Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship 2026-27 (UK Fully Funded)

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The President’s PhD Scholarship is a prestigious award for doctoral students at Imperial College London. The scholarship is one of the most generous in the UK. Imperial College London established the award to attract 50 of the world’s most talented students. The program supports exceptional research in science, engineering, medicine, and business.

This fully-funded scholarship removes financial barriers for top students. It covers your tuition fees, provides a substantial stipend, and includes a research fund. Securing this scholarship allows you to work with a leading supervisor. This guide provides a detailed overview for the 2026-27 academic year.

The President’s PhD Scholarship is a highly competitive opportunity. It is open to candidates of all nationalities. This guide details the eligibility, application process, and benefits. It is a vital resource for your application. You can explore the broader benefits of studying abroad to learn more about the international experience.

The scholarship selects students who demonstrate outstanding academic merit. It also looks for strong research potential. The President’s PhD Scholarship (subject) provides (predicate) comprehensive financial support (object) for 3.5 years.

Scholarship Overview

The President’s PhD Scholarships are highly competitive awards. They are awarded to outstanding students. The awards are given based on academic merit and research potential. The scholarship is tenable across all departments at Imperial College London.

Award Amount: Full tuition fees, a stipend of £26,500 per annum, and a consumables fund of £2,000 per annum.
Frequency: Up to 50 scholarships are awarded each year.
Provider: Imperial College London.
Target Group: Talented postgraduate students of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet three key conditions:

You must hold, or be expecting, a first-class UK undergraduate degree or equivalent.
You must have achieved a distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification, if applicable.
You must have secured the agreement of a supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London.
The scholarship is for new PhD students only. Current Imperial PhD students are not eligible.

The scholarship is open to students of all nationalities. For detailed information on the general application process and entry requirements, including English language proficiency, visit the official Imperial College London application guide.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the scholarship, students must submit three main documents:

A 2-page personal statement which includes a research proposal.
Official academic transcripts from all previous institutions.
Details for two academic referees (not your proposed PhD supervisor).

For a complete list of all documents needed for your application, including your CV, you should refer to our guide on the requirements for fully-funded scholarships.

Application Timeline

Applications are reviewed in three rounds. You should apply by the deadline for your chosen round.

Round 1: Applications by November 3, 2025 (UK time). Notification by late January 2026.
Round 2: Applications by January 12, 2026 (UK time). Notification by late March 2026.
Round 3: Applications by March 2, 2026 (UK time). Notification by late May 2026.

How to Apply (Three Steps)

Step 1: Before applying, you must make contact with a supervisor in an Imperial College London department. You can check the list of unavailable supervisors to ensure your supervisor is eligible.
Step 2: Submit your PhD application through the university’s online admissions system.
Step 3: You must select the “President’s PhD Scholarship scheme” option in the funding section of the application form.

Benefits of the Scholarship

Financial support: The scholarship is fully funded. It covers full tuition fees for 3.5 years.
Generous stipend: A stipend of £26,500 per annum is provided for living costs.
Research fund: A consumables fund of £2,000 per annum is available for the first three years.
Community: Scholars get access to a community of other President’s PhD Scholars.

This prestigious award is an excellent choice for a doctoral candidate. You can compare this to other scholarships, such as the Clarendon Scholarship at the University of Oxford, to find the best fit for your academic goals.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Craft a personal statement that details your motivations for studying at Imperial and your research interests.
Highlight achievements from your academic and research experience.
Strengthen your application by getting strong references from professors who know your work well. For detailed guidance on writing your application, read our article on how to write a winning scholarship essay.