how to get phd in us

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Degrees
• Doctoral Studies

How to Apply for a PhD in the US

Last Updated: January 18, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Carrie Adkins, PhD . Carrie Adkins is the cofounder of NursingClio, an open access, peer-reviewed, collaborative blog that connects historical scholarship to current issues in gender and medicine. She completed her PhD in American History at the University of Oregon in 2013. While completing her PhD, she earned numerous competitive research grants, teaching fellowships, and writing awards. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 20 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 629,138 times.

Getting a PhD is a challenging undertaking that takes years to achieve. It can also be an incredibly rewarding experience: you'll become a true expert in your field, and you'll be able to apply for a number of interesting jobs, including academic ones. If you're considering a PhD, start by figuring out which programs best fit your needs (they may not always be the ones at the biggest or most prestigious schools). Once you know what those programs are, you can tailor your materials accordingly and put together the best possible application packages.

Ask the wikiHow College Coach

Researching Schools and Programs

• Keep in mind that it is not necessary for you to have a dissertation topic already chosen or even to have an extremely specific research focus. At this stage, you should just have a general idea of what you want to study and why. For example, if you are considering a PhD in English, then you should at least have an idea of the literary period that you wish to focus on.

• For example, if you are planning to pursue a PhD in Chemistry, then you should find out more about the lab facilities at the university that you are considering.
• Try to identify as many potential schools as you can. Graduate school is competitive and you will have a better chance of getting accepted if you submit multiple applications.

• Keep in mind that you may be working closely with the professor(s) you identify, so it is important to select professors who you really admire and whose research genuinely interests you.

• Keep in mind that funding opportunities are competitive. Putting forth a strong application may increase your chances of getting funding, but there are no guarantees.

"Even then, you need a back-up plan (or two or three) before you commit years of your life to a PhD."

Carrie Adkins, PhD

• Location. If you plan to return to your home country during breaks, then some schools may make the trip home less time consuming than others. For example, if you will be flying back to India at the end of each school year, then choosing a school closer to one of the US coasts will make traveling easier than flying out of the Midwest. Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to select a school based solely on location. This will severely limit your choices.
• Cost of living. Some US college towns can be quite expensive, which can make it hard to get by on your student stipend. Look into the average cost of housing, food, and other expenses in the university areas where you plan to apply.
• Extracurricular opportunities. Clubs can other types of groups can make the transition to a US university a bit easier. Many schools have clubs for people from certain countries, who speak certain languages, or who share other interests. Check out the extracurricular opportunities that are available at the universities you are considering.

Meeting the Basic Requirements

• Taking the GRE three to six months in advance is a good idea. You may even want to take it about year before you plan to apply, just in case you do not get a good score and you need to retake it.

• Score requirements vary by university, so check with each university to learn the score requirements before you apply. For TOEFL, you need to have at least a 600 on the paper-based test OR above a 95 to 100 on the internet-based test. For IELTS, you need to have above a 7.0 to 7.5.

• For example, if you plan to apply to 20 different programs, then you will need to ensure that you have about $2,000 for the application fees.
• Keep in mind that the fees may vary drastically among schools. More prestigious schools may charge higher application fees than less prestigious schools.

• For example, some programs require applicants to answer a specific question or set of questions in the statement of purpose.

• For example, it would be better to ask a professor in your discipline than someone who taught an elective class that you enjoyed.
• Having one letter of recommendation from an administrator or employer can be helpful to show a different perspective of your academic goals. For example, you might ask your department’s chairperson, one of the university’s deans, or a current or former boss. As with the professors you ask, the administrator who recommends you should be someone who will give you a glowing recommendation.

• Keep in mind that most schools require official transcripts.
• Sending transcripts may or may not require you to pay fees, depending on your university’s policies.

• If you have a piece that has been published, then this is an especially great choice for the writing sample, but unpublished pieces are fine as well.

Writing Your Statement of Purpose

• You may want to write one “basic” SOP and then alter or add to it as needed based on the special requirements of each university.

• For example, you might say something like, “Since I was a child, I had a passion for the natural world, and this passion led me to my desire to become a biologist.”

• For example, you might say something like, “As an undergrad, I participated in on-campus research expos and even attended a local conference. Then, during my MA program, I had an article accepted to Biology Quarterly and presented at a national conference.” [2] X Research source
• You can also talk about specific courses you took, professors who have supervised your work, and research that you conducted during your BA and MA programs.

• For example, you might say something like, “I hope to develop a new process for growing corn.”

• Try reading each professor’s biography on the university website. You may also consider reading one of these professors’ publications, such as an article or book.
• Try saying something like, “I hope to work with Professor Jones because she and I share a similar interest in botany.”

• Make sure that you include examples throughout your entire SOP.

Submitting Your Application Packets

• Some schools also require letters of recommendation to be submitted via an online system. You may need to submit your recommenders email addresses so that they can access this system.

• Address the packets. Make sure that you double check the addresses for each of your packets to ensure that they will be delivered to the correct location.
• Pay for postage. International postage can be quite expensive, so make sure that you reserve some money to pay for this cost. Pay the postage for each of your packets and send them out.

What Are The Main Reasons People Go To Graduate School?

Expert Q&A

• Even if a university is unable to provide you with direct funding or a scholarship, there may be other opportunities for you to earn an income while you are there, such as research assistantships. Look into this before turning down an offer from a university you might otherwise want to attend. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Once you are done with everything, do not forget to thank everybody who helped you, especially the referees who wrote letters of recommendation. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Gaining some sort of research or work experience in the field you plan to apply to will greatly improve your chances of admission. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Keep your address consistent throughout - do not abbreviate or introduce variations. This makes it all the more difficult for the graduate office to file your documents. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 5
• Use a reliable courier service to send documents to universities - FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc. Do not use a service for which you cannot track your package. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 7

ReIated wikiHows

• How to Get a Doctorate in Economics
• How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter
• How to Plan for Graduate School
• How to Write a Statement of Purpose
• How to Apply to College
• How to Become an Academic Philosopher
• How to Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation Via Email
• How to Take Lecture Notes
• How to Do Postgraduate Medical Education in Us

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/statement-purpose/

About This Article

To apply for a Ph.D. in the US, earn a Bachelor’s degree and take the GRE, or Graduate Record Examination. Then, carefully read the application instructions of each school to increase your odds of getting accepted. In the mean time, request letters of recommendation from professors in your discipline or an employer. You will also need to have your transcripts on hand, and to write a statement of purpose. For tips on writing a great statement of purpose and nailing the rest of the process, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Jul 15, 2017

Did this article help you?

Shrawan Balach

Jul 20, 2017

Malshani Gamage

Aug 31, 2016

Sakshi Jain

Jun 20, 2017

Chitra Pawar

Mar 8, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

• PhD in USA – A Guide for 2020/21
• Finding a PhD

A PhD in USA takes approximately 5 – 6 years of full-time study and can cost between $12,000 – $45,000 per academic year. PhD programs in USA differ from that in the UK and Europe in that students must first take taught classes, coursework and exams before starting their research project.

Why Do a PhD in USA?

The United States has long had some of the most distinguished universities and advanced PhD programmes in the world. Combined with curriculum flexibility, rigorous teaching methods, vast funding opportunities, breathtaking campuses and significant career prospects, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most sought-after study destinations for research students.

In addition to comprehensive training standards, here are a few other reasons why a student may choose to undertake their PhD in the United States:

• Longer learning timeframes – A PhD in the US lasts longer than a PhD in the UK or Europe. This allows students to more confidently transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies; more commonly referred to as ‘graduate studies’ in the US. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about your subject, research methods and academic writing in general before starting your research project.
• World-class universities – It’s no secret that some of the most well-known higher education institutions that continue to dominate global rankings are based in the United States. Although many factors go into determining whether a position is right for you, a PhD at a high-ranking American university will undeniably have many benefits, from excellent learning standards to access to innovative equipment and deep expertise.
• International network – The US has long been a popular choice among PhD students around the world. As such, the US hosts a diverse and multicultural learning environment in which many research students will quickly feel at home.
• Opportunities – With over 4,000 universities in the US, we can safely say you will have plenty of opportunities to find the ideal combination of project, supervisor and university that works for you.

Universities in USA

Universities in the United States can be divided into two types: public universities and private universities.

Public universities are financed by the state in which they are based. Because of this, public universities charge less for students from within the state and more for students from outside the state, including international students.

Private universities are not financed by their state, but by private donors, research funds and tuition fees. For this reason, private universities generally charge higher tuition fees than public universities and require all students to pay the same amount, regardless of whether they come from out-of-state or abroad.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 , eight of the top ten universities in the world are located in the United States. These are:

Method of Study

The main difference between a PhD in the US and a PhD in Europe lies in the program structure. Whereas a European PhD essentially consists of a single phase lasting three to four years , an American PhD consists of three different phases, each with its own time frame.

• Phase One – The first phase lasts approximately two years and focuses on building a basic foundation for the doctoral student. This phase consists largely of taught components such as lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions, in which the student learns more about theoretical concepts and research methods within their discipline.
• Phase Two – The second phase can be considered an assessment phase, which runs both periodically alongside and at the end of the first phase. Here, students complete coursework and take exams on the basis of the material they have covered of which they must pass in order to proceed to the third phase.
• Phase Three – The third phase lasts approximately three years and resembles the European PhD structure. During this period, the student undertakes an independent research project, including forming a research design, conducting experiments, writing a thesis (more commonly referred to in the USA as a dissertation) and sitting a viva exam.

Teaching Requirements

Besides structure, a key difference between a PhD program in the US and in Europe is the focus on teaching requirements. In the US, doctoral students are expected to lecture, lead tutorials, host laboratory sessions, mark coursework and provide office hours for undergraduate students. Although students studying in European will likely contribute to these at some point during their study, this would normally be on a voluntary basis and involve less time commitment.

Research Flexibility

Another difference is project flexibility. In Europe, students typically apply to a PhD project predetermined by a supervisor, and although there may be some scope to adapt the project, depending on the funding provider , it will usually be limited to how the project is carried out rather than what it is about. In the US, however, a student applies to become a doctoral candidate within a department rather than applying for a particular research project. This is because students are expected to decide on their thesis topic (also commonly referred to as a dissertation research topic) near the end of their first phase after they have developed a better understanding of their subject and know where their interests lie. Therefore, research students in the US generally have more flexibility and influence in the direction of their research than students in the United Kingdom or Europe.

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

PhD admission into US universities can be highly competitive, both because of the limited number of positions and the large number of annual applicants.

The eligibility requirements for a doctoral program in the USA can generally be divided into four sections:

• Grade Point Average (GPA) – in the US, a scoring system known as Grade Point Average is used to measure academic ability. A student’s GPA is calculated as a weighted score of the subjects they study during their undergraduate degree; an equivalent score is calculated by universities for international applicants. Although universities rarely set minimum GPA requirements for doctoral study, it’s worth being aware that a GPA of 3.0 is equivalent to a UK second class honours (2:1); the typical entry requirement for UK universities.
• Graduate Records Exam (GRE) – most universities will require you to take a series of examinations known as Graduate Records Exams, which are used to determine your suitability for graduate study. GREs will assess your analytical, reasoning and critical thinking skills as well as your depth of your subject.
• Student aptitude – in addition to academic ability, US universities also look for characteristics of a strong researcher. These include traits such as engaging in the subject in your own time, e.g. by attending talks and conferences, demonstrating a high degree of independence and enthusiasm, and a general passion for your subject.
• English Language Proficiency – international students whose first language is not English must sit language exams such as IELTS or TOELF to demonstrate their English language proficiency.

International students will also require a F1 student visa in order to study in the US, however, you would typically apply for this after you have secured a place into a doctorate program.

How to Apply for PhD in USA

When applying for a PhD position at a graduate school, the application process will differ between universities, however, they will all typically ask for the following:

• Academic CV – a short document summarising your educational background and current level of experience .
• Personal statement – a document which outlines why you believe you are suitable for PhD study and your passion for the subject.
• Academic transcripts – a complete breakdown of the modules and their respective marks you have taken as part of your previous/current degree.
• GRE scores – a transcript of your Graduate Records Exam results.
• Research statement – a condensed version of a research proposal outlining your general research interests, if required.
• Recommendation letters – references from several academic referees who endorse your qualities as a person, your abilities as a student and your potential as a doctoral researcher.

Application Deadlines and Fees

Since PhD programs in the United States have taught components, they commence at the same time as all other taught degrees, and therefore share the same application deadlines and start dates. This corresponds to an application period that typically begins in August and ends in February. Admission decisions are typically made in April, with successful students starting in August/September.

When you apply to a graduate school, you will be expected to pay a fee for each doctorate application to cover the school’s administrative costs for processing your application. The fee varies from university to university, but typically ranges from $50 to $100 .

Funding your PhD in USA

It’s very common for a PhD student to receive financial aid in the form of a PhD scholarship; in fact, this will be the case for the vast majority of students in the US.

PhD funding can be ‘fully funded’ covering the student’s graduate program tuition fees, accommodation and living costs, or ‘partially funded’ covering the student’s tuition fee only in part or full.

Besides funding, a graduate student can take on an assistantship, such as a graduate teaching assistant or research assistant, in which they take on a part-time salaried position at the university alongside their studies.

Due to the international and collaborate nature of American universities, there are also a number of international scholarships available, such as the Fulbright Scholarship and the AAUW International Fellowship .

PhD Duration in USA

In the US, a PhD takes approximately 5 – 6 years to complete if studying full-time, and 8 – 10 years if studying part-time.

If you already have a Master’s degree, your first phase can be shortened by one year at the discretion of the university.

Cost of a PhD in USA

The cost of a PhD program in the US can vary considerably depending on the type of university, i.e. whether it’s a public or private university, the doctoral course, i.e. whether it’s in a STEM subject such as computer science, engineering or a non-STEM subject, and whether you are a home or international student.

In general, however, the typical annual tuition fee for a PhD in the US is between $12,000 and $45,000 per academic year.

As with any doctoral degree, additional costs may include travel for collaborations, bench fees, accommodation and living expenses.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

• Home »

Studying a PhD in The USA - The Complete Guide

Find your perfect postgrad program search our database of 30,000 courses.

The USA is a favourable postgraduate study destination for international students due to the high standard of academic study and the wide variety of subjects. By undertaking a PhD in the USA, you will find yourself becoming an internationally recognised expert in your chosen field.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the USA is considered the highest awarded degree in many US universities and institutes for most fields of study. For many international students, it's a dream course that offers an exciting new life chapter.

Attending Grad School for a PhD in the USA is not the same as undertaking a PhD in Europe or the UK , it can often be a different experience. However, studying abroad will improve your global cultural understanding in addition to your network of contacts for your future career. A PhD degree is often required when you apply for high-level management jobs, government expert positions, and careers like a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields.

There are a multitude of reasons why the United States is a fantastic choice for your PhD studies. Here’s everything you need to know about studying a PhD in the USA.

1. PhD course length

The total length of a PhD in the USA is between 4-8 years for full-time students and 8-10 years for part-time students, depending on your field of study. PhDs can be completed in 4-5 years for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject. Students typically dedicate 1-4 years on coursework, followed by 2-4 years of dissertation work. In the USA, the academic year is divided into two teaching semesters: August to December and January to May. 

Having a longer duration for your PhD allows for greater opportunities to adjust to your course and find your footing. This enables you to concentrate on developing a more comprehensive understanding of your chosen subject at a more relaxed pace.

2. World-class universities

The US repeatedly tops the charts of worldwide ranking universities, so what better place to do your PhD studies? Although rankings shouldn’t be the main deciding factor when making your PhD choice, they're a great indicator of educational expertise.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the location for your PhD. Does the university have a high employability rate after graduation? Are you wanting to go public or private university? What kind of research facilities do they have? 

Be sure to do some research before making a decision on your perfect place of study.

3. International community

The United States is a popular choice for international students from all over the world – making it an inspirational and cosmopolitan choice for your PhD studies. No matter what your choice of academic study is, you are guaranteed to find a diverse community that welcomes students from all backgrounds. 

4. Affordable tuition fees 

There are various tuition fee options available for PhD students regardless of your budget. The American higher education system is often associated with high fees and substantial student debt, but in fact, studying at an American university isn't always expensive, and many institutions offer affordable courses. For instance, PhD costs range from $28,000 to $55,000, which shows that finding a PhD course that’s more affordable is possible. 

5. Student experience

American universities typically have vibrant campus communities with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs and organisations. As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in various social, cultural and recreational activities alongside your academic studies.

6. Student Support

American universities typically provide comprehensive support services to assist you on your PhD journey. These services may include academic advising, counselling, career services, libraries, writing centres and various student organisations aimed at fostering your personal and professional development.

7. Land of opportunity

It's fair to say that student life in the USA offers something for everyone, regardless of what you're looking for from a PhD. With 50 states, six time zones, and thousands of higher-education providers, there's an opportunity waiting for every individual across the globe.

So let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider when studying for a PhD in the USA.

Studying a PhD in the USA: top tips

Who is eligible for a phd in the usa.

To be eligible for PhD in the USA, generally students should have completed a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, provide proof of English language proficiency, GRE scores and other supporting documents.  The eligibility criteria for a PhD in the USA can vary depending on the specific university and program. 

Can I get a PhD without a masters degree?

Yes, you can pursue a PhD without having a masters. Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

The eligibility criteria and requirements for direct entry PhD programs vary among institutions and fields of study, so it is advisable to check the entry requirements of the specific university or course you are interested in.

How to apply for a PhD in the USA

When applying for your chosen subject in the USA, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This will include:

Completed application form – provided by your preferred university.

A personal statement – on why you want to study the subject, your research interests and career goals. Be sure to include any extracurricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References – universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades – you will generally need to submit scores from standardised tests like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). 

English Language Proficiency – international applicants whose native language is not English usually need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Samples of work – it is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

The application fee. 

Method of study

Compared to the UK and Europe , studying a PhD in the USA involves several key differences. Students in the USA are usually in direct contact with their professor, compared with those in the UK where students might find that their PhD program is headed by a professor who gives them a little less flexibility to change their research and study areas. There can be several cultural differences between UK, Europe, and USA university lifestyles. US students are expected to undertake a great deal of teaching and marking, as opposed to PhD students in Europe. 

As a result, you may have less free time outside of the university when pursuing a PhD in the USA.

Application for PhD In USA

When applying for your chosen subject, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This might include:

A personal statement on why you want to study the subject. Be sure to include any extra-curricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References. Universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades. It is important that you provide a list of your awarded grades from previous courses you have studied.

Samples of work. It is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

UK and Europe students decide on their PhD thesis subject area before they apply . While taking classes at a graduate level, prospective PhD students in the USA spend up to a year or two deciding on their specific research subject. It is normal to apply for up to six institutions for a PhD in the USA, and students apply to each institution separately as there is no central organisation. 

Students in the UK and Europe are expected to apply with an understanding of the subject already, usually in the form of a masters degree, and be ready to start studying at the PhD level straight away. In the USA it is expected that students do not have an in-depth understanding of their subject as they usually only have an undergraduate degree when they apply. 

When should I start applying for a PhD in the USA?

Deadlines for applications to PhD programs in the USA tend to be between December and February, and institutions should let you know about your application by April. Most US institutions recommend that you apply as far in advance as you possibly can to give them, and you, plenty of time to make arrangements. 

Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply as well. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Funding your PhD in USA

PhD students are very likely to receive financial support in the form of PhD scholarships ; some USA PhD students also receive PhD studentships .

Making your PhD application in plenty of time allows you more time to apply for and arrange your PhD funding. Many students find that funding can cover much, or all, of the cost of their PhD studies in the USA, which ranges between $28,000 and $40,000. Deadlines for funding applications can be as early as December before starting your studies in the Autumn/Fall. 

There are two types of PhD funding: fully funded, which pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, or partially funded, which pays for the student's tuition only partially or fully.

Can a PhD be fully funded?

Yes, many top universities in the USA offer fully funded PhD programs for eligible students. This funding pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. Partially funded PhDs only cover the student's tuition in part or in full.

Some PhD students will receive a stipend from their institution with an assistantship position, but this varies between institutions and between departments within institutions. Other students can find funding from both their own and the American government, and there are plenty of American government schemes like The Fulbright Program that offer funds.

Apply for one of our x5 bursaries worth £2,000

We've launched our new Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries for 2024. Full-time, part-time, online and blended-learning students eligible. 2024 & 2025 January start dates students welcome. Study postgraduate courses in any subject taught anywhere worldwide.

How long does it take to study a PhD in the USA?

For part-time students in the USA, a PhD can take eight to ten years, but it usually takes five to six years for full-time students. PhDs can be completed in four to five years rather than five or six for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject.

Top 10 ranked American universities

Based on 2023 worldwide rankings, the following table shows which US universities rank the highest.

Our PhD bursary winner & funding opportunity

Mohammad Abdollahi is a 35-year-old Iranian student studying a PhD in Operational Research at the University of Essex. He was delighted when he found out he’d been awarded a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500. As an international student coming to the UK with his wife and two children, it has proved to be an invaluable funding resource as he explains. “It was good news and exciting – I was overwhelmed with joy!”

Related articles

How To Prepare For A PhD Viva

Masters In USA

Lists of Universities in USA

Graduate School USA

Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries

Exclusive bursaries Open day alerts Funding advice Application tips Latest PG news

Sign up now!

Take 2 minutes to sign up to PGS student services and reap the benefits…

• The chance to apply for one of our 5 PGS Bursaries worth £2,000 each
• Fantastic scholarship updates
• Latest PG news sent directly to you.

How to apply for a PhD in the US

Lecturer giulia evolvi shares everything you need to know about applying for a phd in the us from start to finish.

Giulia Evolvi

GRE . TOEFL . Statement of purpose . I remember staring at these terms when visiting university websites and trying to understand what they meant. After studying at universities in Italy and France, I decided to apply for a PhD programme in the US.

There are useful online resources on how to write successful application essays or how to understand the differences between studying in the US and Europe, but not many discuss the PhD application process. Supervisors and mentors in non-US universities are often not able to offer much support. This guide will help you start your applications, based on my personal experience of applying for a PhD in the US.

Get free support to study in the United States

Getting your tests: gre and toefl.

Applications for a US PhD programme usually require scores from GRE and TOEFL tests, exams that international students might be unfamiliar with. These tests are time-consuming and expensive, so it is important to start planning for them as soon as possible, especially because it can be difficult to find test locations outside the US.

The GRE is a test that every student, American or international, needs to take when applying to join a graduate programme. It has three parts: first is quantitative reasoning, which includes mathematical questions; second is verbal reasoning, which tests the knowledge of English words and can be challenging for international students because it is designed for English native speakers; third is analytical writing, consisting of two short essays where the student needs to critically assess a statement or position. Each university might require different scores for these three parts, and you send the scores automatically after the test to your selected list of universities.

International students also need to take the TOEFL to prove their knowledge of English. Students who come from English-speaking countries or who graduated from English-taught programmes usually do not have to take it, but it is important that you verify this with the universities you want to apply to.

For instance, students from countries where English is one of the official languages (such as India or Kenya) might nonetheless be required to take the TOEFL. Also, the results you submit must be from a test taken within the past two years old.

Each university will have different requirements in terms of the TOEFL score. The TOEFL has four parts (reading, listening, speaking and writing), and even if you are fluent in English it is usually best to get familiar with the format of each part to obtain a score that is high enough for graduate programmes.

Both are computer-based tests done through multiple-choice questions and writing/speaking exercises. Some students choose to hire tutors or attend courses to prepare for the GRE and the TOEFL, but it is possible to study for them individually by buying ETS books with exercises and/or using online resources.

PhD diary: Preparing for a PhD Is it possible to do a three-year PhD as an international student? How to decide if a postgraduate degree is right for you

Recommendation letters and transcripts

Applying for a PhD always requires a lot of paperwork, but documents for PhD applications in the US can be difficult to obtain for some international students.

Something quite crucial is the transcript of previous qualifications such as diplomas and degrees. Some universities in non-English countries offer diploma supplements that they send directly to American universities for the application process. In other cases, US universities require a certified translation, which can take time and money. It is important to communicate early and clearly with the universities you want to apply to and also with your home university to make sure it is possible to access all these documents.

Usually, PhD applications also require two or three reference letters. While this is a common practice across the world, US universities often want professors to send or upload them personally, which is not always the case in other countries. Deadlines are often non-negotiable, so I suggest that you identify people who can write reference letters for you and make sure they can do them in English and understand the submission process.

In some cases, you might also need to submit a bank statement. If you apply for programmes that offer full scholarship/funding (which I recommend), this is usually not necessary, but some universities may ask you to submit proof that you can support yourself throughout the programme. This is also required when you apply for a visa if you are not offered a scholarship.

The academic part: statement of purpose and writing samples

You might think that a long and detailed PhD project outline is the most important part of the application. While this is often true in many non-US countries, it is not always the case for US programmes. Instead, you usually have to write a one- or two-page statement of purpose in which you describe why you would fit in a given department.

Applications for US PhDs do not require personal connections with professors, and you do not need to have a supervisor in mind when you apply, but I suggest contacting professors in the department to verify whether your research interests match with theirs. Once accepted to the PhD programme, you will then select a supervisor and start writing your project.

In some cases, applications require a writing sample. Usually, it is advisable to send a university essay or a portion of your thesis. If you did not previously study in a programme taught in English, it is often possible to send a translation of your work or even a sample in another language.

Once all these documents and papers are gathered, you can start your applications. They are usually online, and there may be a fee for each application. It can be a long and expensive process, but many US universities welcome international students and offer an excellent education. In my case, it certainly was worth the effort.

You may also like

.css-185owts{overflow:hidden;max-height:54px;text-indent:0px;} 8 habits to help you get through your PhD

Shabana Khan

What is a PhD? Advice for PhD students

Looking for PhD tips? Why not check Twitter

Seeta Bhardwa

Register free and enjoy extra benefits

• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Education Loan
• Forex & Air-Ticketing
• International Accommodation
• TOEFL Discount Code
• Pursuing an MBA in the United States [Ebook]
• Master’s Degree In New Zealand [Ebook]
• Biomedical Engineering
• Data science
• Masters in Computer Science
• Engineering Management in US & Canada
• Masters in Business Analytics
• MS in Computer Engineering
• Business Management in Europe Ebook
• Studying Business Management in Australia
• Comprehensive Guide to STEM Masters in Germany
• STEM Master’s in Australia
• STEM Master’s in UK
• STEM Masters in Ireland | Study in Ireland (Ebook)
• Test Preparation Resources
• Vocabulary App
• Why Galvanize
• Press Release

Study PHD in USA | Eligibility, Application Process (2022 Guide)

Accessibility

  PhD student in USA does not require  to focus immediately on dissertation proposal but will  have the time to first develop a more detailed understanding of your subject as the basis for your own research. That is why PHD in USA are longer as compared to UK.

World-leading universities and research

Rankings aren’t everything, but the upper reaches of global league tables continue to be dominated by US institutions. As there is a substantial investment in research output and expertise.

International community

  Whatever and wherever you study you’ll be welcomed as part of a diverse academic community .

Innovation :

America was the second country (after Germany) to adopt the modern PhD degree and its own structured approach to doctoral training is now influencing PhD study in the UK and Europe.

Breadth of opportunity :

With 50 states, six time zones and thousands of higher education providers you will find a huge opportunity after your PHD

NOTE : The fact that matters is, one needs to look for the quality and the number of research paper’s that are being published in the top journals in the industry country wise. 

In most cases the US is the best place to do your PHD. But do your research and find which country produces the best research work and go there for better learning and growing experience.

1.2) 5 Reasons Why one should pursue a PHD in the USA rather than a Master's/ Bachelors?

PHD is free/Cheap:

When it comes to Bachelors and Master’s, there are quite some options for us to get funding from or get scholarships. But the problem is that not a lot of students get full scholarships and they would be forced to pay the remaining tuition fees and alot of other costs that comes along while living in the USA.

We are all aware that education in the US is more on the expensive side and a lot of students find a way to pull it off with as many part time jobs as possible. But this affects their schedule and routine and drains their mental energy and consumes alot of their study time

Whereas PHD in the USA is a different story. The programs are fully funded and you even get paid to study there and there is no need to pay the tuition fee.

Fee waivers, assistantships and stipends are guaranteed in a PHD program and the stipends are quite high for PHD students in the US when compared to any other country. So for doing PHD, US can be considered the best place!

PHD saves us from the worst possible outcome:

When it comes to pursuing a degree abroad, what is the worst possible outcome that could come out of it?

We finish the degree there and yet we get shipped back to our home country with a bunch of huge educational loans and we have to find a job here with a currency that much lower in value and work hard to pay back all the educational loans

Whereas a PHD student wouldn’t have to be too scared about this fact since their educational expenses are usually taken care of via stipends and assistantships and other funding sources. And even if one doesn’t secure a job there, they could always get well paying great jobs back in India or any developing country which has so many universities.

Networking:

“ You are the average of 5 people that you hang around with the most”

Imagine getting enrolled into a good university in the US for PHD. What would be the quality of people there? 

While doing your bachelor’s degree, one would be surrounded by all kinds of people from all around the world with different lifestyles and mindsets and there you could find alot of people who tend to fool around and be less focused or live by ideologies that you might totally disagree with. 

Whereas when it comes to master’s degree, the quality of the crowd increases tremendously and with PHD, only the most motivated, interested and focused people get here. So you could learn and grow as a community while doing your PHD. Another important fact is, everyone doing a PHD is there by their own choice which makes them a group of highly interested and talented people with whom you would be spending most of your time with.

Friendships with Mentors:

“ PHD students are like 10 year projects”

• University Mentors

In research based universities, most of the professors tend to spend a huge amount of time with the PHD students than the ones in bachelors and master’s degree programs. Bachelors students are more focused on learning the basic concepts and master’s students are usually busy with course work and won’t stay for too long in the campus.

So, one of the biggest advantages of being a PHD student in the US is that you get to spend 4-6 years researching and further continue the work for years to come and hence the mentors and the professors would be more open to building a good relationship with you and that would make way for so much of learning and growth.

Come out of it matured and better:

One of the things that a PHD student would experience is this : They start earning money a lot later than the general population. Some would even take over 30 years to get their first paycheck and when you spend your 20s learning and researching and focusing while managing the possible financial hardships that come your way, makes you financially mature.

Pros and Cons of Studying in USA

Pros of studying in the usa .

• Education in the USA is something that many of us look out for. The quality of education in the USA is recognized worldwide as the best. They give practical learning experiences. International student enrollment for higher education is always higher in this country.
• The Association to Advance Collegiate School of business recognition is given to the best business schools in the world. Globally 531 business schools were given AACSB, and 400 schools belong to the USA.
• The USA is the home to some of the best universities globally, the top-ranked universities.
• There is a wide variety of subjects to choose from, such as marine education, nursing, ecology, etc.
• The Universities in the USA are recognized globally for their world-class education and good facilities.
• There is exposure to multiple cultures in the USA. There are also student exchange programs to diversify the learning objectives.
• They provide an all-rounder education by enabling the students to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities.
• The job opportunities are ample when you get a degree from one of the Universities in the USA. These degrees are recognized worldwide, and you can be assured of getting good employment opportunities.
• You can specialize in subjects and study according to your interests.
• The labs and libraries in the USA are excellent, and students have a significant amount of exposure to writers from different backgrounds.
• Some scholarships are designed for students. These scholarships vary from University to University and according to the type of degree you choose. Grabbing these scholarships will make it easier to manage your financial expenses

Cons of studying in the USA

• To be a student in the USA, one of the primary requirements is to write a TOEFL exam. This ensures that you have a good command of the English language.
• For other engineering and business studies, you will be required to write GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, SAT, etc. To be a doctor, you will be required to write a different set of entrance examinations.
• The cost of education and accommodation in the USA is higher when compared to your home country. Due to this, you may have to get a student loan.
• It is not that you will get a job if you study in any university in the USA. More of your knowledge and skills matter the most. But studying in the prestigious universities in the USA will be a feather on your cap!
• The standard of education will be initially hard to manage as you need to get used to the different curricula.
• The climatic conditions in the USA are very different and hence you should be able to adjust to them.
• The living expenses can also be higher. To manage this, you need to take up a part-time job.
• The testing in these universities can be rigorous and challenging, especially if you are a student of the most prestigious universities in the USA.

1.3) Is PHD the right choice for you?

Some students might be wondering if pursuing a PHD is a right thing for them.

It depends on the career you are in and if you are interested in research. For instance if you have a master’s in biology or in any of the languages or history, the jobs available for you would be scarce. So doing a PHD in such instances can open up a whole new alot of opportunities.

Now when it comes to research it can be categorized into two things : Discovering phenomenons in nature and inventing new stuff.

If research, discovery and inventions are something you desire, then PHD is the right choice for you.

Kick-start Your Admissions the right way. Start Now!

Top ph.d. programs in the usa :, ph.d. in management.

To become a scholar in business and management, you can do a Ph.D. in this field. This is a globally sought-after course. Doing a Ph.D. creates an avenue for several research work in this field 

• The University of Arizona
• Walden University
• Auburn University
• Campbellsville University

Ph.D. in psychology

To conduct research in psychology, you can do a Ph.D. in this field. To complete this course may take three years or even more than that. The eligibility for this course is the completion of a master’s in psychology.

Stanford University

Yale university, university of california.

• University of Arizona

Ph.D. in Computer science

Completing a Ph.D. in this field can take up to three years or more, but it would be beneficial in your career when you’re interested in research in this field. You’ll also be a master in your particular area of research.

Harvard University

• Massachusetts University of Technology
• Carnegie Mellon University 

Ph.D. in Marketing

Marketing is a broad field, and currently, it is the trending area of study as most of us use smartphones, and marketing here is unbeatable.

• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Michigan 

Ph.D. in Biotechnology

This is a doctorate course in the field of Biotechnology. You get to study Scientific communication, trends in Biotechnology, and so much more. This takes three to five years to complete.

Maschasuettes institute of technology

John hopkins university, ph.d. in microbiology.

Doing a doctorate in this course means you get to research microbiology. You get to research microorganisms and other things. 

This course can take around four to six years to complete.

Ph.D. in Physics

Ph.D. in Physics will get you a lot of good job opportunities. You will deal with theory, research, and experiment in this field. This will be a three-year doctorate course.

Princeton University

• University of Chicago

Ph.D. in Public Health

If you want to be an administrative head and want to have extensive knowledge in the field of medicine, you can do this doctorate course.

• Ohio State University

Ph.D. in Pharmacology

This course deals with medical drugs and their usage. You can work in clinics, hospitals, and medical centers.

• University of Washington

Ph.D. in Design

This is a creative course and can be pretty challenging. This is a practical degree program, and you have a wide range of streams to diverge in, such as animation, design, and much more.

• University of Buffalo
• Cornell University
• Kansas State University

PHD FAQ’s: Eligibility and More

2.1) intake seasons for phd programs, two teaching semester’s:.

The academic year in the USA consists of two teaching semesters: 

• August-December 
•  January-May.  

These will be when your classes and assessments take place. 

Most graduate programmes admit students in the autumn (or ‘fall’) semester because of the following reasons:

•  The scholarships and financial aids are aimed at this semester.
• There are not many financial aid opportunities as well as job opportunities available for the Spring semester

2.2) Duration of the PHD Program

The length of a PhD program in the USA is usually 4-6 years (full time ). 

Students spend 2 years on the coursework stage of their programme and 2-4 years working on their dissertation.

The minimum and the maximum durations would vary depending on the university and the field of study but traditionally a PHD program is for 5 years and there will be a year limit within which one should potentially finish their research to get their PHD.

There are students who find a way to get their PHD in 3 years as well. So expect anywhere between 4-6 years to get your PHD

Coursework : 

• Core classes (Essential )
• Elective classes (Optional )

Dissertation : 

  It’s the research proposal submitted as part of a PhD application.

2.3) AGE A FACTOR FOR PHD?

Is there any age limit for pursuing PHD or is it a good choice to start doing PHD after the age of 30? Would the age be a factor in getting jobs after?

Age is not any issue and there are people who start their PHDs even after the age of 40. So there are no age limits and in the United States they value the background and the profile and will not discriminate based on their age. So go for it if you really want to.

2.4) PHD AFTER BTECH?

Can we do a PHD right after bachelors or B.Tech Degree?

If one has decent research experience in Bachelors level itself and if it’s good quality research and if you have published papers and have some achievements to show, then yes, your chances of getting admissions into PHD would increase.

But it is generally recommended that we spend a little more time exploring the topic of interest in our master’s before jumping into a PHD program. Doing a master’s also strengthens your knowledge on the field which would be needed to be able to successfully complete your PHD.

But yes, it is totally possible to do your PHD right after bachelors. Even if the background of your profile doesn’t match with the PHD course you want to pursue, you can still get admissions if you can impress the professor you want to work with and these scenarios have happened in the past.

2.5) INTERNSHIPS DURING PHD:

Internships during PHD, Recommended or not?

The answer to this question would depend on the field you are in. 

Here’s the logic you need to look for. PHD is a degree where you are trying to become a researcher. Internships are jobs where you “work for the company and find ways to make them money”. Sometimes these two do not add up.

For instance, if you are in the Computer and software field, it’s completely alright to work in google or facebook or in some booming startups because it would help you become better in the particular field which would help with the research.

In most fields it is generally not recommended to do internships while being a PHD student since it would take your focus away from research.

What are the requirements to do a PhD in the USA?

3.1) phd in usa - requirements:.

Universities and graduate schools will set their own admissions procedures, but for most of the universities have following requirements :

• Academic transcripts  
• Research Statement
• Writing Samples
• Test Scores: General GRE And GRE Subject.

PS :   Some PhD subjects may use other graduate entry tests in place of (or in addition to) the GRE. The most common tests are:

GMAT – for DBA degrees and other programmes in Business and Management

LSAT – for JD programmes

MCAT – for MD programmes

DAT – for dental programmes

  You won’t necessarily need a Masters to apply for a PhD in the USA.  

This is because American graduate programmes effectively combine Masters and PhD study –some students actually receive a Masters at the end of their coursework stage.

If you do already have a Masters you may be able to receive credit for it and spend less time on the coursework stage of your program. This decision is made by your graduate school , who will decide how relevant your existing degree is.

Join the Email course built by World's Top Admissions Consultants

Started your gre prep, ready to see where you stand in the gre, 3.2) how do i apply for a phd and what will be the application fee.

Application Process :

 The Application process for the USA is easy and these are the following stages for same :

Step 1 : Be accepted for a PhD at an SEVP-approved institution

Step 2 : Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $200 

Step 3 : Begin your application online

Step 4 : Schedule a visa interview 

Step 5 : Receive your visa 

Application and Visa Fee details :

• Typical application fees for PhD study in the USA are between $50 and $100.

You will also need to budget for the cost of any graduate entry tests and for your visa.

• In most cases you will need to pay fees of at least $360 during your visa application. This is made up of a $200 SEVIS fee and a $160 application fee. Some students may also need to pay an issuance fee.)

3.3) How to shortlist Universities for your PHD in the USA?

Which universities should one apply to for the best learning experience for the particular field and have the most chances of getting admissions into for a particular profile and work experience and research experience?

While it is hard to list out the top universities for every field out there, here’s a procedure one can follow to make sure they are in the right place:

• Select the field : Decide on which field you want to get PHD in
• List of universities : Make a list of universities in the US that is offering the particular PHD course.
• Get your CV Ready : It is very important to create a professional and detailed CV with your Work and research experience 
• Now compare your profile with theirs and get a good idea of what kind of profile one would need to be a PHD student in that particular university and the level of expertise present there

Additional Information

Phd types :.

Most universities in the USA simply award the standard PhD (or Ph.D.) as an academic doctorate. However they some different categories are DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), EdD (Doctor of Education) JD (Doctor of Laws) and MD (Doctor of Medicine).

Fees and funding :

Public institutions charge an average of $12,737 per year. Private institutions charge an average of $43,300 per year. 

PS .Figures are based on data published by the US National Center for Education Statistics.

Common types of assistantship include :

• Graduate teaching assistantships
• Research assistantships 
• Administrative assistantships 
• Fellowships

Top Universities for pursuing PHD in USA

This University was founded in 1636 and was named Harvard College. This is a highly prestigious and the oldest University in the United States. This University is located in Cambridge, Maschasuettes, a private ivy league University. It is ranked as no.5 by the QS World university rankings.

Acceptance rate: 5%

Average fee: $75,000

List of the Ph.D. courses : Math, Physics, biotechnology, and so much more.

Website : https://gsas.harvard.edu/programs-study/degree-programs

• Is it hard to get into the Harvard Ph.D. program?

The acceptance rate for a Ph.D. student is much higher in this University when compared to other degrees. With Good grades, you can get into this University.

• How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. at Harvard?

A minimum of two years is required to complete a Ph.D. Although it sometimes takes up to six years.

This is a private university that is located in Cambridge, Maschasuettes. This University has been essential in research that deals with modern technology and sciences. It is one of the top universities globally and is ranked as no 1 by the QS world rankings.

Acceptance rate: 7%

Average fee: $75,462

List of the Ph.D. courses :  https://gradadmissions.mit.edu/programs/degrees/doctoral-degrees

• How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. in MIT?

It takes around five years to complete a Ph.D. at MIT.

• Is GRE required for Ph.D. in MIT?

Yes, the GRE general test is required for Ph.D. in MIT.

This is a private university that is highly prestigious and is ranked as no 3 by the QS World university rankings. This University is located in Stanford, California, and it is the largest University with a large enrollment of students.

Average fee: $78,218

List of the Ph.D. courses

https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/applying/frequently-asked-questions

A Ph.D. in MIT takes around five to seven years to complete.

• What GPA do you need to get for a Ph.D. in MIT?

A GPA of 3.6 on a scale of 4 is required.

California Institute of Technology

This is a private university located in Pasadena, California. This University is known for its science and engineering courses and is ranked as the best academic institution in the USA. This University is ranked as no.9 in the world’s best universities.

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-graduate-schools/california-institute-of-technology-110404

• How hard is it to get a Ph.D. here?

The acceptance rate here is only 6.4%; hence it can be pretty competitive.

• How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. here?

It takes around four to six years to complete a Ph.D. here.

This is one of the oldest private research universities in the USA. It was named after the philanthropist John Hopkins. This was one of the few universities to include both teaching and research. This University has produced more than 38 Nobel laureates.

Acceptance rate: 11%

Average fee: $67,667

https://www.jhu.edu/research/

• Does John Hopkins University require GRE for Ph.D.?

GRE scores are optional; however, you will require that to do a master’s degree.

• Does John Hopkins offer Ph.D. programs?

Yes, they offer Ph.D. programs.

This is a public land grant university that has over ten campuses. It is located in the state of California. This University is known for its best research activities and its numerous research centers. This University is more than a century old and was established in 1868.

Acceptance rate: 14%

Average fee: $52,000

https://graduate.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/

• Is it hard to get into the University of California?

Compared to the other universities, this University is not that hard to get into as they have reasonable acceptance rates.

• Does the University of California offer Ph.D. programs?
• Yes, they do offer Ph.D. programs.

This is a private ivy league research university in Princeton, New Jersey. This University was established in 1746, and it is the fourth oldest University in the USA. They also offer a lot of scholarships for international students.

Acceptance rate: 6%

Average fee: $68,044

List of the Ph.D. courses: 

https://gradschool.princeton.edu/degree-options/phd

• How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. at Princeton University?

 It takes around five years to complete a Ph.D. at Princeton University.

• Can I apply to two Ph.D. programs at Princeton?

No, you cannot apply to two Ph.D. programs at Princeton. You can do only one at a time.

This is a private university in New Haven, Connecticut. It is an ivy league research university as well. It is one of the most prestigious and third oldest institutes in the USA. This University is ranked as the 17th best University globally by the QS world ranking.

Average fee: $45,700

https://www.yale.edu/academics/graduate-professional-study

It takes around four years to complete a Ph.D. here.

• Can you get a Ph.D. at Yale?

Yes, you can apply for Ph.D. programs at Yale.

Columbia University

This is a private ivy league research university in New York and is the oldest University in New York. This University was established in 1754. This University is ranked as the sixth-best university in the world.

https://gsas.columbia.edu/content/phd-programs

• How hard is it to study here?

It is highly competitive, and your GRE scores should be around 154 to 167.

Duke University

This is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. It was established in 1838 by methodists and Quakers. This University is ranked as the 23rd best global University.

Acceptance rate: 8%

Average fee: $40,000

https://gradschool.duke.edu/academics/programs-degrees

• Is Duke a top university?

Yes, it is a top university, ranked as the 9th best national University.

• How hard is it to get into Duke?

It is competitive here, and the acceptance rates are also lower.

Secure that dream admit

Right from lor, university shortlisting, sop, application reviews till visa counselling. galvanize has your back., phd experience.

For the first two years one would be required to take courses and will have to maintain a GPA over 3 -3.3.

Now remember there are various types of PHD programs available and what you experience might be a bit different from what’s described here but one can get a rough picture of what they will be up against.

The courses that you take in the first two years will mould you to become a better researcher and many of these courses would have projects which could potentially turn into a journal publication.

Selecting Dissertation Advisors:

Within the first year or the first two years, the student would have to analyze the professors, their areas of interest and expertise and their character to better select their own dissertation advisors.

In most cases we might have to select and come up with our own projects and research ideas whereas in some cases your dissertation advisor might already be working on the topic of your interest and in such cases you could join the research and contribute

Comprehensive/Qualifier Exam:

After completing the required set of courses in the first two years, the phd students are then required to take a comprehensive exam or a qualifier exam. Now the way in which this exam is conducted varies a lot based on the field and the university that’s conducting it.

In some cases, the students who fail this comprehensive exam would have to quit the PHD program. We do get to attempt this exam more than once and the number of re-attempts would also depend on the university conducting it. So this is an important step.

This exam most probably won’t be like the written 3 hour exams that we are used to writing. This exam would test your ability to be a successful researcher and the students might be given tough time intervals to complete research based tasks and even oral tasks.

Anyways reach out to the students in the university you are planning to take to get accurate details about what you would be facing in this comprehensive/Qualifier exam

Committee of professors and Proposal Defense:

In a proposal defense, the students have to be ready with the complete dissertation plans stating the papers and the projects that one has planned to work on. What kind of data one needs to collect, the kinds of analysis that one needs to do.

We also need to select a committee of professors and one of the professors in the committee should be outside your own department or university and schedule a meeting where you propose to them your project details

After the proposal defence, the professors would have to analyse if the research project is worthy for a PHD degree and if it is realistic and achievable

Once your proposal defence is approved, you would be working full time on your dissertation and would be expected to complete the research project proposed.

In many universities the PHD students are required and expected to teach subjects to B.Tech and Master’s students for a few semesters.

NOTE : Even within the same industry, different universities would have very different PHD programs where some universities would completely focus on quantitative research and some would focus more on a case study approach. So to get a clear idea, reach out to the PHD students in the university you are hoping to get admissions into.

PHD Experience FAQs

How many papers should we publish in our dissertation and is there a minimum requirement of any sort.

The number of papers that one can publish completely depends on the area of study and research since in certain areas one can publish over 10 papers easily whereas in other areas publishing 2 or 3 would be a great achievement.

There are students who just publish one paper in their dissertation and there are other who publish over 10. So it depends on your field of study and your dissertation advisors expectations and your capabilities.

How much stipend can one expect during their PHD in USA?

The stipends could vary from $10,000 or lower to over $50,000 depending on the university, the city and the cost of living in that area, the university and the area of study. Again to know exactly what to expect, reach out to PHD students in the university that you want to get into.

What kind of research assistantships and teaching assistantships can we expect to get during PHD for funding?

Research and teaching assistantships are for masters programs and by default traditional PHD programs in the US are fully funded. 

The point to note here is that in many universities, the PHD student has to teach and if one doesn’t do so, their stipend would not be given. So the fact is you are already working and researching for a stipend which should be enough to live through your PHD days in the US.

LIFE AFTER PHD:

Employment opportunities after phd in usa.

Here’s what could potentially happen after you finish your PHD:

Note : This is a generic question and the answer’s vary vastly based on the area of study, area of specialization and the country you live in. Anyways here’s all the possibilities that one could face after a PHD.

POST DOC POSITION :

Post doc basically means that after getting the doctorate degree one would continue do their research potentially in a university or research setting

Basically once you go from being a PHD student to a PHD graduate, you would still get to continue the journey you started during your PHD days and having a post doc position would mean it would be fully research oriented.

Usually you could get the Post doc position in the same university that you got your PHD from. There are three types of people who use a research center in an university

• Professors 
• PHD students

RESEARCH ORIENTED WORK IN THE INDUSTRY IN THE SAME AREA:

This is the dream job for any PHD student who has a love for research and publishing papers. In this job you would be researching and innovating full time publishing papers and journals and will have the funds and the space to explore and work on deeper research for the company.

JOB IN A ACADEMIC RESEARCH SETTING IN THE SAME FIELD:

With an impressive profile and a recognizable PHD from the US, there is a good chance that one could land a job in the same field that they did their PHD in. This way the work they do is directly aligned with their training 

PROFESSOR JOB IN A TEACHING FOCUSED UNIVERSITY:

Becoming a professor who could also be a researcher is a hard position to get and so many PHD graduates do take professor jobs that primarily or entirely focuses on teaching

PROFESSOR JOB IN A RESEARCH UNIVERSITY:

Only 5% of PHD graduates become assistant professors in research based universities right after graduation.

The research expectations in these colleges are way higher than the smaller universities or community colleges that are focused on teaching. Here in these universities there will be less number of classes to teach so the professor could have enough time for research.

CONTRACT BASED TEACHING POSITIONS IN UNIVERSITIES:

These are positions where you would be called a visiting professor/asst.professor. These would mostly consist of teaching work and there won’t be too much expectations or needs for research.

JOB IN A NON-ACADEMIC RESEARCH SETTING IN A DIFFERENT FIELD:

It has been seen that people who have PHD’s in mathematics, statistics and so on get jobs as data scientist and similar roles where they partly use the skills they have learnt in PHD

OPPORTUNITY IN AN UNRELATED FIELD:

There are cases where people get PHD in a certain field and yet work in a completely unrelated field where there are more job opportunities

UNEMPLOYED:

It would not be true if anyone said that after PHD there is no chance of being unemployed. This does happen in some cases.

ENTREPRENEUR:

The last and yet the best option for anyone is entrepreneurship. PHD students in general are smart and work on innovation and research and invention and sometimes they start a company based on the research work they started during the PHD journey. 

For instance, the tech giant google itself is a company that was started by a PHD student who dropped out of a university to eventually become a billionaire.

So, the outcome that one could expect from a PHD in US could vary vastly from being unemployed to becoming a professor, researcher and an entrepreneur 

OTHER FAQs ON LIFE AFTER PHD IN USA

What is the difference between a phd career and a mba career.

The main difference is that PHD is a research based degree and MBA is a management degree. But oftentimes PHD students do take management roles in companies for their sound experience and knowledge about the subject involved.

What is the main difference between being a professor in a university and being a researcher in a lab?

Being a professor in a university means there will be alot of teaching responsibilities whereas a researcher wouldn’t have to teach. But professors do have this added advantage of having the freedom to pick the topic of interest and work on it

What should students do in their master’s to get better chances of getting into a PHD program and prepare for the transition as well?

The first thing the master’s student should do is to start making friends who are currently doing PHD and try and be a part of their research. This way one can understand if they are interested in the deep level of research that a PHD student would be doing.

Is it better to have an older dissertation professor or a younger one?

First things first, your whole PHD experience relies a lot on your dissertation professor and hence it is an important factor to consider. 

Now generally students would prefer an older dissertation professor since they would have more seniority in the particular field and more experience in publishing. But if there are younger professors who are more energetic, enthusiastic and with many interesting ideas, then go with them.

Just look at that professor’s passion for research and if his personality matches with yours because having a good relationship with your advisor is the most important factor because there are cases where students even quit their university because of the bad relationships they develop with their advisors.

So it is advised that we first take courses and check if you like your professor and if you think you could potentially get along well with them and if they publish quality work.

How to deal with leaving family and mental health during your PHD in USA?

One just cannot afford to be home sick if they have big ambitions and dreams. Right? Not just about studying abroad but just about anything in life has it’s good and bad sides. We cannot avoid the bad aspect of the things in our lives

So what’s the answer? Learn to deal with it. Adapt. Shift your focus towards the mission. Grow. 

Mental Health is becoming a huge issue in today’s world and the best way to deal with it is to be open and honest about everything in your life to yourself. Maintaining a journal, meditation and self help books do come in handy.

Is it okay to take our family with us during our PHD program and will the stipend be enough to get by?

In most cases the students are either already married or they get married during the course of the PHD. The stipend itself can be enough to run a family but it is recommended that you stay in an affordable neighborhood with your partner working as well so there will be less financial burden on you.

Getting admissions for MS and PHD. What are the differences in the admissions process?

When it comes to PHD, the student would have to explain why they are interested in research and where they wish to work on and for what reason and with which professor. In addition to that the aspiring student would have to sit for either multiple interviews with the professors from the particular university or a panel interview.

Whereas getting admissions for a master’s degree generally won’t require any interviews and would be as simple as stating why you wish to pursue a MS course offered by the university.

This is because master’s programs take 1-2 years whereas when it comes to PHD the professors would have to invest a lot of time in you (Around 10 years) and hence they would access what kind of person you are and if your interests and personalities match.

How do we approach professors? And is it necessary to approach professors even before getting admissions and how do we find the professors?

Any student can find the profiles of the faculty of a university on their website and they can examine their profiles for their current topics of interests and research. It is recommended that we approach professors even before admissions to look for guidance and form a bond with them if possible and the best way to approach is to reach them via email.

Written by Sai Subramaniam

Guided by Pavitra Srinivasan and the Galvanize In-house Experts

Cost of living and cost Index in USA

Related blogs.

• STEM Courses | Eligibility and Application Process
• Study in USA | Complete Guide
• GRE 101 Guide
• Study abroad VISA’s

Recommended For You

Top Universities for Computer Science in the USA

Foreign Education Loans | Educational Loan for Study Abroad (2023)

One comment.

Quite informative. I will like to know of any University in the USA that can take me o PhD student I research intrest of Infrastructure and development. I have two masters in Project Development and Implementation 2011 and Economics 2022 ( Public Private Partnership) respectively.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© 2024 Tejate Education Private Limited | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

• Top University in USA
• Top University in Canada
• Top University in Ireland
• Top Universities in UK
• Top Universities in Australia
• Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
• Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

• Study in USA
• Study in UK
• Study in Canada
• Study in Australia
• Study in Ireland
• Study in Germany
• Study in China
• Study in Europe

Student Visas

• Student Visa Canada
• Student Visa UK
• Student Visa USA
• Student Visa Australia
• Student Visa Germany
• Student Visa New Zealand
• Student Visa Ireland
• JEE Main 2024
• MHT CET 2024
• JEE Advanced 2024
• BITSAT 2024
• View All Engineering Exams
• Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
• Top Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
• Top IITs in India
• Top NITs in India
• Top IIITs in India
• JEE Main College Predictor
• JEE Main Rank Predictor
• MHT CET College Predictor
• AP EAMCET College Predictor
• GATE College Predictor
• KCET College Predictor
• JEE Advanced College Predictor
• View All College Predictors
• JEE Main Question Paper
• JEE Main Cutoff
• JEE Main Answer Key
• JEE Main Result
• Download E-Books and Sample Papers
• Compare Colleges
• B.Tech College Applications
• JEE Advanced Registration
• MAH MBA CET Exam
• View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

• MBA College Admissions
• MBA Colleges in India
• Top IIMs Colleges in India
• Top Online MBA Colleges in India
• MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
• BBA Colleges in India
• XAT College Predictor 2024
• SNAP College Predictor
• NMAT College Predictor
• MAT College Predictor 2024
• CMAT College Predictor 2024
• CAT Percentile Predictor 2023
• CAT 2023 College Predictor
• CMAT 2024 Registration
• TS ICET 2024 Registration
• CMAT Exam Date 2024
• MAH MBA CET Cutoff 2024
• Download Helpful Ebooks
• List of Popular Branches
• QnA - Get answers to your doubts
• IIM Fees Structure
• AIIMS Nursing
• Top Medical Colleges in India
• Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
• Medical Colleges accepting NEET
• List of Medical Colleges in India
• List of AIIMS Colleges In India
• Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
• Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
• NEET College Predictor
• NEET PG College Predictor
• NEET MDS College Predictor
• DNB CET College Predictor
• DNB PDCET College Predictor
• NEET Application Form 2024
• NEET PG Application Form 2024
• NEET Cut off
• NEET Online Preparation
• Download Helpful E-books
• LSAT India 2024
• Colleges Accepting Admissions
• Top Law Colleges in India
• Law College Accepting CLAT Score
• List of Law Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Delhi
• Top Law Collages in Indore
• Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
• Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

• CLAT College Predictor
• MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
• AILET College Predictor
• Sample Papers
• Compare Law Collages
• Careers360 Youtube Channel
• CLAT Syllabus 2025
• CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
• AIBE 18 Result 2023
• NID DAT Exam
• Pearl Academy Exam

Animation Courses

• Animation Courses in India
• Animation Courses in Bangalore
• Animation Courses in Mumbai
• Animation Courses in Pune
• Animation Courses in Chennai
• Animation Courses in Hyderabad
• Design Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in Bangalore
• Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
• Fashion Design Colleges in Pune
• Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
• Fashion Design Colleges in Hyderabad
• Fashion Design Colleges in India
• Top Design Colleges in India
• Free Sample Papers
• Free Design E-books
• List of Branches
• Careers360 Youtube channel
• NIFT College Predictor
• UCEED College Predictor
• NID DAT College Predictor
• IPU CET BJMC
• JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
• IIMC Entrance Exam
• Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
• Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
• Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
• List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
• Free Ebooks
• CA Intermediate
• CA Foundation
• CS Executive
• CS Professional
• Difference between CA and CS
• Difference between CA and CMA
• CA Full form
• CMA Full form
• CS Full form
• CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
• Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Company Secretary
• Cost Accountant
• Charted Accountant
• Credit Manager
• Financial Advisor
• Top Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
• Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
• Top B.Com Colleges in India
• IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
• MCA Colleges in India
• BCA Colleges in India

Quick Links

• Information Technology Courses
• Programming Courses
• Web Development Courses
• Data Analytics Courses
• Big Data Analytics Courses
• RUHS Pharmacy Admission Test
• Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
• Pharmacy Colleges in Pune
• Pharmacy Colleges in Mumbai
• Colleges Accepting GPAT Score
• Pharmacy Colleges in Lucknow
• List of Pharmacy Colleges in Nagpur
• GPAT Result
• GPAT 2024 Admit Card
• GPAT Question Papers
• NCHMCT JEE 2024
• Mah BHMCT CET
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Hyderabad
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra
• B.Sc Hotel Management
• Hotel Management
• Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Diploma Colleges

• Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
• UPSC IAS 2024
• SSC CGL 2024
• IBPS RRB 2024
• Previous Year Sample Papers
• Free Competition E-books
• Sarkari Result
• QnA- Get your doubts answered
• UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
• CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
• SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
• NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

• NDA Application Form 2024
• UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
• CDS Application Form 2024
• CTET Admit card 2024
• HP TET Result 2023
• SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
• UPTET Notification 2024
• SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

• SSC CHSL 2024
• UP PCS 2024
• UGC NET 2024
• RRB NTPC 2024
• IBPS PO 2024
• IBPS Clerk 2024
• IBPS SO 2024
• CBSE Class 10th
• CBSE Class 12th
• UP Board 10th
• UP Board 12th
• Bihar Board 10th
• Bihar Board 12th
• Top Schools in India
• Top Schools in Delhi
• Top Schools in Mumbai
• Top Schools in Chennai
• Top Schools in Hyderabad
• Top Schools in Kolkata
• Top Schools in Pune
• Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

• JEE Main Knockout April
• NCERT Notes
• NCERT Syllabus
• NCERT Books
• RD Sharma Solutions
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
• NCERT Solutions
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12
• NCERT Solutions for Class 11
• NCERT solutions for Class 10
• NCERT solutions for Class 9
• NCERT solutions for Class 8
• NCERT Solutions for Class 7
• CUET PG 2024
• IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
• DU Admission 2024
• UP B.Ed JEE 2024
• DDU Entrance Exam
• IIT JAM 2024
• IGNOU Online Admission 2024
• Universities in India
• Top Universities in India 2024
• Top Colleges in India
• Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Bihar
• Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
• Central Universities in India
• CUET Exam City Intimation Slip 2024
• IGNOU Date Sheet
• CUET Mock Test 2024
• CUET Admit card 2024
• CUET PG Syllabus 2024
• CUET Participating Universities 2024
• CUET Previous Year Question Paper
• CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
• E-Books and Sample Papers
• CUET Exam Pattern 2024
• CUET Exam Date 2024
• CUET Syllabus 2024
• IGNOU Exam Form 2024
• IGNOU Result
• CUET Courses List 2024

Engineering Preparation

• Knockout JEE Main 2024
• Test Series JEE Main 2024
• JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

• Knockout NEET 2024
• Test Series NEET 2024
• Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

• JEE Main One Month Course
• NEET One Month Course
• IBSAT Free Mock Tests
• IIT JEE Foundation Course
• Knockout BITSAT 2024
• Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

• IT & Software Certification Courses
• Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
• Programming And Development Certification Courses
• Business and Management Certification Courses
• Marketing Certification Courses
• Health and Fitness Certification Courses
• Design Certification Courses

Specializations

• Digital Marketing Certification Courses
• Cyber Security Certification Courses
• Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
• Business Analytics Certification Courses
• Data Science Certification Courses
• Cloud Computing Certification Courses
• Machine Learning Certification Courses
• View All Certification Courses
• UG Degree Courses
• PG Degree Courses
• Short Term Courses
• Free Courses
• Online Degrees and Diplomas
• Compare Courses

Top Providers

• Coursera Courses
• Udemy Courses
• Edx Courses
• Swayam Courses
• upGrad Courses
• Simplilearn Courses
• Great Learning Courses

Access premium articles, webinars, resources to make the best decisions for career, course, exams, scholarships, study abroad and much more with

Plan, Prepare & Make the Best Career Choices

How to apply for Phd in USA?

How to apply for PhD in USA for international students - The USA is inarguably one of the most preferred study destinations for international students, especially for its PhD programs. One of the main factors that attract so many applicants for PhD in the USA is that there are a wide range of courses available for PhD candidates. This is why international students prefer to study in the USA and research a lot about “how to apply for PhD in USA”. Besides, the US has also created a flexible platform for intensive research. Another positive aspect of pursuing a PhD in USA for Indian students is that it invests a lot in Research and Development. TOP EXAMS: IELTS | TOEFL | GRE | G MAT Country Guide: UK | Ireland | Australi a | Canada

Steps for Applying PhD in USA

Eligibility for applying phd in usa, how to apply for phd in usa with scholarship.

It is because of these initiatives that the US walks away with most of the international awards in any field and also records one of the highest registrations for patents in the world. Therefore, there is little room left for any doubt why the US attracts so many international students to its universities every year. However, candidates applying for PhD in the USA have questions on how to apply for PhD in USA for Indian students, when the application process starts. Added to that candidates are left out of the list of the PhD requirements in USA for international students. Here we have explained the entire process of how one can apply for PhD in the USA right from the time needed to research for universities to submission of application forms.

Read the steps to know "how to apply for PhD in USA" from India or for International students. The steps mentioned can be followed, right after the candidates' decision to pursue Phd in USA.

Choose your major subject - The first step before applying for a PhD in USA is to choose the subject in which one wants to do a Major. Most aspirants opt for the course in which they already have a bachelor’s degree, though there is no such hard and fast rule that requires one to choose the same subject. However, students who wish to pursue their PhD in another field have to present strong reasons and show proof of experience in the concerned field. In American countries PhD can be applied after a bachelors degree.

MET Institute of International Studies BBA Admissions 2024

B.Sc (Hons)/BA (Hons) Business Administration, is an International BBA programme offered at MET Institute of International Studies, Mumbai

Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance

Research for universities - Once the aspirant has chosen his Major subject, the next step in “how to apply for PhD in USA” is to find universities that offer PhD in the USA in that particular subject. It is advisable to shortlist at least 8 to 10 PhD universities in USA. Some of the major factors to consider while choosing a university are:

Does the department’s research match the subject? Study carefully the current research initiatives of the university.

Does the candidate want a master’s degree with PhD in the USA? Check if the university provides a master's degree in your preferred subject and the facility to apply for a PhD in the USA for Indian students after your master’s course.

There are many universities in the US that offer a combined master’s and PhD degree. Generally, it takes between 3 and 6 years to complete a PhD in the USA. In that case, students are given the master’s certificate within 2- 3 years and then they can continue with their research in the next couple of years. Such courses are more common in arts and humanities-related subjects.

Top Universities for PhD USA

Deadlines - Once the list of universities, where one wants to apply for PhD in USA has been decided, the next big step is to look for deadlines for the same. There are several PhD programs, which offer rolling admissions in the USA, though the admission depends on the availability of seats. Usually, there are fewer seats in PhD compared to any other level. Also, the deadlines for application vary from department to department. Deadlines for some of the universities for PhD in US

List of scholarships to study abroad by country

Before gathering the things and researching answers to the question “How to apply for PhD in USA?” firstly check with your eligibility requirements for applying to PhD in USA. Here are the necessary PhD requirements in USA for international students

16 years of education - Minimum of 16 years of education is required, before applying for PhD. Therefore, the candidate must have completed at least 4 years of education (graduation or diploma) after 10+2.

Master’s - Students who have completed their master’s degree are also qualified to apply for PhD in the USA for Indian students. In fact, it is the standard norm in many universities. It is, therefore, ideal for a student to choose a specialized program in which he/She has graduated.

Tests - The admission procedure for PhD in the USA is more or less the same as in the case for MS in the US . The candidate needs to sit for the same standardized tests. The application for the tests is the first steps when you apply for PhD in USA. Listed below are the exams needed before applying for PhD in the universities.

GMAT - GMAT is taken for admission to management studies. Business schools use this test as a criterion for admission into a wide range of management programs.

GRE - GRE is mandatory for almost all graduate-level programs in the USA, including management studies. While all universities require GRE general test scores, some universities also ask students to take GRE subject tests.

TOEFL - TOEFL is an English proficiency test for students from non-native English-speaking countries. TOEFL is conducted more than 50 times a year at 4,500 test centers in 165 countries.

IELTS - IELTS is also an English proficiency test for students from non-native English-speaking countries. The IELTS test measures a candidate’s English language command on 4 different parameters- Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

However, not all universities require GRE or GMAT scores as part of PhD admission requirements in USA. Most of them, in fact, require a summary of the previous work the candidate has done.

Students also liked:

Application package

Mentioned below are the main documents which are necessary, while applying for PhD in USA for Indian students. Candidates can collect and prepare the drafts for these documents at earliest before applying for the university. These are the requirements for PhD in USA.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) - The Statement of Purpose is one of the most important elements of the application package for admission into PhD programs in the USA. It reflects the candidate's commitment to joining the PhD program and goals in life. The important thing to remember while writing an SOP is that it should be brief and reflect clarity regarding what the candidate wants from the program.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR) - The Letter of Recommendation is an independent assessment of the candidate's potential. Most universities require at least two to three recommendation letters. It is advisable to have recommendation letters written by the candidate's professors or employers.

Resume - At the PhD level, many universities would require the candidate to submit a resume along with the application. It should contain basic information like date of birth, academic qualifications and achievements and details of any previous work in his area of interest.

Academic transcripts - Academic transcripts include all the qualifications that the candidate will list in his application form. It is advisable for a candidate to start arranging for his transcripts from October itself.

Writing samples - Admission to PhD programs in certain universities may require you to write an application essay on a particular topic that can be discussed during your interview.

Best countries to study abroad

The following elements are also important in the application package -

Work experience certificates, if applicable

Photocopies of passport

Certificates for extra-curricular activities mentioned in the application form.

WES Evaluation documents, if required by the university.

Shortlist best ranked universities & get expert guidance

Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses

Interview - Many universities in the USA, have a separate interview round for PhD candidates. These interviews are conducted by invitation only, i.e., the candidate is called for an interview only after his application is approved by the universities. The candidate is basically asked general as well as specific questions about the subject he wants to pursue in PhD in the USA. With the interview round the last for “how to apply for PhD in USA” process comes to the end.

As the university fees are high for pursuing a PhD in USA for international students there are many organizations, NGOs, universities, and government bodies that provide scholarships to students to support their financial aid. These scholarships have different conditions like gender, local and international students, merit, creative or art talents, sports, volunteering activities, disability, etc., While applying for scholarships check for this eligibility and apply. Scholarships are of two types fully funded and partially funded. Scholarships which are for fully funded PhD in USA, cover all your expenses like university, accommodation, insurance, travel, and other miscellaneous. Partly funded scholarships cover up to 50% of your university fees or accommodation fees. For acquiring a fully funded PhD in USA for Indian students, a few of the scholarships are Full Bright Scholarships and Yale University Scholarships. The other partially funded scholarships are AAUW International Fellowships, Asian Cultural Council Fellowship Program.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Universities in the US usually require a GPA score of 3 to pursue PhD in the USA.

International students will have to apply for the F-1 visa to pursue PhD in the USA.

You can work in the US after your PhD but you will have to apply for an employment visa as your F-1 visa will expire 60 days after your PhD in the USA ends.

To study PhD in USA, the candidate have to clear the entrance exams like GRE or GMAT through which university accepts your application. Along with them an english proficiency test like IELTS/PTE/TOEFL score should also be submitted in the application. For more details check the information in this article.

Generally in USA, the master's degree is included with the doctoral program. So if completed your bachelor's degree, you are eligible to apply for PhD in USA. If you already completed the masters this acts as an added advantage during the PhD application process.

In order to get Ph.D. admission in USA  you must meet the eligibility criteria for Ph.D. You must also fulfil the general requirements to get Ph.D. admission in USA.

• Latest Articles

Related E-books & Sample Papers

Study mbbs in usa.

17 + Downloads

Immigration laws for foreign students in USA

518 + Downloads

Quick guide to study in USA

545 + Downloads

Want to study in the US? Study Abroad Advisory- USA

568 + Downloads

Study in USA 2020 (India Edition)

256 + Downloads

Study In USA (2021) India Edition

271 + Downloads

Study In The USA - A Complete Guide

351 + Downloads

Post-study work opportunities in USA

897 + Downloads

Questions related to

Yes you can try to learn various courses that are for approximately 3 months to 6 months in duration.

Yes you can learn before going to us. Learning skills definitively adds some value to the life of a candidate and also improves in getting good recognition in life..

Below i have mentioned some courses  that you can try before visiting us:

• Social media marketing
• Content writer
• Content creation
• Video editing
• Photography skills
• Digital marketing
• Makeup artist course
• Hairstyling course.

So these are some courses you can try.

Hope this answer will help you. Revert incase of any query.

Thank you and good luck:)

Hello Samarasimha,

YES, you can MS in UA after completing Bsc in Statistics. . All you have to do is score good marks in your PG and prepare for GRE. You should also decide upon the country and the university in which you are going to study.

Furthermore, the requirements to pursue MS in USA are as follows :

• 3 to 4 years bachelors degree in relevant field.
• 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in bachelors.
• GRE score of 330 or above.
• Statement of Purpose.
• Research Internships/ Published Research Papers.
• Project work/Seminars.
• 2-3 Letter of Recommendation.
• Social & Leadership Activities.

Further, requirements for Software jobs in USA are as follows :

• Enroll in a software development program. The first step to becoming a software engineer is to enroll in a software development degree program. ...
• Gain internship experience. ...
• Choose your specialty. ...
• Pursue industry certifications. ...
• Continue your education.

I hope that this will help.

Dear aspirant hope you are doing well..

To study at foreign universities/abroad in U. S , the admission process will require the candidate to give one language exam and one standardized exam. However, depending on the country, course, college, or university you are applying for you may be exempted from standardized exams. The language test will showcase your English proficiency skills. These exams are required for pursuing almost all courses abroad. Different countries have different language exams such as

• TOEFL exam for getting admission to the universities in the US and Canada. The score of this exam is valid for two years after the declaration of results
• There are plenty of universities abroad where you can apply to do master-level course, MSc in statistics, MSc in Operation Research, and Applied Mathematics, MSc in Mathematical Modeling, etc are some of the Master level Course in Mathematics that are available abroad. Students who have completed their graduation or bachelor's degree in Mathematics can apply for these courses. Foreign universities like Uppsala University, Dublin City University, Oxford Brookes University, University of York, University of Liverpool, etc offer all the above-mentioned courses in mathematics.

Top university of The USA for master degree courses

• John Carroll University
• Missouri University of Science and Technology
• Michigan State University
• West Virginia University
• Rhode Island College
• University of Arkansas
• Vanderbilt University
• DePaul University
• Delaware State University
• Texas A&M University-Commerce
• University of South Florida
• California State University Northridge

You can get the detailed information about the process how to apply for MS in USA. read the given article. Link is given below

https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/how-apply-for-ms-in-usa/amp

Hope it's helpful for you..

There are many ways to choose your university such as fees, the ranking of the university, which state it is located and scholarships. My suggestion is to choose your research focus and write academic papers. In the US, PhD in Commerce admission into the university depends on what you want to study (your area of research) and your already completed research papers. You can begin your research by searching online for US universities offering PhD in Business Administration. One example is University of California Los Angeles (https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/phd-program/admissions#app-req) .

Hello  Student

You are aBHM means Bachelor in Hotel Management so after doing BHM,to gain a bright future  inthis trade you have to do MSc in Hotel Management,post graduation in Hospitality Management,Master degree in travel and tourism management,or MBA in hotel management,AFter doing post graduation in Hotel management or travel and tourism management will give you the best return in employment opportunity.

Hope this will help.

Explore Career Options (By Industry)

• Construction
• Entertainment
• Manufacturing
• Information Technology

Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

GIS officer work on various GIS software to conduct a study and gather spatial and non-spatial information. GIS experts update the GIS data and maintain it. The databases include aerial or satellite imagery, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, and manually digitized images of maps. In a career as GIS expert, one is responsible for creating online and mobile maps.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

Applications for Admissions are open.

SAT® | CollegeBoard

Registeration closing on 19th Apr for SAT® | One Test-Many Universities | 90% discount on registrations fee | Free Practice | Multiple Attempts | no penalty for guessing

TOEFL ® Registrations 2024

Thinking of Studying Abroad? Think the TOEFL® test. Register now & Save 10% on English Proficiency Tests with Gift Cards

GRE ® Registrations 2024

Apply for GRE® Test now & save 10% with gift card | World's most used Admission Test for Graduate & Professional Schools

PTE Exam 2024 Registrations

Register now for PTE & Save 5% on English Proficiency Tests with Gift Cards

GMAT™ Exam-Focus Edition

Register for GMAT™ Exam- Focus Edition| Shortest GMAT ever | Valid for 5 Years | Multiple attempts | Wide Acceptance

Explore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study

Everything about Education

Latest updates, Exclusive Content, Webinars and more.

Explore on Careers360

• Explore Top Study Abroad Exams
• Study Destinations and Visa
• TOEFL Syllabus
• TOEFL Exam Pattern
• TOEFL Eligibility
• TOEFL Registration
• TOEFL Result
• LSAT Eligibility
• LSAT Scores
• LSAT Test Dates
• LSAT Test Centres
• LSAT Eligibility Criteria
• LSAT Sample Papers
• LSAT Exam Pattern
• LSAT Preparation Tips
• LSAT Syllabus
• LSAT Selection Process
• IELTS Application Form
• IELTS Cut Off
• IELTS Eligibility Criteria
• IELTS Preparation Books And Study Materials
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• IELTS Sample Paper
• IELTS Selection Procedure
• IELTS Syllabus
• IELTS Test Dates
• IELTS Test Pattern
• GRE Test Syllabus
• GRE Sample Paper
• GRE Eligibility Criteria
• GRE Registration
• GRE Test Pattern
• GRE Test Dates
• GRE Test Centres
• GRE Preparation Tips
• GRE Selection Procedure
• SAT Preparation Tips
• SAT Syllabus
• SAT Test Centres
• SAT Exam Pattern
• SAT Test Eligibility
• SAT Registration
• SAT Exam Dates
• SAT Sample Papers
• USMLE Exam Dates
• USMLE Test Centres
• USMLE Scores
• USMLE Application Form
• USMLE Eligibility Criteria
• ACT Test Dates
• ACT Registration
• ACT Eligibility Criteria
• ACT Exam Pattern
• ACT Test Centres
• MCAT Test Dates
• MCAT Exam Pattern
• MCAT Syllabus
• MCAT Registration
• MCAT Eligibility
• MCAT Scores
• GMAT Test Dates
• GMAT Exam Pattern
• GMAT Syllabus
• GMAT Registration
• GMAT Eligibility
• GMAT Scores

Popular Study Abroad Countries

• Study in Singapore
• Student Visa For Canada
• Student Visa For UK
• Student Visa For USA
• Student Visa For Australia
• Germany Student Visa
• New Zealand Student Visa
• Student Visa For Ireland

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Cetifications

We Appeared in

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

How Long It Takes to Get a Ph.D. Degree

Caiaimage | Tom Merton | Getty Images

A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner."

Students who have excelled within a specific academic discipline and who have a strong interest in that field may choose to pursue a Ph.D. degree. However, Ph.D. degree-holders urge prospective students to think carefully about whether they truly want or need a doctoral degree, since Ph.D. programs last for multiple years.

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, a census of recent research doctorate recipients who earned their degree from U.S. institutions, the median amount of time it took individuals who received their doctorates in 2017 to complete their program was 5.8 years. However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey.

Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master's degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master's and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase " all but dissertation " or the abbreviation "ABD" on their resumes.

According to a comprehensive study of Ph.D. completion rates published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.

Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. "Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you're in and what other responsibilities you have in life," he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.

Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. "Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor," Curtis advises. "Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with."

Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student's funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. "Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation," he says. "If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration."

He adds that prospective Ph.D. students who already have master's degrees in the field they intend to focus their Ph.D. on should investigate whether the courses they took in their master's program would count toward the requirements of a Ph.D. program. "You’ll want to discuss your particular situation with your program to see whether this will be possible, and how many credits you are likely to receive as the result of your master’s work," he says.

How to Write M.D.-Ph.D. Application Essays

Ilana Kowarski May 15, 2018

Emmanuel C. Nwaodua, who has a Ph.D. degree in geology, says some Ph.D. programs require candidates to publish a paper in a first-rate, peer-reviewed academic journal. "This could extend your stay by a couple of years," he warns.

Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. "Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.," Huguet wrote in an email. "The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience."

Jack Appleman, a business writing instructor, published author and Ph.D. candidate focusing on organizational communication with the University at Albany—SUNY , says Ph.D. programs require a level of commitment and focus that goes beyond what is necessary for a typical corporate job. A program with flexible course requirements that allow a student to customize his or her curriculum based on academic interests and personal obligations is ideal, he says.

Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan with the university's history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. "Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities)," she wrote in an email.

Kee adds that humanities Ph.D. programs often require someone to learn a foreign language, and "fields like anthropology and art history require extensive field research." Kee says funding for a humanities Ph.D. program typically only lasts five years, even though it is uncommon for someone to obtain a Ph.D. degree in a humanities field within that time frame. "Because of this, many if not most Ph.D. students must work to make ends meet, thus further prolonging the time of completion," she says.

Jean Marie Carey, who earned her Ph.D. degree in art history and German from the University of Otago in New Zealand, encourages prospective Ph.D. students to check whether their potential Ph.D. program has published a timeline of how long it takes a Ph.D. student to complete their program. She says it is also prudent to speak with Ph.D. graduates of the school and ask about their experience.

Online Doctoral Programs: What to Expect

Ronald Wellman March 23, 2018

Kristin Redington Bennett, the founder of the Illumii educational consulting firm in North Carolina, encourages Ph.D. hopefuls to think carefully about whether they want to become a scholar. Bennett, who has a Ph.D. in curriculum and assessment and who previously worked as an assistant professor at Wake Forest University , says a Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner." She says someone contemplating a Ph.D. should ask themselves the following questions "Are you a very curious person... and are you persistent?"

Bennett urges prospective Ph.D. students to visit the campuses of their target graduate programs since a Ph.D. program takes so much time that it is important to find a school that feels comfortable. She adds that aspiring Ph.D. students who prefer a collaborative learning environment should be wary of graduate programs that have a cut-throat and competitive atmosphere, since such students may not thrive in that type of setting.

Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. "A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it'll be easier on you if you are passionate about research," says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.

"A Ph.D. isn't about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that," Lee says.

Curtis says a prospective Ph.D. student's enthusiasm for academic work, teaching and research are the key criteria they should use to decide whether to obtain a Ph.D. degree. "While the time it takes to complete a doctorate is an understandable concern for many, my personal belief is that time is not the most important factor to consider," he says. "Good Ph.D. programs provide their students with generous stipends, health care and sometimes even subsidized housing."

Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student's academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.

"The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two's difference," she wrote in an email. "When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it's usually related to the student's coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn't yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research."

Skelly warns that the average completion time of a Ph.D. program may be misleading in some cases, if the average is skewed based on one or two outliers. She suggests that instead of focusing on the duration of a particular Ph.D. program, prospective students should investigate the program's attritition and graduation rates.

"It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school's proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are," Skelly says. "That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program."

Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Tags: graduate schools , education , students

You May Also Like

Find a strong human rights law program.

Anayat Durrani April 18, 2024

Environmental Health in Medical School

Zach Grimmett April 16, 2024

How to Choose a Law Career Path

Gabriel Kuris April 15, 2024

Questions Women MBA Hopefuls Should Ask

Haley Bartel April 12, 2024

Law Schools With the Highest LSATs

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn April 11, 2024

MBA Programs That Lead to Good Jobs

Ilana Kowarski and Cole Claybourn April 10, 2024

B-Schools With Racial Diversity

Sarah Wood April 10, 2024

Law Schools That Are Hardest to Get Into

Sarah Wood April 9, 2024

Grad School Housing Options

Anayat Durrani April 9, 2024

Ask Law School Admissions Officers This

Gabriel Kuris April 9, 2024

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

• 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
• 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
• 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
• 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Reshaping Teacher Licensure: Lessons from the Pandemic

Olivia Chi, Ed.M.'17, Ph.D.'20, discusses the ongoing efforts to ensure the quality and stability of the teaching workforce

Lost in Translation

New comparative study from Ph.D. candidate Maya Alkateb-Chami finds strong correlation between low literacy outcomes for children and schools teaching in different language from home

• Future Students
• Current Students
• Faculty/Staff

Admissions & Aid

• Admissions Home
• Application Requirements
• Financing Options
• Diversity Profile

You are here

Application requirements for all doctoral programs (phd).

All of our doctoral programs are designed to develop outstanding educational researchers who have a deep understanding of the scientific, practical and policy issues they study. All require full-time study, and we promise five years of full-time financial support for every student we admit. Our doctoral programs are small, typically ranging from about 25 to 35 new students a year. The small size of our doctoral cohorts creates big educational advantages for students: the classes are almost always small, students receive individualized attention from their advisors, and they have many opportunities to develop close collegial relationships with fellow students.

It is extremely important to demonstrate in your statement of purpose that your interests converge closely with the current research of faculty who work in the program to which you are applying. Other doctoral applicants will certainly do this, and if you don't, you will forfeit an important competitive advantage to them. 

If you wish to contact faculty, please read our Which Degree Which Program article, by Professor Eamonn Callan, which outlines the appropriate process for contacting faculty with whom you share research interests. 

• Program website:  Degrees and Programs/PhD
• Length of Program:  5 years (average length)
• Tuition: fellowship/assistantship salary and tuition guaranteed for first five years of the program (autumn, winter and spring quarters) for all students, including international students. Funding includes two summers.

Application Requirements:

Application form.

Complete and submit Stanford's graduate online application .

Application Fee

The application fee is $125 , is non-refundable, and must be received by the application deadline.

Application Fee Waivers

Stanford offers three types of application fee waivers for which GSE applicants may apply and be considered:

• GRE Fee Reduction Certificate-Based Waiver
• Diversity Program Participation-Based Waiver
• School-Based Waiver

Please visit the Stanford Graduate Diversity website for instructions, deadlines, and the fee waiver application form.

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose is required. Your statement should be typed, single-spaced and should be between one to two pages . Describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program, your preparation for this field of study, and why our program is a good fit for you, your future career plans, and other aspects of your background as well as interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. You may indicate potential faculty mentors as part of your study and research interests. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. What's a Good Statement of Purpose?

A resume or CV  is required of all applicants, depending on which document is most appropriate for your background. There is no page limit for resumes or CVs, though we typically see resumes of one page in length. Please upload your resume or CV in the online application.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation . In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their recommendation online. You can submit your request for letters of recommendation through the system without submitting the entire online application.  Stanford GSE only accepts online recommendations through the application system ; Stanford GSE cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed recommendations.

Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We very strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your recommendations should directly address your suitability for admission to a graduate program at Stanford GSE.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all three letters of recommendation are submitted through the system by the application deadline , so please work closely with your recommenders to remind them of the deadline.

College and University Transcripts

Transcripts are required from every college and university you have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. When submitting your online application, transcripts should be uploaded to the application as a scanned copy or PDF ; this is sufficient for the application review process. Please refrain from sending a secured PDF/transcript with a digital signature as our system cannot upload these properly. The best way to ensure we receive an upload-able document is for you to print out the secured transcript, scan it, and upload the scanned copy (not to exceed 10MB) as a PDF. 

If you earned a degree at the institution from which you are submitting a transcript, please ensure that the degree conferral date and the degree conferred is clearly visible on the document. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Only if admitted will we contact you with instructions on sending two copies of your official transcripts to our office. We cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed copies of your transcripts during the application process. Please note: the instructions for sending transcripts on the online application and on the general Stanford Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this Stanford GSE requirement.

Concerning course work completed in a study abroad program

If the coursework and grades are reflected on the transcript of your home institution, you do not need to submit original transcripts from the study abroad institution.

Concerning foreign institutions

If your institution provides a transcript in a language other than English, we require that you submit a translation of the transcript that is either provided by the institution or a certified translator. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

If your transcript does not include your degree conferral date and the degree conferred , please submit a scanned copy of your diploma, a conferral statement, or a conferral document in addition to your transcript . If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Stanford University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants whose native language is not English. The GSE requires a minimum TOEFL score of 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test or 100 for the internet-based test in order to be considered for admission. The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's program (or its equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution where English is the main language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please refer to the Required Exams  page on the main Stanford Graduate Admissions website. You may register for the TOEFL test directly at the ETS website .

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

PhD applicants who are required to take the TOEFL should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test and have official TOEFL scores sent electronically to Stanford at institution code 4704 (department code does not matter) no later than November 1 . This will give your official TOEFL scores time to be sent from ETS and be received by our system in time for the December 1 deadline. PhD applicants to Knight-Hennessy Scholars should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test no later than October 16 so your scores can be received by our system in time for the November 16 KHS GSE deadline. Please note that the TOEFL may be taken no earlier than 18 months prior to the application deadline.

Does Stanford accept tests other than TOEFL?

No. We accept only TOEFL scores; we do not accept IELTS or other test scores.

Contact Information

Admissions:  [email protected]  

• Financial Aid
• Current Student Info

Stanford Graduate School of Education

482 Galvez Mall Stanford, CA 94305-3096 Tel: (650) 723-2109

• Contact Admissions
• GSE Leadership
• Site Feedback
• Web Accessibility
• Career Resources
• Faculty Open Positions
• Explore Courses
• Academic Calendar
• Office of the Registrar
• Cubberley Library
• StanfordWho
• StanfordYou

Improving lives through learning

• Stanford Home
• Maps & Directions
• Search Stanford
• Emergency Info
• Terms of Use
• Non-Discrimination
• Accessibility

© Stanford University , Stanford , California 94305 .

Studying PhD in the USA 2023 - 2024: Your Complete Guide

Link Copied

Share on Facebook

Share on Twitter

Share on LinkedIn

Thinking about PhD? Think America!

PhD in the USA comes not only with a substantial recognition of your expertise but also impacts your overall growth in person. Learning shoulder to shoulder with the best minds that walked on this planet is a privilege. Starting from engineering, computer science, applied sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medicine to management, you may earn your PhD in the USA in the program of your choice. There are many fully funded PhD programs in America for international students in 2023 that you may opt for, too. Overwhelmed? Don’t worry; reading this blog is the first step which may guide you to your dreams of studying PhD programs in the U.S.A. Let’s keep scrolling!

Why Study PhD in the USA?

The top reasons to study in the USA include unparalleled academic excellence, American prestige , choices of flexible college programs alongside the best Universities like Stanford and Harvard and a diverse range of courses offered for PhD in the USA.

1. Course Length of PhD in the USA

Students prefer to earn their degree in the USA for the flexibility of the PhD programs in the USA for international students in 2023. The duration of your PhD in the country may vary from program to program. The maximum no. of years a part-time doctoral student spends is ten years. In other cases, full-time enrollment in PhD programs in the United States of America demands a minimum of 4 years. There are many online PhD programs in the country you may go for. Adding more to the best things about studying in the USA, you will also have the option of one-year PhD programs in the USA.

2. Top-Notch Universities

If the USA were to be a person, it would have definitely boasted about being the top destination country with its cities encompassing every aspect of a student’s dream. The hunt for knowledge seems never ending in the top institutes for PhD in the USA. The USA is home to distinguished universities like Harvard and Stanford. Studying Doctor of Philosophy in the USA means you will never have to look back. 

And, just in case you are very prepared and have the merits for pursuing a PhD in the U.S.A. for international students, the chances are high that you might get an acceptance letter from the oldest universities in the world. The fully funded PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023 add to the glee of every applicant. Most public and private universities conduct intakes year-long. Also, the intakes for 2023-2024 in the USA are ongoing. You may go ahead and plan accordingly and not miss the opportunity of studying at world-class universities and the best faculty. 

3. Diversity in the College Campuses 

The USA is the pioneer in neo-cultural globalisation or, let us rather say, the initiator of cultural diversity. The USA is home to approximately 9,50,000 international students, making up 5.5% of the international diaspora in the US. The whooping number of students choosing the USA as their destination for higher studies is a testimony to the diversity of the beautiful campuses host. 

4. Availability of Scholarships for PhD in the USA

The education system of the USA is very well devised to serve the needs of every student enrolling for PhD degree in the USA. There are many scholarships available for PhD students in the American universities. The scholarships allow you to pursue a fully funded PhD in the USA for international students 2023. There are entities such as the Government of the USA, universities and various private organisations that extend scholarships to students with merits and credible need of funds to pursue their PhD programs in the USA. We will be discussing it further in some moments. 

5. Availability of Jobs after PhD in the USA

American universities typically have vibrant campus communities with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs and organisations. As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in various social, cultural and recreational activities alongside your academic studies.

Best Universities for PhD Programs in the USA

1. harvard university.

Tuition Fees: $78,000 ‍Acceptance rate: 4% QS Ranking: 4th

US Ranking: 2nd

Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management

Intake Seasons: Fall/Spring

Famous Alumni: Bill Gates

Harvard University stands as one of the best universities in the USA and the entire world. The university enrols close to 22,947 students annually, making it one of the toughest universities to get into as well. The university hosts a range of PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023, including chemical biology, engineering, immunology and neuroscience, among other top PhD programs in the U.S.A. The campus is also home to the largest library system in the world. 

2. Stanford University

Average Fees: $80,000 ‍Acceptance rate: 16% QS Ranking: 5th

US Ranking: 3rd

Eligibility: GPA: 4, SAT: 1465, ACT: 31.5, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, GMAT: 690, GRE: 162

Intake Seasons: Fall

Famous Alumni: Elon Musk

Located in the silicon valley, the university is a pioneering institution brimming with knowledge. As a campus that is spread across more than 8,000 acres and home to 16,000+ students flocking in from various parts of the world each year, it is one of the best choices for PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023.

3. University of Chicago

Average Fees: $78,000 ‍Acceptance rate: 6.5% QS Ranking: 11th

US Ranking: 12th

Intake Seasons: All Seasons

Famous Alumni: Susan Sontag

The University of Chicago introduces you to a world that's transformational, effective and always on the go. The campus is home to more than 17,000 students and boasts of one-of-its-kind diversity. A wide number of PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023 makes it one of the top choices for students in the world. 

Top 3 PhD Scholarships in the USA

There may be situations where you wish to pursue PhD in the USA but are unable to take your leap of faith due to financial constraints. You may enroll in fully funded PhD programs in the U.S.A for international students 2023 with the help of the scholarships provided for PhD in the U.S.A. We have listed below the best scholarships for PhD in the United States of America. 

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Amount: $35,000

Provider: Binational Fullbright Commission/US Embassies

Deadline: 17th May, 2023

Expenses Covered: Tuition and fees, Round-trip travel, Living expenses and others

The scholarship offered by the organisation for PhD in the U.S.A. comes by as a ray of hope in your tough times. The scholarships help you move further towards a bright future backed by the PhD programs in the U.S.A. from top educational institutions. 

2. AAUW International Fellowships

Amount: $20,000

Provider: American Association of University Women 

Expenses Covered: Full tuition and Fees

Deadline: 1st December, 2023

The scholarship is one of the oldest, largest and most competitive scholarships for PhD in the U.S.A. The scholarship or fellowship is offered to women from across the world. The scholarship aims at boosting the contribution of women in the field of research and development. And transforming the world. 

3. Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research

Amount: $54,000

Provider: School of Advanced Research

Expenses Covered: Stipend, Tuition fees waiver, Registration costs

Deadline: November, 2023

The scholarship is among the best short-term scholarships for PhD in the USA for women scholars. The duration of the Campbell fellowship lies between 6 months to 9 months. The scholarship is awarded to female scholars who are working in global research for women in developing nations. 

Application Requirements for PhD in the USA

Pursuing a PhD on American soil sounds like a dream come true. However, the process of application is extensive and requires due diligence and the best research before the selection of the scholarships and the colleges or the courses. We have tried to help you out below with some of the many requirements for applying for scholarships for PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023. Scroll for the list below:

1. Applying 

The first step is completing the application form before the deadline. You may check out the websites of the scholarships and universities and keep track of deadlines.

There are two types of scholarships. One is an easy scholarship which might not require an essay, and there are scholarships for PhD in the U.S.A. demanding essays. Thus, depending on the requirement, prepare an essay describing the needs of the scholarship for you.

3. Credible References

You must collect credible sources of references while applying for the scholarships. The reference must align with the PhD programs in the USA for international students 2023 you are applying for.

4. Competitive Exam Scores

Receiving a scholarship for PhD in the United States of America comes with criteria of scores in competitive exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and ACT, among many others. Take your tests well to qualify for the applications of scholarships to transform your PhD into fully funded PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023.  

Top 3 Jobs Options After PhD in the USA

1. professor/ lecturer.

After completing your PhD in the U.S.A., you become eligible for the position of lecturer or professor in the top universities in the world. 

2. Scientific Assessor

The job of a scientific assessor is also available post you earn your degree in any of the PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023.

3. Research & development

A PhD in the U.S.A. makes you eligible to apply for jobs in the research and development field. If your field of study is research-oriented, you may have job opportunities in some of the best research institutes in the world nestled in the USA. 

Hope you are ready to resume or take forward the academic journey you have been aiming for. The blog was just an initiative for you to understand the overall landscape of PhD in the U.S.A. You may get in touch with us via the comment section below or DM us on our Instagram channel for additional info you might need. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Your ideal student home & a flight ticket awaits

Follow us on :

Related Posts

UK Grading System Guide 2024: Everything You Need To Know!

10 Best Healthcare Courses in Australia in 2024

A Comprehensive Guide On The US Grading System In 2024

Planning to Study Abroad ?

Your ideal student accommodation is a few steps away! Please fill in your details below so we can find you a new home!

We have got your response

amber © 2024. All rights reserved.

4.8/5 on Trustpilot

Rated as "Excellent" • 4800+ Reviews by students

Rated as "Excellent" • 4700+ Reviews by Students

amber © 2023. All rights reserved.

Insider's guide: PhD requirements in USA for international students

Pursuing a PhD in the United States can be a life-changing experience for international students looking to enhance their academic qualifications, advance their careers, and expand their horizons. However, before embarking on this journey, it's important to understand the requirements and expectations of the US doctoral education system.

In this article, we'll delve into the essential PhD requirements in the USA for international students, covering academic qualifications, English language proficiency, standardised tests, funding, and visa procedures.

Table of Contents

Academic qualifications, english language proficiency, standardised tests, visa procedures, frequently asked questions.

Academic qualifications are an important requirement for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. Students are typically required to hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university, with a strong academic record and relevant coursework.

The specific academic qualifications required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Some programs may require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, while others may accept students with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Some programs may also require a master's degree, while others may allow students to earn a master's degree as part of the PhD program.

In addition to the degree requirements, international students may be required to provide official transcripts and diplomas from all institutions attended, as well as a course-by-course evaluation of their academic credentials from a recognised credential evaluation service.

It is also important for international students to have relevant coursework and research experience in their field of study. PhD programs in the USA typically require students to conduct independent research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field. Therefore, having a strong academic background and relevant research experience can increase a student's chances of being admitted to a PhD program.

International students should carefully review the academic qualifications required for each program they are interested in and ensure that they meet the requirements. If their qualifications do not meet the requirements, they may need to take additional coursework or earn a higher degree before applying to PhD programs.

Also read: Ultimate guide PhD in the UK

English language proficiency is also one of the essential PhD requirements in USA for international students. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial to succeed in academic and professional settings in the US.

Most universities require international students to demonstrate their proficiency in English by taking an English language proficiency exam. The most commonly accepted exams are the TOEFL, IELTS.

The minimum scores required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Typically, a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS is required, but some programs may require higher scores.

In addition to the TOEFL or IELTS, some universities may accept other English language proficiency exams, such as the PTE Academic or the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exam.

Also read: PhD Scholarship for Pakistani Students

Standardised tests are an important requirement for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. Standardised tests are used to assess an applicant's academic abilities and potential for success in a PhD program. The most commonly required standardised tests for PhD programs in the USA include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

The GRE is a standardised test that assesses a student's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The test is typically required for admission to graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.

The GMAT is a standardised test that assesses a student's analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. The test is typically required for admission to graduate programs in business and management.

The minimum scores required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Typically, a minimum score in the 50th percentile or higher is required for the GRE, while a minimum score of 600 or higher is required for the GMAT.

The specific standardised tests required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Some programs may require the GRE or GMAT, while others may require a different test, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for programs in the health sciences.

Funding can be a critical consideration for international students pursuing a PhD in the USA. Pursuing a PhD in the USA can be quite expensive, with tuition and living expenses often exceeding $50,000 per year. While federal financial aid is not available to international students, there are a variety of funding options that may be available to help cover the cost of tuition, living expenses , and research-related expenses.

One common source of funding for PhD students is through teaching or research assistantships. These positions typically provide a stipend or salary in exchange for work done in support of the department or faculty member providing the funding. Assistantship opportunities can be competitive, but they can provide valuable experience and financial support for students throughout their program.

Scholarships and fellowships can also be a valuable source of funding for international students pursuing a PhD in the USA. These awards may be offered by the university, private foundations, or other organisations, and can cover some or all of the cost of tuition and living expenses.

International students may also be eligible for funding from their home country or through external sources such as grants or fellowships. It's important for students to research these opportunities and understand any restrictions or requirements that may apply.

Finally, some students may choose to fund their PhD program through personal savings or by taking out student loans. While these options can provide flexibility in terms of funding, it's important for students to carefully consider the long-term financial implications of taking on debt to fund their education.

Also read: PhD in USA without GRE

The visa application process is an important step for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. International students who are accepted into a PhD program in the USA will typically need to obtain an F-1 student visa.

To begin the visa application process, students will need to provide proof of acceptance into a program, typically in the form of an acceptance letter from the university. In addition, students will need to demonstrate proof of financial support to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses in the USA. This can be done by providing bank statements or other documentation showing that the student or their sponsor has sufficient funds to cover these costs.

Once the initial documentation has been submitted, students will need to complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa application fee, and schedule an appointment at a US embassy or consulate in their home country. During the appointment, students will need to provide biometric data (such as fingerprints) and participate in an interview with a consular officer. The interview is an important part of the visa application process and can be a deciding factor in whether the student is approved for the visa.

It's important for international students to begin the visa application process well in advance of the start of their PhD program, as it can take several weeks or even months to complete all of the necessary steps. Students should also consult with the international student office at their university for guidance and support throughout the process.

Also read: PhD in abroad with scholarships (for Indian students)

Pursuing a PhD in the USA as an international student can be a challenging and rewarding experience. While the requirements for admission can be rigorous, they are designed to ensure that students have the academic qualifications, language proficiency, and aptitude needed to succeed in a doctoral program. With careful planning and research, international students can find funding opportunities and navigate the visa application process to achieve their academic and professional goals.

What is the typical academic qualification required for international students to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

International students are typically required to hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university, with a strong academic record and relevant coursework.

Do international students need to take the GRE or GMAT to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

Yes, in many cases international students are required to take the GRE or GMAT as part of the application process for PhD programs in the USA. The specific requirements can vary depending on the university and program.

Are there any language proficiency tests required for international students to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

Yes, international students whose native language is not English may be required to take an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, as part of the application process for PhD programs in the USA.

Study Abroad Expert

Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this site solely belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily represent t ...Read More

Most affordable cities in USA for Indian students

Top 12 highest paying US majors 2024

Go Greek - Your guide to Greek life in the USA

University welcome week around the world: USA

Why are college sports so popular in the USA?

5 things you should know about applying to study in the USA

Top Streams

• Data Science Courses in USA
• Business Analytics Courses in USA
• Engineering Courses in USA
• Tax Courses in USA
• Healthcare Courses in USA
• Language Courses in USA
• Insurance Courses in USA
• Digital Marketing Courses in USA

Top Specialization

• Masters in Data Analytics in USA
• Masters in Mechanical Engineering in USA
• Masters in Supply Chain Management in USA
• Masters in Computer Science in USA
• MBA in Finance in USA
• Masters in Architecture in USA

Top Universities

• Cornell University
• Yale University
• Princeton University
• University of California Los Angeles
• University of Harvard
• Stanford University
• Arizona State University
• Northeastern University
• Project Management Courses in Australia
• Accounting Courses in Australia
• Medical Courses in Australia
• Psychology Courses in Australia
• Interior Designing Courses in Australia
• Pharmacy Courses in Australia
• Social Work Courses in Australia
• MBA in Australia
• Masters in Education in Australia
• Masters in Pharmacy in Australia
• Masters in Information Technology in Australia
• BBA in Australia
• Masters in Teaching in Australia
• Masters in Psychology in Australia
• University of Melbourne
• Deakin University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Monash University
• University of Sydney
• University of Queensland
• RMIT University
• Macquarie University
• Data Science Courses in Canada
• Business Management Courses in Canada
• Supply Chain Management Courses in Canada
• Project Management Courses in Canada
• Business Analytics Courses in Canada
• Hotel Management Courses in Canada
• MBA in Canada
• MS in Canada
• Masters in Computer Science in Canada
• Masters in Management in Canada
• Masters in Psychology in Canada
• Masters in Education in Canada
• MBA in Finance in Canada
• Masters in Business Analytics in Canada
• University of Toronto
• University of British Columbia
• McGill University
• University of Alberta
• York University
• University of Calgary
• Algoma University
• University Canada West
• Project Management Courses in UK
• Data Science Courses in UK
• Public Health Courses in UK
• Digital Marketing Courses in UK
• Hotel Management Courses in UK
• Nursing Courses in UK
• Medicine Courses in UK
• Interior Designing Courses in UK
• Masters in Computer Science in UK
• Masters in Psychology in UK
• MBA in Finance in UK
• MBA in Healthcare Management in UK
• Masters in Education in UK
• Masters in Marketing in UK
• MBA in HR in UK
• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Coventry University
• University of East London
• University of Hertfordshire
• University of Birmingham
• Imperial College London
• University of Glasgow

Top Resources

• Universities in Germany
• Study in Germany
• Masters in Germany
• Courses in Germany
• Bachelors in Germany
• Germany Job Seeker Visa
• Cost of Living in Germany
• Best Universities in Germany

Top Courses

• Masters in Data Science in Germany
• MS in Computer Science in Germany
• Marine Engineering in Germany
• MS Courses in Germany
• Masters in Psychology in Germany
• Hotel Management Courses in Germany
• Masters in Economics in Germany
• Paramedical Courses in Germany
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• University of Bonn
• University of Freiburg
• University of Hamburg
• University of Stuttgart
• Saarland University
• Mannheim University
• MBA in Ireland
• Phd in Ireland
• Masters in Computer Science Ireland
• Cyber Security in Ireland
• Masters in Data Analytics Ireland
• Ms in Data Science in Ireland
• Pharmacy courses in ireland
• Business Analytics Course in Ireland
• Universities in Ireland
• Study in Ireland
• Masters in Ireland
• Courses in Ireland
• Bachelors in Ireland
• Cost of Living in Ireland
• Ireland Student Visa
• Part Time Jobs in Ireland
• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin
• Dublin City University
• University of Limerick
• Dublin Business School
• Maynooth University
• University College Cork
• National College of Ireland

Colleges & Courses

• Masters in France
• Phd in France
• Study Medicine in France
• Best Universities in Frankfurt
• Best Architecture Colleges in France
• ESIGELEC France
• Study in France for Indian Students
• Intakes in France
• SOP for France Visa
• Study in France from India
• Reasons to Study in France
• How to Settle in France

More About France

• Cost of Living in France
• France Study Visa
• Cost of Living in Frankfurt
• France Scholarship for Indian Students
• Part Time Jobs in France
• Stay Back in France After Masters

About Finland

• Universities in Finland
• Study in Finland
• Courses in Finland
• Bachelor Courses in Finland
• Masters Courses in Finland
• Cost of Living in Finland
• MS in Finland
• Average Fees in Finland Universities
• PhD in Finland
• Bachelor Degree in Medicine & Surgery
• MBBS Courses in Georgia
• MBBS Courses in Russia
• Alte University
• Caucasus University
• Georgian National University SEU
• David Tvildiani Medical University
• Caspian International School Of Medicine
• Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
• Kyrgyz State Medical Academy
• Cremeia Federal University
• Bashkir State Medical University
• Kursk State Medical University
• Andijan State Medical Institute
• IELTS Syllabus
• IELTS Prepration
• IELTS Eligibility
• IELTS Test Format
• IELTS Band Descriptors
• IELTS Speaking test
• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS score validity
• IELTS Cue Card

IELTS Reading Answers Sample

• Animal Camouflage
• Types Of Societies
• Australia Convict Colonies
• A Spark A Flint
• Emigration To The Us
• The History Of Salt
• Zoo Conservation Programmes
• The Robots Are Coming
• The Development Of Plastic

IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample

• Describe A Puzzle You Have Played
• Describe A Long Walk You Ever Had
• Describe Your Favourite Movie
• Describe A Difficult Thing You did
• Describe A Businessman You Admire
• Memorable Day in My Life
• Describe Your Dream House
• Describe A Bag You Want to Own
• Describe a Famous Athlete You Know
• Aquatic Animal

IELTS Essay Sample Sample

• Best Education System
• IELTS Opinion Essay
• Agree or Disagree Essay
• Problem Solution Essays
• Essay on Space Exploration
• Essay On Historical Places
• Essay Writing Samples
• Tourism Essay
• Global Warming Essay
• GRE Exam Fees
• GRE Exam Syllabus
• GRE Exam Eligibility
• Sections in GRE Exam
• GRE Exam Benefits
• GRE Exam Results
• GRE Cutoff for US Universities
• GRE Preparation
• Send GRE scores to Universities

GRE Exam Study Material

• GRE Verbal Preparation
• GRE Study Material
• GRE AWA Essays
• GRE Sample Issue Essays
• Stanford University GRE Cutoff
• Harvard University GRE Cutoff
• GRE Quantitative Reasoning
• GRE Verbal Reasoning
• GRE Reading Comprehension
• Prepare for GRE in 2 months

Other Resources

• Documents Required For Gre Exam
• GRE Exam Duration
• GRE at Home
• GRE vs GMAT
• Improve GRE Verbal Scores

Free GRE Ebooks

• GRE Preparation Guide (Free PDF)
• GRE Syllabus (Free PDF)
• GMAT Eligibility
• GMAT Syllabus
• GMAT Exam Dates
• GMAT Registration
• GMAT Exam Fees
• GMAT Sections
• GMAT Purpose

GMAT Exam Study Material

• How to prepare for GMAT?
• GMAT Score Validity
• GMAT Preparation Books
• GMAT Preparation
• GMAT Exam Duration
• GMAT Score for Harvard
• GMAT Reading Comprehension
• GMAT Retake Strategy

Free GMAT Ebooks

• GMAT Guide PDF
• Download GMAT Syllabus PDF
• TOEFL Exam Registration
• TOEFL Exam Eligibility
• TOEFL Exam Pattern
• TOEFL Exam Preparation
• TOEFL Exam Tips
• TOEFL Exam Dates
• Documents for TOEFL Exam
• TOEFL Exam Fee

TOEFL Exam Study Material

• TOEFL Preparation Books
• TOEFL Speaking Section
• TOEFL Score and Results
• TOEFL Writing Section
• TOEFL Reading Section
• TOEFL Listening Section
• TOEFL Vocabulary
• Types of Essays in TOEFL

Free TOEFL Ebooks

• TOEFL Exam Guide (Free PDF)
• PTE Exam Dates
• PTE Exam Syllabus
• PTE Exam Eligibility Criteria
• PTE Test Centers in India
• PTE Exam Pattern
• PTE Exam Fees
• PTE Exam Duration
• PTE Exam Registration

PTE Exam Study Material

• PTE Exam Preparation
• PTE Speaking Test
• PTE Reading Test
• PTE Listening Test
• PTE Writing Test
• PTE Essay Writing
• PTE exam for Australia

Free PTE Ebooks

• PTE Syllabus (Free PDF)
• Duolingo Exam
• Duolingo Test Eligibility
• Duolingo Exam Pattern
• Duolingo Exam Fees
• Duolingo Test Validity
• Duolingo Syllabus
• Duolingo Preparation

Duolingo Exam Study Material

• Duolingo Exam Dates
• Duolingo Test Score
• Duolingo Test Results
• Duolingo Test Booking

Free Duolingo Ebooks

• Duolingo Guide (Free PDF)
• Duolingo Test Pattern (Free PDF)

NEET & MCAT Exam

• NEET Study Material
• NEET Preparation
• MCAT Eligibility
• MCAT Preparation

SAT & ACT Exam

• ACT Eligibility
• ACT Exam Dates
• SAT Syllabus
• SAT Exam Pattern
• SAT Exam Eligibility

USMLE & OET Exam

• USMLE Syllabus
• USMLE Preparation
• USMLE Step 1
• OET Syllabus
• OET Eligibility
• OET Prepration

PLAB & LSAT Exam

• PLAB Exam Syllabus
• PLAB Exam Fees
• LSAT Eligibility
• LSAT Registration
• TOEIC Result
• Study Guide

Application Process

• LOR for Masters
• SOP Samples for MS
• LOR for Phd
• SOP for Internship
• SOP for Phd
• Check Visa Status
• Motivation Letter Format
• Motivation Letter for Internship
• F1 Visa Documents Checklist

Career Prospects

• Popular Courses after Bcom in Abroad
• Part Time Jobs in Australia
• Part Time Jobs in USA
• Salary after MS in Germany
• Salary after MBA in Canada
• Average Salary in Singapore
• Higher Studies after MBA in Abroad
• Study in Canada after 12th

Trending Topics

• Best Education System in World
• Best Flying Schools in World
• Top Free Education Countries
• Best Countries to Migrate from India
• 1 Year PG Diploma Courses in Canada
• Canada Vs India
• Germany Post Study Work Visa
• Post Study Visa in USA
• Data Science Vs Data Analytics
• Public Vs Private Universities in Germany
• Universities Vs Colleges
• Difference Between GPA and CGPA
• Undergraduate Vs Graduate
• MBA in UK Vs MBA in USA
• Degree Vs Diploma in Canada
• IELTS vs TOEFL
• Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS
• Why Study in Canada
• Cost of Living in Canada
• Education System in Canada
• SOP for Canada
• Summer Intake in Canada
• Spring Intake in Canada
• Winter Intake in Canada
• Accommodation in Canada for Students
• Average Salary in Canada
• Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
• Why Study in USA
• Cost of Studying in USA
• Spring Intake in USA
• Winter Intake in USA
• Summer Intake in USA
• STEM Courses in USA
• Scholarships for MS in USA
• Acceptable Study Gap in USA
• Interesting Facts about USA
• Free USA course
• Why Study in UK
• Cost of Living in UK
• Cost of Studying in UK
• Education System in UK
• Summer Intake in UK
• Spring Intake in UK
• Student Visa for UK
• Accommodation in UK for Students
• Scholarships in UK
• Why Study in Germany
• Cost of Studying in Germany
• Education System in Germany
• SOP for Germany
• Summer Intake in Germany
• Winter Intake in Germany
• Study Visa for Germany
• Accommodation in Germany for Students
• Free Education in Germany

Country Guides

• Study in UK
• Study in Canada
• Study in USA
• Study in Australia
• SOP Samples for Canada Student Visa
• US F1 Visa Guide for Aspirants

Exams Guides

• Duolingo Test Pattern

Recommended Reads

• Fully Funded Masters Guide
• SOP Samples For Australia
• Scholarships for Canada
• Data Science Guide
• SOP for MS in Computer Science
• Study Abroad Exams
• Alumni Connect
• Booster Program

GPA CALCULATOR Convert percentage marks to GPA effortlessly with our calculator!

Expense calculator plan your study abroad expenses with our comprehensive calculator, ielts band calculator estimate your ielts band score with our accurate calculator, education loan calculator discover your eligible loan amount limit with our education calculator, university partner explore growth and opportunities with our university partnership, accommodation discover your perfect study abroad accommodation here, experience-center discover our offline centers for a personalized experience, our offices visit us for expert study abroad counseling..

• 18002102030
• Study Abroad

Fully-Funded PhD. Programs In The USA For International Students for 2024

• Universities in USA

Updated on 18 April, 2024

Sr. Content editor

In today’s era, if you wish to be considered for top-level academic and non-academic positions abroad, doctoral programs are a necessity. Several top American universities offer Ph.D. programs, but not all of them are cost-effective.

Fortunately, some universities lower students’ financial burdens and provide fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students.

Scholarships for PhD. Programs In The USA

The Fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA cover various programs such as studentships, scholarships , and grant and bursaries programs. Some American universities offer fully-funded doctoral projects as well. 

These fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students do not cover only research council studentship. Usually, they also include:

• Travel grants and conference funding
• Resource grants 
• Writing-up funding 
• Hardship funding

Eligibility for Country/Course 

These fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students are doctoral programs. Moreover, since these programs are also for out-of-state students, there is no restriction on the country’s eligibility. 

Additionally, the range of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the US varies from small grants to full studentships.

Level of Scholarship 

The doctoral programs are the highest academic degrees awarded to a student by a university. You will only be eligible for the fully-funded Ph.D. program if you have completed a pre-requisite or postgraduate program. 

The Ph.D. would involve the students engaging independently in original research in a particular field or subject of their choice. 

Tenure/Duration

The duration of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA can differ for various streams or students. American universities usually have some time restrictions. Generally, it is three to five years.

Subject/Fields for Fully Funded PhD. Programs In The USA

The USA’s fully funded Ph.D. programs for international students generally do not cover specific programs. Some scholarships provided by certain universities can be only for particular fields. For instance, the Rice University Fully Funded Doctoral program is restricted to some majors which include:

• Architecture
• Engineering 
• Humanities 
• Natural Sciences 
• Social Sciences

Several scholarships, grants, and studentships are available for Ph.D. programs in the US. Some of them are sponsored by organizations, while the universities push others. 

We have listed some common ones below for your reference:

• Microsoft Research Dissertation Grant for Doctoral Students
• IBM Fellowship Awards Program for Ph.D. Students
• Facebook Emerging Scholar Programme
• Microsoft Research Scholarship for Scholars in Europe Africa Middle East (EMEA)
• Columbia University International Postdoctoral Humanities Fellowship
• University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS)
• PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women to Study in USA and Canada

Some of the US universities that provide fully-funded PhD programs are listed in the table mentioned below:

(Source: usnews.com)

Application Duration of Fully Funded PhD. Programs In The USA

Application deadlines and notifications will vary according to the grant or scholarship you apply to. Following are the tentative application deadlines for the above-mentioned fully-funded Ph.D. programs.

Mode of Application 

The mode of application for all these fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students is online.

Eligibility Criteria And Additional Requirements 

The eligibility criteria and additional requirements will vary according to different funding programs. To give you all an insight, here are the entry requirements for the IBM Fellowship Awards Program for Ph.D. Students.

Applications are welcome for students from all nationalities. However, all such nominees:

• cannot nominate themselves and instead must be selected by the doctoral faculty member 
• have to be enrolled full-time in a Ph.D. program over two consecutive academic years of the award/forfeit the fellowship
• must have three years remaining in the program at the nomination time so the fellowship can be used for the last two years of study
• cannot be from the US-embargoed countries 
• should be in the same program for the award duration. Transferring departments or schools is not allowed  

Value of Scholarship 

The value of scholarships will also differ according to various funding programs for Ph.D. On average,  USD 25,000 to USD 40,000 (INR 20,63,363 to INR 33,01,380)

Selection Process 

The selection process of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA is based on three factors:

• Merit-based funding
• Need-based funding
• International funding

Requirements for Continuing Scholarships

Major fully-funded Ph.D. programs renew automatically for the next year varies on the basis of the student program.

In 2024, the United States continues to offer a wide array of fully-funded PhD programs for international students, reaffirming its commitment to fostering global academic collaboration and research excellence. These programs, available across diverse fields of study, not only cover tuition fees but also provide stipends, research funding, and health insurance, making advanced education accessible regardless of students' financial backgrounds. American universities prioritize attracting talented scholars from around the world, understanding their crucial role in driving innovation, cultural exchange, and academic progress. For international students, these fully-funded opportunities in the USA represent not just financial support, but a gateway to working with leading experts, accessing state-of-the-art facilities, and joining a vibrant intellectual community. In pursuing these programs, students embark on a journey of rigorous academic training and research, poised to emerge as experts and leaders in their respective fields.

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

Important Links

Top masters programs, top bachelors programs, learn more about study in usa, similar articles.

Scholarships for Italy for International Students

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• Study in USA /

PhD Scholarships in the USA for International Students 2024-25

• Updated on  
• Oct 23, 2023

The USA is one of the most sought after study abroad destinations in the world. It has a vibrant economy and offers a diverse cultural experience. With so many opportunities on offer, it is no wonder that an increasing number of students are looking to study abroad in the USA each year. If you are also looking to study in the USA , then you have come to the right place! Read on for a list of available PhD scholarships in the USA for international students.

This Blog Includes:

List of phd scholarships in the usa, yale university scholarships usa, fullbright scholarships, aauw international fellowships, anita borg memorial scholarship, franklin mosher baldwin memorial fellowship, josephine de karman fellowship trust, ncitd international trade scholarships, campbell fellowships for transformative research, ibm phd fellowship awards program.

We have compiled a list of fully funded PhD scholarships for international students offered by accredited universities across the USA . These funded PhD scholarships cover your tuition fees and stipend as well as provide travel allowance, health insurance coverage and accommodation.

Scholarship Details

Given below are the details of the above-mentioned PhD scholarships in the USA.

PhD students at Yale University are normally fully-funded for a minimum of five years. During that time, the students receive a twelve-month stipend to cover living expenses and a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition.

At Yale, students typically receive an annual stipend of $30,000-$34,000 (INR 22.31-25.29 Lakhs). Most of their students also receive a TA or RA appointment, which provides an additional $20,000-$25,000 (INR 14.87-18.59 Lakhs) per year.

These appointments provide you with valuable teaching experience and free up your time to attend conferences and pursue other activities. Some programs also offer summer funding as well.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct research in the United States at US universities or other academic institutions. International students from 155 countries around the world participate in this prestigious program each year.

The program offers grants for US study that include:

• Tuition and fees (for 9-month programs or variable)
• A living stipend (for 9-month programs)
• Round-trip transportation (for 9-month programs)
• Health insurance (for 9-month programs)
• Other costs (including books, supply fees and dependent care expenses) are not included.

You can check the attached chart for specific costs for each program type. There may be additional costs for some study abroad programs depending on individual needs.

As one of the oldest and largest international fellowship programs, the AAUW International Fellowships have a long history of providing women with much-needed support as they pursue graduate study in the US. The program’s deep commitment to supporting women, while also promoting global understanding, makes it a unique, priceless experience for its recipients.

AAUW International Fellowships are highly competitive PhD scholarships in the USA and require an application by December 1st.

The fellowship includes:

• $20,000 (INR 14.87 Lakhs) stipend
• English language proficiency is must
• Full tuition and fees at most universities in the US

The Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship is awarded to female students who demonstrate academic excellence, a commitment to leadership in computer science , and a passion for increasing the number of women in computer science.

The scholarship supports women who are pursuing careers in computer science or related technical fields. Recipients receive a $10,000 (INR 7.43 Lakhs) award for the upcoming academic year, including summer if applicable.

The scholarships are awarded based on the strength of each candidate’s academic background and demonstrated leadership. All scholarship recipients and finalists will be invited to attend the Annual Google Scholars’ Retreat in Mountain View, California.

Also Read: Scholarships For Girls in 2021

This PhD scholarship in the USA is meant to help develop future leaders in the scientific study of humankind. The fellowship has a particular focus on fostering collaborative research and training projects with developing countries and underrepresented minorities in the United States.

To be eligible for the fellowship, you must: 

• Be a citizen of a developing country. 
• Be currently enrolled in or recently accepted into an accredited graduate program in anthropology, archaeology, physical anthropology or primatology. 
• Plan to return to your home country after completion of your studies in the United States. 
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale (B). 
• Have completed at least two years of college-level coursework toward your degree before beginning graduate studies. 
• Demonstrate strong potential for a career in research related to human origins and evolution.*  

The fellowship includes: 

• $15,000 (INR 11.15 Lakhs) annual stipend for up to three years. 
• Tuition and fees up to $5,000 (INR 3.71 Lakhs) per year.* 
• HHMI International Student Research Fellowships

The International Student Research Fellowships are open for international students to pursue research with the help of a $43,000 (INR 31.98 Lakhs) grant. The fellowship is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. You can apply for this fellowship if you are studying in an accredited American institution and willing to work on projects in biomedical sciences.

Nominees must demonstrate exceptional talent and innovation in research for the biomedical sciences.

Deadline: February 

To be eligible for an HHMI International Student Research Fellowship (ISRF), you must:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of a country other than the United States;
• Be entering your third, fourth, or fifth year as a full-time student at an accredited American institution where you are pursuing your doctoral degree;
• Demonstrate exceptional talent and innovation in research for the biomedical sciences.

The Karman Fellowship offers $22,000 (INR 16.36 Lakhs) annually to eight graduate students who are pursuing a PhD at an accredited university in the United States. International learners without US citizenship are welcome to apply. Special consideration is given to PhD students in the humanities.

Applications must include Letters of Recommendation , publications, several chapters of dissertation research, and transcripts .

The Karman Fellowship Trust provides financial support to students who will be entering their final year of study or who have recently graduated. The awards are granted on a competitive basis; only outstanding candidates are accepted into the program. Research fellowships are awarded for studies in science , engineering and mathematics in the United States and Canada by the National Academy of Sciences on behalf of The Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust.

The National Council on International Trade Development offers $1,000 (INR 83,146 lakhs) scholarships to students pursuing non-US master’s or PhDs in areas related to international trade, political science , international affairs, international business , economics or law .

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must carry a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit two letters of recommendation. They must also write a 2,500-word personal narrative about how they plan to make a positive impact on international trade in the future. All entries will be judged based on academic performance, career goals and contributions to the field of international trade.

Also Read: How to Build an Impactful Common Application Essay?

Offering a stipend of $4,500 (INR 3.74 Lakhs) per month, the Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research are awarded through the School of Advanced Research (SAR) for international female PhD scholars who are researching the circumstances of women in global developing nations. 

Scholarships are available to international female graduate students. Applicants must be fluent in English and enrolled at a US university.

Requirements:

• Be enrolled in a doctoral program at the time of application and during the tenure of the fellowship
• Have completed the equivalent of a US master’s degree or its equivalent by the start of her fellowship
• Be proficient in English and have an excellent command of written English
• Have demonstrated experience or potential for conducting research on women’s issues in global developing countries

The IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program is an intensely competitive program attracting exceptional doctoral students worldwide who wish to study, intern, or conduct research in the United States. PhD students must have an interest in computer science, electrical engineering , cyber security, mobile computing , data analytics , social technologies, or material sciences. For consideration, candidates must have completed at least one year of their PhD program, reside in any nation except US embargoed countries, and meet visa requirements.

The awards are full scholarships in the USA for the recipient to pursue their PhD degree. The recipient will receive a stipend and travel allowance in addition to health insurance and tuition reimbursement. Recipients can also be considered for additional educational benefits such as repayment of student loans after one year of employment with IBM.

Related Articles

Here are some of the top scholarships for PhD in the USA: – Fulbright Foreign Student Program – AAUW International Fellowships in USA for Women – IBM PhD Fellowship Program

All those students who complete their PhD in the USA can apply for a green card by meeting certain eligibility requirements.

Among all the international countries, the USA is considered one of the top countries for PhD abroad.

For more such informative blogs do check out our Study Abroad Scholarship page, and if you have any queries feel free to reach out to Leverage Edu .

Team Leverage Edu

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Leaving already?

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

• Costs, Scholarships & Aid
• Campus Life
• Faculty & Staff
• Family & Visitors
• DFW Community
• Galaxy Login
• Academic Calendar
• Human Resources
• Accessibility

Grad Programs Get High Marks in U.S. Rankings; Audiology No. 3

The University of Texas at Dallas’ Doctor of Audiology program in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences ranks third in the nation in the latest Best Graduate Schools rankings, released April 9 by U.S. News & World Report .

Dr. Colleen Le Prell , the Emilie and Phil Schepps Distinguished Professor of Hearing Science and department head of  speech, language, and hearing , said the program provides a highly supportive learning environment.

“Our students develop clinical competencies through exposure to evidence-based patient care at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders and additional clinical placements with our valued clinical partners across the DFW metro area,” she said. “Under the leadership of program head Dr. Carol Cokely , clinical professor of speech, language, and hearing, multiple faculty and peer mentoring programs have been developed; innovative simulation technologies have been incorporated into the curriculum; interprofessional education opportunities have been identified and offered to students; and the long tradition of novel service-based learning opportunities for audiology doctoral students has been expanded.”

Angela Shoup BS’89, MS’92, PhD’94, the Ludwig A. Michael, MD Callier Center Executive Director, said that Callier is one of a few select centers in the nation that conduct treatment, graduate training and research in communication disorders. The integration of those three elements has helped propel both the audiology program and the speech-language pathology program , which ranks 21st in the U.S., into the top graduate programs in the country.

“The mission of the Callier Center — to transform the lives of individuals and families impacted by speech, language and hearing difficulties — is accomplished through provision of leading-edge clinical services, innovative research into new treatments and technologies, and training of the next generation of compassionate and skilled audiologists and speech-language pathologists,” Shoup said. “Through the UT Dallas Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing, and the Callier Center’s commitment to excellence in clinical education and training, we strive to ensure that access to necessary clinical services and advances in health care efficiency and efficacy continue in perpetuity.”

The  Naveen Jindal School of Management  ranks 38th among full-time graduate business schools in the nation, while its part-time Master of Business Administration program is No. 13 nationally and second among Texas universities. The business analytics program ranks No. 25 in the country.

In the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences , the public affairs program climbed six spots to No. 57 and is third among Texas public universities. The public and nonprofit management program ranks 24th.

In the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science , the computer science program is No. 64. Rankings for the engineering graduate programs will be released at a later date.

“Rankings are but one way of evaluating universities and their programs,” said Dr. Inga H. Musselman , provost, vice president for academic affairs and the Cecil H. Green Distinguished Chair of Academic Leadership. “And while we are proud that our programs are so well regarded by our peers, we are equally proud of our students and the tremendous successes they achieve after graduation. That success is a testament to our superb faculty, as well as to the dedication and drive of the students themselves.”

Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks professional school programs in a rotating range of fields based on expert opinions about program status, as well as statistical indicators of the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students and their postgraduate outcomes.

This information comes from surveys sent to graduate program administrators and from reputation surveys sent to academicians and professionals in the disciplines.

Media Contact: Stephen Fontenot, UT Dallas, 972-883-4405, [email protected] , or the Office of Media Relations, UT Dallas, (972) 883-2155, [email protected] .

• Researchers Develop Way To Provide Asthma Attack Early Warnings
• Professor Joins National Panel; Medical Team Earns Awards
• Total Solar Eclipse Becomes Communal Comet Experience
• Investiture Ceremony To Celebrate Distinguished Professors, Donors
• Researchers Developing Technology To Improve Offshore Wind Safety
• UTD To Celebrate Solar Eclipse with Events Totally Made for Comets
• New Findings Reveal Clearer Picture of Expanding Universe
• Researchers Find More Complexity in Aging Brain’s Memory Decline
• Mechanical Engineering Student Soars with Aerospace Fellowship
• CPRIT Grants To Advance Cancer Detection, Treatment Technology
• Space Scientists’ New Sensors Shine Spotlight on Sun-Earth Studies

800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Texas 75080-3021

972-883-2111

COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

© The University of Texas at Dallas Questions or comments about this page?

STAY CONNECTED WITH UT DALLAS

• Emergency Preparedness
• Campus Carry
• Campus Police
• Required Links
• Tobacco-Free Campus
• Texas Veterans Portal
• Work at UT Dallas
• Nondiscrimination Policy
• Title IX Initiatives
• Student Achievements
• HEERF Reporting
• Counseling/Mental Health
• Hazing Prevention
• Public Course and Syllabus Information
• Privacy Policy

How to Get Pikachu Ph.D. in Pokémon Go

Pikachu is the iconic Pokémon in the entire franchise. But besides the usual version that Ash traveled with, there are also some more unique. And of course, we are talking about Cosplay Pikachu, which can have different Moves depending on the outfit you are wearing. Fortunately, Niantic added one of the versions of this Pikachu to Pokémon Go , so next we will tell you how to get a Pikachu Ph.D.

As the name suggests, Pikachu Ph.D. is dressed in doctor's clothes, namely a lab coat and cute spiral glasses. But to add it to your Pokédex, you will have to put in significant effort.

Pokemon GO: How To Get Shiny Tapu Koko

Pikachu Ph.D. debuted on February 29, 2024 in Pokemon Go , causing many players to target it. However, although it can be obtained in a fairly simple way, it will take you several weeks or even months. So, to encounter Pikachu Ph.D. in Pokémon Go , you must get a Platinum Medal in the PokeStop Showcase rankings.

These small events do not require you to engage in battles or other complex activities. Instead, you need to find a PokeStop with a Showcase event and place the Pokemon there that meets the requirements. For example, this can be any of the largest Fairy-type Pokémon . At the end of the event, among all the Pokemon, the one who best meets the requirements will win. Thus, you need to collect 100 victories for the Platinum Medal.

Pokemon GO: How To Get Shiny Stunky And Shiny Skuntank

It is important to note that Trainers can only participate in three of these events at a time. Therefore, you should choose those in which you have the greatest chance of winning. We also recommend that you use a little trick that will help you get your Pikachu Ph.D faster. When your Pokemon is in a PokeStop Showcase, you can replace it with a more suitable one without visiting that PokeStop:

• Click on the binoculars button on the right side of the screen and go to the Today tab.
• Then scroll down to Showcases and tap on the Pokemon you want.
• After that, press the Enter Different Pokemon button and select the one you want.

This way, you can quickly replace your Pokemon if you catch a more suitable one. However, the Platinum medal is still a difficult goal. Be prepared that it will take you many days to complete this challenge. However, while earning the remaining Medals on the way to Platinum, Trainers will also be able to receive items inspired by Pikachu, Ph.D., namely:

• Bronze Medal (10 Wins) - Pikachu Ph.D. Headband
• Silver Medal (25 Wins) - Pikachu Ph.D. Glasses
• Gold Medal (50 Wins) - Pikachu Ph.D. Pose
• Platinum Medal (100 Wins) - Encounter with Pikachu Ph.D.

That's all you need to know about how to get a Pikachu Ph.D. in Pokémon Go . This Pokemon certainly looks charming and deserves to be in your collection . Therefore, we recommend that you start participating in PokeStop Showcase events as soon as possible.

Platform(s) iOS, Android

Released July 6, 2016

Developer(s) The Pokemon Company, Niantic

Publisher(s) Niantic

Genre(s) Augmented Reality

• Skip Navigation
• Request Family Testimony Copy
• search SEARCH
• OUR SITES --> OUR SITES USC Shoah Foundation IWitness Visual History Archive Request Permission for Use

Azrieli Research Fellowship for PhD Candidates and Early-Career Scholars, 2024-2025

The Division of Academic Programs at the USC Shoah Foundation invites applications for its inaugural Azrieli Research Fellowships for PhD candidates and early-career scholars during the spring 2025 semester.

One applicant will be chosen to pursue their original research on the Holocaust and/or historical and contemporary antisemitism using the USC Shoah Foundation’s Visual History Archive (VHA), which currently holds over 55,000 video testimonies of survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust and other genocides. The incumbents may also wish to complement their testimony-based research in the VHA with the primary and secondary source collections related to the Holocaust at USC’s Doheny Library.

The fellowship will provide $25,000 support for one semester-long research stay at the USC Shoah Foundation. Fellows must reside in Los Angeles for the duration of their award and will hold one public lecture at USC about their research. Fellows are responsible for securing their own housing, which may be available on USC’s campus, and health insurance.

Eligibility requirements: Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited PhD program or be scholars who are either untenured or in the first five years of their career. Although any person may apply, preference will be given to Canadian scholars, those at institutions located in Canada, or research related to Canada.

This fellowship i awarded on a competitive basis. Applications must be submitted no later than midnight PT on July 31, 2024. Applications will consist of the following:

• Letter of Intent
• Project proposal of approximately 1,000 words
• Curriculum vitae
• Reference letter from dissertation committee member (for graduate students) or senior colleague (for early-career scholars)

Please note: only applications that have submitted each of the required materials will be considered for these fellowships. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by August 15, 2024. Fellowship recipients may begin their tenure at the USC Shoah Foundation in January 2025.

Please direct both questions regarding the fellowship or application process and reference letters to Dr. Jennifer L. Rodgers, Director of Academic Programs to jr77905[@]usc.edu.

Like this article? Get our e-newsletter.

Sign up today!

Be the first to learn about new articles and personal stories like the one you've just read.

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

10 facts about today’s college graduates

Having a bachelor’s degree remains an important advantage in many sectors of the U.S. labor market. College graduates generally out-earn those who have not attended college, and they are more likely to be employed in the first place. At the same time, many Americans say they cannot afford to get a four-year degree – or that they just don’t want to.

Here are key facts about American college graduates.

This Pew Research Center analysis about U.S. college graduates relies on data from sources including the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Student Clearinghouse and the Federal Reserve Bank, as well as surveys conducted by the Center.

Everyone who took the Pew Research Center surveys cited is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about  the ATP’s methodology .

Nearly four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, a share that has grown over the last decade. As of 2021, 37.9% of adults in this age group held a bachelor’s degree, including 14.3% who also obtained a graduate or professional degree, according to data from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey. That share is up 7.5 percentage points from 30.4% in 2011.

An additional 10.5% had an associate degree in 2021. About four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older had a high school diploma with no further education (25.3%) or completed some college but didn’t have a degree (14.9%).

In a reversal, women are now more likely than men to graduate from college, according to the Current Population Survey . In 2021, 39% of women ages 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree or more education, compared with 37% of men in the same age range. The gap in college completion is even wider among adults ages 25 to 34: 46% of women in this age group have at least a bachelor’s degree, compared with 36% of men.

In an October 2021 Pew Research Center survey of Americans without a degree, 34% of men said a major reason why they have not received a four-year college degree is that they just didn’t want to. Only one-in-four women said the same. Men were also more likely to say a major reason they didn’t have a four-year degree is that they didn’t need more education for the job or career they wanted (26% of men said this vs. 20% of women).

Women (44%) were more likely than men (39%) to say not being able to afford college was a major reason they don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Men and women were about equally likely to say a major impediment was needing to work to help support their family.

There are racial and ethnic differences in college graduation patterns, as well as in the reasons for not completing a degree. Among adults ages 25 and older, 61% of Asian Americans have a bachelor’s degree or more education, along with 42% of White adults, 28% of Black adults and 21% of Hispanic adults, according to 2021 Current Population Survey data. The share of bachelor’s degree holders in each group has increased since 2010. That year, 52% of Asian Americans had a four-year degree or more, compared with a third of White adults, 20% of Black adults and 14% of Hispanic adults.

The October 2021 Center survey found that among adults without a bachelor’s degree, Hispanic adults (52%) were more likely than those who are White (39%) or Black (41%) to say a major reason they didn’t graduate from a four-year college is that they couldn’t afford it. Hispanic and Black adults were more likely than their White counterparts to say needing to work to support their family was a major reason.

While a third of White adults said not wanting to go to school was a major reason they didn’t complete a four-year degree, smaller shares of Black (22%) and Hispanic (23%) adults said the same. White adults were also more likely to cite not needing more education for the job or career they wanted. (There weren’t enough Asian adults without a bachelor’s degree in the sample to analyze separately.)

Only 62% of students who start a degree or certificate program finish their program within six years, according to the most recent data from the  National Student Clearinghouse , a nonprofit verification and research organization that tracked first-time college students who enrolled in fall 2015 with the intent of pursuing a degree or certificate. The degree completion rate for this group was highest among students who started at four-year, private, nonprofit schools (78.3%), and lowest among those who started at two-year public institutions (42.2%).

Business is the most commonly held bachelor’s degree, followed by health professions.  According to the  National Center for Education Statistics , about a fifth (19%) of the roughly 2 million bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2019-20 were in business. Health professions and related programs were the second most-popular field, making up 12.6% of degrees conferred that year. Business has been the single most common major since 1980-81; before that, education led the way.

The  least  common bachelor’s degrees in 2019-20 were in military technologies and applied sciences (1,156 degrees conferred in 2019-20), library science (118), and precision production (39).

There is a growing earnings gap between young college graduates and their counterparts without degrees. In 2021, full-time workers ages 22 to 27 who held a bachelor’s degree, but no further education, made a median annual wage of $52,000, compared with $30,000 for full-time workers of the same age with a high school diploma and no degree, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This gap has widened over time. Young bachelor’s degree holders earned a median annual wage of $48,481 in 1990, compared with $35,257 for full-time workers ages 22 to 27 with a high school diploma.

The unemployment rate is lower for college graduates than for workers without a bachelor’s degree, and that gap widened as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 outbreak began in the U.S., only 1.9% of college graduates ages 25 and older were unemployed, compared with 3.1% of workers who completed some college but not a four-year degree, and 3.7% of workers with only a high school diploma. By June 2020, after the pandemic hit, 6.8% of college grads, 10.8% of workers with some college, and 12.2% of high school grads were unemployed.

By March 2022, the unemployment rate had nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels for college graduates (2%) while dropping to 3% among those with some college education but no four-year degree, and 4% among those with only a high school diploma.

Recent college graduates are more likely than graduates overall to be underemployed – that is, working in jobs that typically do not require a college degree, according to an analysis of Census Bureau and BLS data by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York . As of December 2021, 41% of college graduates ages 22 to 27 were underemployed, compared with 34% among all college graduates. The underemployment rates for recent college grads rose in 2020 as the COVID-19 outbreak strained the job market, but have since returned to pre-pandemic levels.

As of the end of 2021, only 34% of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 worked what the Fed defines as “good non-college jobs” – those paying at least $45,000 a year – down from around half in the 1990s. The share of underemployed graduates ages 22 to 27 in low-wage jobs – those earning less than $25,000 annually – rose from about 9% in 1990 to 11% last year.

When it comes to income and wealth accumulation, first-generation college graduates lag substantially behind those with college-educated parents, according to a May 2021 Pew Research Center analysis . Households headed by a first-generation college graduate – that is, someone who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree but does not have a parent with a college degree – had a median annual income of $99,600 in 2019, compared with $135,800 for households headed by those with at least one parent who graduated from college. The median wealth of households headed by first-generation college graduates ($152,000) also trailed that of households headed by someone with a parent who graduated from college ($244,500). The higher household income of the latter facilitates saving and wealth accumulation.

The gap also reflects differences in how individuals finance their education. Second-generation college graduates tend to come from  more affluent families , while first-generation college graduates are more likely to incur education debt than those with a college-educated parent.

Most Americans with college degrees see value in their experience. In the Center’s October 2021 survey , majorities of graduates said their college education was extremely or very useful when it came to helping them grow personally and intellectually (79%), opening doors to job opportunities (70%) and developing specific skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace (65%).

Younger college graduates were less likely than older ones to see value in their college education. For example, only a third of college graduates younger than 50 said their college experience was extremely useful in helping them develop skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace. Among college graduates ages 50 and older, 45% said this.

• Higher Education

About 1 in 4 U.S. teachers say their school went into a gun-related lockdown in the last school year

About half of americans say public k-12 education is going in the wrong direction, what public k-12 teachers want americans to know about teaching, what’s it like to be a teacher in america today, race and lgbtq issues in k-12 schools, most popular.

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Age & Generations
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Economy & Work
• Family & Relationships
• Gender & LGBTQ
• Immigration & Migration
• International Affairs
• Internet & Technology
• Methodological Research
• News Habits & Media
• Non-U.S. Governments
• Other Topics
• Politics & Policy
• Race & Ethnicity
• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Settings

Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy