University of Cambridge BBSRC DTP PhD Program (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the BBSRC DTP PhD in Biological Sciences at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, for students starting in October 2027. This is a fully funded four year PhD programme covering tuition fees, a living stipend, research costs, and for international students, visa and health surcharge costs.

It is open to UK and international students (EU and non EU) who hold at least an upper second class honours degree (High 2.1) or equivalent in a relevant scientific subject, including biology, physical sciences and mathematics. The application deadline is December 8, 2026. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host Country: United Kingdom
• University: University of Cambridge
• Degree Level: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Duration: 4 years funded (3 to 4 years full time, or 4 to 7 years part time)
• Open to All Nationalities: Yes
• Application Deadline: December 8, 2026
• Gates Cambridge US Round Deadline: October 14, 2026

Types of Studentships:

The DTP offers two types of studentships.

1. Targeted Studentship

• Two ten week rotations in different labs before you begin your PhD project
• A 12 week internship called PIPS (Professional Internship for PhD Students)
• Rotation reports submitted in the first year

2. iCase Studentship

• Rotations are not required, but you may do them if you find them useful
• A placement with your Industrial Partner for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 18 months
• A PhD project proposal submitted in Michaelmas Term
• No PIPS internship

Also Check: Vienna BioCenter PhD Program 2027 (Autumn Call)

What Does the Funding Cover?

The studentship includes:

• University fees
• A stipend to support your living costs
• Research costs
• Visa costs and the health surcharge for international students

Here is the estimated annual cost that the funding takes care of:

• University Composition Fee: £11,208
• Maintenance: £20,700
• Total Annual Commitment: £31,908

Please note that the DTP can offer only a limited number of studentships to international students.

Also Check: CRG International PhD Programme 2027 in Spain

Who Can Apply:

Academic Requirements

• A High 2.1 (upper second class) Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant scientific subject
• Applicants from the UK and overseas are welcome
• Students with physical science and mathematical backgrounds are also welcome, as many projects are interdisciplinary
• If your degree is not from the UK, check the International Qualifications page on the Cambridge website to find your equivalent grade

English Language Requirements

If you need to prove your English, these are the minimum scores:

IELTS Academic

• Listening: 7.0
• Writing: 7.0
• Reading: 6.5
• Speaking: 7.0
• Total: 7.0

TOEFL Internet Based

• Listening: 25
• Writing: 25
• Reading: 25
• Speaking: 25
• Total: 100

Cambridge English Tests

• C1 Advanced: Grade A or B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185, plus a Language Centre assessment)
• C2 Proficiency: Grade A, B or C (at least 200, with no element lower than 185)

Also Check: University of Central Asia Cambridge Scholarship Programme (2027-2028)

Departments and Institutes:

This course is advertised in the following departments:

• Department of Genetics
• Department of Biochemistry
• Department of Pathology
• Department of Pharmacology
• Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
• Department of Plant Sciences
• Department of Psychology
• Department of Zoology
• Department of Veterinary Medicine
• Cambridge Stem Cell Institute
• Sainsbury Laboratory
• Wellcome Sanger Institute
• Babraham Institute
• National Institute of Agricultural Botany
• Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics
• Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Physics
• Department of Clinical Biochemistry
• Department of Clinical Neurosciences
• Cambridge Institute for Medical Research
• Cambridge Mind and Brain Institute
• Department of Engineering
• Department of Computer Science and Technology
• Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

Training and Support:

• Training in statistics, programming, ethics, data analysis, scientific writing and public engagement
• Membership of the University’s Postgraduate School of Life Sciences, with core skills and professional development training
• At least one hour of supervision per week on average, with more in the early stages and before submission
• A DTP Advisor appointed during your first year
• Termly formal feedback reports through the online reporting system
• No formal teaching requirement, so the programme is entirely research based

How Is the PhD Assessed:

• First Year Assessment: A written report and a viva within 12 months of starting your PhD project. If you pass, you move from probationary status to full PhD registration.
• Final assessment: A PhD thesis and a viva. Word limits are set by individual Degree Committees.
• Students are expected to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth year.

Also Check: Wellington PhD Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

Documents You Need to Apply:

Start preparing these early:

• Two referees, either academic or professional
• Academic transcript
• CV or resume
• Evidence of English competence, if required
• Project statement, including the project reference and why you are interested in it
• Written answers on these topics:
  • Your motivation for doing a PhD
  • Innovative thinking
  • Independent study
  • Recent developments in your research area
  • Understanding of the research process
  • Technical skills
• Widening Participation Questionnaire

For Gates Cambridge Scholarship applicants only:

• Gates Cambridge Reference
• Research Proposal

How to Apply:

1. Browse the list of available projects on the BBSRC DTP website.
2. Contact the supervisors of projects that interest you and discuss the project with them. This is strongly encouraged.
3. Create an account on the Cambridge Applicant Portal.
4. Fill in the application and upload all documents.
5. Request your two references through the portal.
6. Pay the application fee if it applies to your course.
7. Submit before December 8, 2026.

Also Check: Wellington PhD Scholarship at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand