I applied through university. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at University of Cambridge (Cambridge, England) in Mar 2022
Interview
The interview process takes about 3 months. They are all technical and straightforward. I had 3 interviews in total, The first two is for the lab and department and the last one is for funding/scholarship.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Your research project that you'd like to undertake, past research experience, techical questions on your research skills
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.