Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship 2025-2026

Great news for aspiring researchers! Applications are now open for the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship 2025-2026. In this guide, we outline the scholarship details, benefits, and the complete step-by-step application process.

The President’s PhD Scholarship is a fully funded doctoral award for outstanding international students. Each year, 50 scholarships are granted, providing full tuition fee coverage, an annual stipend of £25,224, and a consumables fund of £2,000 per year to support research expenses.

This prestigious scholarship enables students to undertake a research project of their choice under the guidance of a leading supervisor, while also participating in networking and professional development activities with other President’s PhD Scholars. Imperial College London, consistently ranked among the world’s top 10 universities, is renowned for its cutting-edge research, diverse academic community, and strong global partnerships.

Imperial is one of the UK’s most internationally diverse universities — 60% of its students are from outside the UK, with 20% from other European countries. Two-thirds of Imperial’s research projects involve international collaborators across more than 130 countries, offering scholars exceptional opportunities for global engagement.

Scholarship Summary

• Level of Study: PhD

• Host Institution: Imperial College London

• Location: United Kingdom

• Number of Scholarships: 50

• Field of Study: All available PhD programs (view full list)

• Program Duration: 3.5 years

Application Deadlines

• Apply by 4 November – results announced by end of January

  Apply by 9 January – results announced by end of March

  Apply by 10 March – results announced by end of May

Scholarship Coverage

This scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:

• Full funding for tuition fees

• A stipend of £25,224 (2024-25 rate) per annum to assist with living costs 

• A consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first 3 years of study

• A programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Graduate School

You will also have access to the full range of support available to postgraduates at Imperial, including tailored support for disabled and international students, and the wider Graduate School programme of professional skills courses.

Eligibility Criteria for Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship

To be eligible for Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Required Languages: English

• Eligible Countries: All World Countries

• Candidates must be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first-class or equivalent in an undergraduate or integrated Masters degree; or if this has not been achieved

• Candidates must be in receipt of (or where this has yet to be received be able to provide evidence of high performance that will lead to) a distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification.

• Candidates with only a single undergraduate degree or integrated Master’s must still be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first-class or equivalent.

• Candidates must have made contact with a supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise their research project.

How to Apply for Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship?

Please follow the following application instructions to win this scholarship:

(1) There is no specific scholarship application form. You should submit your application for admission to study at Imperial through our online admissions system. Your department will put you forward for the scholarship based on academic merit and potential.

(2) Upload the following documents:

• A 2-page personal statement which includes:
  – The first page should be a personal statement (motivations for applying to Imperial and the scholarship, and any other supporting information not included elsewhere on the form that you feel will enhance your application).
  – The second page should be your research proposal. You may submit updated versions of this statement if required following application submission if your department shortlists you for the scholarship. You are encouraged to write in the first person.

• When prompted for the names of two academic referees, these should be people who can provide an academic reference in support of your application (e.g. your tutor or your thesis supervisor). You should not include your proposed PhD supervisor. You are encouraged to share this guidance with your two referees, noting, in particular, the recommendation to use ‘they/them’ language (rather than gender pronouns).

• Transcripts of your university studies to date.

• Proof of distinction.

• A copy of your English Language certificate.

(3) To be considered for the President’s PhD Scholarship scheme, you must select this option in the funding section of the additional questions tab within the online application form.

Website

To learn more about the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship, please visit the official website:

Official Website