What if your next degree came with four years of tuition, living expenses and research funding already covered? The University of Cambridge is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity for students interested in biological sciences, with applications open for the 2027 intake. The Cambridge Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) supports researchers working across a wide range of biological science disciplines. Successful applicants of this Cambridge PhD scholarship receive funding for their PhD, a living stipend and support for research expenses.
The programme expects to offer approximately 25 studentships for the 2027 intake. International students are eligible, and Cambridge can award a limited number of places to candidates from outside the UK. The application deadline is 8 December 2026. If you have a strong academic background and want to pursue doctoral research in the United Kingdom, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Start with the university’s official application instructions.
Cambridge PhD Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Scholarship | Cambridge Biosciences BBSRC DTP Studentship |
| University | University of Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Study level | PhD |
| Field | Biological sciences and related research areas |
| Entry year | October 2027 |
| Duration | Four years of funded study |
| Living stipend | £21,805 for the 2026–2027 academic year |
| Tuition fees | Covered at the applicable home or international rate |
| Research support | Research consumables, training and conference funding |
| International applicants | Eligible, but places are limited |
| Application deadline | 8 December 2026 |
| Official application | Cambridge Biosciences DTP |
The university’s funding information also lists support for international student visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge. The exact funding package and conditions should be checked against the current studentship offer.
What does the Cambridge PhD Scholarship Cover?
This is more comprehensive than a scholarship that only reduces tuition fees. Successful candidates receive funding to support the main costs of doctoral study.
- Full tuition fees
The studentship covers university tuition fees at the applicable rate. International students are eligible, and the programme states that it can cover both international fees and the living stipend for funded international recruits.
This is particularly important for overseas applicants, whose university fees can be substantially higher than those charged to UK students.
- A living stipend of £21,805
The stipend for the 2026–2027 academic year is £21,805. It is intended to help students pay everyday living costs while concentrating on their research. The stipend may change for the 2027 intake, so applicants should confirm the final rate when funding offers are issued.
- Research expenses
The wider studentship package includes research consumables and other academic support. Cambridge’s funding information lists £18,000 in research consumables over four years, alongside funding for professional development, travel and conferences. These resources can help students carry out laboratory work, develop research skills and share their findings.
- Visa and health surcharge support
The programme states that it covers the costs of student visas and the Immigration Health Surcharge for international students recruited through the DTP. This can reduce the initial financial burden of moving to the UK.
- Professional development
The programme includes training, networking and a professional internship. Students may also participate in laboratory rotations or an industry placement, depending on the studentship type.
These experiences can help prepare graduates for careers in research, biotechnology, academia and other science-related industries.
Who can Apply for the Cambridge PhD Scholarship?
The opportunity is open to applicants with the academic background and research interests needed for doctoral study in biological sciences.
International Students are Eligible
Applicants from outside the UK, including those from African and other international countries, may apply.However, international places are limited. Cambridge indicates that international students can make up to 30% of the cohort. For a cohort of approximately 25 students, this could mean up to seven international studentships.
Eligibility does not guarantee funding, and competition is likely to be strong.
You need a suitable academic background. You should have a strong undergraduate degree or an equivalent academic qualification relevant to the proposed research. Exact entry requirements can vary by department and project.
Review the entry requirements for the PhD in Biological Sciences before applying. If your degree was awarded outside the UK, check Cambridge’s international qualification guidance to confirm the required equivalency.
Your research interests must match an available project. The programme works across multiple departments and partner institutes. You should identify research projects that match your background and future plans.
The available projects may cover areas such as genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, neuroscience, ecology and other biological sciences. The exact projects depend on the participating research groups and the current call.
Do not assume every biological science topic is available. Check the current project list before choosing.
What are the Two Studentship Routes?
The Cambridge Biosciences DTP offers two main types of studentship.
Targeted studentships: These include two ten-week laboratory rotations in different research groups before you begin your PhD research project.
Industrial Collaborative Awards (iCASE): These involve a research placement with an industry partner. Students are required to undertake a placement lasting between three and eighteen months, according to the programme’s conditions.
Both routes offer structured doctoral training, but the experience differs. Consider whether you prefer rotating between research groups or working closely with an industry partner. The programme’s official project listings explain which route applies to each opportunity.
How to apply for the Cambridge PhD Scholarship
The application is submitted through the University of Cambridge’s postgraduate application system. Follow these steps to prepare a strong application.
Step 1: Explore the available research projects
Visit the Cambridge Biosciences DTP website and review the projects available for 2027 entry.
Look for projects that fit your academic training, research interests and career goals. Read the descriptions carefully because you will need to explain why your selected projects interest you.
Step 2: Choose up to two projects
The programme allows applicants to select up to two projects. Your choices may come from the same or different research areas and can include a combination of Targeted and iCASE projects.
For each selection, prepare a short statement explaining:
- What attracts you to the project.
- Any discussions you have had with the supervisor, if applicable.
- Which coursework, research experience or skills have prepared you for the work.
A clear, specific explanation is more useful than a generic statement about wanting to study at Cambridge.
Step 3: Prepare your application documents
Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV and any other documents requested by the application system.
You should also be ready to explain your relevant research experience, technical skills and academic interests. Check the requirements for references and any additional questions in the portal before submitting.
If your documents are not in English, check whether certified translations are required.
Step 4: Submit your postgraduate application
Apply for the PhD in Biological Sciences through Cambridge’s official postgraduate application portal. Complete the required funding and project-selection sections carefully.
Use the course and funding pages to confirm that your application is linked to the correct studentship route.
Official course information: PhD in Biological Sciences.
Step 5: Submit before 8 December 2026
The deadline for the 2027 entry programme is 8 December 2026. Submit well before the closing date so you have time to resolve any missing-document issues.
Some courses or funding routes may close earlier, so check the deadlines displayed for your selected programme.
Step 6: Prepare for interviews
Applications are reviewed by the relevant research groups and departments. Candidates shortlisted at the initial stage may be invited to an interview, followed by a further interview with the DTP Research Committee.
The programme says interviews are conducted online.
Prepare to discuss your chosen research projects, previous academic work, research methods and reasons for pursuing a PhD. You should also be able to explain how your experience fits the project.
How to Strengthen your Application
A fully funded Cambridge studentship attracts strong candidates, so your application needs to show more than enthusiasm.
- Connect your experience to the project. Explain how your degree, laboratory experience or previous research prepares you for the proposed work.
- Be specific about your research interests. Mention the questions you want to investigate and why they matter.
- Choose projects carefully. Select opportunities that match your skills rather than applying without understanding the research.
- Explain your motivation clearly. Show why doctoral study is the right next step for you.
- Contact supervisors when useful. Cambridge says prospective applicants are welcome to discuss projects with supervisors before applying, but this is not compulsory.
- Proofread everything. Ensure your application is complete, consistent and submitted before the deadline.
Do not contact supervisors merely to ask whether the scholarship is fully funded. Check the official funding page first, then ask thoughtful questions about the project if you need clarification.
Helpful tools for your PhD application
These items may help you organise your application and prepare for research study. –
- Academic planner: Track project choices, references and application deadlines.
- Document organiser: Keep transcripts, certificates and supporting documents together.
- Scientific writing guide: Improve the clarity and structure of research statements and academic writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Cambridge Biosciences PhD scholarship fully funded?
Yes. The studentship provides tuition fees, a living stipend and research support for the funded period. The programme also states that it supports visa and health surcharge costs for recruited international students.
- Can international students apply?
Yes. International applicants are eligible, including applicants from outside the European Union. However, the number of funded international places is limited.
- How much is the stipend?
The published stipend is £21,805 for the 2026–2027 academic year. The rate for the 2027 intake may be updated.
- How long does the funding last?
The studentship is designed to support four years of doctoral study.
- What is the application deadline?
The deadline for the 2027 intake is 8 December 2026. Check the official course page in case a particular project or route has an earlier deadline.
- Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
No. The programme welcomes discussions with supervisors but does not require them as part of the application process.
- Does the scholarship cover every subject at Cambridge?
No. This funding is attached to the Cambridge Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership and its participating research projects. It is not a general scholarship for every Cambridge PhD subject.
Final thoughts
The Cambridge Biosciences DTP studentship is a valuable opportunity for students who want to build a research career in biological sciences without paying the full cost of doctoral study themselves.
The Cambridge PhD Scholarship package combines tuition fees, a living stipend and research support. International applicants can also be considered, although competition for the limited overseas places will be intense. If your qualifications and research interests match an available project, start preparing your documents now. Review the official project list, choose up to two suitable options and submit your application before 8 December 2026.
Apply through the official programme website: Cambridge Biosciences DTP 2027.
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