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Postgraduate Study

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

Expected Academic Standard

Applicants for this course should have achieved a Masters (Pass).

If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.

The Faculty of Physics and Chemistry's minimum academic requirement for admission as a PhD student is the equivalent of a good UK II.i four-year integrated master's degree (five-year from Scottish Universities).

If you are studying for a degree overseas and are unsure of its UK equivalent value, please contact admissions@ast.cam.ac.uk for advice. Admission offers are usually made to students with academic track records well above the University's minimum requirement.

University Minimum Academic Requirements


Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score
Listening 7.0
Writing 7.0
Reading 6.5
Speaking 7.0
Total 7.0

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score
Listening 25
Writing 25
Reading 25
Speaking 25
Total 100

C1 Advanced

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

C2 Proficiency

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).


Visa Information

If you are made an offer, an ATAS will be required in order to obtain a Visa.

Do not apply for an ATAS unless you have been made an offer.

A CAH3 code, which will be used to make your ATAS application, will be provided in your offer letter.

What Is An ATAS?

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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