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Apply using the Applicant Portal
The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.
An application is only complete when:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
Selection Process
Applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions) by the department, usually within 12 weeks. It is in the applicant's best interests to submit their application early in the academic year to meet the funding deadline and ensure that their application is considered in good time, as places can be filled before the final deadline.
Applications will be reviewed, and potential applicants will be invited to interview, generally by video call.
Further information on How To Apply
Things You'll Need
In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.
- Two academic references
- Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - you can check using our tool - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
Maximum length 600 words. - Extended research proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
Maximum length 3,000 words. - Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
Maximum length 3,000 words in English. - Asian and Middle Eastern Studies - Language Attainments
This can be a simple list of the languages you have attained and to what level (e.g., beginner, intermediate, etc.). If you have any language certificates, you can upload them along with your application. - Statement of Interest (1500 characters) (mandatory)
Please use this section to explain your interest in studying at Cambridge University for this particular course. - Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
You should contact a prospective Supervisor and discuss your proposed research with them before applying. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below. - Project Title (250 characters) (mandatory)
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
Before applying, the applicant must contact a prospective Supervisor to discuss their proposed research. A complete list of supervisors for Middle Eastern and East Asian Studies, showing their research interests, can be found on our dedicated PhD page and the Faculty's Research pages, including information about the kind of work carried out in the Faculty.
The applicant may also wish to look at the list of our current PhD students, including their thesis topics.
The purpose of this initial contact is to discuss research proposals, inquire about the supervisor's capacity and willingness to supervise, and determine if there is a good fit between the applicant's interests and theirs. When contacting a supervisor, it is recommended to consider their research profile. Supervisors will not offer commentary or suggestions on how to write or rewrite your research proposal.
Please note that unfocused applications with no identifiable potential supervisor are at a serious disadvantage.