Study in UK | Imperial College London Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship 2026
Imperial College London has announced the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship for the 2026/2027 academic year, offering an exceptional opportunity for outstanding researchers from Sub-Saharan Africa. This prestigious award enables talented scholars to pursue doctoral studies in Civil and Environmental Engineering at one of the world’s leading universities while addressing critical development challenges in their home regions.
Comprehensive Scholarship Benefits
The Shawki Saad Scholarship provides successful candidates with complete financial support, including:
- Full coverage of overseas tuition fees
- An annual stipend of at least £22,000 for living expenses
- Access to Imperial College’s world-class research facilities and academic networks
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in engineering and environmental science
This funding package ensures that financial constraints do not prevent brilliant minds from pursuing transformative research that can benefit communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Eligibility Criteria and Research Focus
This competitive scholarship targets exceptional candidates who meet these requirements:
- Permanent residency in a Sub-Saharan African country
- A First Class or Upper Second Class undergraduate degree in engineering or a related quantitative field
- Completion of a relevant Master’s degree program
- A research proposal directly addressing development challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Application for a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College
The scholarship committee particularly welcomes research proposals focusing on sustainable infrastructure, water resource management, climate resilience, environmental protection, and other pressing regional concerns.
Strategic Application Process
Given the competitive nature of this award (only one scholarship available), applicants should follow these essential steps:
- Identify Potential Supervisors: Explore Imperial’s Civil and Environmental Engineering department website to find academics whose expertise aligns with your research interests
- Establish Supervisor Contact: Reach out to potential supervisors with your CV, academic transcripts, and a preliminary research concept. Secure their support before proceeding with your formal application.
- Submit Official Application: Complete Imperial College’s online PhD application process, ensuring all documents are submitted by the stated deadlines.
- Secure Nomination: Your prospective supervisor must formally nominate you for the Shawki Saad Scholarship by March 2, 2026.
Prospective applicants should note that supervisor support is mandatory for scholarship consideration, making early communication crucial for success.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Shawki Saad Scholarship represents more than just financial assistance—it’s an investment in Africa’s future scientific leadership. By supporting research that addresses regional challenges, the program empowers scholars to develop practical solutions while building valuable technical expertise. Furthermore, studying at Imperial College London provides access to global research networks and cutting-edge facilities that can significantly accelerate academic and professional development.
In conclusion, the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for African researchers committed to addressing their region’s most pressing engineering and environmental challenges. We strongly encourage eligible candidates to begin preparing their applications and contacting potential supervisors well in advance of the March 2026 nomination deadline to maximize their chances of securing this prestigious award.
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