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.
It is not necessary to find a supervisor during the application period.
Selection Process
Applications are considered in gathered fields which roughly correspond to the University’s central funding competitions and then on a rolling basis until the application deadline.
Interviews will last approximately 30 minutes and may be conducted in person, by Zoom or by Skype. Applicants are interviewed by at least two academic members of the Department, including a member of the course management.
Applicants who apply by the December funding competition deadline will be reviewed in December and can usually expect to receive a decision in February. We aim to have all decisions made by 15 June 2026.
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. - Biology - Statement of Interest (mandatory)
Please outline your research interests; reasons for applying to this course; and any relevant training or experience, (including details of any subject-relevant courses, scholarships and awards) up to a maximum of 10000 characters. - 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
It is not necessary to find a supervisor during the application period. A list of possible projects offered by Cambridge Neuroscience Principal Investigators will be provided once students join.