This is a 4 year PhD programme in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) whereby students spend 2 years at Cambridge and 2 years at the NIH.

This innovative programme was established in 2002. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the outstanding research environments.  Students work on collaborative projects organised by co-supervisors at both Cambridge and the NIH, spending two years at each institution.  Students have access to all NIH facilities and are paid by the NIH.  The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge.

There is no formal teaching.

Feedback

Students should expect to receive on-going feedback from all supervisors involved in their research project.  This could take place during one-to-one meetings or during lab meetings.  In addition, students can expect to receive a written on-line report each term. 

Assessment

Thesis

The PhD is examined by dissertation (maximum of 60,000 words) and viva, held in Cambridge.

Other

For the first year, students are probationary;  they will only be registered for the PhD after successfully completing an assessment exercise (report and viva) at the end of their 1st year as a PhD student. 

The funder (NIH) requires an annual report submitted to the NIH directorate.

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Online button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal, where you can create and submit your application, and request references.

An application is only complete when:

1. you have submitted your application via the Applicant Portal and paid the £50 application fee
2. you have uploaded the required supporting documents via the Applicant Self-Service
3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

Application to this programme is through the National Institutes of Health USA.

Successful applicants apply to Cambridge for consideration of departments.

Applicants may also apply to Cambridge in parallel with their NIH application in order to have the opportunity to be considered for Gates or Cambridge Trust funding both of whom offer joint funding with the NIH for this programme.

Selection Process

Applications are considered as part of a gathered field.

Applications open from 1st August to 1st December of each year. Candidates are shortlisted by the NIH and invited to interview in February.

The interview panels are comprised of academics from Cambridge, Oxford and the NIH, as well as programme directors.

Successful candidates then work with the NIH and Cambridge to create a c

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• CV/Resumé
• Personal Reference

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The NIH OxCam programme funds a full 4-year PhD, including University and College fees, stipend, maintenance and insurance.  The funds support 6 terms of research in Cambridge and 6 terms of research at the NIH.

Gates and Cambridge Trust also offer joint funding with the NIH OxCam programme for the full 4 year PhD, providing two years of stipend and University and College fees whilst the student is in Cambridge and the NIH providing two years of stipend, a travel budget and insurance throughout the duration of the PhD.  Wherever possible, eligible applicants for the Gates and Cambridge Trust are expected to apply for this funding - applications will need to be received within the normal funding deadlines and processes.