Imperial College London Presidents PhD Scholarship 2025/2026, United Kingdom

Imperial College London, located in the vibrant city of London, United Kingdom, is a globally renowned public research institution dedicated to science, technology, medicine, and business. Established in 1907, Imperial has long held a reputation for excellence in research and education, consistently ranking among the top universities worldwide. Known for its commitment to addressing complex global challenges, Imperial boasts a diverse student body, cutting-edge research facilities, and a collaborative environment that emphasizes interdisciplinary work.

The university attracts top talent from across the globe and provides students with an enriching academic and research-oriented experience. It is within this esteemed institution that the President’s PhD Scholarship 2025 is offered, a fully funded opportunity for promising scholars to undertake transformative research.

Scholarship Description:

Host University: Imperial College London;
Host Country: United Kingdom;
Study Level: PhD Level;
Scholarship Type: Partial Funding;
Scholarship Worth: £25,224 ;
Eligible Countries: International Students;
Subjects Available: All Subjects;
Application Deadline: March 10th, 2025

The President’s PhD Scholarship 2025 at Imperial College London is designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world who aspire to undertake doctoral research at a leading institution. Open to both international and domestic students, this scholarship provides full funding, enabling scholars to fully dedicate themselves to their research pursuits without financial constraints. Awarded to approximately 50 outstanding students annually, this scholarship fosters a vibrant community of scholars who work under the guidance of Imperial’s leading academics.

Scholarship Benefits:

Financial Support:
- Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship fully covers tuition fees for the entire duration of the PhD program, ensuring that scholars do not face any financial barriers to their education.
- Annual Stipend: Scholars receive a generous stipend of £25,224 per year (based on the 2024/25 rate) to help with living expenses. This amount is designed to ensure that students can focus entirely on their studies and research without needing additional employment.
- Consumables Fund: An additional £2,000 per year is provided for the first three years to cover research-related expenses, including the purchase of essential materials, laboratory equipment, or supplies.
Academic and Professional Development:
- Customized Events and Workshops: The Graduate School organizes a wide range of events, including research seminars, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities tailored to support scholars in their academic and career development.
- Access to Support Services: Scholarship recipients have full access to Imperial’s support services, which include specialized assistance for international and disabled students and an extensive array of professional skills courses to enhance career readiness.
- Research Cohort Community: Scholars become part of a cohesive research community, benefiting from cross-departmental collaborations, mentorship, and peer support. This environment encourages interdisciplinary work and fosters innovation.

Eligibility Requirements :

Academic Excellence:
- Applicants must have an outstanding academic record, typically holding a first-class undergraduate or integrated Master’s degree. A distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification may also meet the academic requirements.
- Candidates are evaluated based on their transcripts, academic awards, and overall performance in their previous studies.
Research Potential:
- Imperial seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong aptitude and passion for research. Applicants are expected to show promising research potential through their previous experiences, research proposals, and academic references.
Global Reach:
- This scholarship is open to talented individuals from around the world, including students from Imperial College London, UK citizens, and international applicants. Imperial values diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
Alternate Pathways:
- The scholarship is also open to candidates with unconventional academic backgrounds who can demonstrate exceptional research potential. Such candidates may apply through the Alternate Pathways route, which offers flexibility for those whose achievements may not follow traditional educational trajectories.
Specific Requirements:
- New PhD Applications Only: This scholarship is only available for new PhD applicants. Current PhD students at Imperial College are not eligible.
- Full-Time and Part-Time Study Options: The scholarship supports both full-time and part-time PhD programs.
- Departmental Restrictions: Certain departments may have restrictions regarding the sponsorship of international candidates, so applicants are advised to confirm eligibility with their chosen department before applying.

Application Process:

Pre-Application Steps:
- Find a Supervisor: Candidates must identify a suitable PhD supervisor within their chosen department who is willing to support their research. The supervisor plays a pivotal role in guiding the research process and mentoring the student.
- Check Supervisor Availability: Before applying, it’s essential to check the “President’s PhD Scholarships – Unavailable Supervisors” page to ensure the chosen supervisor is available for new scholars.
Application Submission:
- Online Application: Applications are submitted via Imperial’s online admissions system. Once the application is reviewed by the respective department, eligible candidates are considered for the scholarship based on their academic record and research potential.
- Additional Scholarship Instructions: The scholarship application requires additional documents beyond the standard admissions form, including a personal statement and a detailed research proposal.
Additional Admissions Instructions:
- Start Dates: Funded positions for the 2025-26 academic year are available to start between August 1 and November 1, 2025.
- Personal Statement: Candidates are asked to submit a two-page personal statement as part of their application. The first page should explain their motivation for applying to Imperial College London and the scholarship, while the second page should outline their research proposal.
- Academic References: Applicants need to provide two academic references from individuals familiar with their research potential, such as their thesis supervisor or personal tutor. Proposed PhD supervisors should not be listed as referees.
Review and Selection Process:
- Two-Stage Review: The selection process occurs in two stages. First, candidates who meet the eligibility requirements are reviewed at the departmental level. Shortlisted applicants are then presented to the College Selection Panel.
- College Selection Panel: The final selection decision is made by the College Selection Panel, which comprises the Vice-Provost (Research), the Graduate School Director, and Faculty Vice-Deans for Research.
- Selection Criteria: Candidates are evaluated based on academic achievements, research potential, and the quality of their research proposal.