The Application Process
Application for postgraduate study at the Institute of Astronomy is via University Postgraduate Admissions Office’s Applicant Portal, which will open in early September 2025 for entry in 2026.
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS 2 DECEMBER 2025*.
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If you wish to apply to more than one Department i.e., Institute of Astronomy, Cavendish Astrophysics, Applied Mathematics, you must make an individual application to each Department -
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If you are or have previously been a Cambridge Postgraduate student, you will need to complete a Continuation Application Form. Further instructions can be found here.
*Students applying for Gates Cambridge USA Scholarships must apply by the mid-October 2025 deadline date tbc. Students must upload all requested supporting documents to meet the application deadline. Applicants should also ensure that their referees upload references before the application deadline.
Given the high demand for places we advise applicants, especially those wishing to be considered for University funding awards to submit their applications as early as possible. The Institute will endeavour to provide preliminary feedback on applications within a month of receipt. We will normally communicate by email.
The Application Form
Most sections are straightforward and easy to complete however below we have guidance on the sections which sometimes lead to questions.
Statement of Interest: explain how your research interests match what the Institute offers in terms of supervisors and PhD topics. Describe how your scientific interests align with the research done by potential supervisors. Also, mention the type of work you plan for your PhD thesis (e.g., observation-based, data analysis, computer simulations, theory).
Supervisors: If you want to be considered for University, Cambridge Trust, or Gates Cambridge scholarships, list up to three potential supervisors. For Home-fee students applying for STFC PhD funding, you don't need to specify supervisors, but indicating your general research area and type of work will help the Admissions Committee when selecting candidates for interviews in February.
Funding Your Study
Please read our funding section carefully paying particular attention to the section which relates to your current fee status.
What is a Cambridge College and how to choose one
When you join the University, you become a member of a College. Your College is separate to your academic department.
In your application, you'll be asked if you want to select up to 2 College preferences. If you don't have a preference, we will allocate one for you.
Colleges are friendly and supportive communities of academics and students from a mix of subjects.
There are 31 Colleges in total, each with its own facilities and traditions.
Colleges are an important part of the Cambridge student experience, so make sure you take the time to research them before you apply.
You can't transfer to another College once you've been offered membership, unless it's to take up a major funding offer from a different College.
Please visit this page on Cambridge Colleges for more information.
What happens next?
You can track the progress of your application on the Applicant Portal. The selection of applicants eligible for STFC Studentships will take place in early February. If you are shortlisted and live in the UK, you will be invited to visit the Institute for an interview during the week starting Monday, 23rd February 2026. After the interviews, provisional awards will be offered to the highest-ranked candidates.
For applicants seeking non-STFC funded places, the initial assessment will be based on your academic record and the availability of suitable projects and supervisors. If you are shortlisted for a PhD place, you will be interviewed via Zoom, these interviews are likely to take place in January.
Many applicants apply to several universities, each with different admission timelines. If you receive an offer from another university but are still interested in a PhD at the Institute, please contact Admissions before responding to the other offer.
If you have any questions that are not answered on our website, please email IoA Admissions