Imperial College London is a name synonymous with scientific innovation and excellence. Currently ranked 2nd in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025), it remains a top destination for researchers looking to solve the world’s most pressing challenges.
For many aspiring doctoral students, the barrier to entry isn’t just academic—it’s financial. That is where the President’s PhD Scholarship and other departmental funding schemes come in. These fully funded opportunities are designed to cover everything, allowing you to focus entirely on your research.
1. The Flagship: President’s PhD Scholarships
The President’s PhD Scholarship is the most prestigious funding award at Imperial. It is open to high-performing students of any nationality and across all research areas offered by the university.
What the Funding Covers
For the 2026/2027 academic year, successful scholars receive a comprehensive package for 3.5 years:
- Full Tuition Fees: Both Home and Overseas fees are covered.
- Living Stipend: A generous annual stipend of £26,500 (indexed for inflation) to help with London’s living costs.
- Consumables Fund: £2,000 per year for the first three years to support research expenses like equipment, travel, and books.
- Cohort Experience: Access to bespoke events, mentoring, and professional development through the Early Career Research Institute (ECRI).
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Academic Excellence: You must hold (or be on track to receive) a First-Class UK Honours degree (or international equivalent). If you have a standalone Master’s, you must have achieved a Distinction.
- Supervisor Consent: You must identify and secure the agreement of an academic supervisor at Imperial before you apply.
- New Applicants Only: This scheme is only for students starting a new PhD; currently registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible.
2. Other Fully Funded Opportunities
While the President’s Scholarship is the most famous, Imperial offers several other “fully funded” routes depending on your department and nationality:
| Scholarship Name | Target Audience | Key Benefit |
| Departmental Scholarships | Specific fields (e.g., Materials, Computing) | Full fees + stipend for 3.5–4 years |
| CSC-Imperial Scholarships | Chinese nationals | Full funding in partnership with the China Scholarship Council |
| Lee Family Scholarship | Students from China, Hong Kong, or Macau | Full overseas fees + £26,500 stipend |
| Design Engineering PhD (DEPS) | Engineering & Design applicants | Full fees + stipend for 3.5 years |
3. The Application Timeline (2025–2026)
Imperial operates in “rounds.” Applying in an earlier round gives you the best chance of being considered before funds are fully allocated.
- Round 1: Deadline November 3, 2025 (Notification by Jan 2026)
- Round 2: Deadline January 12, 2026 (Notification by March 2026)
- Round 3: Deadline March 2, 2026 (Notification by May 2026)
4. Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Applying for a PhD scholarship at Imperial is unique because there is no separate application form. You apply for the PhD itself and “tick a box” to be considered for funding.
Step 1: Find a Supervisor
Browse the Imperial Research Directory to find a professor whose work aligns with yours. Email them with a brief CV and a compelling research summary. You cannot be awarded a scholarship without their support.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You will need:
- A Personal Statement (2 pages): Page one should cover your motivations; page two should be your initial research proposal.
- Two Academic Referees: Choose people who know your research potential well (not your proposed Imperial supervisor).
- Transcripts: Evidence of your First-Class or Distinction-level performance.
Step 3: The Online Application
Submit your application through the My Imperial portal. Under the “Funding” section, make sure to select the President’s PhD Scholarship option.
Expert Tip: The Interview
If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview (in-person or via MS Teams). Be prepared to discuss your past projects in technical detail and explain why your proposed research is “Think Big” enough for Imperial.
Note: Competition is fierce—Imperial typically awards only 50 President’s Scholarships per year. If you aren’t selected for the top award, your department may still consider you for other internal funding pools automatically.
Would you like me to help you draft a professional “Initial Contact” email to send to potential supervisors at Imperial?