Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2026 | PhD Research Placement UK: (Deadline Ongoing)

Imperial Global Development Fellowship: A Strategic Research Opportunity for PhD Students

The Global Development Fellowship offered by Imperial College London through the Global Development Lab is a significant opportunity for PhD students based in developing contexts. It supports high-impact, short-term research placements in the UK for students pursuing doctoral studies in least developed countries (LDCs) or lower-middle income countries (LMICs). This fellowship bridges doctoral research with global networks, advanced resources and international collaboration.

 Programme Overview

This fellowship is designed to enable PhD students from eligible countries to spend 2 to 4 months at Imperial College London. Placements typically begin in March and must be completed by the end of July of the same year. The aim is to strengthen the student’s doctoral research by leveraging resources, mentorship and networks at Imperial.

The placement focuses on research relevant to global development — including health, environment, policy, technology, education, or other fields with development impact. Fellows work with a designated host supervisor at Imperial and maintain coordination with their home institution supervisor.

 Fellowship Benefits

Key support provided under this fellowship includes:

• A competitive monthly stipend to support living expenses during the London stay.
• A one-time arrival allowance to assist with settling in.
• Return economy-class travel to and from the UK between the home country and London.
• Coverage of UK visa application cost and biometric residence permit fees.
• Additional travel support for visa application centre visits if needed.
• Access to Imperial’s research environment, labs, libraries, and academic networks.

 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be current PhD candidates at an institution located in an LDC or LMIC.
• Be passport holders and permanent residents of those countries defined as Least Developed or Lower Middle Income by the OECD’s list.
• Have completed at least 12 months of their PhD programme by the start of the placement.
• Hold a Letter of Support from a host supervisor at Imperial (signed by the Head of Department).
• Have a Letter of Recommendation from their home institution’s PhD supervisor.
• Be proficient in English sufficient to carry out the research placement.
• Be available for full-time research placement for the duration specified (2-4 months) in London.

 Why It Matters

This fellowship stands out because:

• It offers doctoral students in resource-constrained countries a chance to conduct part of their research in a world-class research institution.
• It builds global academic networks and opens doors for future collaborations and publications.
• It strengthens capacity for research in developing contexts by enabling access to advanced facilities and expertise.
• It provides a stepping-stone to enhanced research credibility and career development.

 Application Tips

To submit a competitive application:

• Secure your host supervisor early: Identify an academic at Imperial whose research aligns with your own and ensure they are willing to host you.
• Clarify your research plan: Write a concise summary of your PhD work, articulate how the placement will enhance it, and set out your goals for professional development.
• Highlight development relevance: Show how your research connects to global development challenges in your home country or region.
• Demonstrate fit and readiness: Ensure you meet eligibility criteria, and your home institution supports your placement.
• Proofread and polish: Present a clear, well-structured application with strong letters of recommendation and support.

 Final Thoughts

The Imperial Global Development Fellowship is a highly meaningful opportunity for doctoral students from eligible countries to gain a transformative research experience in the UK. It not only supports the student’s own research but also contributes to global development knowledge and networks. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a focused research stay in London, this fellowship could be a pivotal step in your academic and professional journey.