How to apply

Application submission

When you’re ready, submit your application online

Submit your application form and supporting documents via the University of Cambridge Graduate Admissions Applicant Portal. 

All the instructions on how to complete the application are included during the online application process. It’s worth taking the time to read the instructions carefully as any mistakes in your application may make it invalid and delay the application process. 

There is no application fee for this programme. 

Go to the Business Doctorate application portal

Receipt of application

Get receipt of your application

You will receive an email or letter of acknowledgement of receipt of your application and supporting documentation, and an ID number from the Postgraduate Admissions Office. Details on how to log into your self-service account to track the progress of your application will also be included. 

Application review

The Business Doctorate Admissions Committee will review your application.

If you are shortlisted, we will email you to confirm this. If your application is not accepted, the Postgraduate Admissions Office will notify you by email and self-service. 

Complete applications, including all supporting documents, are considered by the BusD Admissions Committee on a rolling basis.

Fraudulent applications

The University of Cambridge takes robust action against admissions fraud. If we find that fake documents or false information has been submitted, we will withdraw the application and any others made by the same person.

Learn more about postgraduate admissions fraud

Research proposal development

If you are shortlisted, you’ll be contacted by a faculty member with relevant expertise to work with you on a more in-depth, 4,000-word research proposal. This will form the basis of your admissions interview by a panel of senior faculty. 

Selection for interview

Research proposals will be reviewed by the Business Doctorate Admissions Committee and some applicants will be selected for interview. We will confirm whether you have an interview by email. Details of the time and length of your interview will be sent to you.

Interview

A panel for senior faculty will conduct your interview, which will be based on your research proposal. 

Prepare for the interview and seek guidance from your prospective supervisor, who will know the interview requirements and format of your pathway. The panel will write comments on your interview and make recommendations to the Business Doctorate Admissions Committee on whether to make you an offer.

Conditional offer

Successful candidates receive a Conditional offer

If your application is successful, we will notify you by email and the Applicant Portal. You will also receive access to the Self-Service account.

This account keeps you updated about the progress of your application, and you can also upload documents here to meet your offer conditions. You can print a summary certificate of offer from your Self-Service account.  

Your offer of a place on the programme will be subject to conditions. These might be: 

• financial (proving that you have the funds to support yourself while on the programme) 
• language (proving that your English language skills are proficient)
• academic, or the provision of original documents

It is your responsibility to meet these requirements by providing the Postgraduate Admissions Office with the necessary documentary evidence. 

Unconditional offer

Progress to Unconditional Offer

This is the final stage of the applications process. Once you have met all the conditions of your admission and have the offer of a College place, you will find a ‘Certificate of Confirmation’ in the Application Portal. This letter confirms that you may begin your BusD programme at the start of the academic year. 

Postgraduate Admissions will issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS) certificate for visa application purposes where appropriate. 

At this stage you can start to make arrangements for residing in Cambridge, including visa applications where applicable, as well as travel and accommodation.