. IGEM reviews eligible applications before deciding whom to invite for an interview.
Prospective Undergraduate Route
This route is for students holding either:
- A conditional university offer
- An unconditional university offer
In addition, the offer must be for an Engineering Council-accredited undergraduate degree. You must also intend to begin the course in the next academic session.
Therefore, this route is not suitable if you are only considering engineering but have not secured a university offer. It is also not the correct route after you have started the degree.
The published award provides:
- Up to £3,000 each year
- Support for a maximum of three years
- A maximum total of £9,000
- An adjusted amount for part-time study
As a result, funding after the first year depends on satisfactory progress. A successful first-year award does not remove the academic conditions attached to later payments.
A prospective undergraduate applicant should prepare:
- Their university offer
- The exact course title
- Expected or achieved grades
- Evidence of relevant interests and activities
- A suitable personal reference
- A clear explanation of future engineering plans
For this route, you must either be an IGEM member when applying or join after your course begins.
Current Undergraduate Route
This route supports students who have already started an accredited engineering degree.
IGEM states that applicants should be in:
- The first year of full-time study
- The second year of full-time study
- The equivalent stage of part-time study
Applicants must also be making excellent academic progress at a standard of 2:1 or above. In this case, the award provides up to £3,000 a year for a maximum of two years. Therefore, the highest possible total is £6,000.
IGEM describes this funding in relation to a BEng degree-level course. Meanwhile, industrial years are excluded from the published funding period.
Furthermore, you must already be an IGEM member when applying. Existing holders of an IGEM undergraduate scholarship cannot apply for the same award again.
However, academic performance is not the only consideration. Your application should also show what you have done since starting university.
Relevant evidence could include:
- Academic projects
- Laboratory work
- Work placements
- Industrial experience
- Engineering society involvement
- Energy-related research
- Professional development
Finally, choose evidence that demonstrates your contribution. A list of activities without any explanation will not show the panel what you learned.
Prospective Postgraduate Route
The postgraduate route supports eligible students preparing to begin an accredited master’s degree.
Applicants should normally have, or expect to receive:
- A first-class undergraduate degree
- A 2:1 honours undergraduate degree
The undergraduate qualification should come from an Engineering Council-accredited programme. Similarly, the proposed master’s course must meet the relevant accreditation condition.
You must:
- Hold an offer from a university
- Be an IGEM member when applying
- Meet the academic requirement
- Begin the degree in the next academic session
- Provide the required references
- Submit the application before starting the course
Importantly, students who have already started the proposed master’s degree are not eligible for this route.
The award provides up to £6,500 for full-time study. However, an adjusted amount may be available for eligible part-time study lasting up to two years.
In addition, postgraduate applicants must describe their proposed studies. Depending on the course, this may cover:
- The subjects you will study
- Your proposed project
- Your research topic
- The work you intend to complete
- Its relevance to engineering or energy
- The connection with your professional plans
Overall, keep this explanation clear. State what you intend to study, why it matters and how it supports your future direction.
Checking Course Accreditation
Do not assume your course qualifies because its title includes the word “engineering”.
Instead, check:
- The university
- The exact course title
- The type of qualification
- The accreditation period
- The course starting date
- Any conditions connected with its accreditation
You can confirm your course through the Engineering Council course search. Next, search for the exact title shown on your university offer or current enrolment record.
Two courses at the same university may have different accreditation positions. Therefore, checking only the institution’s name is not enough.
If the title on your offer differs from the title in the accreditation database, ask your university or IGEM to confirm the position before completing the application.
Membership Requirement
First, check the membership condition for your scholarship route.
| Route | Membership position |
|---|---|
| Prospective undergraduate | You must be a member when applying or join after beginning the course |
| Current undergraduate | You must be an IGEM member when applying |
| Prospective postgraduate | You must be an IGEM member when applying |
Therefore, do not leave this check until the submission deadline.
If you are applying as a current undergraduate or prospective postgraduate, confirm that your membership is active before submitting your form.
However, membership alone does not make you eligible. You must still meet the course, study stage, academic and document requirements.
IGEM Scholarship Application Form
IGEM uses one main scholarship form covering the three student routes. You can review the latest IGEM scholarship application form
For now, use this form only to understand the application while the programme is closed. When the next round opens, download the newly published version because IGEM may change the questions, dates or supporting evidence.
The latest available form asks for:
- Personal and contact details
- Your selected scholarship route
- Qualifications
- Achieved or expected grades
- Previous places of study
- Employment history
- Work experience
- Industrial placements
- University details
- The exact course title
- Course starting and finishing dates
- Full-time or part-time study
- Industrial training information
- A personal statement
- Referee support
- An applicant declaration
In addition, applicants must list their qualifications in reverse date order, beginning with the most recent. The application is submitted by email to funding@igem.org.uk. However, the total email file size should not exceed 10MB.
If you do not receive an acknowledgement within seven working days, contact IGEM to confirm that it received your application. For broader help organising your documents and submission checks, read the Winning Scholarship Application Guide
Documents Required
First, identify the documents required for your study route.
A prospective undergraduate normally prepares:
- The completed application form
- Evidence of the university offer
- Academic information
- A personal reference
- A personal statement
- Any additional evidence requested
By comparison, a current undergraduate normally prepares:
- The completed application form
- Evidence of current enrolment
- Academic results
- An academic reference
- A personal reference
- A personal statement
- Any additional evidence requested
Meanwhile, a prospective postgraduate normally prepares:
- The completed application form
- Evidence of the university offer
- Undergraduate results or an expected classification
- Information about the proposed master’s course
- An academic reference
- A personal reference
- A personal statement
- Any additional evidence requested
Before submitting:
- Use clear file names.
- Open every attachment.
- Check that no page is missing.
- Confirm that your information agrees across every document.
- Keep the email below the published file size limit.
- Retain a complete copy.
Finally, use only the official application form and submission email.
Personal Statement Requirements
The latest available form allows applicants to submit either:
- A written statement of no more than 1,000 words
- A video statement lasting no more than five minutes
The statement should address the areas identified by IGEM. These include:
- Why you chose engineering
- Why you selected your course
- Why you should receive the award
- Your interests and activities
- Your achievements
- Any involvement with IGEM
- Any work promoting engineering or the industry
- Your plans after university
- How you intend to contribute to the gas industry
- How the scholarship would affect your studies
- Why you would make a suitable IGEM scholar
You do not need to treat these points as separate questions unless the new form tells you to do so. Instead, connect them in one clear account.
How to Organise Your Statement
First, begin with the experience or interest that led you towards engineering. Next, explain how your chosen course supports your professional direction.
Then use one or two examples to show your ability and commitment. Suitable evidence may come from a project, placement, technical responsibility, volunteering activity or industry event.
After that, explain your interest in gas, energy, infrastructure or sustainability. Make the connection with your course clear.
Finally, state what the scholarship would change. For example, you might explain how it would support equipment costs, study time, travel, accommodation or access to professional activities. Only include costs that genuinely apply to you.
For help preparing your statement, read the Winning Scholarship Personal Statement guide.
Example of Clear Evidence
Avoid a general sentence such as:
I have always loved engineering, and receiving this scholarship would help me achieve my dreams.
Instead, provide a clear example:
During my college project, I helped design and test a small energy-monitoring system. This experience showed me how engineering decisions can reduce waste and encouraged me to study electrical engineering with a focus on energy systems.
The second example gives the panel something it can assess. It identifies the activity, explains what the applicant learned and connects the experience with the proposed course.
However, use your own genuine experience. Do not copy the example into your application.
Reference Requirements
All applicants need referee support, but the type of reference depends on the route.
- Prospective undergraduates use a personal reference.
- Current undergraduates use an academic reference and a personal reference.
- Prospective postgraduates use an academic reference and a personal reference.
Therefore, choose referees who know your work directly.
For example, an academic referee may be able to comment on:
- Your grades
- Your academic progress
- Your technical ability
- Your commitment
- Your research potential
- Your readiness for further study
Meanwhile, a personal referee may discuss:
- Your reliability
- Your character
- Your initiative
- Your professional behaviour
- Relevant activities
- Your commitment to engineering
Before adding their details, ask whether they are willing to support you. Then give them the correct form, your course information and enough time to prepare an accurate response.
Finally, do not write the reference yourself and ask someone to sign it. The referee should provide an independent assessment.
Interview Process
IGEM reviews applications through its Scholarships, Grants and Awards Panel.
Next, shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview. The latest available form placed interviews between 1 and 19 July, while the main scholarship page states that interviews normally take place in July.
However, IGEM does not publish a full list of interview questions. Therefore, be careful with websites claiming to provide the exact questions.
Before the interview, review the information you submitted. You should be able to discuss:
- Your choice of engineering
- Your course
- Your academic progress
- The evidence in your statement
- Your interest in energy
- Your future career plans
- How the funding would support your studies
- How you hope to contribute to the sector
These are preparation areas taken from the application. They are not claimed official interview questions.
Instead of memorising complete answers, understand your examples and explain them naturally.
Preparation Timeline
At present, the 2026 round is closed, but you can still prepare for the next application cycle.
September to December 2026
- Identify the correct scholarship route.
- Confirm your intended course.
- Check the course accreditation.
- Record relevant achievements.
- Identify suitable referees.
- Check your membership position.
January to February 2027
- Update your academic information.
- Collect your university offer or enrolment evidence.
- Prepare your statement.
- Discuss the application with your referees.
- Check that your course details are accurate.
From March 2027
- Monitor the official IGEM page.
- Look for the next application notice.
- Download the new forms.
- Confirm the deadline.
- Check whether the conditions have changed.
- Give the current reference forms to your referees.
Before submission
- Complete every section.
- Review the declaration.
- Open each attachment.
- Confirm the email size.
- Submit before the deadline.
- Keep the acknowledgement.
Overall, this is a preparation plan, not a confirmed 2027 timetable. Wait for IGEM to publish the next dates.
International Student Eligibility
At present, the published scholarship information does not state a general nationality restriction for the three student routes.
However, the absence of a published restriction does not confirm that every international student can apply from any country or university.
Therefore, international applicants should confirm:
- Whether their course qualifies
- Whether the Engineering Council accredits the exact programme
- Whether they meet the IGEM membership condition
- Whether their university offer satisfies the rules
- Whether any funding condition affects their situation
If the next application information does not answer your question, contact IGEM at funding@igem.org.uk before preparing the complete application.
Finally, do not pay anyone who claims they can secure the scholarship for you. Use the official form and submission details.
Costs and Financial Planning
Overall, the award can provide useful support, but it should form part of a wider financial plan.
First, calculate:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- Course equipment
- Books and software
- Placement expenses
- Professional costs
- Emergency expenses
Next, subtract only funding you have formally received.
As a result, do not prepare your budget using the maximum IGEM award before selection. The maximum is not a guaranteed payment.
Finally, remember that undergraduate renewal depends on satisfactory progress. Make sure you have a realistic plan for costs that the award may not cover.
Common Application Mistakes
Avoid these IGEM-specific mistakes:
-
Choosing the wrong route: Your route must match your study stage.
-
Checking only the university: Instead, check the accreditation of your exact course.
-
Applying after starting the master’s degree: The postgraduate route is for students preparing to begin their course.
-
Ignoring membership: Current undergraduate and postgraduate applicants must be members when applying.
-
Using an old form: Always download the form published for the current cycle.
-
Providing general claims: Support your engineering interest with clear evidence.
-
Choosing unsuitable referees: Select people who know your abilities and progress.
-
Missing an attachment: Therefore, check the forms and supporting evidence before sending the email.
-
Waiting until the final day: Technical problems, large attachments or missing references could delay submission.
-
Assuming the maximum is guaranteed: Build your budget using confirmed funding, not the highest advertised figure. Before submitting, check these common Scholarship Application Mistakes.
Preparation Checklist
Before the next round opens, confirm the following:
- Correct scholarship route identified
- Required university offer or enrolment evidence available
- Exact course accreditation checked
- Relevant academic condition met
- Membership requirement understood
- Academic information checked for accuracy
- Engineering plans supported with clear evidence
- Suitable referees selected
- Personal statement evidence prepared
- Current application form downloaded when available
- Next deadline confirmed
- Complete copy of the application retained
IGEM Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions
Opening and Funding Questions
Is the scholarship open now?
No. The 2026 application deadline passed on 31 May 2026. The next opening date has not yet been confirmed.
When should I check for the next round?
IGEM says applications normally open in the middle of March. Therefore, you can begin monitoring the official page from March 2027, but wait for a confirmed notice.
Is it a fully funded scholarship?
No. IGEM publishes fixed maximum awards rather than a complete tuition and living cost package.
Eligibility Questions
Does every engineering degree qualify?
No. Your exact course must meet the published Engineering Council accreditation requirement.
Can a first-year undergraduate apply?
Yes. A student in the first or second year of an eligible degree may use the current undergraduate route if they meet the other conditions.
Can I apply before receiving a university offer?
No. The prospective undergraduate and postgraduate routes require a university offer.
Can I apply after starting my master’s degree?
No. The postgraduate route is for eligible students preparing to begin the course.
Do part-time students qualify?
The published information allows adjusted funding for eligible part-time study. However, the remaining conditions still apply.
Can international students apply?
The public information does not state a general nationality restriction. Even so, applicants should ask IGEM to confirm any situation not covered by the published rules.
Application Questions
Do I need to be an IGEM member?
Current undergraduate and prospective postgraduate applicants must be members when applying. By contrast, prospective undergraduates may join after beginning their course.
Are references required?
Yes. The required reference type depends on the scholarship route.
Can I submit a video statement?
The latest available form allows either a written statement of no more than 1,000 words or a video lasting no more than five minutes. However, check the new form when the next round opens.
When are interviews held?
IGEM normally schedules interviews in July. Nevertheless, the next interview dates have not yet been published.
Final Advice
Begin with four checks:
- Choose the correct scholarship route.
- Confirm your exact course accreditation.
- Check your academic position.
- Confirm the membership requirement.
Since the 2026 round has closed, use the available time to prepare accurate evidence and suitable references.
Finally, when IGEM opens the next round, return to the official scholarship page, download the new forms and confirm every date before submitting.