The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity designed for highly motivated PhD students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
Imperial College London is one of the world’s top research universities and offering selected candidates the chance to gain international research experience, access state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaborate with leading academics.
This fully funded fellowship enables participants to spend 2 to 4 months in the UK. The main objective of this fellowship is to focus on projects that advance scientific knowledge, drive development research, and have a positive educational impact.
Fellows will benefit from dedicated mentorship from both their host supervisor at Imperial College and their own PhD supervisor, ensuring personalized guidance throughout the program.
This fellowship provides all expenses, including a monthly stipend, travel, visa, and accommodation, making this fellowship ideal for PhD students. No application fees are required for application. This program is accessible to eligible candidates committed to making a meaningful contribution to global development research.
Interested candidates can apply before the deadline 28th November 2025.
In this article, we explored every key detail of the Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship 2026.
Fellowship Details
| Host Country | United Kingdom |
| Institution | Imperial College London |
| Duration | 2–4 Months |
| Deadline | 28th November 2025 |
| Eligibility | Current PhD student from LDC or LMIC, over 12 months into PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Website | https://www.imperial.ac.uk/ |
ALSO READ: FASPE Fellowships 2026 in Germany & PolandÂ
Financial Benefits
The fellowship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly Stipend: £1,900
- One-time Arrival Allowance: £200
- Return Airfare Tickets
- Visa Costs
- Biometrics Residence Permit
These benefits ensure that fellows can focus entirely on research without worrying about living expenses or travel costs.
Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship, candidates must:
- Applicants must be current doctoral (PhD) students who are actively pursuing their research.
- Candidates must hold a passport and permanent residency in a Least Developed Country (LDC) or Lower Middle-Income Country (LMIC), as defined by the DAC List of ODA Recipients 2024–25.
- Applicants must be over 12 months into their PhD program at the time the fellowship placement begins.
- Candidates must be currently enrolled in a PhD program at an institution located in an LDC or LMIC.
Required Documents
Applicants need to submit:
- Letter of Support from an Imperial College host supervisor
- Letter of Recommendation from their PhD supervisor
- Evidence of English language proficiency (formal proof not required)
How to Find a Host Supervisor at Imperial College
Finding the right host supervisor is crucial for your fellowship application. Follow these steps:
- Explore Imperial College’s departments and institutes to identify academics whose research aligns with your PhD.
- Reach out to them directly to discuss potential placements using a template letter provided by Imperial.
- Full list of departments and institutes can be found on the Imperial College website.
How to Apply
- Email the Letter of Recommendation and Letter of Support directly to: gdhfellowsfund@imperial.ac.uk
Applications must be submitted before 28th November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for this fellowship?
PhD students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) who are more than 12 months into their PhD program.
2. Is the fellowship fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship covers monthly stipend, travel, visa, arrival allowance, and residence permit costs.
3. How long is the fellowship duration?
The fellowship lasts 2 to 4 months, depending on the project and supervisor.
4. Do I need to provide proof of English proficiency?
Formal proof is not required, but applicants must be proficient in English.
5. How do I find a host supervisor at Imperial College?
Browse Imperial College’s departments and institutes, identify suitable academics, and contact them directly with a placement proposal.
6. What is the application deadline?
28th November 2025.
7. Where should I send my application documents?
Email the Letter of Recommendation and Letter of Support to gdhfellowsfund@imperial.ac.uk