Applications for the AIM: PhD 2025 programme are now open until 21 April 2025.
This programme is for applicants intending to apply for a PhD at Cambridge starting in October 2026.
What is AIM: PhD?
AIM: PhD is an application support programme, designed to support PhD applicants with their application for doctoral study at the University of Cambridge.
Over the course of 6 months, participants will receive support to prepare their PhD application through one-to-one mentoring and online group sessions.
The programme supports applicants to a number of departments across the University. See below for details of participating departments.
Participation in AIM: PhD is separate from the PhD admissions process and does not guarantee acceptance onto a PhD course.
AIM: PhD will run from July 2025 to January 2026, during which time you'll be supported by University staff and students to prepare your application for doctoral study.
At the start of the programme, you and your mentor will set goals and create a plan for the 6 months, to ensure that you receive the support you need to submit your application by the deadline.
You and your mentor will have monthly meetings to keep track of progress and answer any questions you have. It is expected that participants and mentees keep in regular contact with each other.
In addition to mentoring, you will be invited to join a series of online group sessions, covering topics such as the PhD application process, funding PhD study, and student life in Cambridge.
Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the University of Cambridge to see its facilities and speak more with students and staff.
Essential criteria (all required)
We ask those applying to the AIM: PhD programme to meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of the UK or Republic of Ireland, intending to apply for postgraduate study as a Home student
- Be on track to meet the academic entry requirements of their chosen postgraduate programme at the University of Cambridge
- Plan to apply to a participating department at the University of Cambridge for entry in 2026-27
- Not to have received an offer for/be currently undertaking/ have completed a PhD course
- Not to have received an offer for/be currently undertaking/ have completed any previous education at the University of Cambridge
Additional criteria
We will prioritise applications to AIM: PhD from applicants who meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have been in the first generation of their family to study at undergraduate level
- Have entered university at undergraduate level from a care background or as a Foyer resident
- Have been a young carer (under the age of 18)
- Have been in receipt of free school meals at secondary school
In addition to this, we will prioritise applications from people who identify as belonging to one of the highlighted ethnic backgrounds below, which are underrepresented in postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge:
- Arab
- Asian - Chinese or Chinese British
- Asian - Indian or Indian British
- Asian - Pakistani or Pakistani British
- Any other Asian background
- Black - African or African British
- Black - Caribbean or Caribbean British
- Any other Black background
- White or White British and Asian or Asian British
- White or White British and Black African or Black African British
- White or White British and Black Caribbean or Black Caribbean British
- Any other Mixed or Multiple ethnic background
- White - English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish or British
- White - Gypsy or Irish Traveller
- White - Irish
- White - Roma
- Any other White background
- Any other ethnic background
Applicants are also given the opportunity to let us know of any other circumstances or events that have caused disruption to their education, or limited the time available to them for study. Providing this information in your application is optional.
AIM: PhD can support applicants to many departments at the University of Cambridge, covering a wide range of disciplines.
Unfortunately, we are not able to support with applications to the departments listed below, and you should contact the department directly if you require support with your application.
Departments not participating in AIM: PhD
- Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
- Astronomy
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Geography
- History
- Law
- Materials Science and Metallurgy
- Physics
- Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
- Politics and International Studies
Before applying, check:
- You meet the eligibility criteria for AIM: PhD (see 'Who can apply' above)
- The department you intend to apply to is participating in the programme
- You are likely to meet the entry requirements for your chosen PhD programme
To apply
Complete the online application by Monday, 21 April 2025. The form will ask you for information on:
- Your previous education
- Motivations for pursuing a PhD
- Research interests
- Your interest in joining the AIM: PhD programme
As part of your application, you will also be asked to include details of an academic or professional referee, who will be contacted to provide a reference once you submit your application.
Referees will be asked to comment briefly on your academic performance or intellectual ability so should be someone who knows you and your work well - for example, a university tutor, a lecturer, or a line manager.
It is recommended that you speak with your chosen referee in advance of applying so that they are aware of the programme and happy to support your application. They must submit their references by Thursday, 24 April 2025 or your application will be withdrawn.
If you are offered a place on AIM: PhD, we will ask to see a copy of your transcripts or certificates for all previous and current degree-level study (completed and incomplete), starting with the most recent.
Contact the AIM team
If you have any questions about AIM: PhD, please contact us at aim@postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk and we will try our best to help.