There are two main ways of applying to become an eligible organisation:
- ‘standard’ eligibility process
- ‘non-standard’ eligibility process
How you need to apply depends on what kind of funding you’re applying for.
We have created definitions for the different types of organisations that apply for funding.
This guidance does not apply to Innovate UK.
Standard eligibility
Standard eligibility means your organisation can apply for any funding opportunity that you meet the criteria for.
Your organisation must be one of the following:
- Higher Education Provider
- Independent Research Organisation
- Public Sector Research Establishment
- UKRI institute
- Catapult
- NHS body
We reassess the eligibility of organisations every five years.
Higher Education Providers (HEPs)
There are different types of checks for HEPs depending on how your organisation is registered with the Office for Students (OfS).
They can be registered as:
- Approved (fee capped): this also applies to HEPS in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland who are registered on their respective devolved administrations lists
- Approved: this also applies to HEPs in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland who are not registered on their respective devolved administrations lists
Criteria for standard eligibility
Before you apply for UKRI funding, check your organisation meets all the following conditions.
The capability and capacity to further research and innovation in the UK
Organisations must be able to demonstrate:
- independent capability to lead, manage and report on research and innovation
- their research and innovation strategy fits the remit and priorities of UKRI and the wider UK
- successful previous research investment or the positive impact on UK research and innovation
Be legally constituted as an organisation or a strategically important research foundation
Organisations must be able to evidence the legal status of the organisation. They can be privately owned but must be all of the following:
- UK-based
- UK-owned
- not-for-profit
If your organisation is based overseas
We only consider overseas organisations in rare cases. There must be a pre-existing relationship with UKRI.
We fund individuals who have a contract with a UK-owned organisation but whose campus is based overseas. Individuals who are employed by an overseas campus which is a private entity with overseas funding are considered to be working at an international organisation.
Have financial viability as an organisation
Organisations must show financial viability, for example by providing copies of the last three years’ audited accounts.
Have well-governed and formal structures of control
This includes providing evidence of policies such as:
- anti-fraud
- corruption and bribery
- bullying and harassment
Organisations must show the financial controls that they have in place, including:
- how they will ensure they will follow UKRI terms and conditions
- how they will manage sub-contracts
- what rates they will use to calculate estates and indirect costs
Non-standard eligibility
Non-standard eligibility means your organisation can apply for specific funding opportunities. These are assessed on an opportunity-specific basis.
Your organisation must be one of the following:
- charity
- non-governmental organisation
- government department
- third sector organisation
- social enterprise
- other educational establishment (for example, a college that does not usually undertake research activities)
You will need to go through checks before being given funding. You can apply for funding before these checks take place. We will ask you to complete them if your application is successful.
We reassess the eligibility of organisations every five years.
If your organisation is based in the UK
There are three ways you can apply for non-standard eligibility:
- ‘micro’ – for funding up to £20,000
- ‘simple’ – for funding over £20,000 and up to £200,000
- ‘regular’ – for funding over £200,000
You’ll need to answer different questions depending on the amount of funding you’re applying for. The higher the amount of funding you’re applying for, the more detailed the questions you’ll need to answer.
If your organisation has already been approved and wants to apply for a higher amount of funding, there will be additional checks.
If your organisation is based overseas
There are limited funding opportunities available to lead organisations based overseas. You’ll need to check the specific opportunity for the amount of funding you can apply for.
Your organisation will need to undergo checks before being awarded funding. We will contact you to ask you to complete the forms.
How to apply
Apply using the relevant form for the type of eligibility you want to apply for.
Email the completed form and attachments to the Funding Opportunities team: fundingopportunities@ukri.org
Self-assessment for project funding
Complete a self-assessment for project funding if any of the following apply. Your organisation:
- is applying for eligibility for grants that use full economic costing (FEC)
- is using dispensation rates (only complete part A)
- is an NHS body
- does not do a TRAC return through the OfS
Timescales
It usually takes at least 12 weeks for all necessary eligibility checks to be carried out, but can be longer in some cases.
We’ll inform organisations of the outcome as soon as possible.
Last updated: 2 September 2025