Are you planning to pursue a PhD in the United Kingdom in 2027? The Imperial President’s PhD Scholarships 2027–28 offer an outstanding opportunity to undertake doctoral research at Imperial College London with comprehensive financial support. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a £27,036 annual living stipend, along with research funding.

However, this is not a scholarship where applicants simply submit a separate funding form. The process requires careful preparation. You must first identify an appropriate Imperial academic who is willing to supervise your research. Your application is then assessed by the relevant department before potential nomination for the President’s PhD Scholarship.

With 50 scholarships available, competition is expected to be strong. Therefore, understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines, and selection requirements is essential.

Imperial President’s PhD Scholarships 2027–28: Quick Overview

The President’s PhD Scholarship at Imperial College London is designed to support outstanding doctoral researchers from around the world.

• University: Imperial College London, UK
• Scholarship: President’s PhD Scholarship 2027–28
• Study level: PhD
• Number of awards: 50
• Eligible nationalities: Applicants from all countries
• Tuition: Full tuition fee coverage
• Living stipend: £27,036 per year
• Research support: £2,000 per year for the first three years
• Funding duration: 3.5 years
• Study mode: Full-time or part-time
• Application fee: No fee for PhD and EngD applications
• Earliest funded start: 1 August 2027
• Latest funded start: 1 November 2027
• Final scholarship deadline: 1 March 2027

The scholarship is particularly attractive for international students seeking a fully funded PhD in the UK without having to pay tuition fees or cover all living expenses independently.

What Does the Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship Cover?

The financial package is one of the strongest features of this doctoral scholarship.

Full Tuition Fees and Living Stipend

Successful scholars receive full payment of their PhD tuition fees for 3.5 years. In addition, the published living allowance for 2027–28 is £27,036 per year.This stipend is intended to help scholars manage living costs while completing their doctoral studies in London.

Research Funding and Additional Support

Scholars also receive a £2,000 annual consumables fund for the first three years. This can help with eligible research-related expenses.

Beyond direct financial support, scholarship recipients can access Imperial's academic and research environment. This includes research-development activities, events, cohort-building opportunities, and wider support services for international and doctoral students.

Who Can Apply for the Scholarship?

The Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship is open to applicants from any country. You may apply whether your previous degree was completed at Imperial College London or another university.

However, academic excellence is a major part of the selection process.

Academic Requirements

Applicants should normally hold, or expect to achieve, a first-class undergraduate or integrated master's degree, or an equivalent qualification.

Applicants whose undergraduate result is below the first-class level may still be considered if they have achieved, or are expected to achieve, a distinction in a separate standalone master's degree.

Imperial may also consider exceptional cases involving extenuating circumstances or non-traditional academic and professional backgrounds. Strong evidence of research potential can be important in such cases.

Current registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible because the scholarship is intended for new doctoral applicants.

Do You Need IELTS for an Imperial PhD?

English-language requirements depend on the doctoral course you choose. Imperial generally uses Standard and Higher English levels.For Standard level courses, the commonly listed IELTS requirement is 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component. Higher level courses may require 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component.

Equivalent requirements may apply for tests such as PTE Academic and the Duolingo English Test.

Applicants should check the English-language requirements for their specific PhD course. You may not necessarily need to have your final English test result before submitting your application. If your admission offer is conditional, meeting the language requirement may become one of the conditions.

Finding an Imperial PhD Supervisor Is Essential

One of the most important parts of the application is finding an academic who is willing to supervise your proposed research.

How to Find the Right Supervisor

Start by searching Imperial's departments, doctoral courses, and research groups. Look for academics whose research closely matches your proposed topic.

Read their recent publications and research descriptions before contacting them. Your initial email should be personalised and demonstrate genuine knowledge of their work.

Explain your research question, proposed methodology, and potential contribution. Ask whether they are accepting new PhD researchers and would consider supervising your project.

You should also check Imperial's list of supervisors who are unavailable for the President's PhD Scholarship. This can save you valuable time.

How to Apply for the Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship

There is no separate scholarship application form. Instead, you apply for PhD admission through Imperial's online application system and indicate that you wish to be considered for the President's PhD Scholarship.

Application Steps

• Choose a suitable Imperial PhD course and research area.

• Identify and contact a potential supervisor.
• Obtain agreement from an appropriate Imperial academic.
• Prepare your academic transcripts and supporting documents.
• Write a strong personal statement and research proposal.
• Provide details for two academic referees.
• Select the President's PhD Scholarship in the funding section.
• Submit your doctoral application before the relevant scholarship deadline.

Your proposed Imperial PhD supervisor should not be used as one of your academic referees.

What Makes a Competitive Application?

Imperial looks beyond grades. The selection process considers academic excellence and research potential.

Your research proposal should clearly identify an important research problem. Explain why the issue matters, what gap your research will address, and how you intend to investigate it.

Avoid generic proposals. A strong application should demonstrate a clear connection between your previous academic experience, proposed research, and long-term goals.

If you are shortlisted, your application may be considered by the College Selection Panel.

Imperial President’s PhD Scholarship 2027–28 Deadlines

Imperial has three scholarship application rounds for the 2027–28 intake.The deadlines are:

• 2 November 2026 at 23:59 UK time – scholarship decision expected by 31 January 2027.
• 11 January 2027 at 23:59 UK time – scholarship decision expected by 15 April 2027.
• 1 March 2027 at 23:59 UK time – scholarship decision expected by 31 May 2027.

Although 1 March 2027 is the final deadline, applicants should avoid waiting until the last round. Finding a supervisor, preparing a research proposal, securing references, and completing the PhD application can take considerable time.

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