How to apply

Key dates

The selection process takes place over two rounds. In the first round, potential project supervisors interview candidates (November 2026) who will be shortlisted to take forward to the second round. In the second round, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the Loke CTR Board of Managers and Directors (early January 2027) to award funding to selected candidate(s). Appointments may be made in partnership with one or more Cambridge colleges.

How to find a supervisor

We strongly encourage all applicants to make initial informal inquiries to Project Supervisors regarding projects available for the 2026/27 application cycle (projects will be listed 1 October 2026). 

If you have any questions regarding the selection process, please refer to the procedure list below or email phd.lokectr@pdn.cam.ac.uk.

Please keep in mind that Principal Investigators (PIs) can only accept a Loke CTR-funded PhD student once every four years, so they might not be advertising projects this year. However, all Loke CTR supervisors would welcome your interest in research in their lab, whether funded by the Loke CTR or alternative PhD funding sources. Please reach out to supervisors directly to enquire about funding opportunities and current projects in their lab.

How to submit an application

After you have chosen the project or projects that interest you, please email the following documents to phd.lokectr@pdn.cam.ac.uk.

The application deadline is 23:59 GMT on 3 November 2026. References must also be received by this deadline.

1. Completed application form

Return a completed application form: 

Your application form must include:

• Up to three possible projects, listed in order of preference.
• A personal statement of no more than 500 words. Please explain why you want to undertake PhD research at the Loke CTR and why you have chosen your preferred supervisor or supervisors from the “Current Projects on offer” section.
• Details of any relevant research experience, laboratory-based courses or other relevant activities.
• The names and contact details of two people who will provide academic or research references for you.

2. Curriculum vitae (CV)

Your CV must be no more than four pages. Please do not include a photograph.

3. Academic transcripts

You must provide a transcript showing the results from your undergraduate degree.

You must also provide transcripts for any other relevant undergraduate or postgraduate degrees, such as a Master’s degree. If you are still studying for a degree, please provide your most recent transcript showing your results so far.

4. Evidence of your English-language ability, if required

Use the University’s online tool to check whether you need to provide evidence of your English-language ability.

If possible, please submit your English-language test results with your application. If you have not yet received your results, please tell us the current status of your English-language test using this form: 

References

Ask each of your referees to complete the online reference form. Each referee must submit a separate form by 23:59 GMT on 3 November 2026.

When a reference has been submitted successfully, both the referee and the applicant will receive a confirmation email. The confirmation will be sent to the email addresses entered on the reference form.

Please note that Loke CTR Studentship applications are made to existing projects, and do not require the student to write a project proposal.

University of Cambridge Postgraduate Application

The Loke CTR PhD studentship application is for funding. You will be required to make a separate application to the University of Cambridge to be admitted to the University by 8 December 2026.

We recommend that you prepare this application in parallel, and notify your references of both deadlines. 

Do not submit your University of Cambridge application until you have received confirmation from your supervisor to proceed.