Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship 2027–28: Fully Funded PhD Scholarship with £27,036 Annual Stipend

Imperial College London is inviting applications from outstanding undergraduate and Master’s students for the President’s PhD Scholarships 2027–28. This prestigious scholarship provides exceptional candidates with the opportunity to undertake a fully funded doctoral research programme at one of the world’s leading research institutions.

The Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support for up to 3.5 years of PhD study, including full tuition-fee funding, an annual living-cost stipend of £27,036, an annual consumables allowance and access to specialist professional development opportunities.

The scholarship is open to talented applicants from the United Kingdom and around the world, with no restrictions on nationality. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and promising research potential.

About the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship

The President’s PhD Scholarship is designed to attract and support exceptional doctoral researchers who have the academic ability, intellectual curiosity and research potential to make a meaningful contribution to their chosen fields.

The scholarship allows successful candidates to undertake a research project of their choosing under the supervision of an excellent academic supervisor at Imperial College London.

In addition to financial support, scholars become part of a wider community of President’s PhD Scholars and gain access to cohort-building activities, professional development programmes and research-related opportunities.

The scholarship is particularly suitable for applicants who want to pursue advanced research in areas such as:

• Engineering
• Medicine
• Natural sciences
• Computing
• Climate and environmental research
• Materials science
• Biotechnology
• Data science
• Public health
• Energy
• Artificial intelligence
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Other doctoral research disciplines offered by Imperial College London

Applicants must check the availability of their intended PhD programme and confirm whether their proposed department can support their application.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The President’s PhD Scholarship provides extensive financial support for the duration of the funded study period.

Each scholarship provides support for 3.5 years of doctoral study, subject to the applicable scholarship conditions.

1. Full Tuition-Fee Funding

Successful scholars receive full funding for their PhD tuition fees.

This means that the scholarship is designed to remove the financial burden of tuition fees during the funded period of study.

The scholarship is therefore particularly valuable for international applicants who may otherwise face substantial doctoral tuition costs.

2. Annual Living-Cost Stipend

Scholars receive an annual stipend of:

£27,036 per year

This is the stated 2027–28 stipend rate and is intended to assist with living expenses during the PhD programme.

The stipend may help scholars meet costs such as:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Local transportation
• Personal expenses
• Study-related living costs
• Other day-to-day expenses

The stipend is not described as a salary. It is financial support intended to help doctoral researchers manage their living costs while undertaking their studies.

3. Annual Consumables Fund

Scholars receive a consumables fund of:

£2,000 per year for the first three years of study

This funding is intended to support research-related consumables and expenses associated with the candidate’s doctoral work.

Depending on the research discipline, consumables may include materials, laboratory supplies, research resources or other approved items required for the research project.

Applicants should consult their department for details about how the consumables fund can be used within their specific research area.

4. Professional Development and Research Opportunities

President’s PhD Scholars receive access to a programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Early Career Researcher Institute, also known as the ECRI.

These opportunities are designed to support the broader development of doctoral researchers beyond their immediate research projects.

They may help scholars strengthen areas such as:

• Research communication
• Academic presentation
• Professional development
• Career planning
• Leadership
• Research impact
• Collaboration
• Transferable skills
• Academic and non-academic career preparation

5. Access to Wider Postgraduate Support

Scholars can also access the broader range of postgraduate support available at Imperial College London.

This includes support services for:

• International students
• Students with disabilities
• Academic development
• Personal wellbeing
• Researcher development
• Student life
• Career development

The scholarship therefore combines financial support with academic, professional and personal development resources.

Duration of the Scholarship

The President’s PhD Scholarship provides funding for:

3.5 years of PhD study

For the 2027–28 academic year, funded places have the following permitted start-date range:

• Earliest start date: 1 August 2027
• Latest start date: 1 November 2027

Applicants should ensure that their proposed PhD programme and department can accommodate a start date within this period.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to high-performing applicants from:

• Imperial College London
• The United Kingdom
• Other countries worldwide

The scheme has no nationality restrictions. Applications are welcomed from international candidates, although applicants should be aware that some departments may be unable to support international students.

The scholarship is available for both:

• Full-time PhD study
• Part-time PhD study

The scheme is intended for new PhD applicants. Current registered Imperial College London PhD students are not eligible to be considered for a President’s PhD Scholarship.

Academic Eligibility Requirements

The scholarship is highly competitive and has higher-than-usual eligibility requirements.

Applicants must generally demonstrate outstanding academic achievement through one of the following routes.

Route 1: First-Class Undergraduate or Integrated Master’s Degree

Applicants may qualify if they hold, or expect to receive:

• A first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent; or
• A first-class integrated Master’s degree or equivalent.

Candidates who have only completed a single undergraduate degree or an integrated Master’s degree must generally meet the first-class or equivalent requirement.

Route 2: Distinction in a Standalone Master’s Degree

Applicants may also qualify if they hold, or expect to receive, a distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification.

This route allows applicants who may not have achieved a first-class undergraduate degree to demonstrate academic excellence through outstanding Master’s-level performance.

Candidates who have demonstrated exceptional performance at Master’s level may therefore be considered even if their undergraduate results do not meet the first-class requirement.

Applicants Awaiting Final Results

Applicants who have not yet received their final qualifications may still be considered if they can provide evidence that they are likely to achieve the required academic standard.

Any offer of a PhD place may be conditional upon the applicant obtaining the predicted qualifications.

International applicants should contact the relevant Imperial College London Admissions team to confirm how their qualifications compare with the scholarship’s academic requirements.

Departmental Special Cases

Imperial College London may consider applicants who do not meet the advertised academic criteria in special circumstances.

A department may nominate a candidate as a special case where there are extenuating circumstances explaining why the applicant did not obtain the required grades but where the candidate otherwise demonstrates the calibre expected for the scholarship.

Examples of evidence that may support a special-case application include:

• Exceptional marks in research project modules
• Strong performance during research placements
• Outstanding research experience
• Evidence of significant research ability
• Other circumstances that affected academic performance

Applicants who believe they may qualify under this provision should contact their proposed department directly before applying.

Alternate Academic and Career Pathways

Imperial College London also encourages applications from candidates with non-traditional academic or career pathways.

Applicants who have not followed a conventional educational or professional route may still be considered if they demonstrate strong research potential.

This may include candidates who have:

• Taken a career break
• Changed academic disciplines
• Entered higher education through an alternative route
• Developed significant professional or research experience outside a traditional academic pathway
• Experienced circumstances that affected their academic progression

The key consideration is whether the applicant can demonstrate the ability and potential to undertake high-quality doctoral research.

Other Eligibility Conditions

In addition to the academic requirements, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• The application must be for a new PhD programme.
• Applicants must have contacted an academic supervisor at Imperial College London.
• The proposed supervisor must have agreed to supervise the applicant’s research project.
• Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their chosen department.
• Applicants must select the President’s PhD Scholarship option in the funding section of the online application.
• Applicants must submit all required supporting documents.
• Applicants must provide appropriate academic references.
• Applicants must meet any additional requirements set by their chosen department.

Although there are no nationality restrictions, some academic departments may be unable to support international candidates.

Requirement to Secure an Imperial Supervisor

Before applying, candidates must make contact with a potential supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London.

The supervisor must agree to supervise the proposed research project.

This is an important requirement because the scholarship is connected to a specific PhD research application and departmental review process.

Applicants should therefore:

1. Identify a department that offers a PhD related to their research interests.
2. Review the department’s research areas and academic staff.
3. Identify a potential supervisor whose research aligns with their proposed project.
4. Contact the prospective supervisor professionally.
5. Share a clear summary of their research interests and proposed project.
6. Confirm whether the supervisor is available and willing to supervise the research.

Imperial College London also states that supervisors are limited to supervising one President’s PhD Scholar at any given time. Applicants should therefore review the university’s information about unavailable supervisors before finalizing their application.

How to Apply for the President’s PhD Scholarship

There is no separate scholarship application form for the President’s PhD Scholarship.

Instead, applicants must apply for admission to a PhD programme at Imperial College London through the university’s online admissions system.

The department will then put eligible candidates forward for scholarship consideration based on academic merit and research potential.

Before you apply, please review the President’s PhD Scholarships – Unavailable Supervisors page for more information.

Step 1: Identify a Suitable PhD Programme

Applicants should first identify a doctoral programme and department that align with their academic background and research interests.

The selected department must offer a suitable PhD research opportunity and be able to consider the applicant for admission.

Step 2: Contact a Potential Supervisor

Applicants must contact a potential academic supervisor at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise their proposed research.

This should be done before submitting the PhD application.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the necessary documents for the PhD admission application.

These may include:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates, where available
• Personal statement
• Research proposal
• Academic references
• Evidence of English-language proficiency, where required
• Curriculum vitae, where required
• Other documents requested by the department

Applicants should carefully review the specific requirements of their chosen department because additional documents may be required.

Step 4: Submit the PhD Admission Application

Applicants must submit their application for admission through Imperial College London’s online postgraduate admissions system.

The scholarship is considered through the PhD admission application rather than through a separate scholarship form.

Step 5: Select the Scholarship Option

Within the online application form, applicants must select the President’s PhD Scholarship option in the funding section under the additional questions tab.

Failing to select the relevant funding option may prevent the application from being considered for the scholarship scheme.

Additional Application Instructions for 2027–28

Imperial College London provides specific instructions for applicants seeking consideration for the 2027–28 President’s PhD Scholarship.

Personal Statement and Research Proposal

Under the supporting documents section, applicants should submit a two-page document structured as follows:

First Page: Personal Statement

The first page should explain:

• Why the applicant wants to study at Imperial College London
• Why the applicant is applying for the President’s PhD Scholarship
• The applicant’s academic and professional motivations
• Relevant achievements
• Supporting information not included elsewhere in the application
• Any additional information that strengthens the application

Applicants are encouraged to write in the first person.

Second Page: Research Proposal

The second page should present the applicant’s research proposal.

The proposal should clearly communicate the intended research direction and demonstrate the applicant’s research potential.

A strong research proposal should generally explain:

• The research topic
• The central research problem
• The research question or questions
• The proposed objectives
• The significance of the research
• The proposed methodology or approach
• The potential contribution of the research
• Why the research is suitable for the chosen department
• How the project aligns with the proposed supervisor’s expertise

Applicants may submit an updated version of the statement if required after submission, particularly if their department shortlists them for scholarship consideration.

Detailed Research Proposal

The research proposal section within the application may be used to provide a more detailed document if the applicant’s department requires one.

Candidates should check the specific research proposal requirements of their department before preparing the final version.

Academic Referees

Applicants will be asked to provide the names of two academic referees.

These should be individuals who can provide an academic reference in support of the application.

Suitable referees may include:

• A personal tutor
• A thesis supervisor
• A lecturer familiar with the applicant’s academic work
• A research project supervisor
• Another academic who can assess the applicant’s research ability

Applicants should not list their proposed PhD supervisor as one of the two academic referees.

Selection Process

The President’s PhD Scholarship selection process involves multiple stages.

A total of:

50 scholarship places

are available.

Stage 1: Departmental Review

Candidates who meet, or are predicted to meet, the eligibility criteria will first be reviewed by the department to which they have applied.

Departments will assess applicants and select a shortlist of candidates to be presented to the College Selection Panel.

Stage 2: Faculty and College-Level Review

Shortlisted candidates will be reviewed through the university’s wider selection process.

A faculty allocation stage may score and rank candidates from departmental shortlists and make initial offers to the most promising applicants.

Faculty Vice-Deans for Research may present candidates and provide justifications for offers to the College Selection Panel.

The College Selection Panel may also make additional offers through a strategic allocation for candidates applying through alternate academic or career pathways.

Final Decision

The final scholarship decision is made by the College Selection Panel.

The panel includes senior university representatives, including:

• The Vice-Provost for Research
• The Director of the Graduate School
• Faculty Vice-Deans for Research

Successful candidates will receive written confirmation of the scholarship.

Any PhD offer may be conditional upon the applicant achieving the predicted qualifications stated in the application.

Applicants who are not selected for the President’s PhD Scholarship will automatically be considered for a standard PhD place.

How Applicants Are Assessed

Candidates are assessed based on academic excellence and research potential.

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence may be assessed through:

• Previous academic results
• University transcripts
• Relative class position
• Academic awards
• Distinctions
• Other evidence of exceptional academic performance

Applicants should ensure that their academic records clearly demonstrate their ability to succeed in a demanding doctoral research environment.

Research Potential

Research potential may be assessed through:

• Previous research experience
• The applicant’s interest in discovery
• The proposed research plan
• The potential contribution of the proposed research
• The quality and clarity of the research proposal
• The departmental statement
• Performance during an interview, where applicable

Applicants should demonstrate not only that they have performed well academically but also that they have the intellectual curiosity, independence and research ability required for PhD-level study.

Visit HERE for more information about the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship.

Application Deadlines and Notification Dates

The scholarship scheme considers applications at three points during the academic year.

Applicants should pay close attention to the relevant deadline and notification date.

Applicants should note that the deadline refers to the submission of the PhD admission application through Imperial College London’s online admissions system.

Candidates should not wait until the final deadline to contact a supervisor, prepare their research proposal or obtain academic references.

Important Programme Dates

For the 2027–28 academic year, the key dates are as follows:

• First application deadline: 2 November 2026 at 23:59 UK time
• First notification date: 31 January 2027
• Second application deadline: 11 January 2027 at 23:59 UK time
• Second notification date: 15 April 2027
• Third application deadline: 1 March 2027 at 23:59 UK time
• Third notification date: 31 May 2027
• Earliest funded-place start date: 1 August 2027
• Latest funded-place start date: 1 November 2027
• Scholarship duration: 3.5 years

Countries and Nationalities Eligible to Apply

The President’s PhD Scholarship is open to applicants from:

• The United Kingdom
• Imperial College London
• Countries across Africa
• Countries across Asia
• Countries across Europe
• Countries across North America
• Countries across South America
• Countries across the Caribbean
• Countries across Oceania
• Other regions worldwide

Imperial College London explicitly states that there are no restrictions on nationality.

The scholarship is therefore not limited to applicants from a particular country, continent or racial group.

The university also encourages applications from people from all backgrounds, recognizing the importance of diversity and representation in higher education and research.

However, prospective international applicants should note that some departments may not be able to support international candidates. Applicants should confirm departmental support and admission requirements before applying.

Is There a Race or Ethnicity Requirement?

There is no stated race or ethnicity restriction for the President’s PhD Scholarship.

Imperial College London encourages applications from people from all backgrounds.

Selection is based primarily on:

• Academic excellence
• Research potential
• Suitability for the proposed PhD programme
• The quality of the research proposal
• Departmental support
• The overall strength of the application

Applicants should not assume that the scholarship is reserved for any particular racial, ethnic or cultural group.

Full-Time and Part-Time Study Options

The scholarship applies to both:

• Full-time PhD study
• Part-time PhD study

Applicants should check whether their intended department and research programme permit part-time study and whether the proposed research can be completed within the scholarship’s funding conditions.

Why This Scholarship Is a Strong Opportunity

The Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship is particularly attractive because it combines full tuition support with a substantial annual stipend and additional research-development resources.

For successful candidates, the scholarship can provide:

• Access to a globally recognized research institution
• Full tuition-fee funding
• A £27,036 annual stipend at the 2027–28 rate
• A £2,000 annual consumables fund for the first three years
• A 3.5-year funding period
• Access to professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to work with leading researchers
• Support from an academic supervisor
• Access to Imperial’s postgraduate support services
• Membership in a community of President’s PhD Scholars
• Opportunities to develop research networks and transferable skills

The scholarship may be especially valuable for students who have strong academic records but require financial support to pursue doctoral research at an international institution.

Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application

Because the scholarship is highly competitive, applicants should prepare their applications carefully.

1. Start Early

Applicants should begin the process well before the deadline.

Contacting a potential supervisor, preparing a research proposal and obtaining references can take considerable time.

2. Identify the Right Department

Applicants should select a department that closely matches their research interests and academic background.

A strong departmental fit can help demonstrate that the proposed research is realistic and appropriately supported.

3. Find a Suitable Supervisor

The proposed supervisor should have research expertise relevant to the applicant’s proposed project.

Applicants should review the supervisor’s research interests, publications, current projects and research group before making contact.

4. Develop a Focused Research Proposal

The research proposal should be clear, specific and academically compelling.

Applicants should avoid overly broad topics and should explain the problem, research questions, methodology and expected contribution in a structured manner.

5. Demonstrate Research Experience

Applicants should highlight relevant experience such as:

• Undergraduate dissertations
• Master’s theses
• Research assistantships
• Academic publications
• Conference presentations
• Research placements
• Laboratory work
• Fieldwork
• Policy research
• Data analysis
• Independent research projects

6. Explain Why Imperial College London

The personal statement should clearly explain why Imperial is the appropriate institution for the applicant’s research and academic goals.

Applicants should connect their research interests to:

• The chosen department
• Available facilities
• Relevant research groups
• Potential supervisors
• Imperial’s research environment
• The wider contribution they hope to make

7. Choose Strong Academic Referees

Referees should know the applicant’s academic and research abilities well.

Applicants should give referees sufficient time to prepare detailed and relevant references.

8. Confirm International Eligibility

Although the scholarship has no nationality restrictions, international applicants should confirm that their qualifications meet Imperial’s requirements and that their proposed department can support international candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. The scholarship provides full tuition-fee funding, an annual stipend, a consumables fund and access to professional development opportunities for up to 3.5 years.

How much is the annual stipend?

The stated stipend for 2027–28 is £27,036 per year.

How many scholarships are available?

There are 50 scholarship places available.

Can international students apply?

Yes. Applicants from around the world can apply, and there are no nationality restrictions. However, some departments may be unable to support international candidates.

Can current Imperial PhD students apply?

No. The scheme is open only to new PhD applications. Current registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible.

Is there a separate scholarship application form?

No. Applicants must apply for admission to a PhD programme through Imperial College London’s online admissions system and select the President’s PhD Scholarship option in the funding section.

Do applicants need a supervisor before applying?

Yes. Applicants must have contacted a potential Imperial academic supervisor who has agreed to supervise their proposed research project.

Can part-time PhD students apply?

Yes. The scholarship applies to both full-time and part-time study.

What is the first application deadline?

The first deadline is 2 November 2026 at 23:59 UK time.

Are there later application rounds?

Yes. Additional deadlines are:

• 11 January 2027 at 23:59 UK time
• 1 March 2027 at 23:59 UK time

When will successful applicants be notified?

Notification dates are:

• 31 January 2027 for applications submitted by 2 November 2026
• 15 April 2027 for applications submitted by 11 January 2027
• 31 May 2027 for applications submitted by 1 March 2027

Official Contact

For questions about the application process or the PhD application form, applicants should contact the relevant Admissions department, academic department or proposed supervisor.

For questions specifically related to the President’s PhD Scholarship, applicants can contact the Student Financial Support team:

Email: student.funding@imperial.ac.uk

Applicants should also consult the official Imperial College London scholarship page and the relevant departmental admissions pages before submitting an application.

Click HERE for more information about the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship.

Conclusion

The Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship 2027–28 is a highly competitive, fully funded doctoral scholarship designed for exceptional students with outstanding academic records and strong research potential.

The scholarship provides full tuition-fee funding, a substantial annual stipend of £27,036, a £2,000 annual consumables fund for the first three years, professional development opportunities and access to Imperial’s wider postgraduate support services. Funding is available for up to 3.5 years of PhD study.

The opportunity is open to applicants from the United Kingdom and countries worldwide, with no nationality restrictions and no stated racial or ethnic limitations. Nevertheless, candidates should confirm that their intended department can support their application, particularly if they are international applicants.

Prospective candidates should begin early by identifying a suitable PhD programme, contacting a potential supervisor, preparing a focused research proposal and gathering strong academic references.

The first application deadline is 2 November 2026 at 23:59 UK time, followed by additional deadlines on 11 January 2027 and 1 March 2027. Candidates should submit their PhD admission applications before the relevant deadline to be considered for the scholarship.

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