UKvan der Schaar Lab PhD Scholarship 2027 offers fully funded PhD positions to join the van der Schaar Lab for a 2027 start, focused on inventing new machine learning to solve real-world problems. Applications are currently open and will be assessed on a rolling basis.
The scholarship is offered by the van der Schaar Lab at the University of Cambridge. The lab develops cutting-edge ML alongside leaders in medicine, biology and economics, and welcomes international applicants, providing close supervision and strong research support.
van der Schaar Lab PhD Scholarship Benefits
- Change the world. Work on problems where better AI translates into real impact on human health and society.
- Set yourself up for an exceptional career. van der Schaar alumni are in demand across academia and industry.
- Have an engaged supervisor. You will get real, regular, hands-on mentoring from a supervisor invested in your success.
- Build an outstanding research portfolio. van der Schaar Lab students publish extensively at the leading machine learning conferences, averaging 15 papers over the course of their PhD.
- Enjoy an amazing time in Cambridge. Live and work in one of the world’s great centres of science and scholarship.
- Work with leading collaborators. Develop AI alongside leading researchers and clinicians through collaborations with organisations including the Francis Crick Institute and Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
- Fully-funded PhD positions. All positions come with full funding.
- International applicants welcome. van der Schaar Lab PhD Scholarship warmly welcome applicants from around the world.
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van der Schaar Lab PhD Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Excellent mathematical background, ideally with prior experience in machine learning. No knowledge of medicine or biology is required.
- Undergraduate degree with top grades from world-leading academic institutions – equivalent to a UK first-class degree with honours (or predicted to achieve), in a subject with a strong quantitative component (e.g. engineering, comp sci, mathematics, economics etc.).
- Master’s degree (or equivalent research/work experience) preferred.
How to Apply for van der Schaar Lab PhD Scholarship
- Please contact us using the form below, uploading your resume/CV and providing links to any relevant publications, reports or code if these are available.
- Complete and submit the on-page application form (fields include full name, email, degree institutions, summary of experience, motivation, and URLs to publications or code).
- Upload CV/Resume/Portfolio in PDF format (up to 3 files).
- If you do not receive a confirmation email after submitting, use the back-up Google Form linked on the page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the van der Schaar Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, the application form, and how the lab reviews applications.
What positions are available under van der Schaar Lab PhD Scholarship?
The page advertises fully funded PhD positions to join the van der Schaar Lab for a 2027 start. The lab states there is room for four outstanding machine-learning PhD students and all positions come with full funding.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants should have an excellent mathematical background, ideally prior ML experience. An undergraduate degree with top grades equivalent to a UK first-class honours in a quantitative subject is required; a Master’s degree or equivalent research/work experience is preferred.
Are international applicants accepted?
Yes. The van der Schaar Lab PhD Scholarship explicitly states that international applicants are welcome and encourages candidates of diverse nationalities and academic backgrounds to apply.
What is the application deadline?
The site does not list a single fixed deadline; it notes applications are open for a 2027 start and will be assessed on a rolling basis. An online PhD Open House is scheduled for Tuesday 27 October, which the page highlights for prospective applicants.
How are applications submitted?
Applications are submitted via the on-page application form where candidates upload a resume/CV and provide links to publications, reports or code. The form requires personal details, degree institutions, a summary of experience, and motivation for joining the group.
What materials should I provide with my application?
Applicants should upload a CV/resume (PDF, up to 3 files) and provide URLs linking to relevant publications, reports or code. The form also asks for a brief summary of past study/professional experience and a statement of interest in pursuing a PhD with the group.
Will I receive confirmation after submitting my application?
Yes. The page instructs applicants to ensure they receive a confirmation email after clicking ‘Send’ and notes this may take up to 10 minutes. If no confirmation is received or there are submission issues, a back-up Google Form is provided.
Do I need experience in medicine or biology?
No. The van der Schaar Lab PhD Scholarship states that no knowledge of medicine or biology is required; applicants primarily need a strong quantitative background and ideally experience in machine learning.
How competitive is admission?
Admission is competitive. The site states successful candidates will need to meet all eligibility requirements and that the lab will make every effort to review applications, although reviews may take time due to volume and internal processes.
Do I need to apply via the University of Cambridge website?
No. The page specifies you do not need to submit information via the University of Cambridge’s website unless the lab contacts you to follow up. Applicants should use the form on the lab page unless instructed otherwise.
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