The Global Development Fellowship at Imperial College London is an exceptional opportunity designed for PhD candidates enrolled in universities based in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) or Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The fellowship provides early-career researchers with the chance to conduct short-term research placements at one of the world’s leading universities, fostering academic collaboration, research innovation, and capacity building in global development studies.
This fellowship aligns with Imperial College London’s mission to strengthen international research partnerships and support impactful research addressing critical development challenges. By engaging with Imperial’s renowned faculty and state-of-the-art research facilities, fellows gain invaluable exposure to new methodologies, technologies, and global research networks that enhance their doctoral work and future career pathways.
Fellowship Overview
The Global Development Fellowship offers placements lasting between two and four months, hosted at Imperial’s campus in London, United Kingdom. The programme is open to PhD students who are actively enrolled at accredited institutions in LDCs or LMICs and who hold citizenship and permanent residence in those same countries.
The 2025–2026 fellowship cycle has a submission deadline of 28 November 2025 (23:59 GMT). Selected fellows will commence their placements in March 2026, with all placements expected to conclude by 31 July 2026.
Fellowship Benefits
Imperial College London provides a comprehensive package of benefits to ensure participants can fully focus on their research. Fellows receive a monthly stipend to support living expenses during their stay in London, as well as round-trip economy airfare between their home country and the United Kingdom. Additional support includes assistance with visa applications covering biometric residence permits, travel costs to visa centres, and related administrative fees.
Participants are also given an arrival allowance to help settle into London life. While accommodation is not provided or funded by Imperial, the fellowship team offers guidance to help participants find suitable housing. Fellows also gain full access to Imperial’s academic resources, laboratories, research infrastructure, and development workshops, allowing them to advance their research and academic competencies.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Global Development Fellowship, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a PhD programme at a university in an LDC or LMIC.
- Hold citizenship and permanent residence in the same eligible country.
- Have completed at least 12 months of doctoral study before the placement begins.
- Secure the agreement of an Imperial College London host supervisor who will oversee their research during the fellowship.
- Obtain a letter of support from their home institution’s PhD supervisor confirming academic standing, English proficiency, and approval to participate.
In some cases, depending on the nature of the research, applicants may be required to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before beginning the placement.
Required Documentation
Applicants are expected to submit a complete application package that includes:
- A completed application form.
- Letters of support from both the home institution and the proposed host supervisor at Imperial.
- Proof of current PhD enrolment at a qualifying institution.
- A curriculum vitae, a research summary, and, if available, a lay summary explaining the broader impact of their research.
- Passport and residency documentation verifying eligibility.
- Visa or ATAS clearance documents, where applicable.
Application Process
Interested candidates should begin by identifying a potential host supervisor at Imperial whose research aligns with their doctoral work. After securing the supervisor’s commitment, applicants should obtain a support letter from their home institution, complete the application form, and compile all necessary documentation. Early coordination of visa and travel logistics is strongly encouraged to ensure a smooth transition.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed of Imperial College faculty members and research staff. Evaluation criteria include academic merit, potential contribution to development-focused research, the relevance of the proposed placement to the candidate’s doctoral studies, and the overall diversity of applicants by discipline and geography.
A Platform for Global Research Collaboration
The Global Development Fellowship exemplifies Imperial College London’s commitment to advancing global research excellence and equity. By equipping talented PhD students from developing regions with the resources, mentorship, and exposure needed to elevate their research, the programme contributes to building a more inclusive international research community. Fellows return to their home institutions with new insights, skills, and connections that strengthen local academic ecosystems and promote sustainable development worldwide.
In essence, this fellowship is more than just a research opportunity it is a transformative academic experience that empowers the next generation of global scholars to lead solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
