Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship 2025/2026: Fully Funded Opportunities for Global South PhD Students

About the Program

The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship is a prestigious initiative supported by the Imperial Global Development Hub that provides fully funded research placements for doctoral students from the Global South. This transformative program facilitates high-impact, short-term research collaborations at one of the world’s leading universities.

The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship represents a significant investment in global research talent, creating a unique platform for cross-border scientific collaboration. The program specifically aims to strengthen the research capabilities of scholars from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), fostering international academic partnerships that drive meaningful global development outcomes.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship, applicants must meet specific academic, residency, and citizenship criteria:

You ARE Eligible If:

• You are a current PhD student who has completed over 12 months of your doctoral program by the placement start date
• You hold a passport and are a permanent resident of a Least Developed Country (LDC) or Lower Middle Income Country (LMIC) as defined by the OECD ODA Recipients List
• You are currently enrolled at a university located in an LDC or LMIC country
• You can secure a Letter of Support from an Imperial College London academic supervisor, signed by the Head of Department
• You have a Letter of Recommendation from your home supervisor confirming sufficient English proficiency

You Are NOT Eligible If:

• You hold dual British citizenship
• You are a permanent resident of an Upper Middle Income Country (UMIC) or high-income country
• You are currently studying in a country that is not classified as an LDC or LMIC

Benefits

The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship provides comprehensive financial support designed to eliminate barriers to participation:

Financial Support Includes:

• Monthly stipend of £1,900 for living expenses
• One-off £200 arrival payment to help with initial settling costs
• Return economy class airfare from your home country
• Full visa application fees including standard visa and Biometrics Residence Permit
• Travel reimbursement to visa application centers
• Waived bench and tuition fees at Imperial College London

Important Notes:

The fellowship supports the individual student only—funding does not extend to dependents. Fellows are responsible for arranging their own accommodation in London for the placement duration.

Application Guidelines

The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship application process requires careful preparation and coordination with both your home institution and Imperial College London.

Key Steps:

1. Identify and Contact a Potential Imperial Host Supervisor

Browse Imperial College’s departmental websites to find academics whose research aligns with your PhD focus. Use the provided letter template to reach out and explore placement possibilities. Existing collaborations between your home institution and Imperial are encouraged.

2. Gather Required Documentation

Work with both your home supervisor and Imperial host to obtain the necessary letters of support and recommendation.

3. Prepare Your Research Statements

Complete all written components within the specified word limits, clearly articulating how the placement will enhance your research and professional development.

4. Apply for ATAS Certificate (If Required)

If your research area requires an ATAS certificate, apply simultaneously with your fellowship application, as processing times can be lengthy. Consult your Imperial host supervisor to determine if ATAS is necessary.

Required Documents

Successful Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship applications must include:

Mandatory Letters:

Letter of Recommendation (from your home/current PhD supervisor)

• Must address your skills and suitability for the placement
• Must explicitly confirm you possess sufficient English language proficiency
• Should highlight your research accomplishments and potential

Letter of Support (from Imperial College London host supervisor)

• Must detail the training and support to be provided during the placement
• Must be signed by the Head of Department in the proposed host department/institute
• Should outline how your research aligns with departmental expertise

Written Statements (within application form):

• Layperson summary of your PhD research (200 words)
• Placement activities and how they will add value to your PhD (500 words)
• Professional development plan explaining how you’ll leverage this opportunity to enhance skills, competencies, and networks (250 words)

All letters must be emailed to: gdhfellowsfund@imperial.ac.uk

Program Structure and Duration

The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship placements are designed as intensive, focused research experiences:

• Duration: Between 2 and 4 months
• Start date: March 2026 (mandatory)
• Completion deadline: 31 July 2026 (mandatory, set by funder and non-negotiable)

These firm dates are critical—the July 2026 deadline cannot be extended under any circumstances, even if delays occur. Plan your academic calendar accordingly to ensure you can commit to the full placement period.

Why You Should Apply

The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship offers exceptional benefits beyond financial support:

Academic Advancement

• Access world-class research facilities and resources at a top-ranked global university
• Collaborate with leading researchers in your field
• Gain exposure to cutting-edge methodologies and technologies
• Enhance the quality and impact of your doctoral research

Professional Development

• Build international networks with academics and peers from diverse backgrounds
• Develop cross-cultural research collaboration skills
• Increase your visibility in the global research community
• Strengthen your CV with experience at a prestigious institution

Career Impact

• Position yourself competitively for postdoctoral opportunities
• Establish connections that can lead to future research partnerships
• Gain insights into international research standards and practices
• Develop skills highly valued in both academic and non-academic career paths

Global Development Impact

• Contribute to building research capacity in your home region
• Foster South-North knowledge exchange
• Strengthen institutional links between your home university and Imperial College London

How to Apply

To apply for the Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship:

1. Review eligibility criteria carefully to confirm you meet all requirements
2. Identify potential Imperial host supervisors by exploring departmental websites and research profiles
3. Contact potential supervisors using the provided template to discuss placement opportunities
4. Secure commitment from an Imperial host supervisor willing to provide a Letter of Support
5. Request a Letter of Recommendation from your current PhD supervisor
6. Complete the application form with all required written statements within word limits
7. Ensure both letters are properly signed (especially the Imperial letter by the Head of Department)
8. Email all documents to gdhfellowsfund@imperial.ac.uk
9. Apply for ATAS certificate if required for your research area

Deadline

Application closes: Friday, 28th November 2025 at 23:59

Selection timeline:

• Application review: Early December 2025
• Placement period: March 2026 – 31 July 2026

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity! The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship is a career-defining experience that can transform your doctoral research and open doors to global collaboration. Submit your application before the deadline and take the next step in your academic journey.

For questions or additional information, contact the Imperial Global Development Hub at gdhfellowsfund@imperial.ac.uk

Click here to apply.

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