Shawki Saad Scholarship 2025: The Shawki Saad Scholarship 2025 is now officially open for applications, offering a fully funded PhD opportunity at the prestigious Imperial College London for students from Sub-Saharan Africa. If you’re an aspiring scholar with a passion for Civil and Environmental Engineering and want to solve real-world problems facing your region, this could be your chance to earn a PhD for free at one of the top universities in the world.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know: eligibility criteria, scholarship benefits, application procedures, insider tips, and the long-term career impact of being a Shawki Saad Scholar. Whether you’re a high-achieving student, a professional looking to upgrade your qualifications, or an educator supporting brilliant minds—this article is tailored to inform, inspire, and empower you to take action.
Shawki Saad Scholarship 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Shawki Saad PhD Scholarship |
| Host Institution | Imperial College London |
| Field of Study | Civil and Environmental Engineering |
| Funding Coverage | 100% tuition + £22,000+ stipend + travel costs |
| Target Audience | Students from Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Application Deadline | May 23, 2025 |
| Eligible Degree | PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) |
| Eligibility | First Class/Upper Second-Class degree + Master’s degree |
| Official Application Page | Shawki Saad Scholarship |
The Shawki Saad Scholarship 2025 is more than just a financial award—it is a transformative academic and professional journey. From gaining cutting-edge research skills at Imperial College London to returning home equipped to tackle complex regional challenges, this scholarship empowers scholars to become leaders in their field and catalysts for change.
If you have a vision to serve your community, a strong academic record, and the drive to contribute to sustainable development across Africa, then this scholarship is made for you.
Take the first step today. Reach out to potential supervisors, prepare your documents, and submit your application before the deadline. Your PhD journey—and your future—starts now.
Why the Shawki Saad Scholarship Matters
The Shawki Saad Scholarship was established to support exceptional students from Sub-Saharan Africa in pursuing transformative doctoral research that contributes to solving urgent problems back home. It’s more than just a scholarship—it’s an opportunity to become a thought leader, a change-maker, and a global ambassador for African innovation.
Imperial College London ranks among the top 10 universities worldwide according to the latest QS World University Rankings, and is consistently recognized for its research excellence in science, technology, engineering, and medicine. Being part of this ecosystem opens doors to unparalleled academic mentorship, international collaboration, and exposure to cutting-edge technology.
The scholarship is designed not only to alleviate the financial burden of doctoral education but to foster long-term capacity-building by nurturing homegrown expertise. Scholars are expected to return to their countries with enhanced skills, innovative solutions, and the ability to mentor future engineers and academics.
What the Shawki Saad Scholarship Covers
The Shawki Saad Scholarship is one of the most generous postgraduate awards available to international students in the UK. Here’s a detailed look at what it provides:
- Tuition Fees: Full payment at the overseas/international student rate for a 3-4 year PhD program.
- Living Stipend: A minimum of £22,000 per annum, which can go higher depending on annual adjustments for living costs.
- Relocation & Travel Allowances: Return economy class flights, UK visa processing costs, and an initial setup allowance upon arrival.
Real-World Value: Based on average cost-of-living calculations for London (see Numbeo), the stipend comfortably covers essential expenses, including accommodation, transport, food, and study-related needs.
Total Estimated Value: Over £100,000 across the duration of the program.
Eligibility Criteria For Shawki Saad Scholarship: Are You a Good Fit?
Not everyone can apply, which helps ensure that only the most committed and qualified candidates are considered.
Academic Requirements
- A First Class or strong Upper Second-Class Honours degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related quantitative discipline.
- A Master’s degree (MSc, MEng, or equivalent) from an accredited institution, ideally with a research component.
- A strong foundation in mathematics, mechanics, environmental systems, or structural analysis is advantageous.
Regional Eligibility
- Must be ordinarily resident in a Sub-Saharan African country. Examples include but are not limited to: Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Research Alignment
- Proposed research must focus on addressing developmental, infrastructural, or environmental challenges facing African nations. Topics may include:
- Flood mitigation
- Clean water access
- Urban development
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Renewable energy systems
Student Status
- Only new applicants to Imperial College are eligible. Current PhD students are not eligible.
How to Apply For Shawki Saad Scholarship 2025
Getting this scholarship takes preparation, persistence, and precision. Here’s a breakdown of the application process:
Step 1: Explore Faculty Profiles
Visit the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering website. Review research areas and faculty interests. Identify one or two supervisors whose work aligns with your proposal.
Step 2: Reach Out to a Supervisor
Send a well-crafted email including:
- Your CV (2 pages max)
- A brief (1-page) research proposal
- A personal introduction stating your academic background and reason for interest
- Mention that you’re seeking nomination for the Shawki Saad Scholarship
Step 3: Secure Endorsement
If a supervisor is impressed with your proposal and background, they will endorse your application by formally nominating you for the scholarship.
Step 4: Apply to the PhD Program
Complete the online application at Imperial College’s postgraduate portal. Clearly reference the Shawki Saad Scholarship in your statement and attach all required documents (transcripts, CV, proposal, references).
Step 5: Submit Everything on Time
Ensure that all components of your application are completed and submitted no later than May 23, 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will be disqualified.
Tips for a Strong Application
Make your application stand out with these proven strategies:
- Tailor Your Proposal: Show how your research specifically addresses a need in your country or region.
- Demonstrate Leadership: Include examples of volunteer work, mentoring, or leading projects that made a social impact.
- Be Professional: Use a formal tone in your emails and application documents. Avoid grammar mistakes and typos.
- Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back from a supervisor after a week, send a polite reminder.
- Use Strong References: Choose academic referees who know you well and can vouch for your research ability and character.
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FAQs About the Shawki Saad Scholarship
1. Can I apply if I’m already studying in the UK?
No. This scholarship is for new international applicants residing in Sub-Saharan Africa.
2. What disciplines are eligible?
Primarily Civil and Environmental Engineering. Related fields such as Environmental Science, Hydrology, Structural Engineering, or Applied Mathematics may be considered if the research aligns.
3. How many scholarships are awarded each year?
One. This is a highly competitive and prestigious award with only one recipient selected annually.
4. Is there an age restriction?
No fixed age limit. However, the typical applicant is within the early to mid-career stage, often under age 40.
5. When will I know the outcome?
Successful candidates are usually contacted by July or August 2025. Be sure to monitor your email regularly.
6. Can I reapply if unsuccessful?
Yes, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria and have not yet enrolled in a PhD program.
