I applied online. I interviewed at University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England) in Aug 2015
Interview
Applied by email directly to prospective supervisor. Was invited for in-person interview. Interview consisted of separate meetings with two lab heads, I gave a presentation on my undergrad research project. Group members took me to lunch and then met with several of them individually and talked about their projects.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
It wasn't a traditional interview. It felt more like they were trying to find out if I was genuinely interested in science in general, their project in particular, and whether I would fit into the group.
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.