How to get into a PhD at Cambridge (or any top university)

In this video I give you all the tips and strategies you need to get into a PhD at the world's top universities like Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, MIT etc... This advice is based off my own experience where I started off at my local state high-school in New Zealand and then got 3 full scholarships to do a PhD in Physics at Cambridge.

Although I mostly focus on PhD admissions, most of the advice is also applicable for Masters and undergraduate admissions!

Let me know of any topics you'd like more info on in the comments :) Also feel free to reach out to me if you have any further questions as well!

00:00 Intro
00:54 PhD Admissions Timeline
02:08 Start Early
03:20 Hone Your CV
07:45 Contacting a Supervisor
08:59 How to get Funding
12:30 Successful Scholarship Applications
15:27 Plan B
16:32 Extra Useful Tip

[macattackmicmac]

One thing to add is that when considering where you want to do your PhD, it is worth looking at other countries which may have different processes and may offer more opportunities in your given field. For instance Lithuania has a LOT of opportunities for PhDs in optics. Don't be fooled by the fact the University is not ranked in the top 5 for your particular field, there's plenty of ground breaking research being done at Universities which are household names within the field, but you're probably not going to hear them mentioned in any sort of ranking.
In Germany PhDs are essentially paid research positions, while you happen to be enrolled at a University and after 3-4 years you submit 150 pages explaining what you've been doing. This means you apply for a position as you would any other job, you don't have to worry about scholarships, funding or trying to set up a project. Often your supervisor will have already received the funding for a project, which you can then take over. In my case It took about 3-4 weeks from submitting my application to the first day of work.

[ljwilson]

This brings back mostly good memories from my experiences from 50 years ago. The main difference (at least in the states) seems to be lots more written exams and a lot less costly in terms of money. In my department (Microbiology), all students were fully supported with fees and tuition paid as well as a fairly generous stipend every month. I know this has changed, and not for the better.

[TubaÖzcan-lo]

Overrated, it is even stupid them make a lot of people in that educational level to pay just applying for a PhD, PhD is a 'job' you work full-time not something to do for fun. I would reject the offer even if they give me a place without providing me anything financially. There are many universitiesoffer the same even better opportunities around the world that will take you more seriously and help you make a normal living. Be wise and choose them

[israelluna]

Very nice video! My question is regarding the transcripts bit. In Brazil it's pretty hard for any engineering student to have a great GPA. Considering I've just finished my master's and got only As and one B, can I just ignore my bachelor and leave my master's transcripts instead? Or would they want both?

[JamesJoyce]

if you don't get a full-ride to do your PhD and a stipend then what you have is an expensive hobby

[yesfirtang]

Thanks for your sharing, your information is useful and encouraged me. And I am wondering as one of the most important part of Phd application, How to prepare research proposal ?

[sneharoy]

This video was so helpful! I had one question. As you said that one way of getting in touch with your supervisor is by doing a MA/MPhil. Do you think it is wise to apply for both MPhil and a PhD in the same department?

[orionsmintaka]

Hi, Alexander, I would love to see a similar video for undergrads. I did some research on Oxford and their scholarships but I would love to know if you have any particular recommendations and tips. In my case, being a bit older, do you think that the admissions would prioritise work experience over secondary school? I know they mention A levels, but those don't exist where I'm from. I got a bit discouraged when reading into this, so I would really value your input :) Thank you for the videos!

[Agri_dibu]

Hello Alexander 😊 I am happy to come across your video.Thank you so much for your tips.I hope to come to Cambridge next year and make collaboration video with you someday 😄 I would be grateful if you could guide me through the process 🙂

[morfoay]

Hello,
Thank you so much for the helpful informations, I wanted to ask How to know the supervisors and the suitable laboratory for you?

[rishonrajesh]

hey, how much does undergrad prestige matter? I study in a university ranked around 500 in the world. would that be a problem?

[marialopezmachuca]

Is a masters in research a must have to get a phd in Cambridge (concretely in psychology)?

[wowshamanful]

What is your take on joining a laboratory with at the moment only a PhD student and the supervisor? The supervisor is relatively young, and this is his first lab, but supervisor's track record is exceptional (e.g., 5k+ citations and h>30) considering the above. Also, the laboratory is very well equipped. University according to world rankings is ~top 250 (although for research I am not really paying much attention to such metric). Also, what is your take on doing undergrad+postgrad at the same institution (this question is connected with the previous as consideration)? Your answer would be very helpful Alexander. Thank you for these videos!

[aniketkedare]

Very good and beautiful video. What is your research ?

[tech...]

Thanks sir! I've also completed M. Phil physics and nowadays searching for a scholarship to Crack PhD in energy storage materials for supercapacitors.

[thaileonglai]

Hi, thanks for sharing. I wonder whether the designation of reference matters.

[mukhayyobobojanova]

Thanks for the video. Is PhD in nanotechnology be suitable for the pharmacist who did masters in drug discovery?

[SubhrajotiMondal]

I am a post graduate in economics department in India. Do i have any chance of phd in cambridge. Is there a PhD in Economics in Cambridge?please say

[QinongChai]

The external funding's ddl is in summer before the entrance year? That is to say that I am so late for 24fall phd?!!

[trevorgwelch]

I lived in Wellington NZ as a child . Do you have to be a genius to study Physics at Cambridge or Oxford, MIT . ? Cheers . Stay Safe . ( Remember Einstein failed his College entrance exam . )