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.
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 and https://www.embl.org/about/info/embl-international-phd-programme/
If you are accepted via EMBL International PhD Programm (EIPP), you must then submit a formal application to the University of Cambridge, via the Applicant Portal, including an upload of your offer to join the EMBL PhD Programme.
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.
Winter recruitment: application deadline is 12th October 2026, with in-person interviews held in late January, and the candidates notified by mid-to late February. Successful applicants must then formally apply to Cambridge.
Summer recruitment: application deadline is 10th March 2027, with in-person interviews held in June, and the candidates notified by mid-July. Successful applicants must then formally apply to Cambridge.
For more information please see the EBI PhD recruitment websites https://www.ebi.ac.uk/research/eipp and https://www.embl.org/about/info/embl-international-phd-programme/
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. - 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 - Core- Invitation upload
Please upload a copy of your offer to join the EMBL PhD Programme which you will have received from the Graduate Office. You must have this in order to be considered for the programme - Biological Science (EBI) Confirm
Full details of the EMBL application process are available via the webpages at https://www.embl.org/about/info/embl-international-phd-programme/ and https://www.embl.org/about/info/embl-international-phd-programme/applic…
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 to the University of Cambridge 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 https://www.embl.org/about/info/embl-international-phd-programme/