University of Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the best universities in the world for postgraduate education. With a global outlook and reach, our mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. Consistently ranked among the top 5 universities worldwide, the University of Cambridge offers a world-leading postgraduate education. With a global outlook and reach, our mission is to contribute to society through the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. It is this passion and enthusiasm for study and research that we look for in those seeking postgraduate study at Cambridge. For over 800 years, the University of Cambridge has driven world-changing discoveries, from Newton and Hawking to modern gene therapy, Raspberry Pi, and multilingualism research. Postgraduate students benefit from an innovative, globally minded research environment with strong industry connections and academic excellence.

Why study at the University of Cambridge?

Top 5 in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.

Top 5 in the world in the Academic Ranking of World Universities 2025 (the highest-ranked UK university).

Top 10 for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

137 countries represented among our postgraduate students. 93% of Cambridge research has been recognised as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

125 affiliates of the University have been awarded the Nobel Prize since 1904.

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listings on FindAPhD

No.1

Excellent teaching in the Complete University Guide 2026. Top 3 in the Guardian University Guide 2026. World class research Top 3 for research quality (Complete University Guide 2026)

Cambridge United Kingdom

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Upcoming Open Days & Webinars

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2026

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Postgraduate College Visit Days

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About the University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge offers exceptional doctoral research opportunities across six internationally recognised Schools, providing PhD students with access to world-class expertise, cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative research culture. Spanning the arts and humanities, social sciences, physical and biological sciences, medicine and technology, Cambridge fosters an environment where innovation, intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary collaboration thrive.

Doctoral researchers in the School of Arts and Humanities explore subjects ranging from languages, literature and history to philosophy, music and the arts, advancing original scholarship with global relevance. The School of Biological Sciences drives discovery across areas such as genetics, neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, and plant sciences, addressing some of the world's most pressing health and environmental challenges. Within the School of Clinical Medicine, students work alongside leading clinicians, researchers and industry partners to translate scientific breakthroughs into improved healthcare and patient outcomes.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences supports research into culture, society, politics, economics and education, encouraging innovative approaches to contemporary global issues. In the School of Physical Sciences , doctoral candidates contribute to internationally recognised research in mathematics, physics, chemistry, earth sciences and geography, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and a strong culture of collaboration. Meanwhile, the School of Technology brings together expertise in engineering, computer science and related disciplines, enabling researchers to develop transformative technologies with real-world impact.

Across all six Schools, Cambridge PhD students join a vibrant and diverse research community committed to advancing knowledge and delivering meaningful societal benefit.

A wide range of funding opportunities are available through sources including Gates Cambridge, the Cambridge Trust, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, Colleges, Departments, Research Councils and University funds, helping outstanding students pursue their research ambitions.

Click here to search over 100 PhD projects at Cambridge.

Student life at the University of Cambridge

Colleges

The University of Cambridge is home to around 22,000 students, of whom approximately 10,000 are postgraduate students. We are proud of our diverse postgraduate community, with students coming from more than 140 different countries around the globe.

Every postgraduate student is also a member of one of the 31 Cambridge Colleges. The Colleges provide an inclusive, interdisciplinary, supportive and social community for postgraduate students. Check our Virtual Tour to visit all colleges.

Graduate students get involved in all aspects of student life beyond their academic studies. We have hundreds of student groups, clubs and societies relating to community and charity, drama, media, music, politics, and so much more. The sports scene at Cambridge is extensive too. More than 80 sports are offered here, including team games, water sports, martial arts, racket sports and extreme sports.