Are you looking for a fully funded PhD in the United Kingdom for the 2026/2027 academic year? The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship 2026 is currently accepting applications. With 50 slots available and a massive £26,500 annual stipend as well as £2,000 annual consumables fund makes it one of the most competitive awards globally.
This guide will walk you through the three application cycles and the secret to getting a supervisor’s approval which is the most common reason applications are rejected.
Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship
- Host Institution: Imperial College London
- Study in: United Kingdom
- Study Level: PhD
- Number of Awards: 50
- Stipend Amount: £26,500 per year (Tax free)
- Consumables Fund: £2,000 per year
- Programme Duration: 3.5 Years
- Application Deadline: See Below (Application deadline & important dates)
How to Contact a Supervisor (The First Step)
You cannot apply for this scholarship without a supervisor. Do not just email every professor.
- Identify: Use the Imperial Research Directory to find faculty matching your niche.
- The Email: Attach a 2-page research summary and your CV.
- The ‘Ask’: Specifically ask if they are willing to support your application for the President’s Scholarship.
Benefits
The Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship coverage package includes:
- Tuition Fees: The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of the PhD program, which typically spans three to four years depending on the research area.
- Living cost stipend: A competitive annual stipend is provided, which helps students cover their living expenses. Imperial College London Exclusive President’s PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 living allowance is £26,500 per year. However, this is to ensure that scholars focus on their research without worrying about financial constraints.
- £2,000 for consumables per a year for the period of your study
- Research Support: Scholars will have access to topnotch research facilities and resources at Imperial College London, offering them the tools they need to conduct pioneering research.
- Travel and Conference Funding: in addition to other coverage, Scholars are also supported in their professional development through funding for research-related travel and conference attendance, providing opportunities to share their work with the global academic community.
Therefore, the extensive benefits of the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships maintain the objective goal of ensuring that recipients can fully dedicate themselves to their academic and research pursuits.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship depends on the following criteria applicants must meet:
- Academic Qualifications: You need a First Class degree (or international equivalent). If you have a 2:1, you must have a Master’s with a Distinction.
- Nationalities: The scholarship is open to all (Home, EU, and International)
- Research Interests: Applicants should demonstrate a clear research interest that aligns with the academic departments and research groups. Their research proposal should be innovative, impactful, and feasible within the resources and expertise available at the university.
- English Language Proficiency: International students whose first language is not English must IELTS 6.5 – 7.0 depending on the department.
These criteria ensure that the scholarship attracts highly motivated and capable candidates who are ready to contribute to Imperial’s renowned research community.
Academic Criteria
The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship require applicants to meet specific academic standards that demonstrate their potential to succeed in a rigorous PhD programme.
- Undergraduate Degree: A first-class undergraduate degree, or its international equivalent, is typically required for applicants to be considered. This is a benchmark for ensuring that candidates have the academic background necessary for conducting high-level research.
- Master’s Degree (Optional): Even though not mandatory, candidates with a master’s degree in a relevant field will have a competitive advantage. A strong academic record in their master’s programme, including any research work, will be an important factor in the selection process.
- Research Proposal: A compelling and feasible research proposal is essential. Applicants are expected to present an original idea that addresses significant challenges or gaps in knowledge within their field of interest. A strong research proposal will demonstrate the candidate’s academic insight and ability to contribute meaningfully to the chosen field of study.
- Academic References: Two or three academic references from professors or researchers who can speak to the applicant’s academic capabilities and research potential are required.
These academic requirements ensure that the President’s PhD Scholarships are awarded to candidates with the potential to make significant contributions to their respective fields.
Be that as it may, the imperial college studentships are principally concerned about attracting, cultivating and championing exceptional local, national and worldwide talent by offering a level ground opportunity that have no restriction. Therefore, the scholarship maintains an alternate pathways route that allows candidates with non-traditional academic and/or career pathways but demonstrate excellent research potential to apply for the scholarship.
Also See SENSS scholarship 2025 for Ambitious International Students | Fully funded
How to Apply for Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship 2026
The application process for the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships is straightforward but highly competitive. To apply, follow these steps:
- Candidate must as foremost make a contact with a supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise your research project
- Submit an application for admission to study at Imperial via online admissions system
- Research Proposal: Prepare a detailed research proposal that outlines your intended PhD project. This should include the research question, objectives, methodology, and potential impact of the research.
- Submit an Application: Applications must be submitted online through the Imperial College London admissions portal. Along with the completed application form, applicants will need to provide their academic transcripts, a CV, a personal statement, and the required academic references.
- Eligibility Requirements: Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, including academic qualifications, research interests, and English language proficiency.
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a committee of faculty members and research experts at Imperial College London.
Supporting Documentation
In addition to the application form, applicants are required to submit supporting documents to complete their application for the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship 2026:
- Academic Transcripts: Transcripts from previous studies must be provided, showing grades that meet the eligibility requirements.
- CV: A current CV outlining academic achievements, research experience, and any relevant skills or extracurricular activities.
- Personal Statement: A personal statement that explains why you want to pursue a PhD at Imperial College London, your long-term academic and career goals, and how your research proposal aligns with the university’s priorities.
- References: Two or three academic references from professors or professionals who can attest to your academic capabilities and potential for research excellence.
All supporting documents must be uploaded as part of the online application process.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship is highly competitive and involves multiple stages:
- Application Review: Initial applications are reviewed by the scholarship committee to ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and academic requirements.
- Shortlisting: A shortlist of candidates is created based on their academic qualifications, research proposals, and overall potential to succeed in a PhD programme.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, either in person or online. During the interview, candidates will discuss their research ideas and demonstrate their passion and potential for contributing to the field of study.
- Final Decision: The final decision is made based on academic merit, the quality of the research proposal, and the candidate’s fit with the research goals of Imperial College London. Successful candidates will be notified and offered the scholarship.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Candidates who apply by November 3, 2025 and are awarded a scholarship will be notified by end of January 2026.
- Applicants who apply by January 12, 2026 and are awarded a scholarship will be notified by end of March 2025.
- Applicants who apply by March 2, 2026 and are awarded a scholarship will be notified by end of May 2026.
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Winning the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship 2026 requires more than just high grades; a strategic partnership with a supervisor and a research proposal that stands out is paramount. With the March 2 deadline approaching, your immediate priority should be securing supervisor consent and polishing your two-page personal statement.
Imperial College London is currently ranked 2nd in the world, and this fully-funded opportunity is your gateway to joining a global elite of researchers. Do not let the technicalities of the application hold you back. Start your outreach today by applying via the Official Imperial College Portal
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