Imperial College Global Development Fellowship 2026 – PhD Placement Opportunities 

Imperial College Global Development Fellowship 2026: Overview

The Global Development Fellowship provides high-impact, short-term placements for PhD students from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to spend time at Imperial College London. The programme enables students to enhance their research, skills, and international networks while contributing to the development of their home countries.

Placement Details

• Duration: 2 to 4 months

• Placement period: Must start in March 2026 and end by 31 July 2026

• Location: Imperial College London

• Participants work under the guidance of a host supervisor at Imperial and their home PhD supervisor

Funding and Benefits

• Monthly stipend: £1,900

• One-off £200 arrival allowance

• Economy class travel to and from the UK

• Financial support for visa application and Biometrics Residence Permit

• Support for travel to visa application centres

• Note: Dependents are not supported, and students must arrange their own accommodation

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be a current doctoral student from an LDC or LMIC (OECD ODA Recipients list)

• Hold a passport and permanent residency from an LDC or LMIC

• Be over 12 months into their PhD at the time of the placement

• Have a Letter of Support from a host supervisor at Imperial, signed by the Head of Department

• Have a Letter of Recommendation from their home supervisor confirming research skills and sufficient English proficiency

• Be studying for their PhD at an institution in an LDC or LMIC

Ineligible Applicants

• Hold dual British citizenship

• Are permanent residents of countries not classified as LDC or LMIC

• Are pursuing their PhD in a country not classified as LDC or LMIC

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Details showing eligibility in the application form

• Letter of Recommendation from their home supervisor

• Letter of Support from Imperial host supervisor

• Responses to the following questions:

  • Layperson summary of PhD work (200 words)

  • Research placement plan and value to PhD (500 words)

  • Explanation of how the placement will enhance personal and professional skills, competencies, and networks (250 words)

Application Deadline

• Friday, 28 November 2025 (23:59 GMT)

Additional Notes

• Placements are intended to be high impact, adding value to the PhD and developing research skills in an international environment

• Applications are reviewed jointly by Imperial’s Global Development Lab and the International Relations Office

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Imperial College Global Development Fellowship 2026 – PhD Placement Opportunities