History
The forerunner of Cranfield University was the College of Aeronautics, created in 1946 and based at the RAF station in Cranfield, Bedfordshire.
In 1967, the School of Management was founded, so 2017 marks our 50th anniversary.
Education
The only completely postgraduate University in the UK, our world-class programmes, unrivalled facilities, close links with business, industry and governments and an international outlook all combine to attract students and teaching staff from around the globe. The result is a long track record of creating leaders and innovators in our specialist areas of science, technology, engineering and management. Our graduates are in demand and their association with Cranfield brings benefits throughout their careers.
To find out more about Cranfield why not join us for one or our open days.
Research
Students undertaking a research degree have the opportunity to spend time focusing solely on one subject area, with their findings being written up as a thesis at the end. Cranfield offers students the chance to work on research projects commissioned by business, and during their time learning, students have access to research facilities including the £35million Aerospace Integration Research Centre. All students will be assigned a supervisor with vast experience in their field of work.
Career
Cranfield has unrivalled links with business, industry, and governments, with relationships in nearly 1,500 organisations around the world. From the smallest owner-managed SMEs to the largest multinational conglomerates, British and international universities, non-government organisations and governments. These organisations frequently offer internships, graduate employment opportunities and research projects to our student body. The University also has 14 formal, high-level industry strategic partnerships reflecting long-term relationships across academic, research and innovation activities.
We create leaders in technology and management, with the knowledge and skills, and to make an impact in the workplace.
Top reasons to study here
- Our education portfolio is renowned for its relevance to business and industry.
- We are the largest UK provider of master's-level graduates in engineering.
- 81% of Cranfield’s research is ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’
Cranfield University Key Statistics & Highlights
- #801 Ranking
- 13 PhDs
- 159 Scholarships
- 413 Academic Staff
- 3,013 Students
- 2,049 Students (int'l)
- 844 Students (female)
- Public Institution Type
Cranfield University Overview
Cranfield University Scholarships
Cranfield University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Cranfield University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Provided by university
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Provided by university
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Anytime
Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Provided by university
Grant
300000 MXN
Deadline
Anytime
CONACyT Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25600 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Next 100 (Kitas 100)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
31 Mar 2027
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Veterans’ Fund Graduate Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
The Fulbright Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
16 Sep 2026
Marshall Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
Fulbright Award For Postgraduate Study
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
11000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Dositeja Fund For Young Talents Of Serbia
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2026
Udaan India Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Provided by university
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Anytime
Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Provided by university
Grant
300000 MXN
Deadline
Anytime
CONACyT Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25600 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Next 100 (Kitas 100)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
31 Mar 2027
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Veterans’ Fund Graduate Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
The Fulbright Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
16 Sep 2026
Marshall Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
Fulbright Award For Postgraduate Study
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
11000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Dositeja Fund For Young Talents Of Serbia
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2026
Udaan India Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Provided by university
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Anytime
Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Provided by university
Grant
300000 MXN
Deadline
Anytime
CONACyT Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25600 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Next 100 (Kitas 100)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
31 Mar 2027
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Veterans’ Fund Graduate Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
The Fulbright Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
16 Sep 2026
Marshall Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
Fulbright Award For Postgraduate Study
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
11000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Dositeja Fund For Young Talents Of Serbia
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2026
Udaan India Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Read more about eligibility
Provided by university
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Provided by university
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Anytime
Commonwealth Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Provided by university
Grant
300000 MXN
Deadline
Anytime
CONACyT Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University
Cranfield, United Kingdom
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2026
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25600 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Next 100 (Kitas 100)
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
31 Mar 2027
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Apr 2026
Veterans’ Fund Graduate Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
The Fulbright Program
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
16 Sep 2026
Marshall Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
01 Sep 2026
Fulbright Award For Postgraduate Study
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
11000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Dositeja Fund For Young Talents Of Serbia
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2026
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
31 Jul 2026
Udaan India Scholarship
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Read more about eligibility
Cranfield University Rankings
Study Portals Meta Ranking
Top 16.7% United Kingdom
Top 12.8% Worldwide
Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.
Academic Ranking of World Universities
801
By Shanghai Jiao Tong University
The university hasn’t moved up or down in the rankings over the past year.
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 801 | 801 | 801 |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Best Global Universities Rankings
No 2026 Ranking
By U.S. News & World Report
This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings
| 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 761 | - | - |
We don’t have enough recent ranking data to show a 3-year trend for this university.
Student services
As one of our students at Cranfield University, you will benefit from our stimulating and professional learning environment giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills to achieve a global career, as well as the chance to make worldwide friendships along the way.
Housing services
Living on campus can be a great way for you to meet and socialise with other students, and to benefit from the supportive infrastructure and sense of community spirit this brings. However, we also understand that many students will still want to have the opportunity to live with partners and families, which is why we also offer affordable family homes and apartments for couples.
All our accommodation is within easy reach of the campus buildings and all the great amenities Cranfield University offers. There is plenty of parking space available for students who wish to bring their car.
Take a look at our full range of accommodation options available here: Accommodation at Cranfield
Library services
You can search nearly 200 academic and leading commercial databases, enabling you to find current, relevant information and explore applied subjects in great depth. This will not only help you succeed at Cranfield; potential employers will value your familiarity with the specialist resources widely used within their industry as well.
ICT services
- We offer high speed networking and wireless connectivity, providing you with access to a wealth of online services including our virtual learning environments, library resources, secure file store and university email.
- Our IT services are accessible from both on and off campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, giving you the flexibility to work whenever and wherever you prefer.
Campus life
- Both Cranfield and Shrivenham are fully self-contained centres of academic excellence, set in extensive grounds in classic English countryside, just short distances from towns, cities and many other places of interest.
- Excellent transport links make it easy to get around and explore, with London, one of the world’s most global and cosmopolitan cities, just 50 miles from Cranfield and 80 miles from Shrivenham.
- On campus, there is a true sense of community, helping you to forge friendships during your studies and leisure time, in a safe and peaceful environment. Whatever your recreational, social or sporting interests, there are many opportunities to make friends and have a great time.
Sports facilities
- Facilities at the Cranfield campus include our sports centre, which incorporates a fitness centre, playing fields, sports pitches and several tennis courts, while Shrivenham has its own golf course, outdoor heated swimming pool and riding stables.
- At Cranfield, the fitness centre contains an extensive range of cardiovascular and resistance machines and free weights. The centre prides itself on offering excellent value for money, while catering for the varied needs of its members. So whether you want to lift weights or improve your general fitness, this is the place for you.
- A number of our sports clubs also operate within the multi-purpose area of the gym and compete in inter-university and local leagues.
Student clubs
The Cranfield Student Association is run by a team of elected students and supported by a small team of staff. The aim of the CSA is to support and represent Cranfield University students, promote student welfare and organise social, cultural and sporting activities. Together with support from current students, the CSA student officers and school representatives also aim to ensure all students are provided with the support and services they need.
Find out more about CSA here: Cranfield Students Association (mycsa.org.uk)
Accreditation
Cranfield is the first University in the UK to receive accreditation from the European Logistics Association.
Cranfield University Campus Locations
#1 Main Campus
United Kingdom Country
Cranfield City
#2 Branch Campus
United Kingdom Country
Bedford City
#3 Branch Campus
United Kingdom Country
Swindon City
#4 Branch Campus
United States Country
Detroit City
#5 Branch Campus
United Kingdom Country
Cambridge City
#6 Branch Campus
United Kingdom Country
London City
#7 Branch Campus
United Kingdom Country
High Wycombe City
#8 Branch Campus
Oman Country
Muscat City
Cranfield University Student Reviews & Awards
4
Based on 91 reviews
- 5 Star 13 Reviews
- 4 Star 69 Reviews
- 3 Star 7 Reviews
- 2 Star 1 Review
- 1 Star 1 Review
How Students Rated This University
- Overall Satisfaction 4.0
- Student Teacher Interaction 4.3
- Student Diversity 4.2
- Quality of Student Life 4.4
- Career Development 4.3
Ready to begin my Master's at cranfield
I have not started my studies yet, however the overall experience with the university for customer service was very pleasent. They were always attentive and replied on very short notices.
It has a great community
Overall, my time at Cranfield University has been transformative and has left an indelible mark on my academic and personal growth. The knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during my studies will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours. I highly recommend Cranfield University to anyone seeking a world-class education in a supportive and forward-thinking academic community.
Quiet focused Cranfield
Cranfield is a quiet university which is to be expected. This does mean that the level of education and maturity is improved as a result compared to city based universities. There are some food places and some areas of social activity. Lecturers are really useful in helping with coursework or interest in future career paths. It is the ideal space to go for masters if you are focusing primarily on the degree instead of partying unlike undergraduate studies.
Studied here? Share your experience
Global Student Satisfaction Awards 2025
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2025. Universities with a score above 4.0 (out of 5) in any of the 7 award categories, receive Badges of Excellence. Congratulations!
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Overall SatisfactionHow would you rate your overall study experience?
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Student Teacher InteractionHow helpful were your teachers?
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Student DiversityHow diverse was the atmosphere at your university?
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Quality of Student LifeHow was your everyday life?
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Career DevelopmentDid the university provide support for your career development?
