About the opportunity
The President’s PhD Scholarships at Imperial College London provide an outstanding opportunity for high-performing undergraduate and Master’s students to undertake a 3.5-year PhD programme with full financial support. The scheme offers 50 prestigious scholarship places allowing scholars to pursue a research project of their choosing alongside a supervisor, supported by cohort-building opportunities and bespoke professional development delivered by the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI). Candidates are assessed on academic excellence and research potential through a rigorous two-stage review process involving academic departments, faculty panels, and the College Selection Panel. The scholarship is open to new full-time and part-time PhD applicants from Imperial, the UK, and worldwide with no nationality restrictions.
Funding and benefits
- Full funding for tuition fees for 3.5 years of study
- A stipend of £27,036 (2027-28 rate) per annum to assist with living costs
- A consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first 3 years of study
- A programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI)
- Access to the full range of postgraduate support at Imperial, including tailored support for disabled and international students
Who can apply?
- Open to talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK, and worldwide with no restrictions on nationality (though some departments may be unable to support international candidates)
- Open to new PhD applications only; current registered Imperial PhD students are ineligible
- Candidates must be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class or equivalent in an undergraduate or integrated Master's degree, or a distinction in a standalone Master's qualification if a first class undergraduate degree was not achieved
- Candidates with only a single undergraduate degree or integrated Master's must still be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class or equivalent
- Department special case consideration is available for applicants who have not met advertised eligibility criteria due to extenuating circumstances but show required calibre
- Candidates with non-traditional academic and/or career pathways who show strong research potential are encouraged to apply
Required documents
- Application for admission to study at Imperial submitted through the online admissions system
- A 2-page personal statement under 'Supporting documents', where the first page is a personal statement (motivations for applying and supporting information) and the second page is a research proposal
- A more detailed research proposal document if required by the department
- Academic references from two academic referees who can provide a reference in support of the application (excluding the proposed PhD supervisor)
When to apply
- Applicants who apply by 23:59 (UK time) on 2 November 2026 will be notified by 31 January 2027
- Applicants who apply by 23:59 (UK time) on 11 January 2027 will be notified by 15 April 2027
- Applicants who apply by 23:59 (UK time) on 1 March 2027 will be notified by 31 May 2027
- For the 2027-28 academic year, the earliest start date for funded places is 1 August 2027 and the latest start date is 1 November 2027
How to apply
- Make contact with a supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise your research project before applying
- Submit your application for admission to study at Imperial through the online admissions system
- Select the President's PhD Scholarship option in the funding section of the additional questions tab within the online application form
- Include the structured 2-page personal statement and research proposal within the supporting documents
- Ensure your two academic referees submit their references supporting your application
Additional information
- There is no specific standalone scholarship application form; applicants apply through the standard online admissions system and are put forward by their department based on merit and potential
- Supervisors are limited to supervising one scholar at any time
- Applicants not selected for the scholarship will automatically be considered for a standard PhD place
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Students with a first-class undergraduate or integrated Master's degree (or a distinction in a standalone Master's).
- Candidates with non-traditional academic or career pathways who can demonstrate strong research potential.
- Applicants who have a clear, self-chosen research project and the drive for academic excellence.
What should you think carefully about?
- The selection process is highly rigorous, involving a two-stage review by departments, faculty, and a College Selection Panel.
- Applicants must secure a supervisor's agreement before applying.
- While open to all nationalities, some specific departments may not be able to support international candidates.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is an ideal opportunity for a high-achieving student looking to launch a prestigious, fully-funded 3.5-year PhD with a bespoke professional development program through the Early Career Researcher Institute.
Our take
Highly recommended for top-tier undergraduate or Master's students globally who have a first-class degree and a clear research vision, but less suitable for those who have already started a PhD at Imperial.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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