The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship 2026

Introduction

The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded research opportunity designed for PhD students from Least Developed and Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LDCs and LMICs). Hosted by the Imperial Global Development Hub, the program aims to empower emerging researchers by providing them with access to world-class academic facilities, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities at Imperial College London.

Fellows will undertake 2 to 4 months of research placement at Imperial between March 2026 and July 2026, allowing them to enhance their academic and professional experience while building global research networks.

This unique fellowship fosters international collaboration and equips participants with the tools and exposure needed to contribute to global development challenges in their home countries.

Financial Coverage and Fellowship Benefits

The Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2026 is fully funded, ensuring that selected scholars can focus entirely on their research without financial barriers. The fellowship covers:

• Monthly stipend: £1,900 to cover living expenses
• Arrival allowance: £200 one-time payment upon arrival
• Round-trip airfare: Economy class flight from the participant’s home country to the UK
• Visa and immigration costs: Visa application fees and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) expenses
• Research support: Access to laboratories, academic mentors, and facilities at Imperial College London

Please note that accommodation in London is not included; however, the Imperial team will assist participants with finding suitable housing options.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for the Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship 2026:

• Must be a current PhD student at a recognized university in a Least Developed Country (LDC) or Lower-Middle-Income Country (LMIC) as per the OECD DAC list.
• Must have completed at least 12 months of their PhD program before the start of the placement.
• Must hold citizenship and permanent residency in an eligible country.
• Must have a letter of support from an academic supervisor at Imperial College London, approved by the Head of Department.
• Must submit a recommendation letter from their current PhD supervisor confirming English proficiency and research capability.
• Applicants with dual citizenship or residency in a non-eligible country are not eligible.

Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: November 28, 2025 (11:59 PM UK Time)
• Program Duration: Between March 2026 – July 31, 2026
• Results Announcement: Early December 2025

All applications must be submitted online through Imperial College London’s official portal.

Choose the Imperial Global Development

• World-Class Research Environment:
  Fellows gain access to Imperial’s cutting-edge laboratories, global research hubs, and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
• Global Exposure:
  Work with top scientists and researchers while building long-lasting academic and professional relationships.
• Career Advancement:
  Enhance your academic profile and research experience with one of the world’s leading universities.
• Contribution to Global Development:
  The fellowship focuses on empowering researchers from developing regions to address pressing global challenges in sustainability, health, technology, and policy.

How to Apply

To complete your application, you’ll need the following documents:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research Proposal outlining your project and objectives
• Letter of Support from a host supervisor at Imperial College London
• Letter of Recommendation from your home university PhD supervisor
• Proof of English proficiency (confirmed by your recommender)

Once your documents are ready, submit your application through the official Imperial College Global Development Fellowship portal before the deadline.

 Final Thoughts

The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship 2026 is more than just a short-term research placement — it’s a stepping stone toward academic excellence and global leadership. This fully funded opportunity allows passionate PhD students from developing countries to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the UK and contribute to meaningful research that drives sustainable global progress.
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If you’re an aspiring researcher eager to expand your horizons and bring impactful solutions to the world, apply now for the Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2026.