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Apply using the Applicant Portal
The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.
An application is only complete when:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
Selection Process
Applications are considered as they are received (rolling admissions) by the department usually within 12 weeks. It is in the applicant's best interests to submit their application early in the academic year, to meet the funding deadline and to ensure that their application is considered in good time, as places can be filled before the final deadline date.
Further information on How To Apply
Things You'll Need
In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.
- Two academic references
- Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - you can check using our tool - Research proposal (M)
Maximum length 600 words. - Extended research proposal (M)
Maximum length 3,000 words. - Sample of work (1)
Maximum length 3,000 words in English. - Asian and Middle Eastern Studies - language attainments
This can be a simple list of the languages you have attained and to what level (e.g. beginner, intermediate etc). If you have any language certificates, you can upload them along with your application. - Statement of interest (1500 characters)
Please use this section to explain why you are interested in studying at Cambridge University on this particular course. - Proposed Supervisor (M)
You should contact a prospective Supervisor and discuss your proposed research with them before applying. For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below. - Project title (M)
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
Before you apply, it is essential that you contact your prospective supervisor to discuss your proposed research. A full list of supervisors for Middle Eastern, East Asian and South Asian Studies, showing their research interests can be found on our dedicated PhD page and on the Faculty's Research pages, including information about the kind of work carried out in the Faculty.
You may also wish to look at the list of our current PhD students, including their thesis topics.