The University of Cambridge Graduate Scholarship offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers to pursue a fully funded PhD in the United Kingdom. Hosted by the University of Cambridge, this three-year doctoral project focuses on vaccine policy, infectious disease epidemiology and public health, giving successful candidates the chance to work alongside leading researchers and health organisations.
The scholarship is embedded within the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Vaccines and Immunisation, a collaboration involving the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), University College London (UCL) and the University of Cambridge.
Successful applicants will join a world-class research environment while gaining advanced skills in epidemiology, mathematical modelling, health economics and vaccine policy.
Scholarship Benefits
The University of Cambridge Graduate Scholarship provides generous financial support throughout the duration of the PhD programme.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition fees at the home fee rate.
- A tax-free annual maintenance stipend starting from £20,199.
- Funding for three years of study.
- Full research costs covered by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Immunisation.
- Training in infectious disease epidemiology, mathematical modelling and health economics.
- Opportunities to collaborate with researchers from UKHSA, LSHTM, UCL and the University of Cambridge.
- Experience in public involvement and engagement in vaccine research.
Research Project
The successful PhD candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Caroline Trotter at the University of Cambridge.
The research will focus on developing a framework that supports better decision-making for vaccine programmes by considering the wider impact on national immunisation systems.
The project will also examine real-life case studies to improve vaccine policy and evaluate how evidence-based decision-making can strengthen immunisation programmes.
Throughout the programme, the student will gain practical research experience while working with experts in public health and vaccine policy.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the University of Cambridge Graduate Scholarship, applicants must:
- Have obtained or expect to obtain a minimum UK 2:1 Honours degree or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
- Meet the admission requirements of the University of Cambridge.
- Satisfy the University’s English language requirements.
- Contact the project supervisor before submitting a formal application.
- Demonstrate an interest in public health, epidemiology, vaccines or related research fields.
Applicants are encouraged to establish contact with the supervisor well before the application deadline to discuss their research interests and suitability for the project.
How to Apply
Candidates should first contact the project supervisor to express their interest and discuss the proposed research project.
After receiving guidance from the supervisor, applicants should complete the University of Cambridge online postgraduate application using the appropriate course code.
The application should include:
- A completed postgraduate application form.
- Details of the proposed supervisor.
- A description of the proposed research project.
- An up-to-date CV.
- Academic qualifications and supporting documents.
- Evidence of English language proficiency where required.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview before the end of July 2026. Successful candidates will then receive a conditional offer before final approval by the University’s Postgraduate Admissions Office.
The PhD programme is expected to commence in January 2027.
The University of Cambridge Graduate Scholarship provides an outstanding opportunity for talented graduates seeking to contribute to vaccine research while studying at one of the world’s leading universities.
Application Deadline
July 10, 2026