Imperial College London is offering 50 President’s PhD Scholarships for 2027–28, covering full tuition fees, a £27,036 annual stipend and research consumables funding. Applications are considered across three deadlines.
Background & Scholarship Description
Imperial College London is inviting high-achieving students and prospective researchers to apply for its President’s PhD Scholarships for the 2027–28 academic year. The competitive programme supports talented researchers undertaking PhD studies at one of the world’s leading research institutions.
The scholarship allows recipients to pursue a research project of their choice with the support of an academic supervisor. Scholars also benefit from development opportunities, research-related funding and activities designed to build connections with fellow doctoral researchers.
A total of 50 scholarships are available. The award provides full tuition fee funding, an annual living stipend and an additional allowance for research consumables.
Applications are considered in three rounds, with the first deadline falling on 2 November 2026.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Imperial College London |
| Scholarship | President’s PhD Scholarships |
| Academic year | 2027–28 |
| Number of awards | 50 |
| Tuition fees | Fully funded |
| Annual stipend | £27,036 |
| Research consumables | £2,000 annually for the first three years |
| Study duration covered | 3.5 years |
| Study mode | Full-time or part-time |
| Eligible nationalities | Worldwide, subject to departmental restrictions |
| First application deadline | 2 November 2026 |
| Further deadlines | 11 January 2027 and 1 March 2027 |
| Official website | Imperial College London |
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive financial and academic support throughout their doctoral studies.
Full Tuition Fee Coverage
The scholarship covers tuition fees for the funded PhD period, helping eligible students pursue advanced research without having to cover the tuition costs themselves.
Annual Living Stipend
Each award provides a stipend of £27,036 per year, at the stated 2027–28 rate, to assist with living expenses while studying.
Research Consumables Funding
Recipients also receive £2,000 per year for the first three years to support research consumables.
Academic and Professional Development
Scholars can access bespoke opportunities and events delivered by Imperial’s Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI). They can also benefit from postgraduate support services and learning and development activities.
The scholarship supports both full-time and part-time study.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The President’s PhD Scholarships are highly competitive and intended for applicants who demonstrate excellent academic performance and strong research potential.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria:
- Hold, or expect to achieve, a first-class undergraduate degree or equivalent, including an integrated Master’s degree where applicable.
- If they have not achieved a first-class undergraduate result, hold or expect to achieve a distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification.
Candidates who have only a single undergraduate degree or an integrated Master’s degree must meet the first-class or equivalent requirement.
International applicants should confirm with the relevant Imperial admissions team that their qualifications meet the scholarship’s academic standards.
Other Eligibility Conditions
The programme accepts applications from candidates in the UK and worldwide, with no general nationality restrictions. However, some academic departments may be unable to support international candidates.
Applicants must be applying for a new PhD place. Students who are already registered for a PhD at Imperial College London are not eligible for this scholarship.
Candidates from non-traditional academic or career pathways are also encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate strong research potential. Applicants who do not meet the standard academic criteria but have exceptional circumstances may contact their proposed department to discuss possible special-case consideration.
Additional Information
Application Process
There is no separate scholarship application form. Applicants must first apply for admission to a PhD programme through Imperial College London’s online admissions system.
Before applying, candidates must contact an academic supervisor in the relevant department and obtain agreement from that supervisor to oversee their proposed research project.
Applicants must also select the President’s PhD Scholarship option in the funding section of the additional questions tab in the online application.
Required Supporting Documents
The scholarship application guidance specifies a two-page personal statement document:
- Page one: Explain your motivations for applying to Imperial and the scholarship, alongside other relevant supporting information.
- Page two: Present your research proposal.
Applicants must also provide the names of two academic referees. These should be people able to provide an academic reference, such as a thesis supervisor or personal tutor. The proposed PhD supervisor should not be listed as one of the two referees.
Additional requirements may apply depending on the chosen department.
Application Deadlines and Notification Dates
Imperial has three scholarship consideration rounds for the 2027–28 academic year.
| Application deadline (UK time) | Successful applicants notified by |
|---|---|
| 2 November 2026, 23:59 | 31 January 2027 |
| 11 January 2027, 23:59 | 15 April 2027 |
| 1 March 2027, 23:59 | 31 May 2027 |
The earliest permitted start date for funded places is 1 August 2027, and the latest is 1 November 2027.
How to Apply
Visit Imperial College London’s website and navigate to the President’s PhD Scholarships page. Identify your preferred doctoral course, contact a potential supervisor and follow the admissions instructions. Make sure you select the correct scholarship option in the funding section before submitting your application.
Applicants should check departmental requirements and supervisor availability well before the relevant deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Imperial President’s PhD Scholarships are available for 2027–28?
Imperial College London offers 50 scholarships for the 2027–28 academic year.
2. Does the scholarship cover full tuition fees?
Yes. The award covers tuition fees for the funded period of study.
3. How much is the annual stipend?
The stated 2027–28 stipend is £27,036 per year to help cover living costs.
4. Is additional research funding available?
Yes. Scholars receive £2,000 annually for research consumables during the first three years of study.
5. Who can apply for the scholarship?
High-performing undergraduate or Master’s students with strong research potential can apply, provided they meet the relevant academic criteria and are seeking admission to a new PhD programme.
6. Can international students apply?
Yes. Applications are accepted worldwide, with no general nationality restrictions. However, some departments may not be able to support international candidates.
7. Can current Imperial PhD students apply?
No. The scheme is open only to new PhD applications. Students already registered for a PhD at Imperial are not eligible.
8. Do applicants need a PhD supervisor before applying?
Yes. Applicants must contact an academic supervisor in their chosen department and secure agreement for supervision before applying.
9. What are the application deadlines?
The three deadlines are 2 November 2026, 11 January 2027 and 1 March 2027, all at 23:59 UK time.
10. Is there a separate scholarship application form?
No. Applicants submit a PhD admissions application and select the President’s PhD Scholarship in the funding section of the online application.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Imperial’s President’s PhD Scholarships are a significant funding opportunity for academically outstanding candidates seeking doctoral research experience in the UK. The combination of full tuition coverage, a £27,036 annual stipend, research consumables funding and professional development support makes the programme worth considering for eligible applicants.
Candidates should prioritise securing an academic supervisor, preparing a strong research proposal and submitting their PhD admission application before the appropriate deadline.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares scholarship and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Imperial College London and does not administer the scholarship. Applicants should confirm eligibility, funding conditions and application instructions through the university’s official website.
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