The Cambridge BioSCaPe PhD 2027 is open for October 2027 entry. This BBSRC-funded interdisciplinary programme offers four-year studentships covering university fees, a maintenance stipend and research costs. International applicants may apply; places for overseas students are limited, and the studentship also covers the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge for funded international candidates. The application deadline is 25 February 2027.
University of Cambridge and Babraham Institute
PhD in Biological Science
Four years: fees, stipend and research costs
25 February 2027
Funding and benefits
The BioSCaPe programme provides a fully funded four-year studentship. Cambridge lists university fees, a maintenance stipend and research costs as covered. For funded international students, the award also covers the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. The official course page does not currently publish a specific annual stipend amount, so applicants should rely on the latest figure shown by Cambridge when an offer is made.
Who can apply?
- Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, at least a good UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or an international equivalent in a relevant scientific subject.
- Suitable backgrounds include biology, physical sciences and mathematical disciplines that can be applied to biological questions.
- UK and international applicants are eligible, although the number of international studentships is limited.
- Your proposed project and supervisors must fit the BioSCaPe interdisciplinary bioscience programme.
English-language requirements
If Cambridge requires English-language evidence from you, the course page lists IELTS Academic 7.0 overall (7.0 in listening, writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading) or TOEFL iBT 100 with 25 in each component. Cambridge also lists accepted Cambridge English qualifications with course-specific conditions. Check whether you qualify for an exemption before booking a test.
Required documents and application fields
- Academic transcripts
- CV or résumé
- Contact details for two referees
- English-language evidence, if required
- Statement of Interest (maximum 2,500 characters)
- Relevant Experience statement (maximum 1,000 characters)
- Preferred and back-up proposed supervisors
- Mandatory contextual questionnaire
- Application fee, unless an official waiver applies
How to apply
- Review the BioSCaPe research themes and available supervisors, then identify a primary and back-up supervisor.
- Contact the relevant project supervisor before applying; Cambridge strongly encourages this step.
- Prepare your CV, transcript, statements, English evidence if applicable, and referee details.
- Complete the University of Cambridge postgraduate application for the PhD in Biological Science (BioSCaPe).
- Submit every required document, pay the fee or use an approved waiver, and make sure both references arrive by the deadline.
- Save your submission confirmation and monitor the applicant portal for updates.
Application deadline
The scholarship and course application deadline is 25 February 2027 for an expected start on 1 October 2027. The official course directory states the date but does not state a clock time or time zone. Submit early and treat the portal’s displayed deadline as authoritative.
Selection process
Cambridge says completed applications are considered together after the February deadline. Shortlisted candidates are expected to be notified in late March and interviewed in April, with an outcome normally communicated within two weeks of interview. Selection will assess academic preparation, research fit, relevant experience, the strength of the proposed supervisory match and interview performance.
Practical applicant tips
- Discuss research fit with a potential supervisor well before the deadline.
- Use the short statements to show specific evidence of interdisciplinary thinking rather than repeating your CV.
- Brief referees on your intended project and allow enough time for their references to arrive.
- Check the portal after submission; an application is not complete until all documents, references and any required fee are received.
Related scholarships
- Cambridge BBSRC DTP PhD Studentships 2027
- Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027/28
- Oxford Clarendon Scholarship 2027–28
- Rhodes Scholarship 2027 USA
Frequently asked questions
Is the Cambridge BioSCaPe PhD fully funded?
Yes. Cambridge lists four years of university fees, a maintenance stipend and research costs.
Can international applicants apply?
Yes, but Cambridge states that international places are limited. For funded international students, the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are covered.
What is the BioSCaPe deadline?
The published deadline is 25 February 2027. No clock time or time zone is stated on the official directory page.
Do I need to contact a supervisor?
Cambridge strongly encourages applicants to contact the relevant project supervisor before applying, and the application requires preferred and back-up supervisors.
When are interviews held?
Shortlisted applicants are expected to be notified in late March, with interviews in April and outcomes normally within two weeks.
Official sources
- Cambridge funding and finance page
- Cambridge entry and language requirements
- Cambridge application guidance and deadline
- Cambridge course structure
Verified against current University of Cambridge pages on 7 October 2026. Official pages and the applicant portal remain authoritative.
Apply Now — Official Cambridge Page
