I applied online. The process took 3 weeks. I interviewed at University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England) in Jan 2016
Interview
An on-site departmental interview with a panel of 4 professors and researchers from the department for 1 hour or so, started with a presentation of a paper of my choice, followed by a short tour of the department and informal conversations with an existing PhD student.
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
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.
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.