Apply Now for the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship 2025: If you’re a student from Sub-Saharan Africa dreaming of pursuing a PhD at a top global university, the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship 2025 at Imperial College London might be the golden opportunity you’ve been waiting for. This prestigious, fully-funded scholarship is designed to empower future leaders in engineering and related disciplines by helping them tackle real-world challenges in Africa. It opens doors for talented individuals to contribute to cutting-edge research and be part of the global academic community.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship: who can apply, how to apply, what the scholarship covers, and why it could be a life-changing step in your academic journey. Whether you’re a prospective applicant, an educational consultant, or a university advisor, this guide offers clear, trustworthy insights to help navigate the path toward winning this competitive scholarship. We’ve also added expert advice, useful examples, and actionable tips to make your application stand out.
Apply Now for the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship 2025 |
| Offered By | Imperial College London |
| Eligibility | Nationals and residents of Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Funding Coverage | Full tuition + Annual stipend of at least £22,000 |
| Target Field | Engineering and other numerate disciplines |
| Research Relevance | Must be applicable to challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Deadline | May 23, 2025 |
| Official Link | Imperial College London Scholarship Page |
The Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship 2025 is more than a financial award—it’s a powerful investment in the future of African innovation and leadership. If you’re passionate about transforming lives through research, eager to tackle Africa’s most urgent challenges, and ready to join a world-class institution, now is your chance.
What is the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship?
The Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship was established to honor Dr. Shawki Saad, an alumnus and esteemed academic from Sudan, who contributed significantly to engineering research and education. His legacy of academic excellence and commitment to solving real-world problems continues through this scholarship. It supports students from Sub-Saharan Africa with exceptional academic potential who wish to undertake doctoral research at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London.
Why is this scholarship important?
Many talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa face financial and institutional barriers when it comes to advanced research opportunities. These obstacles often prevent them from accessing top-tier education and participating in global innovation. By providing full funding, Imperial College aims to build research capacity in Africa and contribute to sustainable development through innovative solutions tailored to the continent’s unique needs.
Beyond individual support, this scholarship helps strengthen academic networks and global partnerships, ultimately leading to impactful contributions in areas like infrastructure, climate adaptation, water resources, and urban development.
Who Can Apply For Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship?
Before diving into the application process, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria. Here’s a simplified checklist to ensure you’re on the right path:
Eligibility Criteria
- Residency: You must be ordinarily resident in Sub-Saharan Africa. This includes countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and others within the region.
- Academic Qualifications: A strong academic record is crucial. Applicants should hold:
- An Upper Second Class (2:1) or First Class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent)
- A Master’s degree in engineering or a numerate discipline such as mathematics, physics, or computer science
- PhD Research Focus: Your proposed research must directly address pressing issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. Think about infrastructure development, water and sanitation, environmental sustainability, or climate change resilience.
- New Applicants Only: This opportunity is for new PhD students only. Unfortunately, current PhD candidates at Imperial are not eligible.
Tip: Not sure about your academic credentials? Use UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) to assess degree comparability.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Financial support through the Shawki Saad Scholarship is generous and designed to cover all major study-related costs:
- Full Overseas Tuition Fees: These can exceed £40,000 per year for international PhD students.
- Annual Living Stipend: At least £22,000 to help cover accommodation, food, transportation, and other living costs in London—one of the world’s most dynamic but expensive cities.
- Research and Travel Allowance: Funding may be available for conference travel, fieldwork, or research materials, depending on your supervisor’s budget.
Fact: According to Imperial College, international PhD students typically require over £60,000 per year to study and live in London comfortably. This scholarship takes care of a large portion of that burden.
Compared to other funding opportunities, this program offers one of the most comprehensive support packages for African students aiming to study in the UK.
How to Apply for Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship 2025
Applying for a prestigious scholarship like this one can feel overwhelming, but a step-by-step approach can help simplify the process.
Step 1: Explore Your Research Interests
Browse the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering website to understand key research areas. These could include structural engineering, water systems, transportation, geotechnical research, or environmental sustainability.
- Think about problems you care about in your home country.
- Identify how your academic background can contribute to solving them.
- Make a list of 2-3 potential research topics.
Step 2: Find a Supervisor
- Check out academic profiles on the staff directory
- Look for a supervisor whose research overlaps with your interest
- Prepare a tailored email outlining your qualifications, passion, and a short research idea
Example: “Dear Dr. Williams, I am a Master’s graduate in Structural Engineering from Ghana, interested in your work on earthquake-resistant buildings. I’d love to collaborate on research that applies these principles in rapidly growing urban areas of West Africa.”
Step 3: Secure Supervisor Support
This is crucial. Your application cannot proceed unless a faculty member agrees to supervise and formally nominate you. Ensure:
- Your research aligns with their expertise
- You communicate professionally and clearly
- You provide all required documents when requested
Step 4: Apply for the PhD Program
Submit your full application through Imperial’s postgraduate portal. Required documents typically include:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A well-developed research proposal (usually 2-4 pages)
- CV or resume
- Two academic references
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
Pro Tip: Use Imperial’s PhD application guide to make sure your submission is complete.
Step 5: Supervisor Nomination
Your supervisor must submit a formal nomination to the scholarship committee before May 23, 2025. This step is non-negotiable and must be completed on time.
Practical Tips for Success
Here are extra tips to enhance your chances:
- Start Early: Aim to contact supervisors between January and February 2025.
- Be Specific: Avoid vague proposals. Focus on measurable goals and real-world outcomes.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of deadlines, conversations, and required documents in a spreadsheet.
- Show Passion: Let your motivation shine in your emails, proposal, and personal statement.
- Polish Your Proposal: Ask professors or mentors to review your proposal before submitting.
Why Choose Imperial College London?
- Top 10 Globally: Ranked #6 in the QS World Rankings 2024, Imperial is a hub for research and innovation.
- Global Talent Pool: Over 60% of students are from outside the UK, creating a vibrant, multicultural learning environment.
- Elite Research Facilities: From wind tunnels to smart infrastructure labs, you’ll have access to world-class resources.
- London Advantage: As a student, you’ll live in a city known for culture, diversity, and opportunity.
Bonus: Imperial College boasts one of the highest employability rates for PhD graduates worldwide.
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FAQs About Apply Now for the Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship 2025
Can I apply if I’m already enrolled in a PhD at Imperial?
No. The Shawki Saad Scholarship is strictly for new PhD applicants only.
Do I need to be living in Africa right now to apply?
You need to be ordinarily resident in a Sub-Saharan African country. If you are temporarily abroad (e.g., for a degree), you may still be eligible.
Are applicants from North Africa eligible?
No. The scholarship is only for applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Is there an age limit?
There’s no formal age restriction, but you must meet academic and English proficiency standards.
Can I apply for other scholarships as well?
Yes. You can apply to multiple funding schemes, but if you receive this scholarship, you may not be eligible for overlapping awards.
When will decisions be made?
Shortlisted candidates are usually notified between late June and early July 2025.
