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.
You must secure the support of a group leader/supervisor within a laboratory before your application can be submitted or considered.
Selection Process
Applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions); however, most opportunities are typically available in November/December, so contact with a supervisor before then is advised where possible.
You should expect to hear whether your application is successful within six weeks of submitting your completed application with the required supporting documents (if a supervisor has been identified on the application).
Note that for 2027-2028 admissions to the Department of Biochemistry, either for a DTP place or other funded place, PhD students who have been shortlisted will be invited for interview by a Committee between Monday,18 January 2027 and Friday, 22 January 2027 in a virtual setting.
Things You'll Need
You should start preparing the things that you'll need when you apply. These will be mandatory, unless specifically flagged as optional.
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Two referees willing to give you a reference
Either academic or professional – please see our References guidance for more information about which type you need. Your referees will need to have submitted their reference by the course deadline. - Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. - Proposed Supervisor (mandatory)
You must contact a Group Leader and receive confirmation from them that they have an available place for you in their laboratory. You must provide the Group Leader/Supervisor's name in your application. You cannot submit your application without this. See below for more information on how to find a Group Leader/supervisor. - Biology - Statement of Interest (mandatory)
An outline of your motivation for postgraduate study and your choice of laboratory and project. - Biology - Research Proposal (mandatory)
You should discuss your Research Proposal with your prospective supervisor before completing this section. - School of Biological Sciences - Widening Participation Questionnaire
Applicants to this course are being asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/how/contextual-data
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
You should first identify one or more laboratories where you wish to study (details of the research carried out in the Department can be found here). You should then make informal contact with the Group Leader(s) to ensure they are able to supervise you and understand the research project that you wish to undertake. The email addresses of Group Leaders can be found here.
Once you have received a confirmation from a Group Leader of an available place in a laboratory of your choice, you can apply via the Applicant Portal. It is not possible to submit an application until this confirmation is received.