The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship 2026 is one of the most competitive and fully funded opportunities in the UK for international and domestic students. Each year, Imperial College London offers up to 50 scholarships to exceptional candidates who demonstrate academic excellence and research potential.
This award covers full tuition fees, an annual stipend of £25,980, and an additional £2,000 per year research allowance, making it one of the most attractive PhD funding options worldwide. Open to applicants from all nationalities, the scheme is designed for outstanding undergraduates and Master’s graduates who wish to pursue doctoral research at a world-class institution.
Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship 2026 Summary
| Category | Details |
| Host Country | United Kingdom (UK) |
| Institution | Imperial College London |
| Study Level | PhD (Doctoral Research) |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Number of Awards | Up to 50 |
| Duration | 3.5 years |
| Tuition Fees | Fully covered |
| Annual Stipend | £25,980 (2025/26 academic year) |
| Research Allowance | £2,000 per year (for first 3 years) |
| Extras | Cohort activities, professional development, support via Graduate School |
| Eligible Countries | All nationalities |
| Deadline (Last Round) | March 10, 2026 |
| Research Allowance | £2,000 per year (for first 3 years) |
Why Choose the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship?
Imperial College London is ranked among the top 10 universities globally for research and innovation.
This scholarship provides not just financial support but also access to advanced laboratories, research centers, and an international community of scholars.
Scholars join a select cohort and benefit from career development training, exclusive events, and tailored academic support.
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To be considered for the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Excellence
- Must hold or be expected to achieve a first-class UK Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent.
- Applicants with a standalone Master’s degree must have achieved a distinction (or provide evidence of high performance).
- Integrated Master’s (e.g., MEng, MSci) are considered as undergraduate qualifications.
- Nationality
- Open to all nationalities (UK, EU, and international students).
- Supervisor Agreement
- Applicants must secure a PhD supervisor from Imperial College who agrees to guide their research project.
- Restrictions
- Only new PhD applicants are eligible. Current Imperial PhD students cannot apply.
Benefits of the Scholarship 2026
Winners of the President’s PhD Scholarship receive:
- Full tuition fee coverage (UK and international rates)
- Annual stipend of £25,980 for living expenses (2025/26 rate)
- £2,000 per year consumables allowance (first 3 years)
- Access to world-class facilities and research labs
- Professional development training through the Graduate School
- Inclusion in a prestigious cohort of researchers at Imperial College
Application Process (Step by Step)
- Find a Supervisor
- Contact a potential PhD supervisor in your research area at Imperial College London.
- Secure their agreement to supervise your project (only one scholar per supervisor is allowed).
- Submit PhD Application
- Apply for PhD admission via the Imperial College Online Application System.
- Select the funding option “President’s PhD Scholarship” in your application.
- Departmental Review
- Your academic department will review your application and nominate outstanding candidates.
- College Selection Panel
- Shortlisted candidates are assessed by the College Selection Panel (Vice-Provost & Faculty Vice-Deans).
- Final Decision
- Successful applicants receive an official offer letter for both admission and the scholarship.
Application Rounds & Deadlines
- Round 1: November 4, 2025
- Round 2: January 9, 2026
- Round 3 (Final): March 10, 2026
Apply Now on the Official Imperial College Website
FAQs
Who can apply for the scholarship?
Any international or UK student with a first-class degree or distinction at Master’s level can apply.
Do I need IELTS/TOEFL?
If English is not your first language, you may need to meet Imperial’s English language requirements.
How many awards are available?
Up to 50 fully funded scholarships are awarded annually.
Can current PhD students apply?
No. Only new PhD applicants are eligible for this scholarship.
Is there a separate scholarship application form?
No. You only need to submit a PhD application and select the President’s PhD Scholarship option.
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