Applications for AIM: Explore 2025 are now open.
The 2025-26 programme is for applicants planning to apply to begin study in 2026-27.
What is AIM: Explore?
AIM: Explore is a free support programme to help MPhil and PhD applicants prepare their application to the University of Cambridge.
Support is provided via 2 one-hour online sessions with a current Cambridge PhD student and is tailored to your specific needs.
The programme is open to applicants to all MPhil and PhD courses who meet the eligibility criteria.
AIM: Explore is separate from the admissions process, and participation in the programme does not guarantee acceptance onto a postgraduate course.
What to expect
Over the course of 2 online one-to-one support sessions, you will receive advice and guidance on your postgraduate application tailored to your needs.
You'll be paired with a Cambridge postgraduate researcher who will act as your coach.
Advice and guidance may include:
- Support with developing a research proposal, including refining your idea, assessing feasibility, outlining the requirements of a strong research proposal.
- Help with other aspects of the MPhil application, such as submitting your supporting documents or applying for funding.
- Insights into postgraduate life at Cambridge.
AIM: Explore is designed to complement your own application preparation. We encourage you to begin exploring your options and conducting your own research alongside the support you receive through these sessions.
You'll identify the areas in which you would like support from your coach, and sessions will be planned around your interests. Online sessions will take place at a time that works for both of you.
Whilst we will do our best to match applicants with a coach from a similar academic discipline, this may not always be possible. In some cases, we may be unable to offer you a coach. This is not an indication of your suitability for postgraduate study at Cambridge.
Eligibility criteria
To take part in AIM: Explore, you must:
- Meet the core eligibility criteria for all AIM programmes
- Be planning to apply for a Master's or PhD at Cambridge starting in 2026-27
- Not have received an offer for, be currently undertaking, or have completed a research Master’s or PhD course
How to apply
Applications are now open and are currently being reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply as early as possible, as places are limited and may close once full.
Please note that it can take up to 3 weeks to process your application and match you with a coach. Once you're paired with a coach, you’ll have 1 month to redeem your sessions. Consider these timings and allow enough time if you have a specific course application deadline in mind.
To apply, please complete the online application with:
- Your education history
- Why you want to do an MPhil or PhD
- Your research interests
- Your motivation for joining the AIM: Explore programme
- University transcript or screenshots from the Self-Service portal showing interim or provisional results
Applications will close on 28 April 2026.
Contact us
If you have any questions about AIM: Explore, please get in touch with the AIM team at aim@postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk, and we will try our best to help.