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Postgraduate Study

Course closed for this cycle: Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence is no longer accepting applications for this cycle. It is expected to re-open for new applications in early September.

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.

To support a smooth assessment process, all applicants must upload their degree certificates (if applicable) and academic transcripts, along with the final page of the transcript or a separate grading key explaining how marks are awarded. This grading information is important for evaluating academic performance, especially for international qualifications.

Applicants who need to demonstrate English language proficiency are also strongly advised to include a valid language test result (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL) with their application.

References and all other documentation must be uploaded by the application deadline for the application to be considered.

Selection Process

If you apply by the funding deadline you should normally expect to receive a decision before the end of March. Occasionally, applicants may not receive a decision within the normal timeframe due to being placed on a reserve list. If this is the case then the Centre will be in touch to let you know. Normally the latest date for decisions to be communicated is the end of June.

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 - Research Proposal (7500 characters) (mandatory)
    A statement of proposed research of no more than 2-page document indicating your intended topic and research strategy. This should show an understanding of existing work in the field, identify an area for new work, have concrete goals and deliverables for the first year, and indicate that you know how to achieve them. This could be discussed with the intended supervisor and candidates are invited to make contact with the intended supervisor before submitting a formal application.
  • Core - Relevant Experience (2000 characters) (mandatory)
    Describe your relevant skills and experience, focusing in particular on how you are prepared for the technical (computational, mathematical, and programming) components of the course.
  • Core - Reasons for Applying (1500 characters) (mandatory)
    Explain your motivation for applying to the PhD in Human-Inspired AI.

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

Applicants 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 and that the Supervisor is able to accept new PhD students. Students are expected to propose an area or topic, and will be accepted only if an appropriate and willing supervisor is available.

Key Information


Michaelmas 2026 (Closed)
Applications open
Sep. 3, 2025
Application deadline
Dec. 3, 2025
Course starts
Oct. 1, 2026
Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.
Funding Deadlines
Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2025
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 15, 2025

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2026, Lent 2027 and Easter 2027.

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