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Postgraduate Study

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:

  1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
  2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
  3. 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 is an outstation of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). For this course, it is necessary to apply first via the EMBL International PhD Programme and subsequently to the University of Cambridge.

To apply for a funded place through the EMBL International PhD Programme please apply directly to EMBL-EBI, by following the link for further information.

For information on the programme and how to apply, please refer to the European Bioinformatics Institute website.

Applicants must secure the support of a supervisor within a laboratory before their University of Cambridge application will be considered.

Selection Process

Please note that applications submitted directly to EMBL-EBI are not applications to the course through the University of Cambridge admissions portal and students who are successful in gaining a funded place through EMBL-EBI will also be required to submit an application through the University’s Application Portal.

The EMBL 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. 

Please see our PhD recruitment website and EMBL for more information.

What Happens Next? | Postgraduate Admissions (cam.ac.uk).

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 (M)
  • Research Proposal (O)
  • Proposed Supervisor (Optional)

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

A list of recruiting Group Leaders and further information on available research topics can be found on the European Bioinformatics Institute website.

Apply Now

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

European Bioinformatics Institute

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Oct. 4, 2023
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 15, 2022
Application deadline
Jan. 15, 2024
Course Starts
April 17, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
May 16, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2024
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Jan. 15, 2025
Course Starts
April 17, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.


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