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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.
Please note that we allow two different kinds of referees: academic and professional. There are some rules on when a professional referee can be used; please visit the 'References' page if you are unsure.
Selection Process
Applications are considered as they are received in a rolling admissions system. Applicants should expect to hear whether or not they have been successful within twelve weeks of submitting their completed application and the required supporting documents. Interviews will be conducted in person or via video call.
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)
- Proposed Supervisor (mandatory)
You must contact a Supervisor and secure their support before making an application. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below - Research Proposal (mandatory)
- Project / Studentship Applications (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
Applicants should contact a potential Supervisor before proceeding with their PhD application. You can browse the personal/group pages of the Research Group Leaders to check the details of their research and how to contact them.
Depending on the project, part-time study may not be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed Supervisor before applying for this mode of study.
Applicants must secure the support of a Supervisor within a laboratory before their application is considered.