If you are a PhD student from a Least Developed or Lower Middle-Income Country (LDC/LMIC) and dream of conducting research at a world-leading university in the UK, the Global Development Fellowship 2026 at Imperial College London is your gateway to excellence. This fully funded fellowship offers PhD students short-term placements (2–4 months) at Imperial, supported by a £1,900 monthly stipend, travel, and visa costs — all designed to build global research collaborations and strengthen development-focused research.

Imperial College Global Development Fellowship–Overview

Host Institution: Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Program Name: Global Development Fellowship 2026
Duration: 2–4 months (March–July 2026)
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: PhD students from Least Developed & Lower Middle-Income Countries
Application Deadline: 28 November 2025 (23:59)

Research Areas

The fellowship supports all research disciplines offered at Imperial College London, especially those addressing global challenges such as:

Health, Medicine & Public Health
Engineering & Technology
Climate Change & Sustainability
Energy & Environment
Data Science, AI & Innovation
Agriculture & Food Security
Policy, Economics, and Development Studies

Applicants are encouraged to identify a host department and supervisor whose research aligns with their PhD project.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Global Development Fellowship 2026, applicants must:

Be a current PhD student at a recognized institution in an LDC or LMIC.
Hold citizenship and permanent residency in a country listed under the OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients (2024–25).
Have completed at least 12 months of their PhD by the placement start date.
Obtain a Letter of Support from a host supervisor at Imperial (signed by Head of Department).
Provide a Letter of Recommendation from their home PhD supervisor confirming suitability and English proficiency.
Have strong English communication skills to fully participate in the placement.

How to Apply for the Global Development UK Fellowship

Follow these steps to apply for the Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2026:

Step 1: Review eligibility for Research Fellowships in UK on the official website.

Click Here to Explore the Global Development Fellowship to Research in UK

Step 2: Identify a host supervisor at Imperial whose research matches your PhD topic.

Click Here to Search the Imperial College Faculties and Departments to Study in UK

Use the Template Letter for Potential Supervisors.

Step 3: Prepare the Required documents for Imperial College International Research Funding.

Step 4: Submit the application online for Global UK Fellowships for Developing Countries.

Click Here to Apply Online for Global Development Fellowship 2026

Fellowship Benefits

This is a fully funded research placement offering generous financial support:

Monthly stipend: £1,900
One-time arrival payment: £200
Return economy-class airfare
Visa and BRP fee coverage
Travel costs to visa application centres

Participants must arrange their own accommodation in London (guidance and options are provided by Imperial).

Apply Now-Research Career in UK

The Imperial College London Global Development Fellowship 2026 is a remarkable opportunity for PhD students from developing nations to conduct world-class research, expand global networks, and enhance academic excellence in the heart of London.

Click Here to Explore the Official Global Development Fellowship 2026 Announcement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the duration of the Imperial Global Development Fellowship 2026?
The fellowship lasts 2–4 months, between March and July 2026.

2. Who can apply for this fellowship?
PhD students from Least Developed and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LDC/LMIC) currently enrolled in a doctoral program.

3. What does the funding cover?
The award covers £1,900/month stipend, travel, visa fees, BRP, and a £200 arrival allowance.

4. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No formal test is required, but your supervisor must confirm your English proficiency in the recommendation letter.

5. Can dependents accompany me?
No, dependents are not financially supported under this fellowship.

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