If you are a high-achieving undergraduate or Master’s student with a passion for research, applications are now open for the President’s PhD Scholarships at Imperial College London. This prestigious scholarship provides an outstanding opportunity to receive full funding for tuition fees and a generous stipend for a 3.5-year PhD programme. Scholars will have the freedom to pursue a research project of their choice with the support of an excellent supervisor and will benefit from exclusive cohort-building activities.
President’s PhD Scholarships Summary
Location: London, United Kingdom
Host University: Imperial College London
Study Level: PhD
Study Fields: Open to all PhD programmes offered at Imperial College London
Funding Type: Fully funded (tuition fees, stipend, research consumables)
Duration: 3.5 years
Application Deadlines: March 10, 2025
Start Date: Between August 1 – November 1, 2025
Eligible To: UK and international students (no nationality restrictions)
Scholarship Overview
The President’s PhD Scholarships at Imperial College London are designed to attract exceptional candidates from Imperial College London, the UK, and worldwide. This highly competitive programme seeks students with strong academic performance and promising research potential.
Scholars will:
Conduct independent research under the guidance of a world-class supervisor.
Join a cohort of outstanding PhD researchers, fostering collaboration and networking.
Gain access to Imperial’s professional development and research training programmes.
Be part of the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI), which offers bespoke opportunities and events.
Scholarship Benefits and Coverage
Each of the 50 Fully Funded scholarships available includes:
Full funding for tuition fees
Annual stipend of £25,980 (2025/26 rate) to assist with living costs
Consumables fund of £2,000 per year (for the first three years)
Exclusive training and networking opportunities through the Early Career Researcher Institute
Access to Imperial’s Graduate School, with professional skills training and career support
Tailored support for international and disabled students
Eligibility Criteria
This highly competitive scheme has stricter requirements than standard PhD admissions. Applicants must meet at least one of the following academic criteria:
Be in receipt of (or due to receive) a first-class undergraduate or integrated Master’s degree
If the undergraduate degree was not first-class, the candidate must have a distinction in a standalone Master’s degree
Applicants with non-traditional academic or career pathways who demonstrate exceptional research potential may be considered through the Alternate Pathways route
Other requirements:
Open to UK, EU, and international students (some departments may have restrictions on international candidates)
Only new PhD applicants are eligible (current Imperial PhD students are not eligible)
Candidates must secure supervisor approval before applying
The supervisor can only support one applicant per year
How to Apply
1. Find a Supervisor
Applicants must contact a supervisor in their chosen academic department.
The supervisor must confirm their support before the applicant submits the online application.
Some supervisors may not be available—candidates should check the Unavailable Supervisors list.
2. Submit an Online Application
There is no separate application form for the scholarship. Candidates must apply for admission to a PhD programme via Imperial’s online admissions system.
In the Funding section, select the President’s PhD Scholarship option.
Departments will nominate eligible candidates for the scholarship.
3. Prepare Supporting Documents
Personal Statement (2 pages, structured as follows):
- **Page 1**: Personal statement (motivations, research interests, why Imperial, and why this scholarship)
- **Page 2**: Research proposal (if required by the department)
Academic Transcripts (undergraduate and Master’s degrees)
Proof of English Proficiency (if required)
Two Academic References (from tutors or thesis supervisors, not from the proposed PhD supervisor)
Review and Selection Process
The selection process consists of two stages:
1. Departmental Shortlisting
Departments assess applications and select candidates to nominate for the scholarship.
2. College Selection Panel Review
Candidates shortlisted by departments are evaluated by a central selection panel
The panel includes Vice-Provost (Research), Graduate School Directors, and Faculty Vice-Deans for Research.
Assessment Criteria:
Academic Excellence: Past academic results, class ranking, distinctions, and awards.
Research Potential: Prior research experience, discovery-driven mindset, and strength of the research proposal.
Performance at Interview: If the department requires one.
Nomination: Successful candidates will receive written confirmation of their scholarship.
🗓️ Application Deadline: March 10, 2025
ℹ️ Further Information
For questions about the President’s PhD Scholarships, contact: Student Financial Support team at: student.funding@imperial.ac.uk
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
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