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.
Students must read carefully the additional guidance provided for completing the application form on the Institute of Astronomy website.
Although it is possible to take the PhD on a part-time basis it may not always be viable for certain research projects. Proposals will be considered on a case-by-case basis. For further information, see the FAQ page.
Selection Process
After the submission deadline, applications will undergo assessment on the following basis:
academic record
references
match between the applicant's interests and ongoing research at the Institute
A long list of applications is first conducted on the basis of the criteria above. From this long list, supervisors will contact applicants to understand common areas of research interest.
A shortlist of applicants for interview is formed following engagement with prospective supervisors.
Applicants will be considered automatically for all scholarship funding, including the STFC Studentships and Isaac Newton Studentship, available to the Institute of Astronomy without needing an additional application.
Applicants with Home fee status who are shortlisted for STFC studentship funding will be invited to interview in February 2027.
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 Experience (1500 characters) (mandatory)
- Core - Statement of Interest (1500 characters) (mandatory)
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
Prospective applicants are not expected to contact a supervisor before applying. Instead, applicants should review the list of potential supervisors on the Institute of Astronomy website to gain an overview of the supervisors and research topics available. Applicants should then specify up to three preferred supervisors and research topics in their application.
Failure to identify at least one potential supervisor may disadvantage your application.