TechFirst Undergraduate Scholarship
Supporting students from all backgrounds, across the UK, to build the skills, experience and connections they need to start a career in technology.
About the scholarship
The TechFirst Undergraduate Scholarship is designed to support students who have the passion and potential to build a career in the UK’s technology sector.
Whether you’re still at school, in college, or already studying at university, the scholarship is a unique opportunity to gain industry experience, develop sought-after skills and receive financial support while working towards your degree.
The scholarship offers:
- £4,000 for each year of full-time study at a UK university, for up to 4 years (not including a year in industry)
- summer development or work placements (typically around eight weeks long) in a technology field
- career guidance, mentoring and support to help you move into a job, research or other technology opportunities after you graduate
- regular events, including networking opportunities, conferences and skills development activities throughout your studies
Applications are open until 15 January 2027. Start your application now.
The scholarship is designed to help equip you for a career in the technology sector. It focuses on six main areas:
- advanced connectivity technologies
- artificial intelligence
- cyber security
- engineering biology
- quantum
- semiconductors
You do not need experience or existing knowledge in these areas to apply.
Who can apply
To be eligible, you must:
- be applying to, or currently undertaking, your first undergraduate degree
- have an interest in a future career in digital and technology
- be classed as a UK Home Student, meaning you qualify to pay Home (domestic) university tuition fees. Check your eligibility here
If you’re applying before university, you must:
- expect to achieve at least 120 UCAS tariff points over a maximum 2 year period before you start a degree course (equivalent to BBB at A Level)
- be applying for or expecting to secure a place on a full-time undergraduate degree or integrated master’s programme at a UK university in any subject to start in September 2027
If you’re already studying at university, you must:
- be studying any full-time undergraduate degree or integrated master’s programme at a UK university
- be on track to achieve at least a 2:1 at the end of your degree
- have at least two years of full-time study remaining from September 2027, not including a year in industry or abroad
You cannot hold the TechFirst Undergraduate Scholarship alongside most other UK government scholarships, studentships, awards or bursaries. More detail on exceptions will be provided during the application process.
You do not need:
- previous industry experience
- coding knowledge
- technology qualifications beyond the entry requirements
- experience in a particular technology sector
We particularly welcome applications from those underrepresented in the technology sector, including women and students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Semiconductor Pathway
The Semiconductor Pathway is a dedicated strand of the programme for students interested in helping shape the future of the UK’s semiconductor industry. In addition to the core TechFirst offer, students on this pathway will receive access to tailored semiconductor-focused development opportunities, industry engagement and networking designed to help prepare them for careers in this growing and strategically important sector.
To be eligible for the Semiconductor Pathway, you must meet the general TechFirst eligibility criteria and be studying, or planning to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or Computer Science.
You will be able to indicate your interest in the Semiconductor Pathway within your scholarship application.
How to apply
Applications are open now until 15 January 2027.
There are three stages to the application process:
-
Application form
-
Online assessment
-
Virtual interview
The process is all online — there’s no travel involved.
What we’re looking for
The application process is designed to assess your interest and potential for a future career in technology. We are looking for:
- curiosity and motivation
- problem-solving and analytical skills
- a proactive, logical approach to learning and unfamiliar situations
- the ability to share information, listen and work with others towards a shared goal
- good judgement and understanding of responsible technology
- an interest in contributing to technology advancement in the UK
We recognise that candidates have different backgrounds, experiences and opportunities. We do not assess potential based on existing knowledge or whether you have had access to technology opportunities before.
Stage 1: Application form
The application form is your chance to tell us about your interests, experiences, and motivation for joining the programme.
We are interested in learning about:
- why you want to contribute to technology in the UK
- how you approach learning new skills and solving problems
- how you work with others to achieve a shared goal
You can use examples from any part of your life, including your studies, work, volunteering, hobbies, or personal projects.
Stage 2: Online assessment
If selected, you will be invited to complete an online assessment. The assessment looks at how you learn new concepts, assess information and data, and make decisions in unfamiliar situations.
We are interested in how you approach new problems. It does not test what you already know about technology.
Stage 3: Virtual interview
If selected, you will be invited to attend a virtual interview. This will be a live video conversation with an interview panel.
The panel will ask you about:
- your interest in technology
- situations you could encounter during the programme
- how you learn, solve problems and work with others
- responsible and ethical use of technology
Support with your application
Online events
There will be a series of online events to help you understand more about the programme and prepare for the application process. These will provide practical guidance, help you identify and communicate relevant experience, and explain what to expect at each stage. You may also hear from people working in technology and have opportunities to ask questions.
Some events will be designed for particular groups or stages of the application process. We’ll tell you about events that are relevant to you and explain how to register once you’ve completed your application.
Reasonable adjustments
You can ask for reasonable adjustments at any stage of your application. Asking for an adjustment will not affect how your application is assessed.
You can contact us about:
- a disability or long-term health condition
- a mental health condition
- neurodivergence
- another access need
- problems using the online application or assessment
You do not need to know what kind of adjustment you need before getting in touch. Tell us about the barrier or access need you experience, and we can discuss available adjustments with you.
Contact us about reasonable adjustments at TechFirstScholarship@penna.com
About TechFirst
TechFirst Undergraduate Scholarship is part of TechFirst, the government’s flagship tech skills programme opening pathways into the UK’s fast-growing tech sector.