The Imperial College London Shawki Saad Scholarship 2025 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for academically outstanding students from sub-Saharan Africa to pursue a fully funded PhD at one of the world’s leading universities.
This scholarship is not just financial aid; it’s a full academic and professional support package designed to empower talented students who want to contribute to cutting-edge research and global development.
About the Shawki Saad Scholarship
The Shawki Saad Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate program created in memory of the late Professor Shawki Saad, a distinguished scholar committed to advancing education and sustainable development across Africa.
The scholarship is part of a broader initiative by Imperial College London to increase academic participation from underrepresented regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. The program supports one PhD student per year between 2023 and 2026, with full coverage of tuition, a generous living stipend, and all major travel expenses.
Scholarship Benefits
The Shawki Saad Scholarship 2025 offers a comprehensive support package to its recipient:
- Full Tuition Coverage: The scholarship covers the full cost of international PhD tuition fees for three years.
- Living Stipend: Recipients receive an annual maintenance stipend of £22,000, disbursed over 3.5 years to cover living expenses in London.
- Travel Support: The scholarship includes funding for flight tickets and visa processing for the student’s relocation to the UK.
- Research Opportunities: Successful candidates join a globally recognized institution with world-class research facilities, collaborative networks, and access to renowned academics.
- Academic Mentorship: Scholars will receive supervision from experienced professors and researchers, and may have opportunities to contribute to published research and international conferences.
Areas of Study
Applicants may pursue a PhD in any research area offered at Imperial College London, including but not limited to:
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Medicine
- Sustainability and Environmental Studies
- Computing and Data Science
- Materials Science
- Mathematics
The institution encourages research proposals that address critical global challenges such as climate change, public health, sustainable engineering, and technology for development.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Imperial College London Shawki Saad Scholarship 2025, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen and ordinarily resident in a sub-Saharan African country.
- Academic Background: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in a relevant field.
- PhD Admission: Must apply for a PhD program at Imperial College London and meet the general entry requirements, including academic qualifications, language proficiency, and a strong research proposal.
- Supervisor Approval: Must secure a PhD supervisor from the relevant faculty who is willing to support their application and nominate them for funding.
- Motivation and Impact: Must demonstrate a clear commitment to contributing to development or sustainability in their home country or the African continent.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step procedure
To apply for the Shawki Saad Scholarship, follow this structured process:
Explore Research Opportunities
- Visit Imperial College London’s faculty or department research pages.
- Identify research groups and potential PhD supervisors aligned with your academic interests.
- Review available PhD openings and requirements for your desired program.
Contact a Supervisor
- Draft a professional email to a prospective academic supervisor.
- Attach your CV and a short research proposal or expression of interest.
- Explain how your background fits their research focus and ask if they are open to supervising your PhD.
Note: You must secure a supervisor’s interest before submitting your official application.
Submit PhD Application
- Apply via Imperial College London’s online application portal.
- Indicate your interest in the Shawki Saad Scholarship within your application.
- Upload all required documents, including:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)
- Research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supervisor confirmation or communication
Supervisor Nomination
- Your potential supervisor must formally nominate you for the Shawki Saad Scholarship.
- Ensure your complete application and nomination are submitted by the deadline.
Application Deadline
May 23, 2025
Application link
Why Apply?
This is more than just a scholarship. It’s a launchpad for ambitious students to gain world-class training, collaborate on meaningful research, and return with the skills and knowledge to lead innovation in their home countries. Imperial College London is ranked among the top 10 universities in the world and offers unmatched research resources and global exposure.
For students from sub-Saharan Africa, especially those with limited access to graduate education abroad, this is a rare and powerful opportunity to elevate your career and contribute to transformative solutions in your field.
MORE RELATED CONTENT:
Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships 2025
McGill University’s McCall MacBain Scholarships 2026