The Rio Tinto Scholarship 2026 at Imperial College London provides fully funded support to outstanding undergraduate students who want to study Earth Science and Engineering. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a generous annual living stipend to help students focus on their studies at one of the world’s top universities.
Imperial College London offers this scholarship in partnership with Rio Tinto to support talented students from selected countries and promote excellence in earth sciences.
About the Rio Tinto Scholarship
The Rio Tinto Scholarship supports students who apply for a full-time undergraduate BSc or MSci degree in Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London.
Applicants must come from selected countries, including:
- Argentina
- China
- Guinea
- Madagascar
- Mongolia
- South Africa
Students must first secure an offer of admission before applying for the scholarship. The department then evaluates eligible candidates based on academic excellence and potential.
Imperial College London awards a small number of scholarships each year, making it highly competitive.
Why Choose The Rio Tinto Scholarship?
This scholarship allows students to study at one of the world’s leading STEM universities with full financial security.
At Imperial College London, students gain:
- Advanced training in Earth Science and Engineering
- Access to world-class laboratories and research facilities
- Strong industry links with global energy and mining companies
- Opportunities for fieldwork and international research exposure
The Rio Tinto partnership also strengthens career pathways in geoscience, sustainability, and resource engineering.
Rio Tinto Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: Imperial College London
- Scholarship Name: Rio Tinto Scholarship
- Study Level: Undergraduate (BSc / MSci)
- Funding Type: Fully funded
- Coverage Includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Annual stipend of approximately £17,082 per year
- Number of Awards: Limited (typically around 3–4 students)
- Duration: Full duration of undergraduate degree (3–4 years)
- Eligible Applicants: Students from selected countries only
- Application Method: Separate scholarship application after receiving an admission offer
- Application Deadline: 29 May 2026
- Selection Basis: Academic excellence and scholarship application assessment
Scholarship Benefits
The Rio Tinto Scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire degree
- Annual living stipend of approximately £17,082
- Opportunity to study at a globally ranked university
- Access to field-based and industry-linked learning
- Career pathways in Earth science and engineering sectors
- Strong academic mentorship and research exposure
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London
- Be ordinarily resident in one of the eligible countries:
- Argentina, China, Guinea, Madagascar, Mongolia, or South Africa
- Apply for a BSc or MSci program in Earth Science and Engineering
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
- Submit a completed scholarship application form before the deadline
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- UCAS application for Earth Science and Engineering
- Offer letter from Imperial College London
- Academic transcripts and predicted grades
- Personal statement
- Scholarship application form
- Reference letter(s)
- Any additional supporting documents requested by the department
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps to apply:
- Apply for a BSc or MSci in Earth Science and Engineering via UCAS.
- Receive an offer of admission from Imperial College London.
- Submit the Rio Tinto Scholarship application form.
- Ensure all documents are submitted before the deadline.
- The department evaluates candidates based on academic merit.
- Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed or further assessed.
- Final scholarship recipients are selected and notified by the university.
