Whitworth Scholarship's Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £379,471 (2024)
• Success Rate: Highly competitive (exact rate not published)
• Decision Time: 2-3 weeks (interviews mid-August, decisions week after)
• Grant Range: £9,000 - £45,000 (depending on program and duration)
• Geographic Focus: England and Wales (UK residents, Commonwealth and EU citizens eligible)

Contact Details

Website: www.imeche.org / www.whitworthscholarships.org.uk

Email: awards@imeche.org (applications) / j_gibbins@imeche.org (general enquiries)

Phone: +44 (0) 1284 717887 / 020 7304 6998

Address: Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1 Birdcage Walk, London, SW1H 9JJ

Overview

The Whitworth Scholarship's Fund was established in 1868 by Sir Joseph Whitworth, one of Britain's most distinguished engineers and industrialists, who donated £128,000 (approximately £6.5 million today) to bring “science and industry” closer together. Registered as a charity (313756) in 1963, the fund is administered by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as sole trustee. With annual expenditure of £379,471 (2024), the fund promotes the engineering and mechanical industry through scholarships for young people who combine practical engineering experience with academic potential. The Whitworth Scholar title has been borne by many distinguished engineers including 13 Presidents of IMechE, making it one of the most prestigious engineering honors in the United Kingdom. The Whitworth Society, founded in 1923, provides lifelong networking opportunities for all Whitworth Scholars.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Whitworth Scholarship Awards (Undergraduate and Master's)

• Full-time study: £9,000 per year for up to 4 years (maximum £36,000)
• Part-time study: £3,000 per year (pro-rata)
• MSc (1 year full-time): £9,000
• MSc (2 years part-time): £3,000 per year
• Application method: Annual application deadline (31 July)

Whitworth Senior Scholarship Awards (Postgraduate Research)

• Full-time PhD/EngD: Up to £15,000 per year for maximum 3 years
• Part-time PhD/EngD: £4,500 per year
• Maximum total award: £45,000
• Application method: Annual application deadline (31 July)

Priority Areas

The fund focuses exclusively on engineering education across all main engineering disciplines including:

• Mechanical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Other engineering disciplines

Priority is given to candidates who:

• Have completed at least two years of practical engineering experience (apprenticeships or equivalent)
• Demonstrate both academic excellence and outstanding practical skills
• Show personal qualities needed to succeed in industry
• Have pursued a vocational route before entering degree-level study

What They Don't Fund

• Students without practical engineering experience
• Non-engineering disciplines
• Non-UK residents (except Commonwealth and EU citizens who have lived in UK for 3+ years)
• Students already holding the Whitworth Award (only one award per individual)

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Governance and Leadership

Trustee: Institution of Mechanical Engineers (sole trustee since 1963)

Governing Document: Trust deed dated 23 September 1868, amended by Order of the Secretary of State for Education and Science (27 September 1988) and Deed of Variation (3 October 1997)

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers administers the fund through its scholarships and awards department. The Whitworth Awards panel reviews all applications and conducts interviews to select outstanding young engineers. According to IMechE, the panel seeks candidates who “display academic excellence and practical ability together with the personal qualities needed to achieve success in industry.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Application Method: Online application via IMechE website (www.imeche.org/careers-education/scholarships-and-awards)

Application Requirements:

• Completed detailed application form
• Personal statement outlining experiences and career aspirations
• 2-3 references (depending on study stage):
• One from senior staff at school/college
• One from senior representative of engineering organization where practical experience was obtained
• Additional academic reference for Senior Scholarship applicants
• Detailed records of academic performance and practical engineering work

Application Deadline: 31 July (annually)

Reference Deadline: 5 August (submitted directly by referees to panda@imeche.org)

Decision Timeline

• 31 July: Application deadline
• 5 August: Reference deadline
• Mid-August: Mandatory interviews for shortlisted candidates (held in London)
• Late August: Final decisions communicated within one week of interviews
• Ongoing: Award holders maintain contact with IMechE and Whitworth Society throughout their studies

Success Rates

The fund describes awards as going to “a small number” of scholars annually. Based on recent news reports, approximately 10 new Award Holders are announced each year, though the exact number of applicants is not publicly disclosed. The prestige and rigorous selection process (including mandatory interviews) indicate this is a highly competitive scholarship. In 2024, for example, AWE reported that all four of their shortlisted candidates were successful, suggesting that reaching the interview stage significantly increases chances of success.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful candidates is not publicly available. Candidates should contact IMechE directly at awards@imeche.org for guidance on reapplying. The fund's governing documents specify that only one Whitworth Award can be granted to an individual.

Application Success Factors

Based on IMechE's published guidance and selection criteria:

Academic Excellence: The panel pays "particular attention to each candidate's record" in both academic and practical settings. Strong grades and demonstrated capability in mathematics and science are essential, reflecting Joseph Whitworth's original 1868 vision for scholars with “practical skills with aptitude for science and mathematic based academia.”

Outstanding Practical Experience: IMechE emphasizes that "particular attention is paid to each candidate's record in practical engineering at school/college and the employing organisation." Your practical engineering work is equally weighted with academic achievement. Provide detailed evidence of hands-on engineering projects, problem-solving, and technical skills developed during your apprenticeship or work experience.

Personal Qualities for Industry Success: The panel seeks “personal qualities needed to achieve success in industry” including attributes like tenacity, leadership potential, and commitment to the engineering profession. Use your personal statement to demonstrate these qualities through specific examples from your practical work and educational experiences.

Quality References: References from both academic and professional sources carry significant weight. Choose referees who can speak specifically to your technical abilities, work ethic, and potential. Recent successful scholars' employers (such as AWE) have noted the “exceptional academic ability, outstanding practical skills and the qualities required to succeed in industry.”

Interview Performance: Interviews are mandatory for all shortlisted candidates. This face-to-face assessment allows the panel to evaluate your communication skills, passion for engineering, and suitability for the prestigious Whitworth Scholar title. Prepare to discuss both your practical work and academic goals in detail.

Career Clarity: Senior Scholarship applicants should provide a “short description of their proposed research activity” showing clear research objectives and how the doctorate advances their engineering career.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Balance is critical: The Whitworth Awards uniquely value practical engineering experience equally with academic achievement. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in both areas, not just one.

• Two years minimum practical experience required: Unlike many scholarships, you must have completed substantial vocational engineering work (typically 2+ years apprenticeship) before entering degree-level study. This reflects the fund's 1868 mission to bridge “science and industry.”

• Interviews are non-negotiable: All shortlisted candidates must attend in-person interviews in London in mid-August. Factor this into your summer planning.

• Prestige carries responsibilities: Successful scholars join an elite group including 13 IMechE Presidents and gain lifelong membership in the Whitworth Society. The title “Whitworth Scholar (WhSch)” is recognized throughout UK engineering.

• References matter enormously: Your references from both education and industry will be scrutinized. Cultivate strong relationships with senior engineers and educators who can vouch for your technical abilities and character.

• Application timing is tight: With references due just five days after the main deadline (5 August vs 31 July), coordinate with your referees well in advance.

• All engineering disciplines welcome: Despite mechanical engineering roots, the fund explicitly welcomes civil, electrical, and other engineering disciplines, broadening your eligibility if you meet the practical experience requirement.

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Water Conservation Trust
• The Walter and Liesel Schwab Charitable Trust
• The George Family Foundation
• Norton Folgate Trust
• The Record Charitable Trust
• THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE BENEVOLENT FUND
• The Cambridge Political Economy Society Trust
• THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF ENGINEERS CHARITABLE TRUST FUND
• The Armourers and Brasiers' Gauntlet Trust
• Sloane Robinson Foundation

References

• Charity Commission Register of Charities: Whitworth Scholarship's Fund (313756). Accessed via https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/313756/full-print (9 December 2024)

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers: Whitworth Scholarship Awards. https://www.imeche.org/careers-education/scholarships-and-awards/whitworth-scholarships/Whitworth-Scholarships (9 December 2024)

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers: Whitworth Senior Scholarship Awards. https://imeche.org/careers-education/scholarships-and-awards/whitworth-scholarships/whitworth-senior-scholarship-awards (9 December 2024)

• The Whitworth Society: History. https://www.whitworthsociety.org/history.php (9 December 2024)

• AWE: “Our engineers once again recognised by the Whitworth Society”. https://www.awe.co.uk/2025/01/our-engineers-once-again-recognised-by-the-whitworth-society/ (9 December 2024)

• AWE: “AWE Engineers receive prestigious Whitworth Scholarship Awards”. https://www.awe.co.uk/2023/12/awe-engineers-receive-prestigious-whitworth-scholarship-awards/ (9 December 2024)

• Whitworth Society Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitworth_Society (9 December 2024)

• Whitworth Scholarships official website: https://www.whitworthscholarships.org.uk/ (9 December 2024)