Imperial College President's PhD Scholarships
Imperial College London · All India
| Scheme Name | Imperial College President's PhD Scholarships |
| Provided By | Imperial College London |
| Eligibility Summary | PhD · No income limit |
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Imperial College President's PhD Scholarships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
£27,036 (approx. ₹36.5 Lakh+)
The scholarship provides full funding for tuition fees for 3.5 years. It includes an annual stipend of £27,036 (2027-28 rate), estimated to be INR 2,838,780 (at an approximate exchange rate of 1 GBP = 105 INR) to assist with living costs. Additionally, a consumables fund of £2,000 per annum is provided for the first 3 years of study. Payments are disbursed directly to the scholar, with no specific mention of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts as this is a UK scholarship.
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Academic Achievement:Must be a high-achieving undergraduate or Master's student. Hold or expect to receive a first-class UK undergraduate degree or its equivalent. Candidates with a standalone Master's qualification must have achieved (or be about to achieve) a distinction. If holding multiple standalone Master's degrees, distinction in the one most relevant to the proposed PhD is required.
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Research Potential:Demonstrate excellent academic performance and promising research potential.
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Supervisor:Must have made contact with a supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise the research project. Each supervisor is limited to supervising one scholar at any given time.
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New Applicants:The scheme is only open to new PhD applications. Current registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible.
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Nationality:Applications are accepted from talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK, and worldwide, with no restrictions on nationality.
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Study Mode:The scholarship applies to both full-time and part-time study.
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English Language:International applicants must meet Imperial College's English language requirements, typically demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL.
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Start Dates:Eligible funded start dates for the 2026-27 academic year range from 1 August to 1 November 2026.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | PhD |
| Course / Stream | PhD |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Online application for admission to Imperial College London
- ✓Two-page personal statement (Page 1: motivations for applying to Imperial and the scholarship, and any other supporting information; Page 2: detailed research proposal. A more detailed research proposal may be required by the department.)
- ✓Academic Transcripts (undergraduate and Master's, if applicable)
- ✓Two Academic References (excluding the proposed PhD supervisor)
- ✓Proof of Academic Excellence (e.g., class ranking, awards, distinctions, proof of distinction)
- ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- ✓English Language Proficiency Certificate (for international applicants, if applicable)
Selection Process
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Fifty (50) scholarship places are available
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The selection process is highly competitive and involves a two-stage review
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First, candidates meeting or predicted to meet the eligibility criteria are reviewed by their chosen academic department, which then shortlists candidates
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These shortlisted candidates are presented to the College Selection Panel for final consideration
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Selection is based on academic excellence, demonstrated by past academic results, transcripts, relative class position, awards, and distinctions
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Research potential is also critically assessed through the candidate's research experience, interest in discovery, the quality and contribution of their research proposal, and performance at an interview
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Candidates must have secured an agreement from a potential supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise their research project before applying.
Renewal Policy
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The scholarship is awarded for 3.5 years
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Renewal for subsequent years is contingent upon satisfactory academic progression
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Scholars are required to maintain a First Class Honours in their undergraduate degree and/or a Distinction in their postgraduate taught/research degree
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Failure to meet the eligibility criteria of the award will result in the scholarship being revoked.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Find a Supervisor
Before applying, you must identify and contact a potential supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise your research project.
- 2Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents, including a two-page personal statement (the first page outlining motivations for applying and supporting information, the second page detailing your research proposal), academic transcripts (undergraduate and Master's), a Curriculum Vitae (CV), proof of English language proficiency, and contact details for two academic referees (excluding your proposed PhD supervisor).
- 3Submit PhD Application Online
Apply for admission to an eligible PhD programme through Imperial College London's online admissions system. There is no separate scholarship application form.
- 4Indicate Scholarship Interest
Within the online application form, specifically select the 'President's PhD Scholarship' option in the funding section of the 'additional questions' tab.
- 5Adhere to Deadlines
Be aware of the multiple application rounds. For the 2027-28 academic year (applications in 2026), the deadlines are typically: * Round 1: Apply by 2 November 2026 (results by 31 January 2027). * Round 2: Apply by 11 January 2027 (results by 15 April 2027). * Round 3: Apply by 1 March 2027 (results by 31 May 2027).
- 6Track Application Status
You will typically be notified of the scholarship outcome by the dates specified for each round. Await notification from the department regarding the scholarship selection outcome.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Am I eligible to apply for the President's PhD Scholarships as an Indian student?
Yes, the President's PhD Scholarships are open to talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK, and worldwide, with no restrictions on nationality. Indian students are welcome to apply, provided they meet the academic excellence and research potential criteria. International candidates should verify with the relevant Admissions team that their academic qualifications meet the scheme's requirements.
What does the President's PhD Scholarship fully cover, beyond the annual stipend?
The scholarship offers a comprehensive financial package that includes full funding for PhD tuition fees for 3.5 years. In addition to the annual living stipend (e.g., £27,036 for 2027-28), it provides a consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first three years of study to support research materials and other related expenses. Scholars also gain access to bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) and broader postgraduate support services.
How competitive is the President's PhD Scholarship, and what increases my chances of selection?
The President's PhD Scholarship is highly competitive, with typically 50 places available each year. To increase your chances, demonstrate exceptional academic excellence (first-class undergraduate or distinction in Master's), strong research potential (evidenced by research experience and a compelling proposal), and secure a committed supervisor before applying. Applying in earlier rounds may also be beneficial, as departments nominate their strongest candidates to the central selection panel.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Imperial College London website before final submission.