How to Win the Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship

What would you do with 3.5 years to pursue your research ambitions without paying university tuition yourself? Imperial College London offers an opportunity that could make that possible. The Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship 2027–28 supports outstanding doctoral candidates from around the world. Successful applicants receive full tuition fee funding, an annual living stipend of £27,036 and additional money for research expenses.

The university plans to award 50 scholarships. Applicants from across the world can compete, although some departments may have restrictions on supporting international candidates. The first application deadline is 2 November 2026 at 23:59 UK time. Two later rounds are scheduled for January and March 2027.

This is a competitive opportunity for students with excellent academic records and strong research potential. You also need an Imperial academic supervisor who agrees to supervise your proposed PhD project.

Official scholarship page: Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships.

Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship 2027 at a Glance

What does the Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship Cover?

Imperial’s President’s PhD Scholarship helps outstanding researchers focus on their doctoral work.

1. Full tuition fees

The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the funded PhD programme, including applicable overseas fees.

This is a significant benefit for international applicants. Overseas doctoral tuition can be expensive, particularly at a research-intensive university in London.

2. £27,036 annual living stipend

Successful scholars receive a stipend of £27,036 for the 2027–28 academic year to help cover living expenses.

You can use this support towards accommodation, food, transport and other ordinary living costs while studying. Before moving to London, compare accommodation options and estimate your monthly expenses carefully.

A compact digital luggage scale can also be useful when preparing for an international move. It helps you check baggage weight before travelling, reducing the risk of unexpected airport charges. If you are buying one, compare models with clear weight displays and units that match your airline’s requirements.

3. £2,000 annual research fund

The scholarship includes £2,000 per year for research consumables during the first three years. This funding supports eligible costs associated with research. The precise items covered depend on your project and the university’s funding rules. For example, researchers who work with large datasets, a portable external SSD can be useful for backing up personal research files and moving permitted data between compatible devices.

4. Research and Professional Development

President’s scholars also receive access to activities and opportunities delivered through Imperial’s Early Career Researcher Institute. These can help scholars develop research skills, meet other doctoral researchers and build professional networks.

For long reading sessions, a Kindle Paperwhite or another e-reader can make it easier to carry books and reading material without filling your bag with heavy volumes. It is optional, of course. Many researchers will prefer reading papers on a laptop or tablet.

Who can Apply for the Imperial President’s PhD scholarship?

The scholarship is open to talented candidates from the UK and worldwide. However, it has demanding academic and research requirements.

1. You need an excellent academic record

Imperial normally expects candidates to have, or be predicted to achieve, a first-class undergraduate degree or an equivalent qualification. Applicants with a standalone master’s degree may qualify if they have, or are expected to achieve, a distinction in that qualification.

International applicants should confirm that their qualifications meet Imperial’s requirements.

2. You must be applying for a new PhD

The scholarship is for new doctoral applicants. Students who are already registered on an Imperial PhD programme are not eligible for this award.

Both full-time and part-time study can be supported under the scheme, subject to the university’s conditions.

3. You need a willing academic supervisor

Before submitting your application, you must contact an academic in the relevant Imperial department who agrees to supervise your proposed research project.

Prepare a professional email introducing yourself, summarising your academic background and explaining your research interests. A well-organised laptop backpack with a padded device compartment can also be helpful when carrying your computer, notebook and documents between your workplace, university visits and meetings.

You do not need to buy new equipment to contact a supervisor, however. A clear email and a relevant CV matter much more than the accessories you own.

4. Your department must be able to support your application

Imperial accepts applicants from all nationalities, but some departments may not be able to fund international candidates. Your proposed research must fit the department’s expertise and available supervision. Check the department’s admissions requirements before preparing your final application.

5. You need evidence of research potential

The university assesses academic excellence and research potential. Your academic record, research experience, proposed research plan and departmental assessment can all contribute to your application.

A scientific calculator may be useful for candidates whose research involves mathematical modelling, engineering calculations or quantitative analysis. Choose one only if it suits your subject and the tools you already use.

Which Subjects are Eligible?

The President’s PhD Scholarship is available across a range of participating Imperial departments and research areas, including:

• Aeronautics
• Bioengineering
• Brain sciences
• Chemical engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil and environmental engineering
• Computing
• Earth science and engineering
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Life sciences
• Materials
• Mathematics
• Mechanical engineering
• Physics
• Public health
• Medicine and related research areas

This is an illustrative list, not a guarantee that every PhD project in each department will be available or eligible.

Find a department that matches your academic background, identify a suitable research area and confirm that the department can consider you for the scholarship.

Start with Imperial’s doctoral course directory.

When are the Application Deadlines?

Imperial considers President’s PhD Scholarship applications in three rounds for the 2027–28 academic year.

The earliest funded start date is 1 August 2027, and the latest is 1 November 2027.

Departments may have earlier internal deadlines for reviewing candidates and putting them forward for scholarship consideration. Confirm your department’s requirements rather than relying solely on the central scholarship deadline.

How to Apply for the Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship

There is no separate scholarship application form. You apply for admission to an Imperial PhD programme and indicate that you wish to be considered for the President’s PhD Scholarship.

Step 1: Find a suitable PhD research area

Visit Imperial’s doctoral course directory. Look for a research area that fits your previous studies, experience and interests. Review the department’s research themes and admission requirements.

Step 2: Contact a potential supervisor

Identify an academic whose research interests match your proposed project. Send a professional email introducing yourself, summarising your academic background and briefly describing the research you would like to pursue.

Include your CV and a short research outline if appropriate. Ask whether the academic would be willing to discuss supervising your project and whether the department can consider you for the scholarship.

Step 3: Prepare your supporting documents

Imperial requires a specific two-page document in the supporting documents section for the scholarship application.

• Page one: Your personal statement, including your reasons for applying to Imperial and the scholarship, plus relevant supporting information.
• Page two: Your research proposal.

You may be asked to provide an updated version if your department shortlists you.

You should also prepare your academic transcripts, qualifications and information for two academic referees. Your proposed PhD supervisor should not be listed as one of these two referees.

For writing and editing, a comfortable external keyboard can be a worthwhile addition if you spend long hours preparing research proposals or analysing documents. A compact wireless model is convenient for shared offices, while a full-size keyboard may suit a permanent desk setup.

Step 4: Complete the online PhD application

Submit your admission application through Imperial’s online admissions system. When you reach the funding section in the additional questions tab, select the President’s PhD Scholarship option to be considered.

There is no separate scholarship form, but you must follow the university’s scholarship-specific instructions.

Step 5: Submit before the relevant deadline

The first deadline is 2 November 2026. If you cannot prepare a complete application by then, check whether your department accepts applications for the January or March rounds. Allow time for your supervisor to respond, your referees to prepare references and the department to review your application.

If your application requires scanning documents or signing forms, a portable document scanner can be useful for producing clear digital copies of certificates and supporting paperwork. A phone scanning app may be sufficient if you already have one that produces readable files.

Step 6: Wait for departmental and university review

Applications go through a two-stage selection process. First, the relevant department reviews eligible applicants and selects candidates for the scholarship shortlist. The shortlisted applications then go to the College Selection Panel for consideration.

The selection process considers academic excellence and research potential, including your academic results, research experience, proposal and the department’s assessment.

Candidates who are not selected for the President’s PhD Scholarship may still be considered for a standard PhD place, although this does not guarantee admission or funding.

How to Prepare for Doctoral Study

Winning the scholarship is the main goal, but it is also worth preparing for the practical demands of research.

• Protect your research files. A reliable USB-C hub or multiport adapter can help connect compatible laptops to external storage, monitors and other peripherals. Check that the ports and charging capabilities match your computer before buying.
• Create a comfortable workspace. A laptop stand can raise your screen to a more comfortable viewing height. Pair it with a separate keyboard if you regularly work at a desk.
• Make long reading sessions easier. Noise-cancelling headphones may help reduce distractions in shared accommodation, busy libraries or open-plan study areas. They are particularly useful for people who work best in quieter surroundings, but they are not essential.
• Improve your desk lighting. An adjustable desk lamp can help illuminate handwritten notes and printed documents without relying entirely on overhead lighting. Look for adjustable brightness and a design that suits the space available.
• Keep your devices charged while travelling. A high-capacity power bank can be useful for compatible phones, tablets and some laptops. Check the power output, device compatibility and airline rules before purchasing one for international travel.

You do not need to buy all these products. Prioritise items that solve a real problem for your study routine and budget.

How to Improve your Chances

The scholarship is competitive, so your application needs to demonstrate academic strength and clear research potential.

• Choose a supervisor carefully. Look for an academic whose expertise closely matches your proposed research.
• Make your proposal specific. Explain the problem you want to investigate, why it matters and how you could approach it.
• Show evidence of research ability. Discuss your dissertation, research projects, publications, laboratory work, data analysis or other relevant experience.
• Explain why Imperial is suitable. Identify relevant expertise, research groups or facilities that make the university an appropriate place for your proposed work.
• Prepare your academic references early. Give your referees enough time to provide detailed assessments of your abilities.
• Follow the instructions precisely. Use the required two-page personal statement and research proposal format, and select the correct scholarship option.
• Apply early when possible. This gives you more time to resolve missing documents and allows your department to review your application before its internal deadline.

Frequently asked questions

• Is the Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship fully funded?

Yes. It covers full tuition fees and provides a living stipend of £27,036 per year for 2027–28, plus £2,000 per year for research consumables during the first three years.

• Can international students apply?

Yes. The scholarship accepts candidates worldwide without nationality restrictions. However, some departments may not be able to support international candidates, so check before applying.

• How many scholarships are available?

Imperial lists 50 President’s PhD Scholarships.

• Do I need to contact a supervisor first?

Yes. You must contact an academic in an Imperial department who agrees to supervise your research before applying.

• Is there a separate scholarship application form?

No. You apply for admission to the PhD programme and select the President’s PhD Scholarship option in the funding section of the online application.

• What is the deadline?

The first round closes on 2 November 2026, followed by 11 January 2027 and 1 March 2027. All three deadlines are at 23:59 UK time.

• Can I apply if I already study for a PhD at Imperial?

No. The scholarship is intended for new PhD applicants and does not accept students already registered on an Imperial PhD programme.

Final Thoughts

The Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship 2027–28 is a strong opportunity for academically outstanding graduates who want to pursue doctoral research in the United Kingdom. The package covers tuition fees, provides a substantial annual living stipend and includes a research fund. International applicants can compete, although the scholarship is highly selective and departmental restrictions may apply. The first deadline is approaching quickly. If you are interested, identify a suitable research area, contact a potential supervisor and check the application instructions immediately.

Official scholarship details and application instructions: Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship.

This post may contain a few affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Lantern Post!

Also on the Lantern Post:

• How to win the Cambridge PhD Scholarship
• How to Win the UCL Bartlett Promise Scholarship for Africans
• How to Study in Australia for Free with the UNSW Scholarship
• Study in the UK for Free with the Oxford Clarendon Scholarship
• How to Win the KU Leuven Scholarship for Africa 2027