Fully Funded Global Development PhD Fellowship at Imperial College London Imperial College London in United Kingdom

The Global Development Fellowship at Imperial College London offers a fully funded, short-term research placement for PhD students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This prestigious opportunity is open to all research fields aligned with Imperial’s departments, allowing doctoral researchers to accelerate their PhD with world-class supervision and facilities. The fellowship supports 2–4 month lab placements starting in March 2026, with a strict application deadline of 28 November 2025.

Funding is provided by Imperial’s International Relations Office and includes a monthly stipend of £1,900, a one-off arrival payment of £200, return economy airfare, standard UK visa fee, Biometrics Residence Permit, and travel support to visa application centres. Please note that funding covers only the fellow, with no support for dependents, and accommodation in London must be arranged independently (guidance is available after selection).

Eligibility criteria require applicants to be current PhD students who are permanent residents and passport holders of an LDC or LMIC, studying at an institution in an LDC or LMIC, and having completed at least 12 months of their PhD by the placement start. Applicants must secure a Letter of Support from a host supervisor at Imperial College London, countersigned by the Head of Department, and a Letter of Recommendation from their home PhD supervisor confirming sufficient English proficiency (no formal test required). British dual citizens, permanent residents of non-LDC/LMIC countries, and those studying outside LDC/LMICs are not eligible.

To apply, candidates should browse Imperial’s departments to find a suitable host supervisor, contact academics directly, and use the official template letter for potential supervisors. The application process requires an online form, proof of eligibility, a layperson summary of the PhD, a description of planned activities and their value to the PhD, and details on skill-building and networking. All documents, including the required letters, must be submitted by 28 November 2025.

This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for doctoral researchers from eligible countries to gain international experience, build competencies, and expand their professional networks at one of the world’s leading institutions. For more details and to apply, visit the official fellowship page and follow the outlined steps.