The President’s PhD Scholarships at Imperial College London represent one of the UK’s most prestigious doctoral funding opportunities, designed to attract outstanding students from across the globe. Each year, up to 50 exceptional candidates receive full funding and a generous stipend to pursue a 3.5-year PhD at one of the world’s leading research institutions.

This competitive programme is tailored for high-performing undergraduate or Master’s students with a passion for research and innovation. It offers not only full financial support but also access to bespoke development opportunities, a thriving academic community, and the chance to work alongside world-renowned researchers.

What the Scholarship Covers

Each award provides comprehensive financial support throughout the duration of study, including:

• Full tuition fee coverage for 3.5 years.
• An annual stipend of £26,500 (2026–27 rate) to assist with living costs.
• A consumables fund of £2,000 per year for the first three years of study to support research materials and training.
• Access to a bespoke development programme delivered by the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI), offering tailored workshops, networking events, and mentoring opportunities.

In addition, scholars enjoy the full range of postgraduate support available at Imperial, including resources for international students, students with disabilities, and those seeking professional and career development support.

Who Is Eligible

The President’s PhD Scholarships are open to candidates from Imperial College London, the UK, and around the world. There are no nationality restrictions, and both full-time and part-time study options are available.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and clear research potential. Candidates should:

• Hold, or be predicted to achieve, a first-class or equivalent undergraduate or integrated Master’s degree.
• Alternatively, hold or be expected to achieve a distinction in a standalone Master’s degree if they did not earn a first-class undergraduate qualification.
• • Exhibit strong evidence of research excellence, demonstrated through academic performance, research projects, publications, or awards.

  Imperial also welcomes applications from candidates with non-traditional academic pathways, provided they can demonstrate exceptional research ability. Departments may put forward special case candidates if extenuating circumstances prevented them from meeting standard criteria.

  The scholarship is available only to new PhD applicants; currently enrolled Imperial PhD students are not eligible.

  The Application Process

  Applying for the President’s PhD Scholarship is integrated into Imperial’s general PhD admissions process — there is no separate scholarship form. Applicants must first:

  1. Identify and contact a potential supervisor in their chosen department. Supervisors can only nominate one candidate at a time for the scholarship.
  2. Submit a PhD application through Imperial’s online admissions system, selecting the President’s PhD Scholarship option under the “funding” section.
• 1. Provide the following supporting documents:
     • A two-page personal statement, with the first page outlining motivations and achievements, and the second page presenting a concise research proposal.
     • Two academic references (excluding the proposed supervisor).

  For the 2026–27 academic year, funded PhD places will begin between 1 August 2026 and 1 November 2026.

  Review and Selection Process

  Applications undergo a rigorous two-stage selection process:

  1. Departmental Review – Each department assesses applications and shortlists top candidates based on academic merit and research potential.
  2. College Selection Panel – The final selection is made by a central panel including the Vice-Provost (Research), the Director of the Graduate School, and Faculty Vice-Deans for Research.

  Assessment focuses on two main criteria:

  • Academic Excellence: Proven through transcripts, awards, relative class ranking, and overall academic record.
  • Research Potential: Evaluated through prior research experience, motivation, the quality of the proposed project, and interview performance.

  In total, 50 scholars are selected each year, with additional offers reserved for applicants under the Alternate Pathways initiative to promote equity and diversity.

   

  Key Dates for 2025–26 Application Rounds

  Applicants should note the following deadlines:

  • Round 1: Apply by 3 November 2025, results announced 31 January 2026.
  • Round 2: Apply by 12 January 2026, results announced 31 March 2026.
  • Round 3: Apply by 2 March 2026, results announced 31 May 2026.

  Unsuccessful applicants are automatically considered for standard PhD funding opportunities within their department.

   

  Why Choose Imperial College London

  Imperial is globally recognised for excellence in research, innovation, and collaboration. The President’s PhD Scholars join a diverse, interdisciplinary community dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing scientific and societal challenges. Scholars gain:

  • Access to world-class facilities and laboratories.
  • The opportunity to collaborate with global experts and industry leaders.
  • Tailored training to enhance leadership, communication, and research impact.