Sathya Subramanian
Prospective Graduate Students
We welcome outstanding candidates who are motivated to pursue ambitious doctoral research in the broad field of quantum algorithms and complexity. Those with a background in mathematics, theoretical computer science, theoretical physics, and adjacent fields may be strong candidates. Students with interests in the intersection of algorithms with physics and mathematics are encouraged to get in touch with myself and Prof. Strelchuk to discuss alignment and opportunities.
Prospective applicants should visit the DPhil in Computer Science admissions page for full details and to apply. When applying, please list myself and Prof. Strelchuk as your preferred supervisors. Additional relevant information on graduate study in Oxford can be found on the Department of Computer Science graduate admissions page.
As we receive a high volume of inquiries, we are unable to respond to every message (and may take at least a week to reply). However, you are welcome to contact us with "[Prospective PhD Student]" in the subject line. Please include: (1) Your CV; and (2) a 1–2 paragraph cover letter describing relevant past research, your future interests, and why you would like to join our group.
Funding Opportunities for Prospective DPhil / PhD Students
Strong applicants are encouraged to explore the following major funding opportunities available through the University of Oxford and its partners. Most scholarships are awarded on academic merit and have early deadlines (typically December or January).
- Martingale Scholarships: The Martingale Foundation fully-funded scholarships to pursue Masters or DPhil/PhD studies. Recipients receive full tuition and research funding, a tax-free living stipend, tailored application support, and access to a professional-development community connecting them with academic and industry leaders. martingale.foundation Applications for the 2026 programme are open from August until October 2025.
- Clarendon Fund — University of Oxford Among the most prestigious Oxford scholarships, the Clarendon Fund provides full funding (tuition and a generous living allowance) for exceptional graduate students across most subjects.
- Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Graduate Scholarships: The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) Graduate Scholarships offer fully-funded doctoral (DPhil/PhD) studies at University of Oxford for exceptional candidates, enabling them to work on cutting-edge research projects that address major global challenges in areas such as AI. Further details are available on the EIT official page.
- Rhodes Scholarship — Rhodes Trust: A globally renowned, merit-based scholarship supporting postgraduate study at Oxford, including DPhil/PhD programmes, for candidates from eligible constituencies or countries. Applicants should review eligibility criteria and national deadlines on the Rhodes Trust website.
- Graduate Scholarships & Funding Hub: The University’s Graduate Funding Hub outlines scholarship opportunities, search tools, and application guidance — a comprehensive overview of centrally managed awards and useful starting point for all applicants. See also Oxford’s central A–Z Scholarships Directory maintained by the Student Fees & Funding team.
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Informatics: Our group participates in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Informatics. We encourage you to get in touch with us if you intend to apply to the CDT with myself and Prof. Strelchuk as your supervisor options.
- College Scholarships & Bursaries: Many Oxford colleges offer graduate scholarships, bursaries, or fee waivers. These may be combined with University or external funding. Prospective students are encouraged to consult individual college websites and the University’s graduate funding search tool.
- Commonwealth Scholarships — Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC): For eligible applicants from Commonwealth countries, the CSC offers fully funded PhD and split-site PhD scholarships covering tuition, living costs, and travel. Details and eligibility criteria are available on the CSC official website.
- External Funders & Charities: A number of charitable foundations and research trusts offer funding for DPhil study at Oxford in specific areas — including the Wellcome Trust (biomedical sciences), the British Academy (humanities), and others. See the University’s external scholarships information and related graduate funding pages for further details.
A frequently updated list of studentships administered within the Department of Computer Science can be found on the departmental studentship page. Exceptional applicants with strong mathematical or computational foundations are encouraged to contact me or Prof. Sergii Strelchuk regarding potential opportunities that align with our group’s research focus.