How to Apply for the QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women

Are you a female student who is passionate about civil engineering and wants to make a positive impact on the world? Do you want to study at a top university in the UK and gain valuable work experience with leading engineering companies? If so, you may be interested in applying for the QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, a generous and prestigious scholarship program offered by the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

The QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is a unique opportunity for female students who want to pursue a degree in civil engineering at an ICE-accredited university in the UK. The scholarship aims to encourage more women to enter the field of civil engineering, which is traditionally dominated by men, and to support them in achieving their academic and professional goals.

The scholarship is worth up to £8,000 over the course of your study, and also includes paid work placements every summer with one of the ICE’s partner companies, such as Atkins, BAM Nuttall, or Cala Homes. You will also receive mentoring and guidance from experienced civil engineers, and the recognition of being an ICE QUEST scholar.

If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria, submit an online application form, and attend an interview. The deadline to apply for the 2023 intake is 6 March 2023, so don’t miss this chance to secure your future in civil engineering.

In this blog post, we will provide you with more information about the QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, including its objectives, benefits, requirements, application process, and contact details. We will also answer some frequently asked questions that you may have about the scholarship. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of how to apply for this amazing opportunity and what to expect from it.

What is the QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women and what are its objectives?

The QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is a scholarship program offered by the ICE, the professional body that represents and supports civil engineers around the world. The ICE established the Queen’s Jubilee Scholarship Trust (QUEST) in 1977 to commemorate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and to promote the education and training of civil engineers.

The QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is one of the scholarships that the ICE offers through the QUEST. It is specifically designed for female students who want to study a civil engineering degree at an ICE-accredited university in the UK. The scholarship aims to:

• Increase the number and diversity of women in civil engineering, which is a vital and rewarding profession that shapes the world we live in.
• Provide financial assistance and work experience to female students who have the potential and ambition to become successful civil engineers.
• Foster a network of female civil engineers who can support each other and inspire the next generation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
• Enhance the reputation and profile of civil engineering as a career choice for women.

Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship and what are the requirements?

To be eligible to apply for the QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, you need to:

• Be a female student who is due to start the first year of a full-time civil engineering degree course at an ICE-accredited university in the UK in September 2023. You can check the list of accredited universities here.
• Have a strong academic record, with at least ABB grades at A-level or equivalent qualifications in STEM subjects, such as mathematics, physics, or chemistry.
• Have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for civil engineering and a desire to pursue a career in this field.
• Demonstrate leadership potential, teamwork skills, and social responsibility.
• Be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Be willing to undertake paid work placements every summer with one of the ICE’s partner companies, which may require travelling and living away from home.
• Be committed to becoming a member of the ICE and abiding by its code of conduct and professional standards.

How much is the scholarship worth and what are the benefits?

The QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is worth up to £8,000 over the course of your study, depending on the duration and cost of your degree course. You will receive £2,500 in your first year, and £1,500 in each subsequent year, subject to satisfactory academic progress and completion of work placements.

In addition to the financial support, the scholarship also offers the following benefits:

• Paid work placements every summer with one of the ICE’s partner companies, where you will gain hands-on experience and exposure to real-world civil engineering projects. You will also receive a salary and travel expenses from the company.
• Mentoring and guidance from experienced civil engineers, who will help you develop your skills and knowledge, and advise you on your career path and professional development.
• Recognition and prestige of being an ICE QUEST scholar, which will enhance your CV and employability, and give you access to a network of fellow scholars and alumni.
• Membership of the ICE, which will provide you with various opportunities and resources, such as events, publications, awards, and discounts.

When is the deadline to apply for the scholarship and how to submit the application?

The deadline to apply for the QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women for the 2023 intake is 6 March 2023. You need to submit an online application form, which you can access here. You will need to provide the following information in the application form:

• Your personal details, such as your name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, and nationality.
• Your education details, such as your qualifications, grades, subjects, and the university and course that you have applied for or accepted.
• Your work experience details, such as any paid or voluntary work that you have done, and the skills and achievements that you have gained from it.
• Your personal statement, where you need to explain why you want to study civil engineering, what your career aspirations are, and why you deserve the scholarship. You should also mention any extracurricular activities, hobbies, or interests that you have, and how they relate to civil engineering or demonstrate your suitability for the scholarship. Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words.
• Your referee details, where you need to provide the name, email, phone number, and relationship of one person who can vouch for your academic ability and character. Your referee should be a teacher, tutor, or employer who knows you well and can write a positive and honest recommendation for you. Your referee will be contacted by the ICE and asked to complete an online reference form.

After you submit your application form, you will receive an email confirmation from the ICE. Your application will be reviewed by a panel of judges, who will shortlist the candidates for the next stage. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview, which will take place in April or May 2023. The interview will be conducted by a panel of civil engineers from the ICE and its partner companies, who will ask you questions about your application, your motivation, your knowledge, and your skills. The interview will last for about 30 minutes and will be held either online or in person, depending on the COVID-19 situation.

The final decision will be made by the end of May 2023, and you will be notified by email whether you have been awarded the scholarship or not. If you are successful, you will need to accept the offer and sign a contract with the ICE, which will outline the terms and conditions of the scholarship. You will also need to provide proof of your acceptance to the university and course that you have applied for.

Where can the applicants find more information and contact details?

If you have any questions or queries about the QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women, you can find more information on the ICE website here. You can also contact the ICE by email at quest.awards@ice.org.uk or by phone at +44 (0)20 7665 2193.

Alternatively, you can join one of the online webinars that the ICE organises to provide more information and guidance on the scholarship. The webinars are free and open to anyone who is interested in applying for the scholarship. You can register for the webinars here.

FAQs:

Here are some frequently asked questions that you may have about the QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women:

Q: How many scholarships are available each year?

A: The number of scholarships available each year varies depending on the funding and the quality of the applicants. However, the ICE aims to award at least 10 scholarships each year.

Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am not a UK citizen or resident?

A: Yes, you can apply for the scholarship if you are not a UK citizen or resident, as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria and you have applied for or accepted a place at an ICE-accredited university in the UK. However, you will need to cover the difference between the home and international tuition fees, as the scholarship only covers the home fees.

Q: Can I apply for the scholarship if I am already studying civil engineering at university?

A: No, you can only apply for the scholarship if you are starting the first year of a civil engineering degree course in September 2023. If you are already studying civil engineering at university, you may be eligible for other scholarships or awards offered by the ICE or other organisations. You can check the ICE website [here] for more information.

Q: Can I choose which company I want to work with for the work placements?

A: No, you cannot choose which company you want to work with for the work placements. The ICE will allocate you to one of its partner companies based on your preferences, availability, and suitability. However, you can expect to work with some of the leading engineering companies in the UK, such as Atkins, BAM Nuttall, or Cala Homes, and gain valuable experience and exposure to different aspects of civil engineering.

Q: What if I change my mind and decide not to study civil engineering or not to continue with the scholarship?

A: If you change your mind and decide not to study civil engineering or not to continue with the scholarship, you will need to inform the ICE as soon as possible and return any money that you have received from the scholarship. You will also lose the benefits and opportunities that come with the scholarship, such as the work placements, the mentoring, and the membership. You should only apply for the scholarship if you are sure that you want to study civil engineering and pursue a career in this field.

Conclusion:

The QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women is a fantastic opportunity for female students who want to study civil engineering at a top university in the UK and gain valuable work experience with leading engineering companies. The scholarship offers financial support, mentoring, recognition, and membership, and aims to increase the number and diversity of women in civil engineering.

If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, you need to meet the eligibility criteria, submit an online application form, and attend an interview. The deadline to apply for the 2023 intake is 6 March 2023, so don’t delay and apply now.

We hope that this blog post has provided you with all the information that you need to know about the QUEST Civil Engineering Scholarship – STEM Scholarship for Women. If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact the ICE or join one of their online webinars. We wish you all the best in your application and your future in civil engineering.