What the funding covers
- Full tuition fees for 3.5 years of study.
- A stipend of £27,036 a year at the 2027-28 rate, for living costs.
- A consumables fund of £2,000 a year for the first three years.
- A programme of events and opportunities from Imperial's Early Career Researcher Institute.
What you will still pay
| Cost | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | The scholarship |
| Living costs | The stipend of £27,036 a year |
| Research consumables, first 3 years | The scholarship, £2,000 a year |
| Student visa and flights | You |
Who can apply
- New PhD applicants from anywhere in the world. Current Imperial PhD students cannot be considered.
- A first-class or equivalent undergraduate or integrated master's degree, held or expected; or a distinction, held or on course, in a standalone master's.
- International candidates should ask the admissions team whether their grades meet the requirement.
- A department can put forward a special case with extenuating circumstances, and candidates with non-traditional paths may also apply.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
Documents you will need
- Your PhD admission application in Imperial's online system.
- A 2-page statement: the first page your personal statement, the second your research proposal.
- A longer research proposal, if your department asks for one.
- Two academic referees. Your proposed PhD supervisor cannot be one of them.
How to apply
- Find an Imperial supervisor who agrees to supervise your project. Each supervisor can hold only one President's Scholar, so check Imperial's list of unavailable supervisors.
- Apply for PhD admission through Imperial's online system. There is no separate scholarship form.
- Select the President's PhD Scholarship in the funding section of the additional questions tab.
- Apply by 23:59 UK time on 2 November 2026, 11 January 2027 or 1 March 2027. Awards are announced by 31 January, 15 April and 31 May 2027 respectively.
Before you apply: things to know
- You need a supervisor's agreement before you apply, so start well ahead of a round.
- Your department decides whether to shortlist you; a faculty and a college panel then make the awards.
- Some departments may be unable to support international candidates, so ask yours first.
- For 2027-28, funded places must start between 1 August and 1 November 2027.
Common questions
Can international students get the President's PhD Scholarship?
Yes. Imperial sets no nationality limit and pays full tuition at any fee status, though some departments may be unable to support international candidates.
Is there a separate scholarship application?
No. You apply for a PhD place, tick the scholarship in the funding section, and your department puts you forward.
What are the deadlines for 2027-28?
23:59 UK time on 2 November 2026, 11 January 2027 and 1 March 2027.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Jan 11, 2027). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Oct 19, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Nov 2, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Nov 16, 2026Write the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Nov 30, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Dec 14, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Dec 28, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Jan 4, 2027Submit, but never on the last day
Jan 11, 2027Deadline