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PhD Programme: Frequently Asked Questions

We hope the following questions and answers will help with any general questions you may have when applying for a PhD position at the LMB.

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When is the deadline for completed applications for a PhD at the LMB?

US applicants (for US Gates Scholarship funding): 9th October 2019, UK, EU and overseas applicants: 3rd December 2019

How do I apply for a PhD position at the LMB?

You should apply through the Cambridge University Graduate admissions website. Please click here to see full details on how to apply.

What are the University of Cambridge entrance requirements?

at least a 2:i honours degree from a UK university or an equivalent standard from an overseas university; and
completion of, or release from, any current training or education course.

Please click here for full details.

My first language is not English. What are the language requirements for the LMB PhD programme?

You should have a good spoken and written command of English. Please click here for details.

I am an international student, am I eligible for a full MRC Studentship?

Yes. The LMB will fund a limited number of international MRC studentships in addition to the very competitive LMB Cambridge Trust Scholarships. Please indicate in the application if you would like to be considered for Cambridge Trust funding. International applicants that are not considered for the Cambridge Trust Scholarships will automatically be considered for MRC funding.

I am an EU student, am I eligible for a full MRC Studentship?

Yes. The LMB will fund a limited number of international MRC studentships in addition to the very competitive LMB Cambridge Trust Scholarships. If you wish to be considered for an LMB Cambridge Trust scholarship please indicate so in the application portal. International applicants that are not considered for the Cambridge Trust Scholarships will automatically be considered for MRC funding.

How much is the MRC Studentship and LMB Cambridge Scholarship stipend?

The LMB will pay an annual tax-free stipend of £18,000 (the LMB will also cover the cost of University fees).

If I am an international/EU student and have been employed in the UK for more than 3 years, would I be eligible for an MRC Studentship?

Currently EU/EEA citizens resident in the UK for 3 or more years prior to 31 December 2020 with settled or pre-settled status are considered the same as UK nationals. Overseas citizens must have been resident in the UK for 3 years at the time of application and have been granted UK citizenship, immigrant status, or granted humanitarian protection.

The LMB will fund a limited number of international MRC studentships in addition to the very competitive LMB Cambridge Trust Scholarships. If you wish to be considered for an LMB Cambridge Trust scholarship please indicate so in the application portal. International applicants that are not considered for the Cambridge Trust Scholarships will automatically be considered for MRC funding.

How much financial support would I need as an international student to study for a PhD at the LMB?

Please click here for details on 2021/22 financial requirements.

I am only interested in one of the PhD projects available, can I just apply for that?

Yes. We ask that applicants choose up to three projects, not necessarily in order of preference – please specify this when you apply.

Who can provide my two academic references?

Please click here for guidance.

When and where will the interviews take place?

Interviews will take place from 11-15 January 2021. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic disruption of travel, the interviews and open days will take place virtually.

I have not heard whether I have been invited to the Recruitment Day for interview.

If you do not receive an invitation for interview by email, you must assume that you have not been selected as a potential candidate by any supervisor on your list. Some supervisors have many applications and this can lead to disappointment.

After the PhD Recruitment Day, when will I know whether I have been successful?

We will try to contact all applicants with the outcome within 2-3 weeks of the PhD Recruitment Days.

If successful, when would I start my PhD?

The majority of students start their PhD on 1st October, but it is possible to start in the following January.

For questions and answers relating to registering with the University of Cambridge please click here.