Wellcome Sanger Institute PhD Programme 2027 in Cambridge, UK

Applications are now open for the Wellcome Sanger Institute Four Year PhD Programme 2027 in Cambridge, United Kingdom. This fully funded programme is for students who want to build a career in genomics and biomedical research. Studentships are available across all research areas at the Institute, including both laboratory and computational science.

Applicants from all nationalities can apply, and successful students receive a University of Cambridge PhD degree. The application deadline is Tuesday 24 November 2026 (09:00 am GMT). There is no application fee. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Degree level: PhD
• Host country: United Kingdom
• Host institution: Wellcome Sanger Institute (University of Cambridge degree)
• Funding type: Fully funded
• Open to all nationalities: Yes
• Application fee: None
• Application deadline: Tuesday 24 November 2026 (09:00 am GMT)

What This Scholarship Offers:

• All University of Cambridge tuition fees are paid for you, whatever your nationality.
• You receive a stipend that increases each year, so you can focus on research instead of money worries.
• If you are an international student, your visa and immigration health surcharge costs are reimbursed.
• You receive up to £1,500 per year in years 2 to 4 to present your work at national and international scientific meetings.
• You graduate with a PhD from one of the world’s top universities.
• You join a college community, which gives you extra support, a wider social circle and access to the University library and careers service.
• You complete three research rotations in your first eight months, so you can explore different areas of genomics and choose the project and supervisor that suit you best.
• You get a main supervisor from the Institute and a co supervisor from the University of Cambridge, plus a thesis committee that gives advice at least once a year.
• You gain both laboratory and data analysis skills, and take training in statistics, bioinformatics, scientific writing, presentation and public engagement.

Stipend Rates (as of October 2026)

• First year: £25,649 per year
• Second year: £26,228 per year
• Third year: £26,806 per year
• Fourth year: £27,385 per year

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Eligibility Criteria:

• You must hold, or be about to achieve, a first class degree or a good 2:1 degree, or an equivalent overseas qualification.
• You can be of any nationality.
• If English is not your first language, you must meet the University of Cambridge English language requirements. You do not need to prove this when you apply. It is only required if you are offered a place.
• You must be admitted to the University of Cambridge after being selected. You cannot take up the award without this.
• If you already have your own external funding, you can still apply, but it does not guarantee you a place.
• Candidates who are still studying can apply by uploading the marks they have so far.

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What You Will Need to Write:

• Academic awards or prizes (optional): up to 100 words
• Motivation for a PhD and why Sanger: up to 150 words
• Research interests and why you chose your supervisors: up to 200 words
• How your studies relate to your interests, with key technical skills: up to 150 words
• Up to three research or work experiences: up to 120 words each
• Experiences beyond academics that will help you in a PhD: up to 150 words
• Publications and presentations (optional)

Important Tips:

• Your application will not be processed without both references, so ask your referees early and give them the correct institutional email addresses.
• Referees have only one week after the application deadline, so do not wait until the last minute.
• Replace accented or non English letters in your name with standard English letters where possible.
• Write your answers yourself. The Institute does not accept AI generated content submitted as your own work.
• If you do not receive a confirmation email after submitting, contact the Postgraduate Programme Office and include your unique URL.

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How to Apply:

1. Request your university transcript(s) from your institution as a PDF before you start.
2. Complete the Wellcome Sanger Institute online application form.
3. Bookmark the unique URL created after the first page, so you can return to an unfinished application.
4. Write your short answers, including your motivation, research interests, skills and experience (word limits apply).
5. Choose three potential supervisors from the dropdown list.
6. Enter the details of two academic referees. One can be the supervisor of a research or industrial placement.
7. Upload your transcript(s) as a PDF and complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form.
8. Submit your application before 24 November 2026 (09:00 am GMT).

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