Cambridge Postgraduate Applications 2026–2027: How to Apply, Entry Requirements, Deadlines, Fees and Funding

Overview

The University of Cambridge offers postgraduate study across its departments, faculties and Colleges, including taught master's degrees, research master's programmes, doctoral degrees and other advanced qualifications in subjects from engineering, medicine and computer science to economics, law, education, humanities and social sciences. Each course has its own admission requirements, deadline and supporting-document requirements, so applicants should begin by choosing a specific programme.

Who can apply

Cambridge generally expects a strong undergraduate qualification equivalent to at least a UK upper second-class Honours degree, although some courses ask for a First, a high 2:1, a relevant master's degree or prior experience in a particular field. International applicants should check how their qualifications convert to UK equivalents. English-language requirements may apply to those whose first language is not English. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission, because applications are assessed competitively on academic performance, references, research potential and personal statements.

How to apply

Applicants review each course's entry requirements, structure, duration, deadlines, funding deadline, documents, language and research requirements, supervisor requirements, fee and scholarships. Depending on the course, they may need transcripts, degree certificates, a personal statement, a research proposal, a CV and details of referees, who should be contacted well before the deadline. Research applicants should identify possible supervisors.

For applications from September 2025, the fee is 20 pounds per applicant per academic year of entry for doctoral courses, including combined MRes and PhD programmes, with a maximum of seven applications, and 85 pounds per application for other postgraduate degree courses. Fee waivers may be available.

Key dates

There is no single deadline, since each course sets its own. Funding deadlines can fall earlier than the course deadline, and missing one can mean not being considered for certain scholarships. Some programmes may close early if enough applications have arrived.