Cranfield University Admission 2026: Eligibility, Deadlines, Fees & Application Process

Why Apply to Cranfield University as an Indian Student?

Dreaming of a world-class postgraduate degree to launch your career? Discover why Cranfield University is a top choice for Indian students in 2026:

• Global Leader in Engineering: Ranked #33 in Engineering (QS World University Rankings 2025).
• High Acceptance Rate: 68% acceptance rate makes admission achievable.
• Fast-Track Degrees: 1-year master’s programs save time and money vs. 2-year UK courses.
• Exceptional Employability: 97% of graduates secure jobs or further study within 6 months (HESA 2024).
• Industry Connections: Work on projects with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, TCS, and Deloitte.
• Personalized Mentorship: 1:5 faculty ratio supports research, PhD goals, or LinkedIn portfolios.
• Unique Campus: Own airport and labs for hands-on aerospace and drone projects, ideal for ISRO or DRDO careers.
• Vibrant Indian Community: 56% international students, with an active Indian Society hosting Diwali and cricket events.
• Affordable Application: No application fee, saving ₹5,000 compared to other UK universities.
• Generous Scholarships: Up to ₹10 lakh (e.g., GREAT Scholarship) to reduce tuition costs.
• Strong ROI: Graduates earn starting salaries of ₹38.5–49.5 lakh (HESA 2024).
• Cultural Comfort: Indian restaurants and grocery stores in nearby Milton Keynes.

Ques: Will studying at Cranfield University really boost my career prospects in India?

Ques: How easy is it for Indian students to adapt culturally at Cranfield?

Ques: For Indian students, which Cranfield master’s program gives the best value for money in terms of fees and job prospects?

Ques: Do I need to worry about different fee amounts if I apply for similar-sounding programs like Management vs Management & Information Systems?

Ques: If my MSc course requires ATAS, when’s the last date to apply for September 2026?

Ques: What about non‑ATAS courses — can I apply later?

Admissions 2026: Your Gateway to Cranfield's MBA and Postgraduate Programs

This section covers the clear, step-by-step process for Indian students seeking admission in 2026: first for the flagship MBA programme, then for the broader taught postgraduate (master’s) programmes.

MBA Admission at Cranfield University

Cranfield's Full-time MBA is a transformative 1-year program for experienced professionals, blending strategic leadership with real-world consulting projects to accelerate your global career.

• Application Portal:
  • Submit via the official Cranfield School of Management online application system.
  • Create an account, select “Full-time MBA”, upload required documents, track progress via the Applicant Portal (EVE).
• Application Fee:
  • there is no application fee for the Full-time MBA.
• Admission Requirements:
  • Minimum 3 years’ post-qualification full-time work experience.
  • good honours degree (2:1 or equivalent, e.g., 60%+ in Indian bachelor's) or equivalent professional qualification;
  • GMAT/GRE is optional but recommended for non-traditional backgrounds
  • Strong leadership potential demonstrated through personal statement, CV, work record.
• English Proficiency Requirements:
  • Applicants must demonstrate ability to communicate in English in an academic environment unless exempt.
  • Required scores: IELTS 7.0 overall, TOEFL iBT 100, PTE 68.
  • Scores no more than 2 years old
• Documents Required:
  • Online application form (via portal)
  • Personal statement (1-2 pages on career goals, fit for MBA)
  • CV / résumé detailing work experience
  • Two references (one employer, one academic/professional)
  • Degree certificate and transcripts
  • English test score (if required)
  • Passport copy for international applicants
  • Optional: GMAT/GRE score if taken
• Selection Process:
  • Rolling assessment of applications; shortlisted candidates are invited for a 30-minute online interview covering behavioural and motivational questions.
  • Final offers are conditional on interview performance and document verification.
• Scholarships for Indian Students:
  • Scholarships and funding opportunities available; for example, partial scholarships up to 50% of tuition fees for outstanding candidates.
• Notes for Indian / International Applicants:
  • ATAS clearance is not required for the MBA programme (applies mainly to certain STEM-linked taught masters).
  • Ensure to apply early to allow sufficient time for visa (Student Route) processing, CAS issuance and accommodation — as per official advice for international applications.
  • Cranfield’s international cohort is strong, which offers networking benefits for Indian students.
  • Indian bachelor’s degree equivalence should be checked via Cranfield’s international entry requirements page.

Cranfield University MSc / Postgraduate Admissions

Cranfield University offers over 100 one-year MSc programs across engineering, management, environment, and technology. These courses are practical, industry-linked, and ideal for Indian students seeking skill-based postgraduate study in the UK.

• Application Portal:
  • Apply via the Cranfield University Online Application Portal
• Application Fee:
  • No application fee for any MSc/Postgraduate taught program
• Admission Requirements:
  • Minimum: UK 2:2 honours degree or Indian 60%+ in a relevant bachelor's.
  • Competitive courses (Aerospace, Materials, Management): UK 2:1 or Indian 65%+.
  • Technical MScs prefer candidates with related academic or industrial experience.
• English Proficiency Requirements:

IELTS Academic:

Overall 6.5

6.0 in each element

TOEFL iBT:

Overall 92

21 in each section

PTE Academic:

Overall 65

59 in each component

• Scores must be valid within 2 years of the start date.
• Some technical MScs may have higher requirements (e.g., IELTS 7.0)—students must check the program page.
• Documents Required:
  • Completed online application form
  • Personal statement (500–1,000 words)
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificate
  • CV highlighting academic and/or professional background
  • Two references (academic/professional)
  • English proficiency scores
  • Passport copy for international verification
  • Research proposal (only for research-focused MScs or PhD-track pathways)
• Selection Process:
  • Rolling evaluation by Admissions and Faculty.
  • Typical decision timeline: 2–4 weeks.
  • Some competitive programs may include a 20–30 minute online interview.
  • Final offer may be: Conditional (pending documents/tests), or Unconditional once all criteria are met.
• Notes for Indian / International Applicants:
  • ATAS clearance required for many Aerospace, Defence, and Manufacturing MScs (processing time: 3–4 weeks).
  • Apply early to allow sufficient time for:

ATAS (if needed)

CAS issuance

UK Student Visa processing

• Indian bachelor’s degrees from recognized universities are accepted—equivalence guidance available on Cranfield’s official international entry pages.
• Cranfield hosts students from 100+ countries, offering strong global exposure and alumni connections.

Ques: What are the key steps I must follow to apply for Cranfield University’s postgraduate programs in 2026?

Ques: How long does it take from submitting the application to getting the CAS or offer letter?

Mistakes to Avoid While Filling the Application Form & Uploading Documents

• Entering details different from passport/academic records — always match spellings and dates exactly.
• Using incorrect or inactive email/phone number — leads to missed university updates.
• Uploading blurred or cropped documents — scan clearly and ensure full-page visibility.
• Submitting files in the wrong format or size — follow required PDF/JPEG rules.
• Missing mandatory fields — incomplete forms delay application review.
• Incorrect programme selection — double-check course name and intake before submission.
• Not including grading scale or certified translations — a common oversight for Indian transcripts.
• Uploading outdated CV or SOP — ensure all documents reflect the latest information.
• Last-minute submissions — technical glitches and upload failures happen close to deadlines.

Cranfield University Scholarships for Indian Students 2026

Below are the scholarships offered by Cranfield University to support Indian students with tuition fee reductions for eligible MSc programs.

• Cranfield School of Management India Scholarship – £10,000 (₹10.5 Lakh) tuition reduction for full-time MSc students from India; requires a confirmed offer.
• Cranfield Merit Scholarships – 10–15% (~₹1.05–1.6 Lakh) tuition reduction for international MSc students; awarded automatically based on academic merit.
• GREAT Scholarships (via British Council) – £10,000 (~₹10.5 Lakh) for select MSc programs; eligibility depends on program and nationality.

Read more on Need-Based v/s Merit-Based Scholarships

Cranfield University has a 68% acceptance rate and enrolls around 5,000 postgraduate students from over 100 countries. Scholarships up to ₹10.5 Lakh are available for eligible programs. Its one-year, industry-linked courses offer strong graduate employability, with 97% of graduates securing jobs or further study shortly after completion. Cranfield provides a fast, cost-effective route to global careers.