FAQs

To join you need to be:

• A UK national or have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
• An engineering student (in your second year or above) or a recent engineering graduate from university

GEEP offers flexible options including virtual, in-person and hybrid participation so no matter where in the UK you're based, if you're doing a degree in engineering then you're exactly who this programme is designed for.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, but it's important to note that GEEP places an emphasis on creating opportunities for those from under-represented backgrounds. We are particularly eager to welcome applications from candidates who reflect this diversity and inclusivity focus.

GEEP is a national programme designed to support engineering students from underrepresented backgrounds across the UK. In 2025-2026 we aim to encourage applications from regions which have experienced small student numbers in the past. To this extent, we will monitor regional representation and may close applications in specific areas early as spaces fill up.

Please note that if you are currently holding a student or graduate visa, you are not eligible for this programme. Individuals who have the right to live and work in the UK for at least one year after their application and are on a route that can lead to ILR or settlement (e.g. pre-settled status, refugee status) might be considered eligible.

The Graduate Engineering Engagement Programme (GEEP) by the Royal Academy of Engineering aims to bridge the gap between under-represented university engineering students or recent graduates and the UK engineering industry by building skills and confidence, creating awareness of opportunities, and expanding social capital through peer and professional networks.

The course is due to start early November, with the onboarding week scheduled for last week of October.

No. The purpose of this programme is to support the transition of undergraduate and graduate engineers from under-represented communities into employment in the engineering profession. The programme brings students into direct contact with engineers and businesspeople in the profession and builds students’ professional skills, confidence, awareness of opportunities and networks.

The programme is UK-based, mostly remote with some hybrid and in-person events. To receive the full benefit of the programme you may be required to travel at times to those events. Support is available to help with travel costs. More details on specific locations will become available shortly.

To take part in GEEP, applicants need to be a UK national or must have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement. Please note that if you are currently holding a student or graduate visa, you are not eligible for this programme. Individuals who have the right to live and work in the UK for at least one year after their application and are on a route that can lead to ILR or settlement (e.g., pre-settled status, refugee status) might be considered eligible.

The deadline for applications is Monday 13 October and we follow a first-come, first-served approach. In addition, in 2025-2026 we aim to encourage applications from regions which have experienced small student numbers in the past. To this extent, we will monitor regional representation and may close applications in specific areas early as spaces fill up. So, make sure you get your applications in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

You must either be in your 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of University, studying towards an engineering degree or must have graduated in either 2023 or 2024 with an engineering degree from a UK University.

Work experience, shadowing opportunities and job roles will be shared with you throughout your time on the programme and you will be able to access support to help you in tailoring your application and presenting yourself in the best way possible. There are opportunities to connect directly with employers throughout the programme and many students have been able to secure work placements through networking with employers on the scheme.

If you are studying for a degree alongside your current role or have graduated from an engineering degree in the last 2 years and would like to explore engineering careers in more detail, you are able to take part in the programme. Please note, there is a minimum commitment of attending 4 events across the year and completing some professional development activities to enable you to graduate. Please ensure that you have the support of your employer or know you are able to balance your workload alongside the programme if you are in work.

Candidates will need to have access to a device like a phone/laptop (preferably laptop) and stable internet connection to be able to access the online sessions (both core programme and mentoring).

You don’t need any experience to participate in the programme.

We are committed to ensuring accessibility for all students on the GEEP. We offer various options, including both in-person and online events, to accommodate diverse needs. We are keen to work closely with you to tailor the programme to your specific requirements. This may involve alternative interview arrangements, personalised one-on-one support, and guidance. If you have any accessibility needs or would like to discuss your specific requirements, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

This depends on what interventions you sign up to (as the programme is not linear, to provide ultimate flexibility) and if you do mentoring as well. To graduate from the programme, you have to attend a minimum of 4 sessions (one to be in person) over the course of the year. You’ll spend approximately an average of 1-3 weeks on the programme.