Applications are open for the fully funded Cambridge Biosciences BBSRC DTP PhD programme for 2027 entry. Around 25 studentships are expected, covering University tuition fees, research costs and a stipend currently listed as £21,805 for 2026–27. International candidates may apply, although their funded places are limited to up to 30% of the cohort.
The programme begins on 1 October 2027 and offers Targeted and iCASE projects across biological sciences. Applicants can select up to two advertised projects in one application.
PhD · University of Cambridge, UK
Fees, stipend, research costs and eligible visa support
8 December 2026 · no clock time stated
Funding and benefits
The Cambridge Biosciences DTP describes this as a four-year fully funded studentship. The package includes:
- University tuition fees.
- A living stipend, currently £21,805 for the 2026–27 academic year. The 2027–28 rate has not yet been stated.
- Research costs and doctoral training.
- Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge costs for recruited international BBSRC DTP students.
- A three-month professional internship for Targeted studentships, or an industry-linked internship of at least three months for iCASE studentships.
International students are eligible, but the programme says no more than 30% of the cohort can be international. For a cohort of 25, this means up to seven international awards.
Eligibility
- UK and overseas applicants may apply.
- You should hold, or expect to attain, at least a high upper-second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant scientific subject.
- Biological-science applicants are welcome, as are candidates from physical science or mathematics backgrounds who want to apply their skills to biological questions.
- You must meet Cambridge’s programme-specific English-language requirements where applicable.
English-language requirements
Cambridge currently lists IELTS Academic 7.0 overall, with 7.0 in listening, writing and speaking and 6.5 in reading. The listed TOEFL iBT requirement is 100 overall with 25 in each component. Cambridge also accepts specified C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency scores. Applicants should check whether an exemption applies to their circumstances.
Required application materials
The official application form and individual project advertisements determine the final document set. Applicants should prepare:
- University Applicant Portal form for “BBSRC DTP PhD in Biological Sciences”.
- The exact reference and title for up to two selected Targeted or iCASE projects.
- A statement of interest for each selected project.
- Short responses covering PhD motivation, problem-solving, independent work, recent subject developments, research understanding and technical skills.
- Academic transcripts and the documents required by Cambridge’s postgraduate application system.
- Two academic and/or professional references, submitted by the deadline.
- English-language evidence where Cambridge requires it.
How to apply
- Review the advertised Targeted and iCASE projects and confirm your academic eligibility.
- Select up to two projects and copy each project reference and title exactly.
- Open the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal and choose “BBSRC DTP PhD in Biological Sciences”.
- Complete the application, project statements and short written responses.
- Add two referees and upload all required supporting documents.
- Submit early enough for both references and the complete application to arrive by the deadline.
Deadline
The official programme deadline is Tuesday, 8 December 2026. The official pages reviewed do not state a clock time or time zone, so applicants should not assume a midnight cut-off. The course and funding deadline are the same date.
Selection process
Applications are reviewed as a gathered field after the deadline. Departments and project supervisors shortlist candidates for first-round online interviews from December 2026 to mid-January 2027. Departments nominate their strongest candidates by 27 January 2027. The DTP Research Committee then holds second online interviews from 22–24 February 2027, makes final funding decisions on 2 March, and begins sending outcomes from 3 March 2027.
Practical applicant tips
- Use the exact project code and title; a mismatch can delay assessment.
- Connect your previous research, coursework or technical skills directly to each chosen project.
- Contacting a supervisor is optional and does not form part of the formal assessment.
- Brief referees early because their letters must be received by the same deadline.
- International applicants should address research fit strongly because their funded places are capped.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cambridge BBSRC DTP fully funded?
Yes. The official programme states that successful applicants receive fees, a stipend and research costs for four years.
Can international students apply?
Yes. EU and non-EU candidates are eligible, but international awards are limited to up to 30% of the cohort.
What is the stipend?
The currently published figure is £21,805 for 2026–27. The programme has not yet published the 2027–28 amount on the reviewed page.
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
No. Applicants may contact supervisors, but it is not required and pre-application discussions are not assessed.
How many projects can I select?
You may select up to two Targeted or iCASE projects in the same application.
Related opportunities
- Warwick PGR Scholarships 2027
- Imperial President’s PhD Scholarships 2027–28
- Cambridge Harding Scholarship 2027–28
- Oxford Ertegun Scholarship 2027–28
Official sources
- Cambridge Biosciences DTP: How to apply
- Cambridge Biosciences DTP: Application timeline
- University of Cambridge: Funding
- University of Cambridge: Entry and language requirements
