The Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarships offer up to 50 outstanding international students the chance to pursue their research passions under the guidance of world-class supervisors. If you’re a high-achieving undergraduate or Master’s student with a strong ambition to take your studies to the next level, this scholarship could open the door to a fully funded PhD at Imperial College London. Recipients will benefit from full tuition coverage and a generous stipend while working at one of the world’s leading research institutions.
Imperial College President Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- Study Abroad: UK
- Category: Post-graduate and master’s scholarship
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | £25,150 per annum
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: March 10, 2026
Imperial College President’s Scholarship Details:
Candidates who meet or are predicted to meet the eligibility requirements will be reviewed by the department they applied. Departments will create a shortlist of the top candidates to present to the Imperial College Selection Panel for review.
- The final decision will be made by the Imperial College Selection Panel. The panel members include the Vice-Provost (Research) and the Faculty Vice-Deans for Research. Scholarships will be awarded to the candidates who demonstrate the most potential.
Any offer of a PhD place will be conditional on a final interview by the department and, if applicable, on the candidate receiving the predicted qualifications.
Requirements for the 2026 Imperial College President Scholarship:
- Who Can Apply for the President’s PhD Scholarships?
- We welcome applications from outstanding candidates at Imperial College London, across the UK, and from around the world. There are no nationality restrictions.
- To be eligible, you should
- Be among the top performers in your undergraduate class.
- Have earned, or be on track to earn, a first-class UK undergraduate degree (or international equivalent).
- If you already hold a standalone Master’s degree, you must have achieved a distinction, or be able to provide strong evidence that you’re on track to do so.
- If your undergraduate degree included an integrated Master’s (such as MEng, MSci, or M.Math), this will be assessed as part of your undergraduate qualification.
- If you have more than one standalone Master’s, the most relevant to your proposed PhD area must have been awarded with distinction.
- Important Notes for International Applicants:
If you studied outside the UK, please ensure your academic achievements meet the equivalent standards outlined above. - Before You Apply:
You must contact a potential supervisor in an academic department at Imperial and receive their agreement to supervise your research. Keep in mind that each supervisor can only support one President’s PhD Scholar at a time.
- Please note: This scheme is only for new PhD applicants. If you’re already registered as a PhD student at Imperial, you’re not eligible.
Benefits of Imperial College President Scholarship 2026:
- Full tuition fees covered – you won’t need to worry about course costs.
- Annual living stipend of £26,500 (2025–26 rate) – to support your everyday expenses.
- Research consumables allowance of £2,000 per year (first 3 years) – to help fund materials and resources for your project.
- Exclusive Graduate School program – access to bespoke events, training, and opportunities designed for scholars.
- Comprehensive student support – including tailored services for international and disabled students.
- Professional development courses – through the Graduate School, helping you build skills for both your research and future career.
How to Apply for Imperial College President Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step):
How to Apply
- If you’re interested and meet the eligibility criteria, you can start your application by following the link https://www.imperial.ac.uk/
- Before applying, please ensure that:
- You’ve contacted a potential supervisor within an academic department at Imperial College London, and they’ve agreed to support your research project.
- Keep in mind that each supervisor can only support one President’s PhD Scholar at a time. Check the Unavailable Supervisors page to see who is currently unavailable.
- To apply, submit your PhD application through Imperial’s online admissions system. You don’t need to apply separately for the scholarship if you’re eligible; your academic department will automatically consider you based on your academic excellence and research potential.
Deadline: March 10, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Imperial College President’s PhD Scholarship?
It is a prestigious and fully funded scholarship designed to support up to 50 exceptional international students each year who want to pursue a PhD at Imperial College London. - What does the scholarship cover?
- Full tuition fees
- A generous living stipend (£26,500 per year, 2025–26 rate)
- £2,000 per year for research consumables (first 3 years)
- Access to professional training, events, and support services
- Who can apply?
High-performing undergraduate or Master’s students from any country who have strong academic records and a passion for research. - Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
No, there is no separate application form. When you apply for a PhD at Imperial College and indicate your interest in the President’s Scholarship, you are automatically considered. - Are all subjects and research fields eligible?
Yes, the scholarship is open to all PhD research areas offered at Imperial College London. - Do I need a supervisor before applying?
Yes, applicants must contact and secure an agreement from a potential PhD supervisor at Imperial before submitting their application. - What is the duration of the scholarship?
The scholarship provides funding for up to 3.5 years of PhD study. - What additional support is available?
Scholars benefit from tailored opportunities through the Graduate School, plus dedicated services for international and disabled students. - When is the deadline to apply for the 2026 intake?
Deadlines are usually announced in multiple rounds. Applicants should check the official Imperial College website for the exact dates. - Why choose Imperial College London?
Imperial is one of the world’s top research universities, offering access to excellent facilities, internationally renowned supervisors, and a vibrant student community in the heart of London.