4 Year PhD Programme in the CIMR
How to apply
Who can apply?
Students with or expecting to attain at least an upper second class honours degree are invited to apply.
When should I apply?
The application process for entry in October 2012 is now open. The closing date for applications is Friday 6 January 2012.
There is a single round of admissions each year. The website is updated each October. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider applications at other times of the year.
How do I apply?
Please apply by email with your current curriculum vitae, including dates and grades of qualifications gained, personal statement on why you would like to join the programme, three references (one of which should be provided by a project supervisor), and a completed application form, which can be downloaded from the bottom of this page. Supporting documents should be saved in pdf format. Please quote reference ‘CIMR4’ in the subject header of your application email. Application emails to be sent to phdadmin@cimr.cam.ac.uk
Please note: we run a joint application scheme for the CIMR 4 Year PhD Programme, the Wellcome Trust 4 Year PhD Programme in Infection & Immunity and the BRC 4 Year PhD Programme. If you would like to be considered for more than one of these programmes, please indicate this on the application form (you only need to submit 1 application for all three programmes).
Please indicate if you are also interested in an MRC studentship should one be available (please note that the MRC has different eligibility criteria to the Wellcome Trust. Full details can be found from http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Applicanthandbook/Studentships/Eligibility/index.htm)
Please note: once appointed to the programme, successful applicants will be required to formally submit an application to the Board of Graduate Studies before their admission to the University of Cambridge can be confirmed.
What funding does the Programme provide?
The Programme will award fees at the ‘home rate’ plus a generous living allowance (approximately £19,919 per annum), which is more than the University’s estimated maintenance costs (see http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/gradstud/prospec/studying/feecost/index.html). Please note that any MRC studentships that we are able to offer will only be open to EU applicants who meet the appropriate residency criteria as set by the MRC. For guidance please see http://www.mrc.ac.uk/Fundingopportunities/Applicanthandbook/Studentships/Eligibility/index.htm
There are two tiers of fees: home and overseas. The home rate is applicable to all students from EU countries plus one or two others. The overseas rate is applicable to those who do not qualify for home fees. However, the terms home and overseas are complex and you should see http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/gradstud/fees/costs/status.html for full details.
We have also secured some additional funding for overseas candidates from the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust and the Cambridge Overseas Trust, which will fund the difference in the ‘home rate’ of funding provided by the Wellcome Trust and the ‘overseas rate’ of fees charged by the University. This funding is limited and will be awarded at the Programme Director’s discretion. We cannot guarantee this additional funding for all successful overseas applicants.
Student Visa Applications / Renewals
Under current immigration procedures, overseas students applying to renew their student visa are required to submit confirmation of registration letters and other supporting documentation in support of their application. To ensure the correct information and documentation is provided, it has been agreed that that the Board of Graduate Studies should be the only body within the University of Cambridge to prepare and confirm registration for Graduate Students in support of their application to renew their visa. Letters will be prepared within one week of the request being received. Students may request a letter in support of their application to renew their visa by email to graduate.students@admin.cam.ac.uk Alternatively, you may call into the Board’s offices to request a letter.
Further information for students who are, or have been a registered graduate student and are applying to renew their visa can be found on http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/pbi/tierfour/current.html. Whilst the Board cannot provide advice relating to visa issues, students can contact the International Office directly if you have any concerns. The International office can be contacted on either international@admin,cam.ac.uk or on +44 (0)1223 764680.
When will interviews be held?
Interview date (for short-listed candidates): Friday 27 January 2012
Application Form
- Application form (Word format)