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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.

Selection Process

Applicants should usually expect to hear whether they have been successful within twelve working weeks following the submission of their completed application and required supporting documents.

Further information on How To Apply


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.

  • 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.
  • Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
  • Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
  • Reasons for Applying (1500 characters) (mandatory)
  • Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
    Before applying, you should get in touch with a Supervisor and discuss your research proposal. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below.
  • School of Technology - 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:

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

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

You should have discussed your proposed research with your potential supervisors before submitting your applications. Advice about the research proposal and identifying suitable supervisors is available on the Research proposal guidance page on the Department's website.

You should refer to the guidance given on the Research Proposal | Department of Computer Science and Technology (cam.ac.uk) webpages on writing a research proposal before submitting your application.

Applicants for the PhD in Computer Science should contact a prospective Supervisor and discuss with them the proposed research, and indicate that they have:

  • received permission to name a Supervisor on the application form
  • that the proposed research can be undertaken in the Department of Computer Science and Technology
  • and that the Supervisor is able to accept new PhD students

Potential supervisors may belong to one or more than one research themes.

Apply Now

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Department of Computer Science and Technology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Oct. 2, 2025
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2026

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

Michaelmas 2026

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
May 14, 2026
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2026

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

Applications open
Sept. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Oct. 1, 2026
Course Starts
Jan. 5, 2027

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

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 2, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas , Lent and Easter .


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