UKNEST STEM Scholarships

Scholars

Each academic year, UKNEST engages with universities and colleges across the UK to offer a number of scholarships. The scholarships are for 1 year and open to students studying any STEM subject who are interested in pursuing a career in the UK Maritime Defence Sector.

Please be aware when considering subsequent work placements and employment opportunities, most employers within this sector require UK security clearance for specific positions.

Each Scholarship will offer the successful student the following benefits:

  • UKNEST graduate buddy
  • Mentoring from a UKNEST Member Organisation
  • The potential for work-placement with a UKNEST Organisation
  • Funding of £1,500

2023 Engineering, Science & Technology Scholarships

Applications for the 2023 UKNEST Scholarships are now CLOSED

United Kingdom Naval Engineering Science & Technology (UKNEST) offers 15 Scholarships to students studying at UK universities & colleges. The Scholarships are open to students registered on any STEM subject degree. Most employers within this sector require UK security clearance for specific projects and positions.

The Scholarships are only available to students studying at UK universities and colleges.

UKNEST promotes diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds and those studying broad engineering, science and technology subjects. Scholarships are for ONE year only.

Applicants are required to submit a Cover Letter, CV, Reference (from their university or college tutor) and answer the following essay question (maximum 500 words):

As new technologies come into service to tackle the challenges of Climate Change, older technologies retire. How might the Royal Navy use its older, retiring technology to contribute towards a net zero sustainable future without increasing its carbon footprint?

Successful applicants will be called for interview before final selection as a UKNEST Scholar.

The Deadline for Applications is 22 Sep 23.

I am extremely grateful to have been a UKNEST scholar. My mentor has been an invaluable source of information throughout the year and has supported me through any queries or uncertainties I was having about life in industry. The member meeting and dinner in Bristol was insightful and a great opportunity to meet like-minded people. I hope to maintain a relationship with UKNEST with a view to giving back to the organisation in the future."

Rory Dick

UKNEST Scholar

The UKNEST scholarship has proven invaluable in my personal and professional
development. It has given me the mobility to complete an internship in AI & Robotics this
summer where I will explore my passion for machine learning in a professional context. The
scholarship funding has also given me the opportunity to work with an overseas NGO in
developing sustainable energy solutions in Peru - an area which I am passionate about. The
mentoring and buddy scheme has been insightful and motivating and has helped me find a
role in the defence sector where I can apply my interests. Thank you UKNEST for all your
support!

Alex Callens

UKNEST Scholar

Receiving the UKNEST scholarship has been a great privilege. Its generous funding has alleviated the financial obstacles I encountered in pursuing cyber security certifications, while the invaluable mentorship and insights shared by my mentors have made a huge impact on my professional development.

I strongly encourage you to apply and see what happens!

Tom Ely-Corbett

UKNEST Scholar

I am immensely grateful for the support I have received as it has been instrumental in shaping my academic journey and opening doors to unique experiences. The funding allowed me to fully immerse myself in my studies and extracurricular commitments, maximizing my academic potential. The unique insights from my mentor and mentee showed me the opportunities young engineers have in meeting the challenges faced by the naval industry. Moreover, recognition from the scholarship aided me in securing a prestigious fully funded research internship in Canada, focusing on machine learning and water engineering. A memorable experience was attending the annual general meeting at Frazer-Nash. This enriched my knowledge of innovative naval defence technologies and facilitated valuable networking with industry leaders.

Nehla Farhan

UKNEST Scholar

I was fortunate enough to receive a UKNEST scholarship during the final year of my Computer Science Bachelor's degree at the University of Edinburgh. Alongside the generous financial support, the mentorship and support I received from both my Mentor at Lockheed Martin and my Buddy at BAE Systems Submarines was superb. I gained fantastic insights into the naval and military industries, all while being supported for the costs of all of my Master's applications! I would highly recommend applying!

Matthew Timmons-Brown

UKNEST Scholar

I would like to thank the team at UKNEST and all its participants for the opportunity and support afforded to me this year. I have been able to make great use of the facilities afforded to me and that UKNEST has had a profound impact on my career path to come.

Jake Richardson

UKNEST Scholar

The UKNEST Scholarship Programme has been an unbelievable opportunity to advance my career in the naval sector. The funding has allowed me to focus on obtaining the best possible academic grades whilst my mentors have helped me explore the different jobs suited to my interests. I would highly recommend all students to apply!

Jasmin Brittan

UKNEST Scholar

As a UKNEST Scholar, I have had access to a host of opportunities that have enabled me to grow academically and beyond this year. The funding that accompanies the programme has given me the chance to complete an exciting 12-week internship in thermofluids this summer, giving me some practical experience of working on a long-term project that complements the theoretical nature of my degree. I have also benefited greatly from the advice and unique perspectives that both my mentor and buddy have been able to offer. I would highly recommend this scholarship to anyone considering naval engineering because it is a great way to gain some insight to the sector, understand where this industry is heading and how you can contribute and make real change early in your career.

Farheen Muhammed

UKNEST Scholar

Having the privilege of being a UKNEST scholar has enabled me to gain further knowledge and contacts in the defence industry through both my buddy and mentor. I have also had the opportunity to go on two site visits and engage with other engineers, both site visits were very interesting and insightful.

James Fletcher

UKNEST Scholar