University of Cambridge BBSRC DTP Scholarship 2027

The Cambridge Biosciences DTP is a four year fully-funded PhD programme that aims to create highly skilled and employable people. The programme offers training across 23 University Departments/Institutes and 3 Partner Institutes providing access to a wide range of research areas related to the strategic themes of the BBSRC. 

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineDecember 8, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Cambridge
• City to studyCambridge
• School to studyUniversity of Cambridge
• Course to studyBiological Sciences
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• PhD tuition fees covered, subject to the specific studentship's fee arrangements.
• Living stipend: minimum £21,805 per year from October 2026.
• Research and training support for research-related activities.
• Conference and training opportunities may be supported.
• Professional development and transferable-skills training.
• Industry placements/internships may be available, including BBSRC PIPS placements.
• Research collaboration and networking opportunities.
• Typical funding duration: around 3–4 years for full-time UKRI studentships.
• Fieldwork and research-related expenses may receive additional support, depending on the specific DTP/project.

Requirements

• Academic degree: A High 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent.
• Relevant academic background: Your degree should be relevant to the biological sciences/research project you apply for.
• International students: Eligible, including applicants from outside the EU. However, international studentships are limited to up to 30% of the cohort

Selection Process

Applications are considered together as a gathered field after the closing date in December. Admissions will follow a two-stage selection process. Supervisors and departments/institutes will first review applications for their projects and shortlist candidates for an initial interview. Candidates who are successful at this stage will then be invited to a second interview with the DTP Research Committee. All interviews will be conducted online.

Application Documents

• Two referees willing to give you a reference
  Either academic or professional – please see our References guidance for more information about which type you need. Your referees will need to have submitted their reference by the course deadline.
• Transcript
• CV/resume
• Evidence of competence in English
  If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information.

• PhD in Biological Sciences - Projects
  Please include the project reference and a statement why you are interested in this project, including relevant information you’ve discussed with the project supervisor if you have contacted them. Highlight any relevant projects, experiences, or coursework that have prepared you for this research focus.

• Biological Sciences - Your Motivation
  Explain what motivates you to apply for a PhD and what drives your interest in pursuing this program. Highlight your inner motivation to learn and develop.

• Biological Sciences - Innovative Thinking
  Describe how you persist through challenges, learn from feedback, and use problem-solving or creative thinking to explore issues from new perspectives. Draw from examples from your academic, professional or personal life.

• Biological Sciences - Independent Study
  Describe how you manage your own learning and meet important milestones. Provide examples from your academic, professional, or personal life that demonstrate how you have successfully handled independent tasks or how you have developed these skills in preparation for doctoral study.

• Biological Sciences - Recent Developments Within Your Research Area
  Discuss your knowledge of developments in your research area, including relevant methods or theories or approaches you've engaged with through experiences such as self-directed learning, practical applications in a professional setting or in academic contexts.

• Biological Sciences - Research Process
  Discuss your understanding of the research process and your knowledge of relevant methods and techniques.

• Biological Sciences - Technical Skills
  Describe the technical skills relevant to your research interests (e.g. database management, programming languages), and how you've developed these skills in your academic, professional or personal life. You might also discuss how you plan to further develop these skills in the future, with specific examples.

• School of Biological Sciences - Widening Participation Questionnaire
  Applicants to this course are being asked to complete an additional form to provide contextual information about their previous study.

Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more information, visit University of Cambridge scholarship webpage.