Pakistani applicants can apply for Imperial College London’s President’s PhD Scholarships for 2027-28. The scheme offers 50 fully funded PhD places, with the first deadline on 2 November 2026 and later rounds on 11 January and 1 March 2027.
Quick Overview
| Scholarship | Imperial President’s PhD Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Academic year | 2027-28 |
| Awards | 50 |
| Eligible nationalities | Worldwide, including Pakistan |
| Funding period | 3.5 years |
| Deadlines | 2 November 2026; 11 January 2027; 1 March 2027 |
| Status | Open |
About the Program
The President’s PhD Scholarships support exceptional new doctoral applicants at Imperial College London. Candidates propose a research project with an Imperial supervisor and are assessed for academic excellence and research potential.
There is no nationality restriction, so qualified Pakistani candidates may apply. Some departments may have practical limits on supporting international candidates, and applicants must meet both the scholarship criteria and the selected department’s admission rules.
Financial Benefits
Each 2027-28 award provides:
- Full tuition-fee funding
- A living stipend of GBP 27,036 per year at the published 2027-28 rate
- A consumables fund of GBP 2,000 per year for the first three years
- Development activities and events delivered through Imperial’s Early Career Researcher Institute
The award supports 3.5 years of PhD study. It does not guarantee a visa or cover every personal cost.
Program Structure
Applicants choose a doctoral research area and secure support from an eligible Imperial supervisor before applying. The earliest funded start date is 1 August 2027 and the latest is 1 November 2027.
Departments first review eligible applications and nominate candidates. Faculty and College panels then make the final scholarship decisions. Applicants not selected for the President’s scholarship may still be considered for a standard PhD place.
Eligibility Requirements
- Apply as a new PhD student; current registered Imperial PhD students are not eligible.
- Hold, or be due to receive, a first-class or equivalent undergraduate or integrated master’s degree.
- If the first-class undergraduate standard was not achieved, hold or be on track for a distinction in a standalone master’s degree.
- Show excellent academic performance and strong research potential.
- Have an Imperial supervisor who agrees to supervise the proposed project before submission.
- Meet the selected department’s admission and English-language requirements.
Required Documents
- Online PhD admission application
- A two-page personal statement: page one for motivation and supporting information, page two for the research proposal
- A more detailed research proposal if the department requires one
- Academic transcripts and qualification evidence
- Two academic referees who are not the proposed PhD supervisor
- Any additional documents required by the department
How to Apply
- Read the official President’s PhD Scholarship page.
- Identify a relevant department and contact a potential supervisor. Obtain the supervisor’s agreement before applying.
- Prepare the PhD application and scholarship-specific documents.
- Apply for doctoral admission through Imperial’s online system.
- Select the President’s PhD Scholarship option in the funding section of the additional questions tab.
- Submit by the round that fits your preparation: 2 November 2026, 11 January 2027 or 1 March 2027, each at 23:59 UK time.
Further Scholarships for Pakistani Students
- University of Leeds scholarships guide
- Reach Oxford Scholarship guide
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pakistani students apply for the President’s PhD Scholarship?
Yes. Imperial accepts candidates worldwide and does not restrict the scheme by nationality.
How much is the 2027-28 stipend?
The published stipend is GBP 27,036 per year, plus full tuition funding and a separate consumables budget.
Is there a separate scholarship form?
No. Candidates apply for PhD admission and select the President’s PhD Scholarship in the funding section.
Must I contact a supervisor first?
Yes. Applicants must contact an Imperial supervisor who agrees to supervise the proposed research project before submission.