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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.

Selection Process

All documentation, including references, must be received by the application deadline.

Offers are made on a rolling basis. You are advised to apply early as once all places have been filled further applications will not be considered..

If you wish to be considered for funding, you must apply by the earlier funding deadline. The Postgraduate Funding Competition is highly competitive.

Following receipt and review of complete application materials, suitable candidates will be invited to an interview. The selection panel may ask for additional supporting documentation. We usually expect applicants to receive a decision within 8 weeks of a completed application submission

It is sometimes necessary to place candidates on a waiting list and in this instance, the MBE Office will notify the applicant of their status. Where an applicant has submitted other applications or has other priorities they may choose to withdraw from the waiting list.

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.
  • Core - Reasons for Applying (document upload) (mandatory)
    Please upload details of your reasons for applying for this course and to the University of Cambridge, as well as your future aspirations and what you would bring to the cohort. Please write no more than 500 words. This is an opportunity to make your case beyond the application and its supporting documents. Your text can be addressed generally, since the admission and interview panels may vary, for example ’To whom it may concern’. Regarding what you would bring to the cohort, please note that the programme emphasises group work. You may wish to reflect on the contributions you would be able to make to the varying teams of students within the course who you would be working with closely.

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.

Apply Now

Key Information


Michaelmas 2027
Applications open
Sep. 9, 2026
Application deadline
May. 13, 2027
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2027
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 6, 2027
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 14, 2026

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2027, Lent 2028 and Easter 2028.

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