Fully Funded Rolls-Royce Scholarship 2026 at the University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham, in partnership with the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre (UTC), has announced applications for the 2026 Rolls-Royce PhD Scholarship, a fully funded opportunity designed for exceptional international students passionate about advanced engineering, materials science, and aerospace innovation.

This scholarship not only covers full tuition fees but also provides a generous annual stipend of £19,237, making it one of the most prestigious PhD funding opportunities in the United Kingdom.

Scholarship Overview

About the Rolls-Royce Scholarship

The Rolls-Royce Scholarship is part of the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre’s (UTC) ongoing commitment to advancing global research in aerospace and manufacturing.

The selected PhD student will join a cutting-edge research team focused on micromechanics and materials analysis of advanced aerospace components during manufacturing. This project aims to deepen understanding of how materials behave under complex conditions — insights that are crucial to improving performance, safety, and sustainability in the aerospace sector.

Working within the UTC at the University of Nottingham, scholars will gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art laboratory tools, high-resolution imaging techniques, and advanced modelling methods used by Rolls-Royce and its global partners.

The programme provides an exceptional blend of academic excellence and industrial relevance, allowing students to contribute directly to next-generation aerospace technology.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the 2026 Rolls-Royce PhD Scholarship must:

• Hold at least a First Class or Upper Second-Class degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or Physics.
• Be completing their degree by July 2025 if currently in their final year.
• Demonstrate strong analytical skills, curiosity for research, and a keen interest in aerospace materials and manufacturing.
• Show evidence of research experience or technical competence through previous projects or publications (preferred but not mandatory).

Scholarship Benefits

The Rolls-Royce Scholarship provides comprehensive academic and financial support to enable scholars to focus on their research without financial constraints. Key benefits include:

• Full tuition coverage for three years of study.
• Tax-free annual stipend of £19,237, ensuring a comfortable living while studying in the UK.
• Access to Rolls-Royce UTC laboratories, offering one of the best-equipped environments for materials and engineering research in Europe.
• Mentorship and supervision from leading experts at both Rolls-Royce and the University of Nottingham.
• Industry exposure and networking opportunities with one of the world’s most innovative engineering companies.
• Career development pathways into academia, research institutions, and global aerospace industries.

This is a career accelerator, offering candidates the rare opportunity to work on research that directly shapes the future of aerospace manufacturing.

Research Focus

The PhD project will examine the micromechanical behaviour of aerospace materials during manufacturing and service. Scholars will investigate:

• Microstructural changes during machining and thermal treatments.
• The mechanical response of materials under complex loading conditions.
• The development of predictive models for material performance.
• Innovations that can enhance sustainability and reduce waste in aerospace production.

Through this research, scholars will play a vital role in developing safer, lighter, and more efficient aircraft materials, a key step towards the aviation industry’s decarbonisation goals.

Application Process

The application process involves several key steps:

1. Prepare Your Documents
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Cover Letter detailing motivation and research interests
   • Academic transcripts and certificates
2. Submit Application
   • Applicants should email their documents directly to Professor Dragos Axinte, Lead Supervisor at the University of Nottingham’s Rolls-Royce UTC.
3. Interview Stage
   • Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview to assess research aptitude and suitability for the project.
4. Formal University Application
   • Successful candidates will be invited to complete a formal application to the University of Nottingham for admission into the PhD programme.

Deadline: 31 October 2025

Why this Opportunity Matters

The Rolls-Royce Scholarship at the University of Nottingham represents a rare intersection of academia and industry, where doctoral students don’t just study innovation, they create it.

Graduates of the programme emerge as global research leaders equipped with advanced technical expertise, practical industry experience, and the networks necessary to thrive in the competitive aerospace and engineering sectors.

For aspiring engineers and scientists from Nigeria and across the world, this scholarship offers a transformative pathway into the heart of the UK’s research and industrial ecosystem, one that combines innovation, sustainability, and global impact.

APPLY FOR THE ROLLS-ROYCE SCHOLARSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM