In a world where the biggest breakthroughs often come from places of grit, resilience, and untapped potential, the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship stands out as one of the most empowering opportunities for emerging researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, Imperial College London is opening its doors to extraordinary minds who are ready to take on real challenges and help shape a stronger, more sustainable future for their home countries. This is not simply a scholarship; it is a launchpad for leaders, innovators, problem-solvers, and future academic giants.
A Fully Funded Scholarship Designed for Impact
The Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship gives selected candidates the chance to pursue a full-time PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial — one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Valued at a full overseas tuition fee waiver plus a minimum annual stipend of £22,000, it ensures that financial limitations do not stand in the way of world-changing research.
With only one award available for the 2026/2027 session, this scholarship is highly competitive, but that also means it is backed by a vision of excellence. It seeks someone ready to rise above limits, dive deep into pressing regional challenges, and bring new, practical solutions to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Who Is Eligible?
The Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship is open exclusively to:
- Students ordinarily resident in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Applicants holding a First Class or Upper Second Class degree (or international equivalent) in engineering or another numerate discipline
- Candidates who have already completed a Master’s degree
- Prospective students only — continuing students are not eligible
- Researchers whose PhD proposals are directly relevant to challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This scholarship is specifically tailored for the discipline:
Civil and Environmental Engineering Research (PhD)
— one of the most impactful and solution-driven fields for development, infrastructure, sustainability, and climate resilience.
A PhD That Speaks to Real Challenges Back Home
Whether it’s water resource management, flood prevention, infrastructure resilience, sustainable construction, or environmental protection, applicants are encouraged to propose research that meaningfully addresses the realities of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The scholarship seeks someone who isn’t just academically accomplished — but someone who is committed to transforming the region through innovation and evidence-based engineering solutions.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Imperial requires a structured, supervisor-led application approach to ensure strong research alignment. Here is how to apply:
Step 1: Identify Your Supervisor
Visit Imperial’s Civil and Environmental Engineering academic staff pages to explore research themes, expertise areas, and potential supervisors. The right match is essential, as only supervisors who show interest in your research can support your application.
Step 2: Contact Your Preferred Supervisor(s)
Reach out directly with your CV, academic background, research idea, and motivation. Discuss your project direction and confirm whether they are open to supervising and nominating you for funding.
Step 3: Submit Your PhD Application
Once a supervisor expresses sufficient interest, submit your official PhD application through Imperial’s online admissions system.
Step 4: Get Nominated for Funding
Your supervisor must formally nominate you for the scholarship. All nominations must be completed by 2 March 2026.
Because this is a competitive award with a single slot, early communication, strong academic preparation, and a clearly defined research project are critical.
Why This Scholarship Matters?
The Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship is more than financial support — it is a legacy program crafted to uplift regional talent and inspire transformative research that directly benefits Sub-Saharan Africa. Studying in the world-leading environment of Imperial College London gives scholars access to advanced labs, global networks, and a research culture that encourages big ideas and even bigger impact.
If you dream of contributing to Africa’s infrastructure development, environmental resilience, and engineering innovation — this is the opportunity that can change your life.
Application Deadline
The last date for supervisors to nominate applicants for the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship is 2 March 2026. Ensure your Imperial PhD application is submitted by 23 May 2025 so you can be considered in time.