Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme

UROP bursary applications for summer 2026 will reopen from 6 January 2026.

1. Submit an Expression of Interest form (available from 6 January, 2026) to request an application for a bursary. You do not need to have a UROP fully agreed (or registered) in order to submit your expression of interest. Where two students are applying for a joint basis for one Imperial College UROP Award, you only need to express your interest once, under one of your names. You can then complete a single application form for both of you.
2. Complete an application form which will be sent to you within the 24 hours, or the next working day, of you submitting your expression of interest. You must have provisionally agreed a research experience with a member of academic staff before you apply. 
3. Your Supervisor will be sent a form for them to submit their supporting statement. They will be sent this form 24 hours, or the next working day after the submission of your application.

You only need to complete one application to be considered for all of the above centrally managed bursary schemes. When completing the application form please consider the following:
-    Reflect on your First thoughts and motivations for pursuing a UROP;
-    Provide specific examples, rather than broad statements;
-    Describe, in layperson terms, what the project is about, and why it is important;
-    Check spelling and grammar

Please be aware that only one application form per student will be considered for a UROP bursary. If multiple applications are received then the application with the latest date will be assessed for an award.

Priority will be given to those students who have not received an award before.

The Expression of Interest form will close at 11:59pm (GMT) on Sunday 15 February 2026.

The Application deadline for students has been will close at 11:59pm (GMT) on Friday 20th February 2026.

Supervisors must submit their supporting statement at 11:59pm (GMT) on Friday 27 February 2026.

If you have any queries about the process to apply for a UROP bursary, please email the Student Financial Support team at bursariesurop@imperial.ac.uk

• FoE Sustainability UROP Bursaries

  With the new FoE Sustainability UROP Bursary we will fund UROP projects across the Faculty of Engineering that support action on sustainability of local interest to FoE Departments. This will contribute to the Sustainable Imperial strategy goals of nurturing graduates who understand and advocate for climate science, supporting our researchers to investigate and respond to planetary challenges and leading by example in our activities and on our campuses.

   

  To be eligible for the FoE Sustainability UROP Bursary, projects should be addressing an aspect of sustainability but are not restricted to a particular topic. For example, your project might be related to sustainable energy, cutting carbon emissions, or improving fuel cells; you might look at waste management and the circular economy, how to use our resources and facilities at Imperial sustainably or address biodiversity challenges; or perhaps how we can tackle water scarcity, flooding or climate resilience, or improve air quality in London.

   

  Discuss with your supervisor whether your planned project is related to sustainability; you will both be asked to indicate in the UROP application form whether it is. We encourage supervisors and students to consider projects that address topics of local significance to Imperial and all students funded through the bursary will have the opportunity to network with each other and take part in Sustainability Month activities.

• Imperial College UROP Award
  • Those expecting to graduate in June 2026 are also eligible if their proposed research experience concludes by 30 September 2026.
  • Applications for a bursary can be made by either:
    • one undergraduate;
    • or two undergraduates undertaking a joint UROP. In this case, the application must be clear as to the contribution of each student. Work is usually split 50/50, with both students committing equal time and effort to the UROP. The bursary will also be split equally between the students.

If a student is successful with their application, the host department may allocate additional funds (on top of the granted award) to make a combined total of £450 per week for the student. This is done at the host department’s discretion, and they will be responsible for processing any additional bursary payments which are approved.