The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships offer fully funded doctoral study at Imperial College London for outstanding applicants from the UK and around the world. For the 2027–28 academic year, Imperial confirms 50 scholarships, full tuition funding, a £27,036 annual stipend, and research support for a 3.5-year PhD. Applications are considered in three rounds, with the first deadline on 2 November 2026 at 23:59 UK time.
This scholarship is open to new PhD applicants with strong academic performance and research potential, with no general nationality restriction. Candidates must first identify an Imperial academic supervisor who agrees to supervise the proposed research. There is no separate scholarship form; applicants apply for PhD admission and select the President’s PhD Scholarship option in the funding section.
Imperial College President's PhD Scholarships Details
The scheme is designed for high-performing prospective doctoral researchers and supports research projects chosen by scholars under the guidance of an approved supervisor. Imperial also provides cohort-building and professional-development opportunities for successful scholars.
For 2027–28, funded places may start from 1 August 2027 through 1 November 2027. The scholarship supports both full-time and part-time study, although individual departments may have additional requirements or limits for international applicants.
Programme | President's PhD Scholarships |
|---|---|
Host | Imperial College London |
Study level | PhD |
Academic year | 2027–28 |
Number of awards | 50 |
Funding period | 3.5 years |
Annual stipend | £27,036 (2027–28 rate) |
Consumables fund | £2,000 per year for first 3 years |
Nationality | Worldwide |
Round deadlines | 2 Nov 2026; 11 Jan 2027; 1 Mar 2027 |
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President's PhD Scholarships Benefits
The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships provide full funding for tuition fees throughout the funded doctoral period. Scholars also receive a £27,036 stipend per year at the confirmed 2027–28 rate to help with living costs.
Each award also includes a £2,000 consumables fund per year for the first three years. Scholars can additionally participate in bespoke opportunities and events delivered through Imperial’s Early Career Researcher Institute.
Also Check: Explore other PhD scholarships on Guidance Gem for additional doctoral funding opportunities.
Related opportunity: Readers comparing this opportunity can also review the Commonwealth PhD Scholarships as a related PhD funding option.
Also explore: Readers comparing this opportunity can also review the UM Bright Scholarship as a related PhD funding option.
Imperial College President's PhD Scholarships Eligibility
Applications are accepted from talented candidates at Imperial, elsewhere in the UK, and internationally, with no general restriction on nationality. The scheme is for new PhD applications, so students already registered for an Imperial PhD are not eligible for this scholarship.
Selection focuses on academic excellence and research potential. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements of their chosen Imperial department and should verify any department-specific conditions before submitting the PhD application.
Application Requirements
Before applying, candidates must contact a supervisor in an Imperial academic department and obtain agreement for supervision of the proposed research. Applicants also need two academic referees; the proposed PhD supervisor should not be used as one of those referees.
The supporting personal statement should be a two-page document. Imperial specifies a personal statement on the first page and a research proposal on the second page, while departments may request a more detailed research proposal separately.
How to Apply for Imperial College President's PhD Scholarships
There is no separate scholarship application form. Candidates submit an application for PhD admission through Imperial’s online admissions system, and the relevant department puts eligible applicants forward for scholarship consideration based on academic merit and research potential.
Within the application, select the President’s PhD Scholarship option in the funding section of the additional questions tab. Read the official Imperial scholarship page immediately before applying to confirm the live requirements.
Application Deadline
Imperial considers applications at three points during the academic year. Round 1 closes at 23:59 UK time on 2 November 2026, Round 2 closes on 11 January 2027, and Round 3 closes on 1 March 2027.
Successful candidates from the three rounds are scheduled to be notified by 31 January 2027, 15 April 2027, and 31 May 2027, respectively. Applicants should submit well before the relevant deadline and check the official page for any later amendments.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers summarize key points confirmed by Imperial for the current scholarship cycle. Department-specific admissions requirements can differ, so the official programme and department pages remain the final reference.
The current scheme covers both funding and a structured selection process. Candidates should focus on academic strength, research potential, a suitable research proposal, and securing an eligible supervisor before submission.
How many President's PhD Scholarships are available?
Imperial confirms 50 scholarship places for the scheme.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Imperial accepts candidates worldwide and states that there is no general nationality restriction, although individual departments may have limitations.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No. Candidates apply for PhD admission and select the President’s PhD Scholarship funding option in the application.
Conclusion
The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships provide a substantial fully funded route to doctoral research at Imperial College London. The 50 awards combine tuition funding, a £27,036 annual stipend, research consumables support, and professional development opportunities.
Prospective applicants should secure a suitable supervisor, prepare the required research materials, and submit before the appropriate round deadline. Always use the official Imperial College London page for the final application requirements.
