Imperial College London has announced the opening of applications for theGlobal Development Fellowshipfor the academic year2025–2026, targetingPhD students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs)andLower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
The fellowship aims to supporthigh-impact, short-term research placementsin the field of global development by hosting PhD students in Imperial College London’s research labs for a duration oftwo to four months.
About the Fellowship
This initiative is part of theGlobal Development Hubat Imperial College London, which works to strengthen research, education, and innovation in developing countries, and to promote international academic collaboration that achieves real-world impact in low-resource communities.
Applications for the2025–2026cycle are openuntil November 28, 2025. Placements mustbegin in March 2026and becompleted before July 31, 2026.
Funding and Benefits
Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial and logistical support, including:
- Amonthly stipend of £1,900.
- Aone-off payment of £200upon arrival in the UK.
- Round-trip economy class airfare.
- Visa application and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)fees covered.
- Financial support for travel to visa application centers.
Note:The fellowship funding isfor individuals onlyand doesnot cover dependents.
Participants are expected toarrange their own accommodationin London during the fellowship period. Guidance and suggestions for housing are provided in thestudent guidance document.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Must be acurrent PhD student.
- Must be acitizen and permanent residentof a country listed as aLeast Developed Country (LDC)or aLower Middle-Income Country (LMIC).
(Among theeligible Arab countriesunder the LMIC category are:Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Mauritania, Tunisia, and Palestine (West Bank and Gaza)— along with other nations such asIndia, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Ghana, as listed by theOECD ODA Recipients List.)
- Must beenrolled at a universitylocated in an LDC or LMIC.
- Must have completedmore than 12 monthsof PhD study by the time the placement begins.
- Must have aLetter of Supportfrom an academic host supervisor at Imperial, signed by theHead of Department.
- Must provide aLetter of Recommendationfrom their PhD supervisor at their home institution.
- Must demonstratea strong command of English, sufficient to fully engage in the program (no formal English certificate required).
Ineligible Applicants
- DualBritish citizens.
- Permanent residentsof countriesnot classifiedas LDCs or LMICs.
- PhD studentscurrently studyinginUpper Middle-IncomeorHigh-Income Countries.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete theonline application formbyFriday, November 28, 2025, and include the following documents:
- Background details demonstrating eligibility.
- ALetter of Recommendationfrom their home institution supervisor, outlining the applicant’s skills, suitability, and English proficiency.
- ALetter of Supportfrom the Imperial host supervisor, signed by the Head of Department, explaining the training and support to be provided.
Important Note:Both theLetter of RecommendationandLetter of Supportmust be emailed to:[email protected].
Applicants must also answer the following questions within the application form:
- Alayperson summaryof their PhD research (up to 200 words).
- A description ofwhat they will do during the fellowshipandhow it will add valueto their PhD research (up to 500 words).
- An explanation ofhow the experience will enhance their skills, competencies, and professional network(up to 250 words).
Finding a Host Supervisor at Imperial
Applicants are encouraged to browseImperial College’s departmental and institute webpagesto identify potential host departments that align with their PhD research interests, and to contact academics directly to explore hosting opportunities.
Atemplate emailfor contacting potential supervisors is available on the program’s website.
Review and Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by theGlobal Development Fellowship Committee, in collaboration with relevant faculty representatives.
Results will be announced inDecember 2025, and successful candidates will be contacted via email with further details onreceiving the grant and arranging the placement.
The committee will ensurefair geographical representationamong selected fellows.
Additional Information
- The fellowshipmust begin in March 2026andcannot be extendedbeyondJuly 31, 2026.
- Students whose research requires anATAS certificateare advised to apply for it early to avoid delays.
- Applicants are encouraged to have at least£200 availableto cover initial expenses before reimbursement upon arrival in the UK.
- Themonthly stipendwill be paidvia bank transfer in GBP (£)only.