FIA Scholarship Offers Fully Funded MSc in Advanced Motorsport Mechatronics at Cranfield – Apply by 20 Mar 2026

FIA Announces Fourth Motorsport Engineering Scholarship at Cranfield

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) confirmed on 16 December 2025 that applications are open for its fourth FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship, which will fund a single student to pursue an MSc in Advanced Motorsport Mechatronics at Cranfield University. The award covers full tuition, a round‑trip flight, and a living stipend estimated at €15 000, enabling the scholar to focus entirely on study and a post‑graduate internship with the FIA.

<h2>Scholarship Details and Eligibility</h2>
<p>Designed for engineers who demonstrate academic excellence and a genuine passion for motorsport, the scholarship is open to applicants from the United Kingdom, the European Union and the rest of the world.  Candidates must meet the entry requirements for the Advanced Motorsport Mechatronics MSc – a programme that blends vehicle dynamics, control systems, and high‑performance power‑train design.  The deadline for submissions is 20 March 2026, with the FIA and Cranfield reviewing applications through a two‑stage interview process that culminates in a final interview with FIA officials in May 2025.</p>

<h2>Financial Scope and Career Pathway</h2>
<p>According to the FIA’s official announcement, the scholarship’s total value will not exceed €50 000, covering the £27 910 tuition fee for overseas students, a round‑trip economy flight, and quarterly stipends for accommodation and living costs.  Upon graduation, the scholar will be offered a six‑month FIA internship, providing hands‑on exposure to technical, regulatory and sustainability projects that underpin global motor‑sport.</p>

<h2>Past Recipients Highlight Programme Impact</h2>
<p>The scholarship has already produced two notable alumni.  Jesica Salvini, the inaugural winner in 2022, used the award to complete the Advanced Motorsport Engineering MSc and later joined a leading Formula 1 team as a systems engineer – a journey documented on the Cranfield blog [cranfield.ac.uk](https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/funding/funding-opportunities/fia-motorsport-engineering-scholarship).  Muhammad Yasir, the 2023‑2024 scholar from Pakistan, described the award as “a dream come true” and credited it with opening doors to senior engineering roles within the FIA’s technical department [fia.com](https://www.fia.com/multimedia/publication/fia-launches-3rd-edition-fia-motorsport-engineering-scholarship).</p>

<h2>Why the Scholarship Matters for Motorsport</h2>
<p>Motorsport remains a key test‑bed for automotive innovation, with advances in safety, energy efficiency and autonomous systems often migrating from the track to road cars.  By removing financial barriers, the FIA aims to broaden the talent pool and increase diversity in a field traditionally dominated by a narrow demographic.  FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem stressed that “the scholarship aligns with our commitment to expand opportunities, remove barriers and nurture the next generation of engineers.” The initiative also supports the FIA’s wider goal of doubling global motorsport participation by 2030, a target echoed in recent FIA sustainability reports.</p>

<h2>University Partner: Cranfield’s Motorsport Hub</h2>
<p>Cranfield University is recognised internationally for its motorsport expertise, ranking within the top 35 worldwide for mechanical and aeronautical engineering.  Since the 1970s the university has provided consultancy, testing and research services to Formula 1, WRC and endurance racing teams.  Its FIA‑approved Cranfield Impact Centre and the AXSIM Racing simulator are regularly used by manufacturers to develop vehicle dynamics and driver‑in‑the‑loop training programs.</p>

<h2>How to Apply</h2>
<p>Prospective applicants should submit their programme request through the Cranfield funding portal, attach a personal statement outlining their motivation, academic record and any barriers they have faced, and indicate their interest in the FIA scholarship.  Detailed guidance is available on the official application page <a href="https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/funding/funding-opportunities/fia-motorsport-engineering-scholarship">here</a>.  The selection panel will evaluate candidates on academic merit, demonstrated passion for motorsport, and the strength of their case for financial need.</p>

<h2>Looking Ahead</h2>
<p>The fourth FIA Motorsport Engineering Scholarship reinforces the governing body’s strategic push to cultivate technical talent that can drive the sport’s evolution toward greater sustainability and inclusivity.  As the 2025‑2026 academic year approaches, the motorsport community will watch closely to see which emerging engineer will join the ranks of past scholars and help shape the future of racing technology.</p>

<p>For further coverage of motorsport education initiatives and related news, <a href="https://www.globallypulse.com/sports">read more on Globally Pulse Sports</a>.  Additional context on FIA’s broader motorsport programs can be found on <a href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/motorsport/">Reuters Sport</a>.</p>