Nuclear Sponsorship Scheme 2025 & 2026
Take your next step to your dream career with over £50,000 of funding
Funding & experience, to kick start your dream career in nuclear
Are you ready to kickstart your journey in the nuclear industry while securing funding for university? The Nuclear Sponsorship Scheme focuses on enabling learners from a lower socio-economic background into the nuclear sector. The scheme offers up to 50 places and provides full funding of tuition fees, 2 summer placements, and an additional bursary. The scheme is open for applications for those starting University in Sept 2025, or you can register your interest to be contacted when applications open for the 2026 University intake.
The Nuclear Sponsorship Scheme is operated by Cogent Skills, a delivery partner of the Nuclear Skills Plan
The Nuclear Skills Plan is an industry and government-backed plan, launched in May 2024, to address the national nuclear skills shortage.
Here's what this opportunity entails:
Summer Placements in the Nuclear Industry:
Get hands-on experience and insight into the dynamic world of nuclear through summer placements with leading industry employers. You will participate in two summer internships after years 1 and 2, worth £4,000 each — it's a chance to immerse yourself in real projects, gain invaluable skills, and make meaningful contributions to the field. These placement opportunities will be for 45 days during summer and successful applicants must be able to commute to one of the confirmed placement locations during this time.
Financial Support for University:
Worried about the costs of university? Funding is provided to help alleviate the burden of tuition fees and living expenses, ensuring you can focus on your studies without financial stress holding you back. This funding includes £27,000 in University fees and £15,000 Subsistence Bursary (£5,000 per year for 3 years).
Means-Tested:
Wondering if you qualify? Acceptance will be means-tested, ensuring that those who need support the most can benefit from this incredible opportunity. Don't let financial barriers stand in the way of your aspirations
To be eligible you must:
The Nuclear Skills Plan is an industry and government-backed plan, launched in May 2024, to address the national nuclear skills shortage.
Here's what this opportunity entails:
Summer Placements in the Nuclear Industry:
Get hands-on experience and insight into the dynamic world of nuclear through summer placements with leading industry employers. You will participate in two summer internships after years 1 and 2, worth £4,000 each — it's a chance to immerse yourself in real projects, gain invaluable skills, and make meaningful contributions to the field. These placement opportunities will be for 45 days during summer and successful applicants must be able to commute to one of the confirmed placement locations during this time.
Financial Support for University:
Worried about the costs of university? Funding is provided to help alleviate the burden of tuition fees and living expenses, ensuring you can focus on your studies without financial stress holding you back. This funding includes £27,000 in University fees and £15,000 Subsistence Bursary (£5,000 per year for 3 years).
Means-Tested:
Wondering if you qualify? Acceptance will be means-tested, ensuring that those who need support the most can benefit from this incredible opportunity. Don't let financial barriers stand in the way of your aspirations
To be eligible you must:
Be from a lower socio-economic background (criteria such as accessing free school meals or household income will be considered)
Must be British citizen with no dual nationality
Be able to commence university study in a STEM subject September 2025
Must be able to commit to completing a 3-year undergraduate degree and subsequent employment
Must be completing a 3 year undergraduate degree. 4 year programmes will be accepted only if there is an integrated Masters year. Degrees with foundation years or integrated sandwich years will not be accepted.
As part of accepting any formal offer, students must recognise their commitment to pay back the sponsorship money in the event that they leave the sector outside of the pre-agreed timescales of the scheme.
Any successful applicant to the scheme who has not already received the offer of a university place will receive a conditional offer pending the formal offer of a university place.
Prior to filling out an application, please take the time to read the attached application pack.
If you have any questions or require more information register for our upcoming webinar here
Apply NowAny successful applicant to the scheme who has not already received the offer of a university place will receive a conditional offer pending the formal offer of a university place.
Prior to filling out an application, please take the time to read the attached application pack.
If you have any questions or require more information register for our upcoming webinar here
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