PhD Student applicants have rated the interview process at University of Cambridge with 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) and assessed their interview experience as 100% positive. To compare, the company-average is 66.7% positive. This is according to Glassdoor user ratings.
Candidates applying for PhD Student roles take an average of 21 days to get hired, when considering 1 user submitted interviews for this role. To compare, the hiring process at University of Cambridge overall takes an average of 59 days.
Common stages of the interview process at University of Cambridge as a PhD Student according to 1 Glassdoor interviews include:
Background check: 50%
Group panel interview: 50%
Here are the most commonly searched roles for interview reports -
I applied online. I interviewed at University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England) in Jan 2026
Interview
30 mins with 2 profs. Some technical questions relating to previous research and presenting my previous research for 10 minuntes 30 mins with 2 profs. Some technical questions relating to previous research and presenting my previous research for 10 minuntes .
I had a online meeting (30min) with potential supervisor and another professor in the department. They asked details about my research plan and feasibility, and etc.. You need to prepare to answer to detailed questions
I interviewed at University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England)
Interview
Very easy, just a casual chat with the prof.
Asked me about my experience and what I want to do.
Asked what papers from the lab I had read.
Asked about funding I'd applied for.
30 minutes interview with standard questions such as motivation and your future plan. Good to read few academic papers that are relevant and not relevant to your field. Be prepared to talk about it.