- Open to applicants from the UK and worldwide, with no restrictions on nationality. Some departments may not be able to support international candidates.
- You need, or must be due to get, a First Class (or equivalent) undergraduate or integrated Master's degree, or a Distinction in a standalone Master's.
- International applicants should ask the relevant admissions team whether their grades meet the standard.
- You must have agreed a supervisor at Imperial; each supervisor can have only one President's Scholar at a time.
- Only new PhD applicants can apply; current Imperial PhD students cannot.
- Candidates with strong research potential but non-traditional paths may be put forward as special cases by departments.
Imperial President's PhD Scholarships
Imperial College London · Checked September 26, 2026
Imperial's flagship doctoral award: 50 scholarships that fund a 3.5-year PhD on a project of your choice with a supervisor who agrees to take you on. It has no nationality restrictions and is open to applicants worldwide.
Deadline:
2 November 2026 36 days left
Three rounds for 2027-28 entry: 2 November 2026, 11 January 2027 and 1 March 2027 (23:59 UK time). Funded start dates run from 1 August to 1 November 2027.
Add the deadline to my calendar (with a reminder 2 weeks before)
Three rounds for 2027-28 entry: 2 November 2026, 11 January 2027 and 1 March 2027 (23:59 UK time). Funded start dates run from 1 August to 1 November 2027.
Add the deadline to my calendar (with a reminder 2 weeks before)
| Funding | Fully funded |
|---|---|
| Level | PhD |
| Study in | United Kingdom |
| Subjects | All research areas at Imperial (subject to departments' ability to support international students) |
What it covers
- Full tuition fees
- Stipend of GBP 27,036 a year (2027-28 rate) for 3.5 years
- Consumables fund of GBP 2,000 a year for the first 3 years
- Bespoke development programme through the Early Career Researcher Institute
Who can apply
How to apply
- Contact a potential supervisor and agree a research project.
- Apply for the PhD through Imperial's online admissions system; there is no separate scholarship form.
- In 'Supporting documents', upload a two-page statement: page one a personal statement, page two a research proposal.
- Select the President's PhD Scholarship option in the funding section.
- Name two academic referees (not your proposed supervisor).
- Your department shortlists candidates for the College panel.
Documents you usually need
- Two-page personal statement and research proposal
- Transcripts/degree certificates
- Two academic references
- CV and any department-specific documents
- English language evidence (if required)
Scholarship rules and deadlines change every cycle. This page summarises the official information; always confirm on the official page before applying. Official applications are free.
