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.
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.
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Top-Up Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Dec 2025
Latin American Caribbean Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Stipendium Peregrinum
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
15 Dec 2025
Klein Family Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
7000000 KRW
Deadline
Not specified
Overseas Exchange Scholarship Program Of Mirae Asset Park Hyeon Joo Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
28000 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Hagop Bogigian Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
25600 USD
Deadline
01 Jul 2025
Next 100 (Kitas 100)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16800 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service -Scholarships For Exchange Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
5000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Korean American Scholarship Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Belizean Student Scholarship
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Jan 2026
Bakala Foundation Scholarship Program
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
15 Dec 2025
Hong Kong Schools Alumni Federation Scholarship
Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Jul 2025
Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program - Undergraduate Degree
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Crown Prince International Scholarship Program (CPISP)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
44000 USD
Deadline
15 Jan 2026
Eisenhower Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
32000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Merit Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Student Award
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
University Ranking
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2024
801
2023
801
2022
801
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.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2025
-
2024
761 -51
2023
710
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.
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.
