Welcome to our Application Guide and Frequently Asked Questions
This page is split into four sections:
- Eligibility and Application Form
- Apply
- Application Assessment and Awards
- Award Commitments
This page includes everything you need to know about the Semiconductor Talent Award, and we encourage you to read it carefully before you apply.
We wish you the best of luck with your application!
Eligibility and the Application Form
Am I eligible?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be classified as a home student, or be a British National
- Have a firm UCAS offer to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), or a directly related degree course, starting in September 2025 at a UKESF Partner University
Is my course eligible?
Applicants must have a firm offer to start your degree in Autumn 2025 at one of the UKESF’s 30 partner universities.
UKESF Partner Universities: Aston University, Bangor University, University of Bath, University of Bristol, University of Birmingham, Cardiff University, University of Cambridge, Coventry University, The University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, Heriot Watt University, Imperial College London, King’s College London, Lancaster University, University of Leeds, University of Liverpool, Loughborough University, The University of Manchester, Newcastle University, University of Nottingham, Queen’s University Belfast, Royal Holloway University of London, The University of Sheffield, University of Southampton, University of Surrey, University of Strathclyde, Swansea University, UCL, The University of Warwick, University of York.
You must be studying a degree course that begins with, or includes, UCAS code H6 (e.g. H600, GH64 and GHK6). This will include Electrical and Electronics Engineering and related subjects that involve the design of semiconductors.
If you’re not sure, don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
Your University offer – What is meant by ‘Firm Offer’ and an ‘Insurance Offer’?
You will be asked to detail your Firm Offer and Insurance Offer from UCAS.
- A Firm UCAS acceptance offer is your first-choice university i.e. the offer you’ve accepted, and the one you will go to if you meet their criteria.
- An Insurance acceptance offer is your back up choice, if you don’t meet the criteria for your firm offer. If your Insurance acceptance is not a UKESF partner university, please select ‘other university’ on the form. If you accept your Insurance offer, this will need to be a UKESF partner university for you to still be eligible for the Award.
Can I apply for this Award if my Firm UCAS Offer is not a UKESF partner university, but my Insurance Offer is?
No, your Firm UCAS acceptance offer must be a UKESF partner university. Your Insurance Offer can be any university, but if you accept your Insurance offer after receiving your results, you will only remain eligible for the Award if this is a UKESF partner university.
What does the Application Form include?
To complete your application, you will need to provide:
- Some personal and background information so we can contact you and assess your application
- Details of your UCAS firm and insurance acceptances
- An explanation of what the Award would mean to you
- Details of 1 referee; this can be an academic reference (e.g., from your most recent school) or a trusted contact who is not a family member
Once I start my Application, do I have to complete it in one go?
No, you will have the opportunity to save your progress and return at a later date. Don’t forget, the deadline to apply is 22:00 on 30 June 2025.
I have a query about the application form, can I get help?
You can get in touch at [email protected]
Application Assessment and Awards
Semiconductor Talent Award offer – What is meant by ‘Provisional Offer’ and ‘Confirmed Offer’?
- A ‘Provisional Offer’ is sent ahead of results day. Candidates with provisional offers will be asked to provide proof of their university placement by 23:59 on 21 August, and exam results following A-Level, BTEC, Scottish Highers Results exam results days on 5 August (Scotland) or 14 August 2025 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland).
- A ‘Confirmed Offer’ is subject to confirming acceptance at either firm or insurance university. NB: If you accept your insurance offer, this must be a UKESF partner university.
What is the awarding criteria?
Applications will be assessed on a range of criteria, including those relevant to improving social mobility and representation in the semiconductor sector, alongside the perceived impact of the award.
When will I find out if I’m successful?
Successful candidates will be notified of a ‘Provisional Offer’ by email by 31 July. You will be required to provide evidence that you have been accepted onto an eligible course before 23:59 on 21 August to receive a ‘Confirmed Offer’.
Award Commitments
If I’m successful, when will my Induction Day take place?
On a weekday, during September, before the University ‘Welcome Weeks’ begin.
What will my commitment be?
Award-holders will be required to:
- Start the degree course stated within their ‘Confirmed Offer’
- Attend the Induction Day in September 2025
- Attend Mentoring Sessions
- Provide a Learning and Development plan. This will include completing an online form, detailing your plan for further relevant development opportunities in your second year of university
- Provide feedback. There will be multiple opportunities to provide feedback on different elements of the Award throughout the programme. Your feedback will help to ensure ongoing value and inform continuous improvement
What happens if I withdraw from my degree course?
Please inform us as soon as possible at [email protected]. If you withdraw from your degree course, you will no longer be eligible to participate in the Award. Depending on the circumstances, you may be required to return all, or part, of your bursary.