The Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2025–2026 offers an exciting opportunity for PhD students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to undertake a fully funded short-term research placement at Imperial College London.
This fellowship is designed to strengthen global research collaboration by supporting impactful academic projects that contribute to development-focused innovation and learning.
Overview of the Fellowship
The fellowship supports a 2–4 month research placement at Imperial College London during the 2025/2026 academic year. Selected PhD students will work closely with a host supervisor at Imperial and their home university supervisor to develop high-impact research that aligns with global development priorities.
All placements must begin in March 2026 and must be completed on or before 31 July 2026.
Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is:
Friday, 28 November 2025 (23:59).
What the Fellowship Covers (Funding Benefits)
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial support, including:
- £1,900 monthly stipend
- £200 one-time arrival allowance
- Return economy-class flight
- Visa application fee + Biometric Residence Permit costs
- Travel support to the nearest visa application centre
Important: The fellowship only supports individuals. Dependents are not funded.
Students are also required to arrange their own accommodation in London, with guidance provided through Imperial’s student support resources.
Also Apply For: Kroc Institute Visiting Research Fellowship 2026-2027
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a PhD program at a university located in an LDC or LMIC (as listed by the OECD ODA Recipients List)
- Have a confirmed host supervisor at Imperial College London before applying
- Obtain a letter of support from both their home institution supervisor and Imperial host supervisor
- Plan a research placement lasting 2–4 months, starting in March 2026
Incomplete applications or applications without supervisor approval will not be reviewed.
Application Process
- Secure a Host Supervisor
Applicants must first contact and receive confirmation from an Imperial College academic willing to host their placement. - Prepare Supporting Documents
- Host supervisor’s letter of support
- Home PhD supervisor’s letter of support
- Submit the Application Form
Make sure to enter your personal details manually, as the form does not automatically collect them.
About Imperial’s Global Development Hub
The Global Development Hub works with researchers, students, and institutions worldwide to strengthen education and research impact in LMICs and LDCs. Past fellows have contributed to innovative solutions across health, climate, engineering, agriculture, technology, and social development.
For more information or inquiries, visit the Imperial Global Development Fellowship.
