Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships 2026

President’s PhD Scholarships 2026 at Imperial College London present an incredible opportunity for talented and ambitious students worldwide who are eager to pursue cutting edge research. With only 50 prestigious awards available, this highly competitive program provides full tuition funding, a generous annual stipend, and additional support for consumables and professional development. The scheme enables exceptional scholars to undertake their own research project under the guidance of world-class supervisors at one of the top-ranked universities in the world.

the President’s PhD Scholarships also recognize research potential, resilience, and leadership. Recipients not only receive financial support but also join a vibrant community of early-career researchers through Imperial’s bespoke development program. By eliminating financial barriers, the scholarship empowers scholars to focus on innovation, collaboration, and discovery throughout their 3.5-year PhD journey.

Summary

Also check: Shaping Futures Scholarship 2026 | University of Newcastle

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and research potential. Applicants must:

• Hold, or be on track to achieve, a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• OR hold a distinction in a Master’s qualification if undergraduate results did not meet the requirement.
• Show outstanding research ability and submit a strong proposal.
• Apply for a new PhD program at Imperial College London (current PhD students are not eligible).
• Meet nationality and departmental requirements (open worldwide, but some departments may have restrictions).

Alternate Pathways: Candidates with non-traditional academic or career backgrounds who demonstrate exceptional research potential may also apply.

Benefits

Each awardee receives comprehensive financial and academic support for 3.5 years, including:

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Annual stipend of £25,980 (2025/26 rate) for living costs
• Consumables fund of £2,000 per year (first 3 years)
• Access to professional development via the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI)
• Tailored support for international and disabled students through Imperial’s Graduate School

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following via the Imperial online admissions system:

1. Two page personal statement:
   • Page 1: Motivation for applying, reasons for choosing Imperial and the scholarship, plus any supporting information.
   • Page 2: A concise research proposal outlining the planned PhD project.
2. Academic transcripts: Full records of undergraduate and Master’s studies.
3. Two academic references: Written by academic referees (not the proposed PhD supervisor).
4. Research proposal (detailed version if required by department): Expanded plan of the project.
5. Proof of qualifications: Certificates and predicted results if final grades are pending.

Deadline

• Apply by 4 November 2024 → Results by 31 January 2025
• Apply by 9 January 2025 → Results by 31 March 2025
• Apply by 10 March 2025 → Results by 31 May 2025

Also check: Fully Funded MSc for African Students

Steps to Apply for the President’s PhD Scholarships 2026

1. Find a PhD Supervisor – Identify and contact a potential academic supervisor at Imperial College London.
2. Prepare Documents – Get your CV, academic transcripts, personal statement, and two reference letters ready.
3. Submit Online Application – Apply through Imperial College’s PhD admissions portal and select the President’s PhD Scholarship option.
4. Supervisor Endorsement – Your chosen supervisor must confirm support for your application.
5. Wait for Outcome – Shortlisted candidates will be reviewed, and successful applicants will receive an offer.