Oxford University Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship 2026: How to Apply for Scholarship With £20,780 Annual Stipend
Oxford University offers fully funded Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship PhD
The University of Oxford, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, has opened applications for its 2026 Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship, offering a fully funded PhD research studentship to both UK and international students.
The scholarship, hosted in the United Kingdom, covers full tuition fees and provides a £20,780 annual living stipend, making it one of the most competitive and financially comprehensive research opportunities available to postgraduate engineering students globally.
Applications close on March 3, 2026.
About the Oxford Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship
The Oxford Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship is a research-based studentship offered through the University of Oxford’s engineering department. The project will be supervised by Professor Jonathan Knappett and Professor Chris Martin, both internationally respected figures in geotechnical and structural engineering research.
The research focuses on nature-based and biomimetic foundation systems, beginning with an in-depth exploration of how tree root system architectures respond to varying combinations of vertical, horizontal, and moment loading. The findings are expected to contribute to sustainable infrastructure design and innovative foundation engineering.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
The scholarship is open to home and international students, with no restrictions on nationality.
To be considered, applicants must:
- Hold a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
- Have an academic background in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Physics
- Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English
- Meet the University of Oxford’s graduate admission standards
While not mandatory, the following skills are highly desirable:
- Background in Geotechnical or Structural Engineering
- Programming ability in MATLAB or Python
- Experience with Finite Element Analysis
Notably, IELTS or TOEFL is NOT required, and no application fee applies.
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What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Oxford Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship 2026 is fully funded, offering:
- Full tuition fees for both UK and overseas students
- £20,780 annual stipend for the first year
- Guaranteed funding at no less than this amount for an additional 2.5 years
- Research support under leading Oxford faculty
This funding structure ensures students can focus entirely on high-impact research without financial pressure.
How to Apply for the Oxford Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official Oxford research studentship webpage
- Submit a graduate application form through the University of Oxford
- Ensure all academic requirements are met as outlined on the course page
- Make informal research enquiries (optional but encouraged) to
Professor Jonathan Knappett via email
Applications must be completed before March 3, 2026.
Why This Scholarship Matters
With rising tuition costs and increasing competition for funded PhD positions, the Oxford Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship stands out for its full funding, global eligibility, and cutting-edge research focus.
For students aiming to build careers in sustainable infrastructure, geotechnical innovation, or academic research, this opportunity offers both financial security and academic prestige at one of the world’s top universities.
FAQ: Oxford Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship 2026
What is the Oxford Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship?
It is a fully funded PhD research studentship offered by the University of Oxford in Geotechnical Engineering, focusing on nature-based foundation systems.
Is the Oxford Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers full tuition fees and provides a £20,780 annual living stipend for up to 3.5 years.
Who is eligible to apply?
Both UK and international students with a strong undergraduate degree in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or Physics are eligible.
Is IELTS required for this scholarship?
No. IELTS or TOEFL is not required for this Oxford scholarship.
What is the deadline for the Oxford Geotechnical Engineering Scholarship 2026?
The application deadline is March 3, 2026.
What research area does the scholarship focus on?
The project explores biomimetic and nature-based foundation systems, particularly tree root behaviour under structural loading.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application fee for this research studentship.
Who supervises the research?
The research is supervised by Professor Jonathan Knappett and Professor Chris Martin at the University of Oxford.
Can international students apply for this scholarship?
Yes. The scholarship is open to applicants from all countries.
