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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.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
Students must read carefully the additional guidance provided for completing the application form on the Institute of Astronomy website.
Part-time study may not always be viable and 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
Shortlisted candidates who wish to be nominated for University scholarship funding will be put in contact with the (up to) three potential supervisors named on the application form once their application is submitted and after the application deadline. This process aims to define a research proposal that forms part of the submission for scholarship funding. The Postgraduate Admissions Committee will interview applicants being considered for University Scholarship funding, remotely in January.
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 2026.
For more information, please see here.
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.
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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
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Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. - Reasons for Applying (1500 characters) (mandatory)
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Statement of Interest (2500 characters) (mandatory)
Statement of Interest - The information you provide in the 'Statement of Interest' section should enable the Postgraduate Admissions Committee to understand the match between your research interests and what the Institute can offer in terms of potential supervisors and PhD research topics. -
School of Physical Sciences - 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:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
It is not necessary 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 (Statement of Interest).
Failure to identify at least one potential supervisor may disadvantage your application.