Application Deadline: 28th November 2025, 23:59
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025/2026 Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship. This fellowship aims to facilitate impactful, short-term research visits for PhD candidates originating from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Selected students will have the chance to undertake a focused placement lasting between two to four months at Imperial College London, under the guidance of both their home PhD supervisor and an appointed faculty member at Imperial.
Programme Overview
The Global Development Fellowship is designed to encourage collaborative research and skills enhancement for doctoral students from eligible countries. The fellowship supports placements that enable students to gain access to Imperial’s world-class facilities and expertise, thereby enriching their doctoral research and academic networks.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled as a doctoral student pursuing a PhD.
- Hold a valid passport and be a permanent resident of a country classified as a Least Developed Country (LDC) or Lower Middle Income Country (LMIC), according to the OECD ODA Recipients list. It is important to note that Upper Middle Income Countries are not eligible for this fellowship.
- Be actively registered in a PhD programme at an institution located within an LDC or LMIC.
- Must have progressed beyond the initial 12 months of their PhD programme at the time the placement is scheduled.
- Secure a Letter of Support from an academic host supervisor at Imperial College London. This letter must also be endorsed by the Head of Department of the hosting unit.
- Obtain a Letter of Recommendation from their own PhD supervisor, which should include confirmation of the candidate’s proficiency in English sufficient to successfully complete the placement.
Benefits and Funding
The fellowship supports placements of 2 to 4 months duration, which must commence in March 2026 and be completed by 31 July 2026, subject to agreement with the Imperial host department. The financial support provided includes:
- A monthly stipend of £1,900 to cover living expenses during the placement.
- A one-time arrival grant of £200 upon reaching the UK.
- Return economy-class flights between the fellow’s home country and London.
- Coverage of the standard visa application fees and biometric residence permit charges.
- Financial assistance for travel costs to visa application centres.
Application Process
The application window is currently open, with the final submission deadline set for Friday, 28th November 2025. Prospective applicants must complete an OECD ODA Recipients List requiring:
- Detailed personal and academic background information demonstrating eligibility.
- A Letter of Recommendation from their home institution’s supervisor or academic advisor, addressing the applicant’s qualifications, skills, and suitability for the placement. This letter must also confirm the applicant’s English language capabilities.
- A Letter of Support from the Imperial supervisor within the host department or institute, outlining the training and support the fellow will receive. This letter must bear the signature of the Head of Department.
- Responses to specific questions within the application form, including:
- A layperson’s summary of the PhD research in no more than 200 words.
- An explanation (up to 500 words) of the activities planned during the research placement and how these will contribute value to the applicant’s doctoral work.
- A statement (up to 250 words) on how the applicant intends to utilize the opportunity at Imperial to develop their personal and professional skills, competencies, and academic network.
Applicants must ensure that both the Letter of Recommendation and the Letter of Support are sent via email to imperial.globaldevfellowship@imperial.ac.uk.
Additional Information
For comprehensive details on the fellowship, application guidelines, and eligibility, prospective candidates are encouraged to Visit the Official Webpage of the Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship.
