Primary tabs
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.
European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) is an outstation of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). You must first secure a place on the EMBL International PhD Programm (EIPP) before applying to the University of Cambridge. For information on the EIPP and how to apply, please refer to https://www.ebi.ac.uk/research/eipp
If you are accepted via the above process, you must then submit a formal application following the instructions on this page. Only candidates accepted through the EIPP selection process can be admitted into the programme.
Selection Process
The EMBL-EBI International PhD Programm (EIPP) runs two recruitment rounds each year.
The winter recruitment opens for applications in mid-August with a deadline for applications in mid-to late October. In-person interviews will be held in late January, and the candidates will be notified by mid-to late February.
The summer recruitment opens in mid-February with a deadline for applications in mid-to late April. In-person interviews will be held in late June / early July, and the candidates will be notified by mid-July.
For more information please see the EBI PhD recruitment website https://www.ebi.ac.uk/research/eipp
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 - Statement of Interest (mandatory)
An outline of your research interests; reasons for applying for this course; and any relevant training or experience, (including details of any subject-relevant courses, scholarships and awards) c. 1,000-2,000 words. - Research Proposal (optional)
A research proposal of around 2,000 words, including a provisional research title. - Proposed Supervisor (optional)
- School of Biological Sciences - Widening Participation Questionnaire
Applicants to this course are asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study. Find out more about our use of contextual information here: postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/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
There is no requirement to directly contact supervisors before making your application to the EIPP https://www.ebi.ac.uk/research/eipp
However, if accepted via the EIPP, you must then secure the support of a supervisor within a laboratory before submitting your application via the Applicant Portal.
If you do wish to discuss with potential supervisors whether open positions are available in specific groups, and/or highlight your interests to specific supervisors, it is helpful if you provide them with a cover letter stating your research experience and interests, and your cv.
A list of recruiting Group Leaders and further information on available research topics can be found on the European Bioinformatics Institute website.