For information on how to use the Applicant Portal and how to use your Self-Service account, see our Applicant Portal and Self-Service Account page.
Q. I am getting an error message. What do I do?
Most error messages will be displayed if you are not logged out of either your Raven account or your Self-Service account.
To rectify the problem, close your web browser and reopen it. If that does not work, clear your browser's cache and cookies. Please see your browser's help menu for assistance.
If the following message is displayed when uploading a supporting document:
File Upload Error: Java iText Encryption test failed (20070,65)
The PeopleCode programme executed an Error statement, which has produced this message.
This means the file is encrypted, as is the case for anything that has been digitally signed. You will need to save it as a new PDF before being able to upload it. For most documents, you can do so by selecting 'Print' and 'Save as PDF'.
Please note our instructions for sending electronic transcripts.
Q. I cannot log in to complete my application. Is the system broken?
We do occasionally have to perform maintenance on our online Application Portal and Self-Service systems. This is performed between 7:00 and 9:00, on either a Tuesday or a Thursday morning, UK time. In such circumstances, a message will be displayed to indicate that the service will resume shortly. Please try again after 9:00, by returning to the Postgraduate Admissions home page, and clicking on the "Applicant Portal" or "Applicant Self-Service" buttons. Do not reload the page displaying the message.
At other times, or if a message is not displayed, then the system may be experiencing unforeseen technical issues. This will be investigated and fixed as soon as possible. Applicants who are delayed in applying or providing supporting documents by technical issues with our systems will not be penalised.
If you see the login page, but your password does not work, try the "forgotten password" or "I have forgotten my password" link.
Q. I have forgotten my login details. What do I do?
You can request a new password by clicking the "Forgotten Password" link on the Postgraduate Applicant log-in page. You can also request a new password on the Self-Service homepage.
However, if you have forgotten the email address you used, or you are no longer able to receive emails at that address, please send an email stating your name, date of birth and the name of the course you are applying for, to pg.admissions@admin.cam.ac.uk. Ensure that you enter "Password Request" as the subject.
Q. I have a message saying my payment was unsuccessful. What should I do?
If possible, you should wait and try again the following day. If the problem persists, please contact your bank. Alternatively, you may wish to ask permission from a friend or family member in order to pay online using their card details. Please note that non-UK applicants must use a credit card or a UK debit card to make this payment.
Q. I am being told my research proposal exceeds the maximum length. Why is this?
Research proposals must be under 14 lines.
Please ensure that you do not copy and paste any unusual or unsupported characters into the box. Note that lines between paragraphs count towards the line limit.
Q. The university I attended is not listed in your drop-down menu. What do I need to do?
Please use our contact form, selecting "Other" as the purpose of your enquiry, and entering "University Missing" in the box that then appears. State the institution's full name and postal address, and we will add it to the drop-down menu in the application form, as soon as possible.
Q. Can you reinstate a deleted application?
Deleted applications cannot be reinstated nor can multiple applications be made for the same course in the same academic year. You can however create a new application for a different course.