The Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Excellence through Future Skills

Could you be the Undergraduate of the Year Celebrating Excellence through Future Skills?

We're searching for an outstanding undergraduate student from a UK university to be our Undergraduate of the Year for Celebrating Excellence Through Future Skills! We're looking for someone who demonstrates curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning — someone who is not only preparing for the future of work, but actively shaping it.

To enter you need to:

  • be an undergraduate at a university in the UK
  • have the right to work in the UK, or have a valid visa for the duration of your University course
  • be available to attend an assessment centre on specific dates and accept the prize of a summer internship with Rolls-Royce

Apply

PRIZES

What could you win?

You’ll win a ten-week paid summer internship commencing in June/July 2026, an Apple watch, Rolls-Royce branded gifts and a ‘day in the life of a senior leader', a fantastic opportunity to experience Rolls-Royce!  

WHAT IT TAKES

What makes an award winner?

The winner of the award must demonstrate:

  • Motivation & Self-Awareness
  • Resilience, flexibility & agility
  • Demonstrate a skills-based approach in their learning
  • A passion for Rolls-Royce and the work they do

FROM OUR PARTNER

Rolls-Royce and the Undergraduate of the Year Celebrating Excellence through Future Skills

Our people are our power. Their pride in what Rolls-Royce has achieved, their commitment to delivering excellence to our customers, and their vision of what we can achieve in the future are all fundamental to our continued success. We are a global organisation, employing over 50,000 people in more than 46 countries, and for over 100 years we have built a reputation for technical innovation and excellence.

Today, Rolls-Royce is entering a phase of accelerated global growth in areas such as nuclear, digital engineering, and sustainable aviation. At the same time, our industry is being reshaped by disruptive transformation and rapid technological change. To thrive in this environment, we need not only world-class technical expertise, but also the human capabilities that will fuel transformation and unlock future success.

That’s why we are committed to developing our people’s skills, enhancing flexibility and motivation, and creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where talent can flourish. Alongside our investment in technical excellence, we are focused on future skills such as analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility and agility, leadership and social influence, motivation and self-awareness, creative and systems thinking, and curiosity and lifelong learning.

Why an award for Future Skills?

We face a widening capability gap across industries, driven by rising complexity and the pace of innovation. Traditional hiring and development models alone are not enough. The future depends on people who can adapt, think critically, lead with influence, and approach problems with creativity and curiosity.

The Undergraduate of the Year Award for Celebrating Excellence Through Future Skills is designed to recognise and celebrate students who demonstrate these qualities. By highlighting the importance of human skills alongside technical expertise, we want to inspire the next generation to embrace change, drive innovation, and shape a better future for us all.

GOING ALL THE WAY

How do I win?

Register

Register your details

Extended Deadline:
26
January
2026

Online tests

Deadline:
26
January
2026

Submit by

26

January

2026

Your details must be submitted and completed by 9am on 26th January 2026.

If you are successful in getting through to the next stage, you will hear from us by 18th February 2026.

Assessment

If you pass the initial application and screening stage your application will be reviewed by Rolls-Royce.

Once screened by Rolls-Royce you will be invited to an online assessment centre led by Rolls-Royce.

Grand final

The final shortlist of ten students will be invited to the awards ceremony on 24th April 2026, where the award winners will be announced.

ApplyReview application