Imperial College London, one of the world’s leading research institutions, has opened applications for the President’s PhD Scholarships 2026, an elite and fully funded opportunity designed to attract exceptional researchers from around the globe. With only 50 fully-funded scholarships available, this program offers full tuition fee coverage, an annual living stipend, research support funds, and access to Imperial’s world-class academic environment.
About the President’s PhD Scholarships
The President’s PhD Scholarships aim to nurture the next generation of research leaders. These scholarships provide outstanding undergraduates or master’s graduates with the unique opportunity to conduct independent research under the supervision of world-class faculty at Imperial College London.
Scholars not only receive full funding but also join a vibrant academic community through cohort-building events organized by the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI). The program supports researchers for 3.5 years, enabling them to focus entirely on impactful and original research.
What the Scholarship Covers?
Each of the 50 awards provides exceptional financial and academic benefits, including:
- Full tuition fee funding for the entire duration of the PhD (3.5 years)
- A generous annual stipend of £26,500 (2026–27 rate) for living expenses
- A consumables fund of £2,000 per year for the first three years to support research-related costs
- Access to exclusive research events, training programs, and networking opportunities through ECRI
- Tailored support for international students and students with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience at Imperial.
Eligibility Criteria
The President’s PhD Scholarship is open to students of all nationalities, including current Imperial graduates, UK residents, and international applicants.
Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and research potential through the following:
- A first-class undergraduate or integrated master’s degree, or equivalent
- OR a distinction in a standalone master’s program (for applicants who did not achieve a first in their undergraduate degree)
- Strong academic references, research achievements, and a well-developed research proposal
Exceptional candidates who do not meet these criteria may still be considered under special departmental cases or alternate pathways, provided they show evidence of high research performance or non-traditional academic excellence.
This scholarship is available for new PhD applicants only—current Imperial PhD students are not eligible to apply.
How to Apply?
To be considered for this Imperial College scholarship for the class of 2026 you need to:
- Secure a supervisor in your chosen department at Imperial College London. Supervisors can only oversee one President’s Scholar at a time, so early communication is crucial.
- Submit your PhD application through the Imperial online admissions system, indicating your interest in the “President’s PhD Scholarship” in the funding section.
- Include a two-page personal statement within your application:
- Page 1: Your motivations for applying to Imperial and this scholarship, plus any additional information to support your case.
- Page 2: A concise research proposal outlining your intended project.
- Provide two academic referees who can attest to your research ability and academic excellence.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed in a two-stage process:
- Departmental Review: Academic departments shortlist candidates based on their research proposal, academic record, and supervisor support.
- College Selection Panel: The final decision is made by senior academic leaders, including the Vice-Provost (Research) and Faculty Vice-Deans, who assess academic excellence, research potential, and the impact of the proposed research.
The selection emphasizes innovation, creativity, and evidence of research readiness.
President Scholarship Application Submission Last Date Information
Applications for the President’s PhD Scholarships 2026 at Imperial College London will be assessed in three rounds throughout the academic year. Candidates who apply by 3 November 2025 (23:59 UK time) will receive their results by 31 January 2026, while those submitting applications by 12 January 2026 (23:59 UK time) will be notified of the outcome by 31 March 2026.
The final deadline for submissions is 2 March 2026 (23:59 UK time), with successful applicants being informed by 31 May 2026. Selected scholars must commence their PhD studies at Imperial College London between 1 August 2026 and 1 November 2026.
Why Apply?
The President’s PhD Scholarship at Imperial College London represents one of the most competitive and globally recognized doctoral funding opportunities in the UK. Beyond the financial support, scholars benefit from Imperial’s state-of-the-art research facilities, collaborative environment, and exposure to interdisciplinary research that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges.