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.
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.
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. - Core - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
A statement of proposed research of no more than 2 A4 pages 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 you 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:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
Applicants are required to contact a prospective Supervisor and discuss with them the proposed research and confirm with the Supervisor that they are willing and able to accept new PhD students.
You are expected to propose an area or topic, and will be accepted only if an appropriate and willing supervisor is available. The list of supervisors can be found on the CHIA website: https://www.chia.cam.ac.uk/education/phd
Applicants may indicate preferred supervisors in their application. At least one named supervisor must be drawn from the Primary Research Supervisor list on the CHIA website; applicants may also, where appropriate, propose co-supervision with someone from the list of Potential Co-Supervisors. Final supervisory arrangements are determined by CHIA after admission. Contact with a prospective supervisor does not imply a commitment to supervision or guarantee an offer of a place.