UKPresident’s PhD Scholarship 2027-28 provides full funding for tuition fees and a generous stipend for a 3.5 year PhD place at Imperial College London, offering cohort-building opportunities and support for a research project of your choosing.
The scholarship is provided by Imperial College London and includes access to the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) programme of bespoke opportunities and events, plus the full range of postgraduate support at Imperial.
President’s PhD Scholarship Benefits
- Full funding for tuition fees.
- A stipend of £27,036 (2027-28 rate) per annum to assist with living costs.
- A consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first 3 years of study.
- A programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI).
- Access to the full range of support available to postgraduates at Imperial, including tailored support for disabled and international students.
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President’s PhD Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- This competitive scheme has higher than usual eligibility requirements, attracting candidates that show excellent academic performance and promising research potential.
- We accept applications from talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK and worldwide. There are no restrictions on nationality.
- The scholarship applies to both full- and part-time study.
- Candidates must be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class or equivalent in an undergraduate or integrated Masters degree; or if this has not been achieved
- Candidates must be in receipt of (or where this has yet to be received be able to provide evidence of high performance that will lead to) a distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification.
- Candidates with only a single undergraduate degree or integrated Master’s must still must be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class or equivalent.
- Applicants that have not met the advertised eligibility criteria for the scheme may be selected by their department as a special case if there are extenuating circumstances.
- The scheme is only open to new PhD applications. Current registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible to be considered for a President’s PhD Scholarship.
How to Apply for President’s PhD Scholarship
- You must have made contact with a supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise your research project.
- Supervisors are limited to supervise one scholar at any time. Please review the President’s PhD Scholarships – Unavailable Supervisors page for more information.
- There isn’t specific scholarship application form.
- You should submit your application for admission to study at Imperial through our online admissions system and your department will put you forward for the scholarship based on academic merit and potential.
- For the 2027–28 academic year, the earliest start date for funded places is 1 August 2027, the latest start date is 1 November 2027.
- Within ‘Supporting documents’, your personal statement should be a 2-page document structured as detailed: first page personal statement, second page research proposal.
- The research proposal option under ‘Supporting documents’ should be used to provide a more detailed document if your department requires it.
- When prompted for the names of two academic referees, these should be people who can provide an academic reference in support of your application; you should not include your proposed PhD supervisor.
- To be considered for the President’s PhD Scholarship scheme, you must select this option in the funding section of the additional questions tab within the online application form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the President’s PhD Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this Imperial College London PhD funding.
What does the President’s PhD Scholarship cover?
The President’s PhD Scholarship provides full funding for tuition fees, a stipend of £27,036 per annum (2027–28 rate) for living costs, a consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first three years, and a programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Early Career Researcher Institute.
Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?
Applications are accepted from talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK and worldwide with no restrictions on nationality. The scheme accepts both full- and part-time study and is open only to new PhD applicants; current registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible.
What academic qualifications are required?
Candidates must be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class or equivalent in an undergraduate or integrated Masters degree. Alternatively, candidates may hold or expect a distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification if a first class undergraduate degree was not achieved.
How do I apply for the President’s PhD Scholarship?
There is no separate scholarship form. You submit your application for admission to study at Imperial through the online admissions system; your department will put you forward for the scholarship based on academic merit and potential. You must select the scholarship option in the funding section of the additional questions tab.
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
Yes. You must have made contact with a supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise your research project. Supervisors are limited to supervise one scholar at any time, so check the unavailable supervisors guidance before applying.
Are there specific supporting document requirements?
Within ‘Supporting documents’ your personal statement should be two pages: the first page a personal statement outlining motivations and supporting information; the second page your research proposal. You may submit updated versions if shortlisted by your department.
What is the selection process for the scholarships?
There are 50 scholarship places. Departments review candidates meeting eligibility and shortlist to present to the College Selection Panel. The College Selection Panel, including senior research leaders, makes final decisions with some offers made at Faculty level and additional offers from a ring-fenced allocation for Alternate Pathways candidates.
When will successful applicants be notified?
Applicants who apply by 23:59 (UK time) 2 November 2026 and are awarded a scholarship will be notified by 31 January 2027. Applicants who apply by 11 January 2027 will be notified by 15 April 2027, and those who apply by 1 March 2027 will be notified by 31 May 2027.
Can applicants with non-traditional backgrounds apply?
Yes. Imperial encourages candidates with non-traditional academic and/or career pathways who show strong research potential to apply. The College also allows departments to nominate special case applicants if there are extenuating circumstances affecting their grades.
Who can I contact for questions about the application process?
If you have questions about the application process or the application form, speak with the relevant Admissions department or your department/supervisor. For questions specifically about the President’s PhD Scholarships, email the Student Financial Support team at student.funding@imperial.ac.uk.
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