if you’re eyeing a PhD in the UK and want a setup where you can chase your wildest research ideas without scraping for funding, the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship is pretty much the dream. It’s one of those rare spots where they hand out 50 full rides a year to bright minds from anywhere, letting you dive into PhD programs at Imperial with zero financial stress.
This fully funded PhD scholarship UK covers tuition, throws in a solid living stipend, and even gives you extra cash for lab supplies — all while hooking you up with a network of other scholars tackling big problems in science, engineering, or medicine. It’s perfect for internationals ready to bring fresh perspectives to London’s buzzing academic scene, where 60% of students hail from outside the UK.
About Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship
| Host Country | United Kingdom (London) |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Imperial College London |
| Degree Level | PhD (Doctoral) |
| Eligibility | International students |
| Benefits | Fully Funded |
| Number of Awards | 50 per year |
| Duration | 3.5 years |
| Application Fee | None (standard PhD app fee ~£100, waivable) |
| Deadline | March 2, 2026 (final round) |
Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship Overview
Imperial College London ranks in the global top 10 for a reason — it’s a powerhouse for STEM research, pulling in talent from 130+ countries to crack challenges like climate tech, AI ethics, or biotech breakthroughs. The President’s PhD Scholarship fits right into that, supporting 50 PhD candidates each year across all departments, from aerospace engineering to neuroscience. You pick your project, pair with a top supervisor, and get 3.5 years to make it happen, plus cohort events to build connections that last.
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What sets this Imperial PhD funding apart from other UK doctoral scholarships? It’s all about empowerment — no rigid topics, just your vision backed by world-class resources. As an international, you’re in good company: two-thirds of Imperial’s research involves global collaborators, so your background in international PhD opportunities becomes a strength, not a hurdle. It’s designed for high-flyers who’ll contribute diverse ideas to solving complex global issues.
Scholarship Benefits
The package is straightforward and generous, easing the jump to London life.
- Full tuition fees → covered completely, no matter your program.
- Annual stipend → £26,500 (2026-27 rate) to handle living costs; in London, that sorts rent in a shared flat (£1,200/month), groceries (£300), and Tube fares, with wiggle room for coffee runs or pub nights.
- Consumables fund → £2,000 per year for the first three years.
- Professional development → Bespoke events from the Graduate School, like leadership workshops or networking mixers, plus full access to Imperial’s support for internationals (visa help, mental health resources).
Also See: Simmons University Kotzen Scholarship 2026
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Intake
They aim high, but it’s achievable if you’ve got the track record.
- Top-tier academics: First-class honors (or equivalent) in your undergrad or integrated master’s; if standalone master’s, a distinction is key. No first-class yet? Show evidence you’re on track.
- Supervisor lined up: You must connect with an Imperial faculty member who’s game to guide your PhD research proposal — email them early with your ideas.
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ overall or TOEFL iBT 92+ if needed — standard for UK PhD eligibility for international students.
- Open to all nationalities, but you’re competing globally — no UK residency prefs, just pure potential.
It’s geared toward exceptional PhD candidates with a flair for innovation, whether your background is in physics, data science, or biomedical engineering.
Application Deadline
Deadlines are rolling, so pace yourself:
- Round 1: November 3, 2025 (11:59 p.m. UK time) — decisions by January 31, 2026.
- Round 2: January 12, 2026 — notifications March 31, 2026.
- Round 3: March 2, 2026 — results May 31, 2026.
Required Documents
Keep it tight and tailored:
- Academic transcripts — all uni-level, showing that first-class/distinction shine.
- English language certificate — IELTS or TOEFL, valid and uploaded.
- Two-page personal statement: Page 1 for motivations (why Imperial, why this scholarship); Page 2 for your research proposal (clear aims, methods, impact — write in first person).
- Two academic references — from tutors or thesis advisors (not your potential supervisor); share Imperial’s guidance on neutral pronouns.
- Proof of distinction if pending.
Everything goes via the online admissions system — crisp PDFs only.
How to Apply Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship
No separate form — it’s baked into PhD admission, but flag the scholarship.
- Nail a supervisor: Scout Imperial’s site, email 2-3 profs with your PhD project idea and CV — polite, concise, attached proposal draft.
- Hit the online portal here.
- Select your department and program.
- In the funding section, check “President’s PhD Scholarship” under additional questions.
- Upload your personal statement/proposal, transcripts, and English proof.
- Enter your two refs’ details — they’ll get a link to submit.
- Submit by your chosen round’s cutoff — department shortlists based on merit.
- If selected, interview or further chats; decisions follow the timeline.
Official Website
For full details and deadline visit the Imperial College London Scholarship Page.