Deadline
2026-03-10
Value of Scholarship
Full Scholarship, £25,150 per annum
£25,150
£25,150
Country Tenable
United Kingdom
Renewable
No
Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships 2026
The Imperial College President’s Scholarships are designed to support up to 50 outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional potential. This prestigious award offers the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research under the guidance of a world-class supervisor at Imperial College London, a global top-ten university renowned for excellence in teaching and research.
If you are a high-achieving undergraduate or Master’s student with a strong ambition to undertake a PhD at a leading research institution, you may be selected to receive full tuition funding and a generous living stipend.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed through a two-stage process:
- Departmental Review – Candidates who meet or are predicted to meet the eligibility criteria are assessed by the relevant academic department. Each department will shortlist its strongest applicants.
- College Selection Panel – The shortlist is then reviewed by the Imperial College Selection Panel, comprising the Vice-Provost (Research) and the Faculty Vice-Deans for Research. The Panel selects the most promising candidates from across all faculties.
- Successful applicants will receive written confirmation of their award. Please note that a PhD offer remains conditional upon a final departmental interview and, if applicable, achieving the required academic qualifications.
Eligibility Requirements (2026 Entry)
To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applications are open to talented candidates worldwide, including current Imperial students. No nationality restrictions apply.
- Candidates must be among the highest achievers in their undergraduate cohort and hold, or be predicted to achieve, a First-Class UK degree or equivalent.
- Master’s degree holders must have obtained a distinction (or be on track to achieve one).
- For integrated Master’s degrees (e.g., MEng, MSci, M.Math), the qualification is assessed as part of the undergraduate degree.
- Applicants with multiple Master’s qualifications must hold a distinction in the one most relevant to their PhD.
- International students are strongly advised to confirm that their grades/scores align with Imperial’s eligibility standards.
- Before applying, candidates must have secured the agreement of an Imperial academic supervisor to oversee their research project (note: each supervisor can only support one scholar at a time).
- Currently registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible. The scheme is strictly for new PhD applicants.
Scholarship Benefits
Each of the 50 scholarships provides comprehensive support for 3.5 years, including:
- Full funding of tuition fees
- Annual stipend of £26,500 (2025–26 rate) for living costs
- £2,000 per annum consumables fund (for the first three years)
- Access to tailored opportunities and events delivered by the Graduate School
- Full access to postgraduate support services, including resources for international and disabled students, as well as professional skills courses.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
- Secure a Supervisor – Contact an academic staff member in your department at Imperial College London and obtain their agreement to supervise your research project. (Check the Unavailable Supervisors page to confirm eligibility.)
- Submit an Application – Apply for admission to study at Imperial through the online admissions system. Your department will review your application and, if you meet the requirements, nominate you for the scholarship based on academic excellence and potential.
Scholarships are not only for the smart students. Anyone can get scholarships
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