Imperial College London’s Imperial Inspires Scholarships offer international students financial support towards studying at one of the United Kingdom’s leading universities for science, engineering, medicine and business. For the 2027–2028 academic year, Imperial plans to award at least 300 scholarships worth £15,000 per year to eligible students who pay overseas tuition fees.
The programme covers all full-time undergraduate courses and selected postgraduate taught courses. However, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements, apply for a participating course and complete a separate scholarship application when invited. Receiving an admission offer does not guarantee funding.
This guide explains the scholarship value, eligibility requirements, application procedures, deadlines and financial considerations to help you decide whether Imperial Inspires is suitable for your study plans.
Imperial Inspires Scholarships 2027 at a Glance
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | Imperial Inspires Scholarships |
| University | Imperial College London, United Kingdom |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Number of awards | At least 300 |
| Award value | £15,000 per year for the full eligible course duration, subject to the terms |
| Eligible applicants | International students paying overseas tuition fees |
| Study levels | Undergraduate and selected postgraduate taught courses |
| Study mode | Full-time |
| Participating faculties | Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine and Imperial College Business School |
| Undergraduate scholarship deadline | 5 February 2027, at 23:59 UK time |
| Postgraduate deadline | Varies by department and admissions round |
| Application method | Apply for admission first, then complete the scholarship application if invited |
What Does the Imperial Inspires Scholarship Cover?
Each Imperial Inspires Scholarship is worth £15,000 per year for the full duration of the eligible course, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions. Funding excludes repeat years of study and is not payable during an interruption of studies.
The award supports tuition fees and living costs. However, the relevant faculty determines how the funding is divided between tuition fees and a maintenance stipend. Your scholarship award letter will explain the allocation that applies to you.
Imperial Inspires is not automatically a fully funded scholarship. Recipients may still need substantial additional funding to cover their education and living expenses.
Before accepting an offer, calculate your likely funding gap using this formula:
Annual funding gap = tuition fees + living expenses + other necessary costs − scholarship contribution − other confirmed funding.
For example, if your annual tuition fee is £45,000 and the entire £15,000 scholarship is applied to tuition, you would still need £30,000 for tuition alone. Accommodation, food, transport and other expenses would come on top of that amount. This is an illustrative calculation, not a statement of the fees or funding allocation for a particular course.
Check your course fees and scholarship terms carefully. Do not make financial commitments based solely on the advertised award value.
Who Is Eligible for Imperial Inspires Scholarships 2027?
The scholarship programme is open to eligible international students from around the world. To qualify for consideration for the 2027–2028 entry cycle, you must meet the applicable requirements.
- Overseas tuition fee status: You must be eligible to pay Imperial’s Overseas rate of tuition.
- Eligible course: You must apply for a full-time undergraduate course or a selected full-time postgraduate taught course.
- New entrant status: The scholarship is intended for students beginning an eligible course in the 2027–2028 academic year. Students already studying on that course are not eligible.
- Minimum academic entry requirements: You must meet the minimum entry and eligibility requirements for your chosen course to receive a scholarship invitation.
- Award conditions: If you receive funding, you must meet the conditions stated in your award letter, including the applicable academic progression requirements.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a scholarship. Imperial describes the programme as highly competitive and assesses applicants on academic merit and potential.
Are African Students Eligible?
Yes. Applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and other African countries can be considered if they meet the programme’s requirements.
Imperial Inspires is not restricted to African applicants, and the university does not prioritise particular countries or regions. African students therefore compete within the wider international applicant pool.
Which Courses Qualify for Imperial Inspires?
Imperial Inspires covers undergraduate and selected postgraduate taught courses across four faculties:
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Natural Sciences
- Faculty of Medicine
- Imperial College Business School
Undergraduate Courses
Imperial confirms that all full-time, on-campus undergraduate courses are eligible for Imperial Inspires, including integrated master’s courses such as MEng and MSci degrees, provided applicants meet the scholarship requirements.
Applicants should review the official undergraduate scholarship listing for the 2027 entry cycle to confirm the applicable conditions and application instructions.
Postgraduate Taught Courses
The postgraduate programme covers selected full-time taught courses. Participating areas include engineering, computing, chemistry, mathematics, life sciences, medicine, public health and business.
Not every postgraduate course qualifies. Eligibility depends on the specific programme and department. Postgraduate research and doctoral courses are not covered by the main Imperial Inspires programme.
Before applying, check the official postgraduate scholarship listing and the guidance for your intended course. Do not assume that a programme qualifies simply because it belongs to one of the four participating faculties.
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How to Apply for the Imperial Inspires Scholarships 2027
The scholarship application is linked to the university admission process but is separate from it. You must first apply for an eligible course. If a scholarship is available for your course and you meet the minimum eligibility and academic requirements, Imperial will invite you to apply.
The procedure differs between undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Route 1: Undergraduate Applicants
Step 1: Choose an eligible course.
Confirm that your intended full-time undergraduate course qualifies for Imperial Inspires in the 2027–2028 entry cycle. Review the admission requirements and application deadlines before applying.
Step 2: Apply through UCAS.
Submit your undergraduate application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
For most undergraduate courses, the 2027 entry application deadline is 13 January 2027. Applicants to Medicine (MBBS) must meet the earlier deadline of 15 October 2026.
These are admission deadlines, not the scholarship deadline. Applicants must observe both.
Step 3: Check for a scholarship invitation.
If your course qualifies and you meet the minimum entry and scholarship eligibility requirements, Imperial will invite you to apply for the award.
Step 4: Complete the scholarship application.
The undergraduate scholarship application includes an optional statement of up to 250 words explaining your motivation for studying at Imperial. Use this statement to explain your academic interests and why your chosen course fits your goals.
The scholarship application deadline is 5 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time. Imperial’s undergraduate scholarship listing states that applications will open in October 2026, with the exact opening date to be confirmed.
Step 5: Wait for the decision.
Imperial’s undergraduate scholarship listing states that applicants will be notified of the outcome by email no later than 30 April 2027.
Route 2: Postgraduate Taught Applicants
Step 1: Identify an eligible master’s course.
Confirm that your intended full-time postgraduate taught course participates in Imperial Inspires. Review the department’s admission requirements and scholarship eligibility conditions.
Step 2: Apply through My Imperial.
Submit your postgraduate application through Imperial’s online application system by the deadline for your department and admissions round. Postgraduate applications for 2027 entry can be submitted from September 2026.
Step 3: Check your email for an invitation.
If your course participates and you meet the minimum requirements, Imperial will invite you to apply for the scholarship.
Step 4: Complete the scholarship application within two weeks.
Postgraduate applicants have two weeks from the date of their invitation to complete the scholarship application. Imperial states that applicants will not be required to complete an additional written task as part of this scholarship application.
Step 5: Receive the decision.
Imperial communicates postgraduate scholarship decisions by the end of the application round in which the applicant applied.
Unlike the undergraduate programme, postgraduate applicants do not have one universal scholarship deadline. The deadline depends on the department and admissions round. Check the current guidance for your specific course before submitting your application.
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How to Prepare a Strong Imperial Inspires Application
Imperial assesses scholarship applicants on academic merit and potential. While no approach can guarantee an award, you can prepare by understanding the application requirements and presenting a clear academic rationale.
1. Make Your Academic Motivation Specific
Undergraduate applicants can use the optional 250-word statement to explain why they want to study their chosen subject at Imperial. Rather than relying on general statements about studying abroad, explain your academic interests, why the course fits your goals and what you hope to pursue through the programme.
Keep your response focused. With a strict word limit, every sentence should contribute to explaining your motivation.
2. Understand the Difference Between Admission and Scholarship Selection
Admission and scholarship selection are separate stages. An offer to study at Imperial does not automatically mean you will receive Imperial Inspires funding.
Make sure you understand the scholarship invitation process for your study level. Postgraduate applicants should pay particular attention to the department’s admissions round and the two-week scholarship application window.
3. Assess Your Funding Position Before Accepting an Offer
The £15,000 annual award may reduce your costs substantially, but the remaining amount depends on your tuition fees, living expenses and how your faculty allocates the scholarship.
Estimate your total annual costs and identify other realistic sources of funding. This will help you decide whether you can afford to enrol if you receive the scholarship and whether you have a viable plan if you do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nigerian students eligible for Imperial Inspires Scholarships 2027?
Yes. Nigerian applicants can be considered if they qualify for overseas tuition status and apply for an eligible course. The programme is open to international students globally and does not prioritise a particular region.
Is Imperial Inspires a fully funded scholarship?
No. Imperial Inspires is a partial scholarship worth £15,000 per year. It contributes towards tuition fees and living costs, but recipients may need additional funding to cover their remaining expenses.
What is the deadline for Imperial Inspires Scholarships 2027?
The undergraduate scholarship deadline is 5 February 2027 at 23:59 UK time. Postgraduate deadlines depend on the department and admissions round, so applicants must check the current deadline for their chosen course. The undergraduate admission deadline is separate from the scholarship deadline.
Final Thoughts
The Imperial Inspires Scholarships 2027 provide eligible international students with an opportunity to reduce the cost of studying at Imperial College London. The programme offers £15,000 per year, but it is competitive, covers only eligible courses and does not automatically remove the need for additional funding.
Start by checking your course’s eligibility and submitting your admission application within the relevant deadline. If invited, complete the scholarship application on time and confirm how the award will be allocated before making financial commitments.
Treat Imperial Inspires as an opportunity to pursue rather than funding you can assume you will receive. A clear understanding of the requirements, deadlines and remaining costs will help you make a more informed decision about studying at Imperial in 2027–2028.
Official Scholarship Resources
Before applying, review Imperial College London’s official scholarship information and the terms governing the 2027 entry cycle.
- Imperial Inspires Scholarships: Official Overview
- Imperial Inspires Scholarships: 2027 Entry Terms and Conditions
