How to Write an Academic CV for a PhD Application
See the sections a strong academic CV needs for a PhD application, how long it should be, and how it differs from an industry CV.
A PhD application needs an academic CV, not a standard job CV. An academic CV shows your research, not only your work history. This guide shows you what to include, what to leave out, and how an academic CV differs from an industry CV. Get these differences right, and your CV will match what the selection committee expects to see.
What an academic CV is for
An academic CV shows a selection committee that you can do research. It shows your education, your research experience, and your academic output. A standard CV sells your general work skills. An academic CV sells your research potential. Committee members often read many CVs in one sitting, so a clear structure helps your strongest points stand out quickly.
Keep this difference in mind for every section you write.
Length
Guidance on length varies by institution and by career stage.
- For a new PhD applicant, one to two pages is normal.
- An academic CV can run longer than a standard two-page CV if you have real research output to show, such as publications or conference talks.
- Keep every line relevant. A longer CV with weak content is worse than a short, focused one.
Tip: Keep a separate master document with every research experience, talk, and award you have. Cut it down for each application instead of writing from memory each time.
Structure: the sections to include
Use this order, and adapt it to your own experience.
| Section | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| Contact information | Name, city, phone, a professional email address |
| Research interests | 2–3 sentences, matched to the project you apply for |
| Education | Degrees in reverse order, with institution, dates, and grade |
| Research experience | Lab work, thesis projects, research assistant roles |
| Publications and talks | Papers, posters, conference talks, label unpublished work clearly |
| Awards and funding | Scholarships, grants, prizes |
| Teaching experience | Tutoring, demonstrating, mentoring, if you have it |
| Skills | Lab techniques, software, languages |
| References | Two academic referees, with their permission |
Education
List your PhD-relevant degrees first, most recent first. For each degree, give the institution, the exact title, the dates, and your grade or classification. Name your thesis or dissertation title and your supervisor. If your grading system is not widely known outside your country, add one short line that explains it.
Research experience
Describe what you did, not only where you worked. Name the techniques, the data, or the methods you used. State your own contribution clearly if the work was part of a team.
Publications and talks
List papers with a full citation. Separate published work from work still under review or in preparation, and label each group clearly. Only list unpublished work that you can defend in detail if asked about it at interview.
Skills and languages
List the software, lab techniques, and languages relevant to the research field. Keep this section short. A long list of unrelated skills weakens the CV.
Formatting and file type
Save your CV as a PDF, so the layout stays fixed on any device. Use one consistent font and font size throughout, and leave clear white space between sections. Do not add a photo unless the institution's own application page asks for one, since conventions differ by country.
How an academic CV differs from an industry CV
| Academic CV | Industry CV | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Can run longer, if research output supports it | Usually 1–2 pages |
| Focus | Research, publications, teaching | Work achievements, measurable results |
| Education | Full detail: thesis title, supervisor, grading system | Degree name and institution only |
| Language | Field-specific, technical terms expected | Plain language, few technical terms |
| References | Academic referees, often listed by name | Often "available on request" |
If you also apply for non-academic research roles, such as research and development or policy work, adjust the CV: keep the research summary, but cut deep publication detail and add the transferable skills the employer asks for.
Common mistakes
- Writing one CV for every application. Match your research interests section to each specific project or call.
- Listing unpublished work you cannot defend. A reviewer may ask about any item on your CV at interview.
- Skipping the thesis title and supervisor. These two details help a selection committee place your work quickly.
- Making it too long with weak content. A CV with ten items of real research output beats one padded with unrelated detail.
- Forgetting to ask referees first. Always ask a referee's permission before you list their name and contact details.
- Using a casual email address or photo. Keep the format and the contact details professional throughout.
For the supervisor contact that often goes with your application, see our guide on how to email a potential PhD supervisor. If you are applying for a funded doctoral contract in Germany, also read our guide to DAAD scholarships for doctoral study.
Tip: Ask your current supervisor or a senior PhD student to read your CV before you send it. A second reader catches gaps that you miss.
Next steps
Build your master CV document now, then cut a tailored version for each application. PhD Atlas matches open PhD and funded positions to your CV, so you can focus your time on the applications that fit you best.