How to apply

Applications for HealthBRIDGE studentships for October 2027 entry are now open and will close at 23.59 UTC on 11 November 2026.

Please read the contents of this page carefully and thoroughly before commencing your application. It will provide you with important information about how to prepare and submit your application, as well as what will happen after you submit it. 

HealthBRIDGE Webinar

A webinar about HealthBRIDGE will be hosted via MS Teams on 14 October 2026 at 14.00 BST. Please register here.

A recording will be made available to view via this website. 

Prepare and submit your application

To make an application, you will be required to submit an online application form.  A link to the  application form will be provided at the end of this page.

We welcome applications from candidates whose research interests align with one or more of the MRC's research remit.

We strongly recommend that you download the HealthBRIDGE Application Form Template and use it to prepare your answers first. The template includes all questions that will appear in the online form and will be available from 14 October. 

You are not required to upload a separate personal statement, CV, transcripts, or proof of nationality/residency status with your online application. However, if any information provided in the online application form is later found to be incorrect, it may result in an offer being withdrawn. 

Please do not email a completed template document to us. Applications will only be accepted via the online form. 

References

You will need to provide details of two referees, at least one of whom should be familiar with your educational history, qualifications, and achievements. Referees will be asked to submit their references directly to us if you are invited to interview

You should choose referees who know you personally and can give a first-hand account of your suitability for HealthBRIDGE. If you have just started a post-graduate degree, and its academic staff do not know you well enough to provide a reference don’t worry – a reference from your undergraduate studies is acceptable.

Application review and timeline

During application review, personal data from your application form will be redacted to ensure a fair selection process without bias (conscious or unconscious) towards gender, race, age, disability, or educational institution(s) previously attended. 

Please read our EDI statement for further information.

Applications that meet the HealthBRIDGE eligibility criteria are reviewed by the HealthBRIDGE Leadership Team who will consider whether research interests match the MRC's research remit and if an applicant’s academic/employment journey so far indicates potential to complete a PhD. 

Academics from Imperial independently score each application that passes the initial review, evaluating motivation, as well as personal and academic attributes needed to successfully undertake a PhD. 

Applicants who are not included in the interview shortlist will be notified late January 2027.

We expect to inform applicants who are shortlisted for interview late January 2027. 

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted for interview. 

Interviews

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview. We anticipate interview panels to take place mid-late February 2027. Information on interview format will be provided to all invited applicants nearer the date. 

For this stage of the selection process, personal data on application forms is not redacted. 

Referees will be asked to submit their references prior to the interviews. 

We expect to email offers to successful candidates in early March 2027. 

My Imperial 

If you are made an offer of a HealthBRIDGE studentship, you will be required to submit an application for admission to Imperial through the university portal (My Imperial). This will enable the university’s admissions team to make appropriate checks on your academic qualifications, English language requirements and fee status.  

HealthBRIDGE application form

Acess the online aplication form here.

Use the HealthBRIDGE Application Form Template to draft your application.

Note the deadline for applications is 23.59 GMT 11 November 2026.