phd after masters in abroad

Start researching study abroad programs. Work with your department if you’re currently in school, research programs online or seek the help of a study abroad placement advisor.

Once you’ve found a program, do the math. Consider academic expenses, cost of living in the host country and any application requirements.

Meet with an advisor to review potential costs and options for financial aid that may cover expenses. Remember there may be international financial aid available.

Apply for relevant scholarships, fellowships and grants.

Contact former professors and colleagues to request letters of recommendation

Compile your transcripts

Apply to the program

Start saving

Obtain or renew passport and apply for visa(s)

Apply for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It will afford you a wealth of discounts for everything from shopping to rail passes to museums and entertainment

You’re going to experience culture shock, so start studying your host country’s culture and language. Research online; seek out and speak to people who have lived in or are from the host country; and expose yourself to foods, music, films — anything related to the country’s culture

Know the laws of the country. Culture Crossing Guide

Begin studying your host country’s language

Apply for an international credit card — MasterCard, American Express or Visa

In the throes and excitement of planning, don’t forget to maintain your GPA

Confirm that financial aid is in place and all necessary paperwork has been filled out and submitted

Start preparing mentally. Journaling or blogging about your experiences is a great way to record your journey and get your head in the game.

Create a bucket list: What cities and countries do you want to visit while abroad? What artwork is a must-see? What cultural events unique to your host country do you want to attend?

Book your flight. Check your ISIC card — there may be applicable travel discounts available

Pay a visit to the doctor for a physical and any necessary vaccinations/immunizations. Keep a copy of your medical record with you.

Discuss any prescription medications you’re taking and their availability in your host country

Address the type of phone you want to use abroad and the service plan to best suit your needs

Many students opt for a cheap phone while abroad to communicate for locals. A little internet research can easily produce a solution.

Make a packing list. Check out The Official Year Abroad Guide for additional tips and advice. Note any items that need to be purchased, such as converters or adapters.

Check with your bank to ensure your ATM card works internationally

Notify people you’re leaving — friends, relatives, employers. Consider creating a Google doc with important information that everyone can access. Include flight information, contact information for people at home and abroad, contact info for your coordinator, health insurance information, and anything else you deem important.

Complete a change of address form so you’ll receive mail in your home country

Purchase travel insurance

Stock up on any medical necessities, such as prescription medications and extra contact lenses. Have a doctor’s note authorizing use of your meds and refills, and ensure that all over-the-counter drugs you carry are legal. Take your eye prescription along in case you lose eyewear or need replacements.

Make three copies of important docs: credit cards, passport, school acceptance letter, medical records, proof of health insurance and license. Leave a copy at home in the U.S., carry a copy in your bags when you travel, and once there leave a copy at your home abroad.

Make sure all financial aid docs are in order and up to date — such as scholarship application, loans and FAFSA renewals.

Confirm tuition and study abroad fees are paid

Confirm your flight

Exchange currency for local cash, around $200

Pack your luggage and carry on

STUDY ABROAD HOUSING OPTIONS

Housing has the potential to make or break your study abroad experience. You basically have three options: dormitories, apartments or homestays. Consider your finances, your personality and the type of environment in which you thrive so you can choose a home away from home that facilitates your academic pursuits.

Dormitories

Close proximity to campus.

Easier to make friends with students from around the world — not just those from your host country.

Fewer rules than a homestay arrangement

A meal plan, so no shopping and cooking required

Opportunities to practice local language

Less homesickness when surrounded by a group of students

Communal bathrooms, dining and laundry

Rules regarding overnight guest, smoking and drinking

You may not like the food

Lack of privacy

High noise levels

You may not room with a local so you can practice the language and be tempted to hang out with other English-speaking students.

Roommate challenges.

APARTMENTS Estimated Monthly Cost

Live like the locals.

Make your own rules.

Adhere to your own schedule.

More privacy — especially with a private room

Live with a mix of locals and internationals and share household responsibilities

You may feel more isolated than those students in dorms or homestay

Doing your own grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning and cooking

Difficulty of paying rent and bills in an unfamiliar language

Possible roommate conflicts

Fewer opportunities to practice local language.

Paying rent and bills in another language.

Authentic, home-cooked meals

Experience the culture of the country through the lens of a local family.

You’ll learn the language quicker

Exposure to real family life in another country who can offer advice and tips

Make social and local connections

No responsibility for grocery shopping, cooking or laundry

Difficulty communicating with the family initially

Chores and rules about overnight guests, smoking and drinking

Privy to family problems

Unusual foods you may not like

Possibly a lengthy commute

Applications and Funding

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Work with us, advertise with us, run a webinar, sponsored posts, write an article, stories, advice and support for your academic journey., applying for a phd abroad: how to thrive as an international student.

• February 17, 2024
• Uppsala University
• After accepting an offer , Applications and Funding , Experiences , Getting started , International Student , Mental Health , PhD Applications , Wellbeing

Choosing to study a PhD abroad, especially in a foreign country with a new language, is not something to take lightly. But as I write this on my second day in Sweden, in my dorm room with the sounds of Swedish life outside my window, I’m here to tell you it’s not impossible.     Despite the many challenges of pursuing an academic career outside your home country, the breadth of experiences and connections that come with it are well worth the short-term obstacles. Whether you opt for a PhD on the other side of the world or some where a bit closer to home , making the journey towards becoming an international PhD student is something deserving of applause. But there are several things I wish I would have known before choosing to pursue my PhD in a foreign country. From learning the language to understanding banks to asking questions about immigration and residency permits, there are many things to consider before making the jump abroad !  

Which Country, Which Uni, Which Advisor?

So you’ve decided that you want to pursue a PhD abroad?     That’s great! But there are some very important questions to ask yourself which will ultimately determine your future and where you’ll end up. One of the first beginner questions you must ask yourself, as I did, was, “Where do I want to go and why? ” While it’s fun to dream up your life in various foreign countries, you’re ultimately making a career choice by moving to a different country. So, it’s crucial that you have a solid reason for why you want to go to that specific country , and have a short – and long-term plan as to how you want to make the most of your time there.     The second and third questions are mundane but also incredibly important : “What university do I want to apply to?” and, “Where are there openings? ” For me, choosing Sweden was prompted by an email telling me there were two openings to PhD programs . However, I was also prompted by another major factor, something we often hear in graduate studies. Namely, finding the right advisor(s) , and having a clear research question.     M any questions related to PhD studies in your country of choice can be answered by a good advisor /supervisor . Of course, they can’t guarantee you actually get into the university, but they can help you decide if applying is a good choice for you and your choice of research. Making it clear what you’re looking for in an advisor can often help you narrow down where it is you want to study. In my experience, these went hand in hand. If you know what you’re researching, what niche you want to fill in terms of your applicable academic discourse, and you have a solid question with some evidence to back it up, then all you have to do is find a university department that aligns with your work and research interests . This can be far more complicated in practice, but if you let your research lead you in your search for a foreign university, paying attention to openings when they arise, then you’ll be set to go! Asking questions, and often, is key, and don’t be afraid to email potential advisors for help if you need it !  

You’ve Been Accepted! Now What?

If you’ve found yourself with an acceptance letter and a willing advisor in a foreign university – congratulations! But now begins the myriad of complexities and tasks in order to actually be able to begin your life abroad as a student. Whether it’s getting a residence permit accepted, attempting to learn a foreign language, opening a new bank account, or arranging housing, there’s lots to juggle at this point. But if you take it one step at a time , and try to do things in order, you’ll find everything seems to fall into place.

Residence Permits, Housing and Language

One of the first things to think about is the residence permit which will allow you to live in your foreign country. Without it, all the other elements fall to the wayside as you won’t be able to stay in the country. Sometimes, as was the case in my experience, the process takes quite a while and includes several arduous steps. Be careful to familiarize yourself with the process before you begin! Further, the road towards finding housing may not be straight either. Take care to reach out to your university’s housing department and see if you can procure university housing. If not, make sure to look up, or ask around, where others look for housing.

After completing your residence permit and housing, you may want to start thinking about the language. Whether that means learning it on your own, finding a tutor, or even just watching some videos on the web, trying your best to learn the native language will help you feel at home. Although you may be nervous, learning how to say “Please” and “Thank you” might just win you your first international friend and open doors for you, who knows!?

Ultimately, making a list of important to lesser important points will be helped by reading and rereading the information that your university gives you, and by asking questions. Don’t be afraid to send that email if you don’t understand or if something doesn’t make sense. If you are clear with what your question is, then most likely you’ll find your answer.

Now the Fun Stuff Begins

Phew. It’s completed. You’ve done the heavy lifting of getting yourself set up to begin your studies abroad and, by some miracle, all your efforts have culminated in you moving to your new place. Now you’re on your own and have to do quite a few more tasks in order to really feel at home in your new city. From finding the train station to the grocery store, you have to know your surroundings, and give yourself time to find everything that your city has to offer its residents! One of the first few things I did when moving to Uppsala was find a church. For others, it may be a coffee shop or library that can offer you a place of community . Trying to put yourself into the community fabric of your city is such an important point in really feeling like you have a place here as a newly arrived foreigner. Although it’s scary, at times, to not really know the language and attempt to socialize, it’s often fruitful when you do. So, if you can find a place where you can integrate yourself into a community, then it’ll be easier to make that first friend. Part of that community building can also be finding places of culture to visit. In your city, there may be countless museums for you to see. All you have to do is just look for them. A helpful way of organizing all of what you find is by using Google Docs to make a list of those places you’ve been to and not been to yet. These include the location of your local train station and grocery stores!

Looking After Your Mental Health

Finally, when it comes to fun, finding your parks and recreational areas outside will be helpful in navigating the waters of how to spend time outdoors in nature. Don’t forget that you’re human. While you’re here to complete your PhD, you can’t forget that looking after your mental health is just as important as your academic success. Thus, plan accordingly and think about which parks you might want to go visit, and bodies of water you might want to go see. Spending time outdoors is a helpful way of fuelling the body and mind so you can be more productive when it’s time to work. Overall, if you stay focused on the fundamental steps that will let you live in your foreign country successfully and then let your interests lead the way, a whole new world will open up. While moving to a different country is a huge task, if you break it down into manageable steps and do one after the other, you’ll find yourself capable of doing things you had previously only imagined!

John David Vandevert

Mixed Methods PhDs: An Applied Guide

Are you thinking about using mixed methods (both quantitative and qualitative data) in your PhD? This article guides you through different ways of doing mixed methods PhD research, from proposal writing to collecting and analysing data. It emphasises the importance of rigor in mixed methods research and how to achieve this.

To Be or Not To Be (a Reviewer 2): Should I Review Articles as a PhD Student?

For the wheels to continue turning in research, we need reviewers. Although often a thankless endeavour (littered with Reviewer 2 jokes), acting as a gatekeeper for the integrity of your research field remains vital. As a PhD student, you may find the process of reviewing a manuscript pretty novel, but a reviewer request email may enter your inbox in the near future. This article guides you through the pros and cons of reviewing articles.

‘Stairway to Lecture’: A Roadmap to Progress from PhD to Lecturer

Landing a lecturing role after a PhD can be difficult, and rejection is commonplace. To lower the chances of rejection, it is important to focus on your career planning and gain experience as early into your PhD as possible. Therefore, if you are serious about becoming a lecturer, here are four things you can start doing now.

All views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not reflect the views of The PhD Place Ltd. See our Disclaimer

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Study Abroad Guide

All You Need To Know About Ph.D. Abroad

January 2022

Course Overview:

A Ph.D. is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification one can achieve. A Ph.D. or a Doctor of Philosophy is a doctorate degree awarded by several universities in different countries. The international universities award Ph.D. degree in a wide range of programs in the sciences and humanities. A Ph.D. degree is a mandatory requirement for employment as university professors and researchers in various fields.

Why study Ph.D. overseas?

• It will help you augment your horizons, unearth a new country and culture and escalate your personal development.
• You will be introduced to new research environments/methods as well as academics with a different perspective.
• It will internationalize your CV and show your versatility.
• You will gain language skills.
• Your career opportunities will be enhanced.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A high GPA score
• Academic Transcripts
• Undertaken Ventures
• Scores of tests like GRE, TOEFL, etc.
• Papers Posted, if any,
• If submitted, dissertations
• Participation in co-curricular activities related to the research subject you have selected
• Letters for Recommendation

Scholarships:

The different types of research scholarships available for Indian Ph.D. students: Full scholarship: All charges, including all tuition fees, lodging, and food prices, will be paid by the trust fund, among other expenses. Partial scholarships: Partial financial assistance will be provided to students in the form of either paying their tuition costs housing expenses or all other expenses outlined by the trust fund.

A few scholarships to pursue a Ph.D. abroad:

Trending Courses:

• Arts & Humanities - Literature, Cinema, Visual & Performing Arts.
• Engineering Studies - There are a variety of research areas under Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Architectural Engineering.
• Management Studies - More students are opting for Marketing, Organization Behaviour, Finance, etc.
• Natural Sciences - Popular subjects are Mathematics, Geology, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, and various fields of Biological Sciences.
• Social Sciences - Most researched areas are Political Science, History, Economics, Sociology, Demography, etc.

Career Options:

• Public Sector and Science
• College Professor
• Government Sectors
• Science Writing
• Patent Lawyer
• Medical Research Centres
• Geological Sectors
• Scientific Advisor
• Medical Researcher and Developer

Best Places to study:

• USA: Ph.D. in the USA is a series of three phases, wherein, 1st phase course work that requires 1-3 years for completion followed by a preliminary, a comprehensive examination, or a series of cumulative examinations. In the first phase, examination focus is upon the breadth of knowledge instead of depth. There are 282 universities in the United States that award the Ph.D. degree.
• New Zealand: New Zealand is known for its Ph.D. programs across the world. The course structure includes an in-depth thesis, which is counted as an original and significant contribution to the relevant field of study. The duration of the program might vary between three to four years depending upon the scope of your research. Also, all Ph.D. graduates are entitled to three years of work visas post completion of their studies.
• UK: A Ph.D. in the UK usually culminates in a dissertation, based on the research carried out by the student over the course duration. In the UK, Ph.D. programs are generally of a duration period of three years, and students are required to submit thesis reports within 12 months of the end of the program. However, duration may vary depending on the structure of the course and related projects.
• Australia : Australia provides one of the best research experiences for students pursuing a Ph.D. degree. Australia has one of the highest Ph.D. completion rates, as well as several scholarship options for international students. The Australian Ph.D. is normally a pure research qualification. a full-time Ph.D. normally takes three years. Some students take longer, but this usually depends on registration and funding arrangements. Part-time PhDs in Australia can take up to six years, but this mode of study isn't normally available to international students.

For further assistance or queries, you can contact us, Edwise International, and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like study in USA , study in Canada , study in Australia , study in New-Zealand , Study in Ireland , study in Singapore and many other countries.

Also read: 5 Best Study Abroad Programs for Indian Students

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Applying Abroad for MS/PhD: FAQs

• November 3, 2012

The Fifth Estate

• Leave a Comment on Applying Abroad for MS/PhD: FAQs

T5E interviews recent alumni across universities in the US who have spent a year or more pursuing their MS/PhD. We hope this database of FAQs about whether to apply for an MS or PhD, SoPs, resumes, letters of recommendation, ‘cross-apping’ and more will enlighten current students in India with respect to what universities look for, the processes involved in applying for further studies, and life abroad in general.

T5E would like to thank the following alumni for their responses. Special thanks to Rakesh Misra, T5E’s first ever alumnus correspondent, for driving the initiative and helping us get in touch with them.

• Is research your cup of tea? PhD research, especially in US universities, requires a lot of effort and motivation. If you are not sure whether you have the right attitude and aptitude for doing a PhD, joining Masters would be a wiser choice. Many people use their Masters program to learn in depth about their specialization and gauge their research skills, and then take a decision on whether they can go ahead and do a PhD.
• Can you go self-funded, if required? MS admits very often come without funding. And higher studies in the US is expensive! (If it happens to be a university in California, it’s damn expensive! The typical expenditure during a 2-years MS program at Stanford would be ~40-45lakhs INR). So are you ready to join an MS program without any funding offer, if required? On the other hand, PhD admits almost always comes with funding (either a fellowship or RAship or TAship). [Of course you can apply for external scholarships even if you don’t get any funding from the university for MS, but that’s not easy either.]
• What role do you see for yourself in the industry? If you want to rise to higher designations in any of the top companies, PhD is kind of an eligibility criterion. In fact, I have seen many research labs that encourage their employees to join for PhD after a few years with them. But if you want to start-up, or join an existing start-up and work for it for the rest of your life, then probably just Masters is fine – but even there, a PhD would make you more resourceful in several ways.

[/expandsub1]

• For departments like Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, there are enough opportunities after Masters but typically for other branches, the job opportunities are lesser in US after Masters. Like for chemical engineering, the jobs after Masters will not be any more intellectually stimulating than after Bachelors. However, having said that, there are certain jobs which are pretty interesting too which are being offered to Masters students.
• There are lots of restrictions on companies to offer jobs to international students. PhD students don’t face as much hindrance as a Masters student does. However, it also depends on the industry and location, like for chemical engineers, probably Masters from any university in Texas will get a well paying job in Oil industry.
• Masters students find it difficult to get funding for their stay in the university whereas PhDs always get admission with funding. However, from some of friends’ experiences, I have seen that after a sem or two, Masters students do end up getting RA or TA, which funds the rest of their education.
• If we keep money and job aside and look at a purely learning experience, PhD teaches you a lot of patience, experience in dealing with your advisor, the right attitude and of course a lot about your subject. The skill sets you develop after a Masters is very different and obviously lesser than PhD.

Now the question you need to ask yourself is – Is it worth it for me to go through those extra years of slogging so that I can end up doing what I really love or am I okay with a Masters degree and a well paying job with no independence?

The first step to resolving this dilemma is to understand what each of them entails, and what you are interested in. A Masters is a slight extension of the B.Tech. in the sense that you will be taking some classes and doing some research. While the quality of research and the level of professionalism that is expected of you is certainly greater than at the undergrad level, you do not need to delve into a problem as deeply as in a PhD. If you enjoyed your B.Tech., chances are you will enjoy your Masters as well.

On the other, to earn a PhD, you spend typically 4-5 years becoming a world authority on a particular narrow problem. You need to have an innate enthusiasm to learn, and also be internally motivated, which is possible only if you are genuinely interested in what you are doing. A PhD is less about courses, and more about doing YOUR OWN research. Certainly, you will have an advisor, but it requires a great deal of self-initiative. Also, the nature of your advisor greatly influences the PhD experience, and it may not always be possible to choose the best advisor sitting in India.

Another dimension to this choice is the question of utility. The fact is that a PhD is not really required for most jobs, and it can even restrict your choice of jobs at times. To enter Academia, one of course needs a PhD, and there many industry jobs as well, such as R&D jobs, consulting firms like McKinsey or maybe EECS companies like Intel or IBM that may prefer PhDs. It is for you to think about what you would like to do after grad school, and to find out by talking to people if a PhD really helps career wise. This question tends to be very field-specific, and therefore I do not wish to give a general answer at this point.

Finally, there is the fact that you can always join as a Master’s student, and then upgrade to a PhD if you like it. Some schools also let you join as a PhD student, but quit with a Masters if you don’t wish to stay. There is also the important fact that in most cases, funding for PhD students is more certain than for Masters Students. In fact, this is the main reason that many people apply for a PhD. I for one do not think it worth committing to a PhD, if you are not absolutely sure about it, just for the sake of funding. These things tend to be very school specific, and there is no alternative to talking to grad students from that school to find out.

If you are a B.Tech student and if you are not sure whether you want to do a PhD, then I would recommend not applying for a PhD. Do a Master’s first and then decide. I understand that funding chances are lesser if you choose to do a Masters, but do not go for a PhD if you are not sure.

If you are a dual degree student, then I think you should definitely have a much better idea of whether you want to do a PhD, the dual degree project is generally done much more seriously than a BTP and it gives you a fair idea of whether you want to do research for a livelihood.

Go for a PhD. You are more likely get funded, you can always quit with just a masters (universities don’t mind, but professors may sometimes be pissed if you do that), you get to enjoy more freedom after finishing the courses for PhD (unlike industry where you do what the boss tells you to). About pissing off professors: In my opinion, a teacher who doesn’t have the best interests of his students is trash and I have no regrets pissing him off. A great professor should inspire you and make you want to work with him, not force you, or get pissed off if you leave. If you have ethical concerns which you should, then talk to the professor before he commits to funding you and tell him you are unsure. If he is concerned his funds will get wasted, he will just tell you and not admit you.

• [expandsub1 title=”Sivaraman Ramaswamy” trigclass=”arrowright”] It’s a misconception that PhDs always end up as a Professors. More than 60% of PhDs end up in the industry. One has to understand that the kind of job one ends up doing is very different after Masters and after PhD. The pay may not be significantly higher after PhD (in fact salary of Masters + 3 yrs experience is approximately equal to that of a fresh PhD graduate). If you are doing a PhD for higher salary, then probably it’s not worth it as you might end up earning almost the same after MS. What one should realize is that PhDs get into the research side of the company and grow in that direction. They get to do independent research in the company. A Masters will always find it difficult to influence a company scientifically and his growth will be in the developmental/managerial aspect of the product. [/expandsub1]
• [expandsub1 title=”Sameed Hameed” trigclass=”arrowright”] A masters degree will be the ideal choice then. In that case ideally one should work in industry for 2-3 years and then do masters. This will allow you to decide on courses and research in grad school which will really help in moving your career forward. [/expandsub1]
• [expandsub1 title=”Duvvuri Subrahmanyam” trigclass=”arrowright”] My understanding is that industries working on high-end technologies look to recruit PhDs for specific R&D positions. That being said, companies also prefer to recruit bright students with Masters Degrees to train them in their own ways. [/expandsub1]
• [expandsub1 title=”N G Srinivas” trigclass=”arrowright”] Most people graduating with PhDs end up working in the industry, so it really depends on what you hope to learn in grad school and what kinds of stuff you want to work on when you eventually go to industry. [/expandsub1]

No masters if you know you want to work in an industry. You miss 2 years of income and job experience doing masters. A job experience will help you more than a masters. Take a job that helps you learn. Come to US through your job if you want to work in US. The visa laws are complicated, but in general there is a demand for talent that will get you here bypassing the laws one way or another.

Masters is awesome if you want to enjoy the US college experience (a PhD is even more awesome because you get more freedom to explore). Unlike IIT US offers diversity. You do sports, social dance, gymnastics, skiiing, hiking, and a host of other fun things here. You have lesser time to do this at a job.

I had applied to MIT, Stanford, UC Berkerly, UC Davis, Princeton and UIUC. All of them for the Fall – 2012 term and for a PhD. I applied in the broad area of Wireless Communication. Specifically my interests are diverse from Signal Detection and Estimation to information theory. I am still exploring! I got admits in Stanford for a MS (without funding), UC Davis for a PhD (with funding), Princeton for a PhD (with a fellowship) and UIUC for a PhD (with a research assistantship). I have joined UIUC. Choosing my grad school is a big decision and has to be done carefully and wisely. Since I was pursuing for a PhD, the ‘brand name’ of the place was not so much of a factor as the professor and the group that I was going to be working with. Naturally I spoke to a lot of the students in those places who were working under the profs I was interested in. I wish to share here a few words that NG Srinivas (currently in Princeton, IITM alumnus) had told me to help me out with my decision: “To help you out, here’s a list of important factors that might be of concern. You can find out many of these things just by visiting the web pages of the groups/professors (and maybe grad students) of interest.

• Publications of the group and advisor(s) you’re looking to work with in top conferences/journals in the past few years. Do questions explored in these recent publications sound exciting to you?
• Track record of people who have graduated out of the group (e.g.,are they getting jobs in the top companies/top universities? Have they spurned some awesome start-ups?)
• Environment of collaboration within and outside the group as seen from the author lists of publications
• How “good” other groups in the department are — important to have a nice peer group, although your interaction would most likely just be with people in your own group.

Some intangible factors which are really important (some more important than those in the previous list). You can only gather information about these by talking to the professor(s) themselves and grad students. Feel free to shoot emails and schedule phone calls with people. If you contact 10 people, a few are bound to respond!

• Freedom to choose an advisor and topic of interest
• Funding situation of your potential groups/advisors
• How your potential advisor treats his/her students (this is about aspects outside academic stuff) — does he take good care of you in terms of career aspects? Does he let you explore things of your interest? Does he keep a close watch or follow a hands-off approach? There are no “right” answers to any of these questions, it’s whatever suits you. So, feel free to talk to people and explore
• Technical and non-technical exposure that students get in these places
• Location: Is the university located in/close to a major city? What do grad students do over the weekends? This is more important than it looks like.

And finally, some things which should be non-factors in your decision (in my opinion!):

• Not knowing people to start off with in those universities e.g. like seniors from iitm
• Number of Indian students in the group or already working with a potential advisor”

I applied for PhD in the Chemical Engineering at MIT, University of Minnesota (Minneapolis), University of Wisconsin (Madison), Princeton, CMU, UT Austin and UC Santa Barbara. I got accepted in MIT, University of Minnesota (Minneapolis), University of Wisconsin (Madison), Princeton and CMU, all in PhD Chemical Engineering. I was rejected by UC Santa Barbara and I had withdrawn from UT Austin as I had already gotten MIT. All my admits were with funding. I chose MIT and I don’t think I thought about it so much since it was MIT. Even though University of Minnesota and CMU were closer to my research interests, one of the things that I thought was that being in a big, reputed university will provide me recognition and better job opportunities. In addition to the above reasons, something that one should keep in mind while choosing a university is also the size of the department you are planning to join, especially for PhD. The bigger the department, more diverse will be its research areas and more profs in each research area. This would mean you would have more options while choosing your prof (Also I am assuming one may choose his/her prof after going there or might change his/her prof).

I applied to Caltech, Stanford, UCLA, UCSD, UT Austin, Columbia and Univ. of Toronto, all in analog circuits except Stanford where I applied in communication systems. I was accepted for PhD by UCLA, UCSD and UT Austin (all with funding) and MS in Columbia (no funding) and Univ. of Toronto (with funding). I decided to join UCLA because I liked the research interests of my assigned advisor and their EE department has really excellent professors in analog circuits.

I applied to Stanford, UC Berkeley, MIT, UIUC, UT Austin, USC for 2011; All PhD, Wireless Communications/Networks. All accepted except UC Berkeley and MIT, with funding for PhD. Stanford was clearly the best among the admits I had, in terms of education (Stanford has some of the giants in my areas of specialization), weather (California has the best climate in the whole of the US) and location (Stanford lies at the heart of the Silicon Valley). Also, along with my admit, I had been awarded the Stanford Graduate Fellowship (SGF), which is a very prestigious award (also happens to be the highest award given by Stanford University to any incoming student), for the entire duration of my PhD – which made my decision even easier.

I applied to MIT, Berkeley, UT Austin, Purdue and University of British Columbia (Vancouver) for Fall 2011. All of them were Master’s programs in Transportation. (At UBC, this was in the Sauder School of Business).

I applied to places that had people in the physics department working on complex systems with a focus on networks: UC Davis (2 people within the dept. and 1 outside), Boston University ( 2 people in the dept), Cornell (1 person within the dept and one outside) UCSB (1 person), U Michigan Ann Arbor (2 faculty members). I had to choose between UC Davis and Boston University. Both with funding and for a PhD. After speaking with my advisor on Skype, it was very clear to me that I should choose UC Davis over Boston university. Other factors in favour of UC Davis were the weather and closeness to the bay area.

I applied to Stanford, Princeton, Michigan, Georgia Tech, Caltech and Imperial College. I joined the MS+PhD program in Aerospace Engineering at Caltech. It was the obvious choice given that Caltech has the best rated Aerospace program in the world. Also, I was interested in the research works of a few professors in the department. I am now working with one of them for my thesis.

I applied for Mech PhD in Purdue, UTA, CMU, UIUC, Cornell, UMich, Northwestern and MS CDO in MIT for admission in Fall 2011. Got admits with funding from Purdue, Cornell, Northwestern, UTA and CMU; bumped by UMich and MIT CDO, admit from UIUC without clear funding. I chose Purdue because of the professor I got to work with here. I inquired about him and heard that he is a really nice guy and very good in his research area (micro/nano heat transfer).

I applied for 2012 Fall Mechanical Engg to MIT(MS/PhD), UC Berkeley (MS/PhD), Georgia Tech (MS), Purdue (MS),U Minnesota (MS), UCLA (MS) Accepted into MIT (RA), Purdue (RA), UMinn (full scholarship); rejected by UCB, GaTech and UCLA

I applied to MIT, UC Berkeley, Caltech, Stanford, UIUC, Cornell, UT Austin in Electrical Engg (Communication) for 2010. Got accepted into Caltech, Cornell and UT Austin with funding and Stanford without funding. (All MS/PhD) I chose Caltech because of the reputation of the university and reviews about the advisor from seniors.

My area of interest is fundamental physics. And I’m a more theoretically oriented person. I applied to PhD programs in physics, going by which universities had faculty doing research in my areas of interest. In my area, it’s very rare for US univs to offer MS. So it’s usually PhD, and almost always with funding as a TA (for the first couple of years). I joined UT Austin; reasons are too specific to be generally applicable.

I applied to Caltech, Berkeley, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, Cornell, UIUC, UCSD, UT Austin, EPFL. All for PhD in EE; All accepted except Berkeley.

I applied to Stanford, UIUC, Cornell, UCSD, UTA, and Rice. All accepted me for MS/PhD with funding except UTA that accepted me only for masters without funding. I chose Stanford. It offered a fellowship and more freedom compared to UIUC/other universities.

It is useful is some cases, and absolutely necessary in many cases — it is never harmful. The primary purpose of writing to a professor would be to express an interest in his/her research, find out what work he is currently engaged in, and to ask if he/she is likely to be taking new grad students in the coming year. While this is moderately important for a MS, it is absolutely essential that you do this for a PhD. A PhD is a marriage of sorts, and it more likely to happen, and to be a happy marriage, if it is a love marriage. Take the initiative and call/Skype/email potential suitors (aka advisors) and find out more about them, as you would a potential spouse!

I don’t think it’s necessary, but it certainly helped me in my case. I wrote to at least one professor in each university I applied to, and received encouraging responses from everywhere except UC Berkeley. The reply from MIT was that individual professors do not have any hand individually in giving out admits and that decisions are made collectively by an admissions committee, and the prof just encouraged me to apply to MIT. But profs in the other univs showed personal interest in my application, called me up for a chat over phone, and eventually offered me admits with funding. I am not sure if it can harm in any way as long as you don’t write anything offensive or boastful in it. Just a line on who you are (insti, areas of interest), a line saying that you’re applying to his/her university and are interested in joining his/her research group, and concluding with a request to review your application, should be good enough. I had uploaded all my relevant files (SoP, resume, transcripts) on my ee.iitm webspace and had included links to all files in the mails that I wrote to profs (they don’t like attachments), so that they could review my application independent of the admissions committee if they wanted to – and that might have helped.

This might be a good idea if you are sure about the area you want to work on and have a good idea of the kind of research that goes on. Most faculty members will be excited to hear from you. It would be a good idea to write to them either before starting your application or once you have heard that you have been offered admission in a program. I contacted faculty members after I got my offer. It certainly helped me make my choice. It is quite important that you do not commit to work with them before meeting them. You will never have an idea about how they are in person until you meet and work with them for at least a few weeks. It is better not to get an admit than get stuck with someone you cannot work with.

Writing before application (Nov, Dec) – In my opinion, this should only be to find out if the professor has any openings in his group. This can help you decide if you want to apply to that university or not. For instance, if you are sure that you are interested in only 2 professors in a particular university, then it makes sense to write to them and ask if they expect to take any students. Do not send resume etc. before the application. Nobody thinks about recruiting students so early. After application (Jan, Feb) – At this point it is important to write to professors saying you are interested in their research and give a short summary of your profile. Give a link to your webpage or your application number so that they can look deeper if they want. This definitely does not hurt. Do not spam, but one email will not hurt your chances. In my case, I would say that I got into Purdue primarily because I had written to my advisor sometime in early Feb. So it definitely helped.

This is something I saw my seniors doing but I was too lazy to do. However, it never affected my admits. After coming to MIT, I found out that, at least in Chemical Engineering, no one ever does it. In fact the profs don’t even read those emails. I am not aware of other departments.

I can’t think of ways in which writing to a professor would harm your admit prospects. I wrote to some professors in the above universities expressing my interest their research even before I put in my application (I also got a chance to meet a few of them at a research conference). I think it helps to grab a professor’s attention before they sit in an admissions committee meeting, the best way to do this is to write a clear and concise email. Introduce yourself and tell them about your application to the university, give your academic and research backgrounds. Write about your research interests and how you would be a good fit in their research group or department. Professors are busy people, but most of them get back to you within a few days. If you don’t get a response and think they’ve missed your email, try resending it after a few weeks and cc the professor’s secretary on it.

I would definitely suggest writing to profs in advance once. One thing you find out is if the have openings. If you realize there are no openings then you are basically wasting an application. It would be good for the professors to know that you are proactive, if they remember! Just send a short mail saying you are interested in their area of work and ask if they are looking to take in someone this year. As far as I know it cannot hurt you much.

It helps. If you are spending 5 years with a professor, you should know him before you start working with him. Otherwise you will regret it later in life. Don’t think that your goal is to just app to the university; your goal is to do research. Write to profs with that fundamental goal in mind (not with the goal of impressing the prof to just app there). Remember that research problems take months/years to solve and may end up being worse than an exam problem. You must be willing to work under repeated failures. That’s where it differs from your coursework. Demonstrate that skill to put you ahead of other candidates.

SoP is a very important part of any university application. You should write it in a crisp manner using polished language and proper sentence constructs. A good SoP typically requires many iterations; it took me about three weeks to get my SoP into a satisfactory from. The final document should show continuity and present your academic and research backgrounds, skills, research interests, interests in a particular research group or university, and your career ambitions (not necessarily in that order). Be honest with your content. Run it by a few of your close friends or others who are willing to help and ask them for suggestions. Get hold of a few SoPs from your seniors and read them before you start writing, you can even bug them to comment on your SoP once it’s done! Make sure you strictly adhere to any guidelines specified in the university application. Don’t submit it until you are firmly convinced that you’ve done the best you can.

A statement of purpose is just that — a statement of purpose. Do write it well, one needs to be clear in one’s thinking, and by that I don’t just mean being sober. You need to know exactly why you want to apply abroad, and where it fits in the larger context of what you want to do in life. These are not easy questions to answer, so get thinking about them. Why apply abroad? Why this program? Why this university? Why now? What do you hope to get out of it? What do you want to do in life? How will it help you? And what have you done in preparation for it? We tend to focus on the last question to the exclusion of everything else — not a good idea. A more practical suggestion — profs read these looking for potential students. It might help to show that you have done some research on what they do. For instance “… I worked on Aggregate travel demand forecasting using activity based models, and this ties in very well with Dr. Ben-Akiva’s work on Needs-based models for the Singapore Future Urban Mobility project”. Tie in things that you have done/skills that you have acquired, with the work that they do — intelligently.

Always keep in mind that SoP is (1) a “personal” statement, and (2) a statement of “purpose”. Most of what you write in your SoP should be personal/unique to you, and everything you write in your SoP should be related to your purpose of applying for grad studies. So don’t write about how awesome Machine Learning or Mechanical Engineering is and how much promise it holds for the future – because that’s very general and something that your readers would already know of. Also don’t write about that Equipment coordship or NSS volship if you can’t tie it up with your purpose for applying to grad school. Keep the language simple. Don’t use any GRE-level vocabulary or flowery sentences. Try to make it sound as natural as possible. Avoid mentioning about anything prior to undergraduate, unless it’s an exceptional achievement (like an International Olympiad medal). Avoid cliches. I mean, just AVOID them, esp. those “Ever since I was a kid…” ones. The readers of your SoP would have read hundreds of SoPs in their lifetime and would have come across every possible cliche in this world!

Keep it short and straightforward. Talk about what you want to achieve with your Masters/PhD (what you specifically want to research / learn about) Keep your biography to the absolute minimum (nil is not a crime), no one cares about how/what you did in high school, and no one reads that. If talking about extra curriculars tie that in to your studies / research. Keep non-relevant accomplishments for the resume. Reviewers are probably going to spend about 20 seconds on your SOP, so make sure important points stand out. In summary what you want to do in the given program, and why you want to do it. Try to tailor it to the respective universities & profs. Mention by name which profs you want to work with and why (deeply research profs’ websites). If you can mention some recent (< 1 yr) published work from the university / prof with whom you were impressed with and why (without sounding cheesy), it will show that you have put in effort. The trickiest part – the more specific you can get about what you want to do the better, but make sure it is generic enough to fit with at least a couple of profs in the university.

It is not necessary to write to profs before submitting application but you may choose to write after that because the prof can view your file if he wants to. It can help but mostly it shouldn’t harm. If you are mailing, write about your interests, very brief overview about your most significant previous research, anything you found interesting in his/her lab, and thank him/her finally. You can attach your resume as well. I didn’t write to any professor until I got admitted after which I had to find an advisor to get my funding.

Write your OWN SoP. Do not read any other SoP till you write your first draft. Though the main ideas of SoP are the same, you should write different SoPs for each university, tailoring them to the specific requirements. Do not rave about your achievements, but don’t shy away from modestly mentioning them. It’s okay to say you are good at something. There is fine line between being confident and being boastful. Ask your seniors and peers to read your SoP and comment. Professors have read thousands of resumes before, so don’t use cliched statements. There’s no need to use all the GRE vocabulary you’ve built. Keep it simple, short and to the point. Most of us do not know what exactly we want to work on. Majority of us will end up working on things very different from what we mention in the SoP. Demonstrate that you have ability to do research and you are enthusiastic to learn new things, by your past work, current experiences and future ideas.

• Filter top 20% applicants by using CGPA and GRE scores. Initialize their ranks mainly by CGPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Among those top candidates, look for research potential (if applying to PhD). Refer to G4 for what research potential means. It is measured by reading SOP, letters of recommendation, etc. A lot of admits dont demonstrate research potential (published papers, good letters of recommendation, SOP, etc.) EE at stanford takes the best 2 of 3 recos (unless the other recos say something really bad, and your competitor is better). This can significantly change the ranks, because the CGPA difference in a 4.0 scale is not very high.
• They then do a diversity filter, making sure there aren’t too many students from 1 university. That’s where IIT Madras app cooperation comes in, restricting people to app to only 6 universities and encouraging people to reject unwanted offers early, so that lower rankers’ chance is not taken away.

For masters, they don’t care so much about research potential, but will look at SOP and other extra-curricular activities that can change the ranks obtained from just GPA. GRE is just plain cut-off, but the math score is important if you are applying to Engineering or Math.

Have a neat CV template to begin with, I recommend the moderncv package in LaTeX (you need to tweak it a bit to make it look more ‘academic’). Include all the relevant information in a clear manner. Remember that app CVs are different from job/placement CVs. Highlight your research and academic achievements. Give at least three references at the end, typically professors or industry professionals if you’ve interned. Get app CVs from seniors to guide you.

You should by now have some resume you wrote for interns. Important thing to remember is that your resume for app should be research oriented. Nobody cares if you volunteered for GA or was a co-ord for sponsorship. Write relevant things. If you did some technical thing, like robotics, Astro workshop, math modeling etc, then do mention them. Organise your resume by priority. Extra-curriculars would be last (but if its a placement resume, may be some of your extra-curricular activities shine out.), academic achievements would be come before etc Better to use a neat latex format. Clear and simple fonts, size no less than 10pt. Enough line spaces and try to fit in two sides of a sheet.

Most universities would require 3 letters. Try to ask three people who can focus on different aspects of your work. For example, if one of the professors is your research mentor, another one should be able to talk about your personal traits or academic courses. Different professors need different time frames. In general, if your Professor is writing a letter specifically for you, they need at least a month. This would mean you should ask at least 2-3 months before you need them submitted, i.e., if you are applying for Fall 2013 you must have already asked at least three Professors. Some universities let you submit an extra letter — it is usually a good idea put in the extra reference letter.

Reference letters can make or break your application. Ask someone for a reference only if you’ve made a good impression on them and feel that they’ll write something positive about you. Be cautious if you plan on getting a reference from professors who don’t have a good reputation — a bad reference can potentially ruin your entire application. You’ll typically ask institute professors for a reference based on your research or coursework performance. If you have done summer research or interned outside the institute, get a letter from there. Try to diversify the pool of people giving you letters of support if you have such options. In my case, I had letters from a professor at IISc (summer research and BTP co-advisor), professors in the department including the HoD, and the then Dean of students! Let them know early that you are expecting a letter from them and give them enough time to submit it. It’s a big bonus if the person writing a letter for you is an alumnus of the university you are applying to, or has research connections with professors there. If you’ve worked with ‘big’ professors in India, they might even write a personal email and seal the deal for you!

In my case, it was my BTP guide, my guide for one of my projects (I worked with a prof in my second year summer) and a prof who taught me 2 courses and I had gotten S in both of them. This kind of arrangement is totally acceptable. If you have done research internships somewhere, you can ask your guide there for recommendation. One would typically need 3 recommendations for all universities. It is advisable that you let them know early in 7th (or 9th) semester that you would be needing their recommendation, so that if they refuse, you can ask some other prof. Also the profs are usually quite busy in December and they might go on vacation towards the end of the month. So make sure you entered their name in the university application form and they have received the email asking for recommendation by November end. Give your profs at least a month’s time to give the recommendation and remind them from time to time.

Get 4-5 letters of recommendation and mix and match and send to various universities. Let the prof know you are going to come to them as early as possible – some profs will say they will only give recommendations to small number of students on first come first serve basis. Most profs don’t start drafting recos till after they get emails from universities asking for them (i.e. after you finish all your submissions). They will get a couple of weeks after the deadline usually, but then will be pressed for time. Try to finish your submission to universities at least 2 weeks before the deadline. Let the profs know where you are applying, what field and other details. Diplomatically ask them to stress in the recommendation that you would be good specifically in that field.

You could get as many as you want as long as the recommendations are good enough. Keep in mind that sometimes 3 excellent recommendations might take precedence over 3 excellent + 1 average recommendation. I believe that it helps if there is a personal touch in the recommendation letters. So consider taking recommendations from people who have worked with you closely and seen you as a researcher. Keep in mind that the job title of the person giving the recommendation may matter to some extent. People do take recommendations from teachers whose courses you have done well in. In this case, it helps if the teacher knows about your talent well enough so that he/she has enough things to say in the recommendation letter. Get the recommendations as early as possible, recommenders are usually busy people and missing the deadline is not a good thing.

You would be surprised by how big a difference the local aspects of the school, i.e., weather, social life, etc. make. Once you have all the offers it is extremely important to find out about the place. You would spend a significant fraction of your life in this place — make sure you have made the best choice. The city in which you live might also have a huge impact on what kind of jobs/ industry collaborations that might be possible. Make a very informed choice about the place you are heading to. In general it would be better to choose a place that is well connected and is either part of a city or a close enough to a city.

Academic life in grad school is definitely more hectic than undergrad but the learning opportunity is also equally high. The diversity in the kind of people you meet, cultures you will know about and the work ethic you will adopt will take you a long way. The Indian association will make sure you always have some Indian friends with you. Weather in certain places of US can be harsh in winter but that should not a factor while applying to the universities. Winters in these places are definitely bearable and since most of the time you will indoors, the effect will not be felt as much. Overall I would say that grad school makes you independent and prepares you to face any challenges in life.

I needn’t go into details of how awesome a place Stanford is. Academics: Stanford has always been ranked among the top 3 engineering schools – its legacy speaks for it. And it is situated at the center of the Silicon Valley, which makes it a very attractive place especially for CS and EE students. Weather: You can’t find more awesome weather anywhere else in the US during any time of the year – Californian climate simply rocks! Social life: Among the best you’ll find in any grad school – there are people from so many different countries, there are state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities (auditorium, sports arenas, dance halls, gym etc) where you get together with people, and there are parties almost every day. The only con that I can think of is the cost. Tuition and living expenses here are too high, as is the case with most universities in California. But this is an issue only if you are coming without funding – if you have funding from the university, then all your expenses will be taken care of.

Academics are rigorous in most graduate schools, they give you a good footing in the areas of your study, particularly so at Caltech. The campus is located in Pasadena, an uppish neighborhood 20 minutes to north-east of downtown LA and 25 minutes to west of Hollywood. Weather in southern California is the best you can ask for in this part of the world. Caltech was ranked as the world’s best university in 2012 by Times Higher Education, London! It takes very good care of it graduate students.

I’m in LA, so the weather is great. UCLA follows the quarter system, so things are pretty hectic while doing courses. We have a small group of Indians here. So social life is as good as it can be.

Academically, UIUC is very strong, at least in engineering. The campus is huge with a lot of facilites, infrastructure and many notable people. There are quite a few Indians here (and Indian restaurants too). It has one of the best bus-networks in the US, and getting around is not at all a problem. The campus is pretty safe too. However, this place is infamous for its weather and location. Winters get pretty cold (as is the case with many places in the east), and the nearest major city (Chicago) is about 2.5 hrs away. So it’s probably not the sort of place for people who like to roam around in big cities, but nevertheless the campus itself is more than ‘self-sufficient’ in my opinion.

I am in Southern California. Need I say anything more about weather ? It is the best possible place you could be! Social life – depends very much on you. A larger university will definitely have more people. But I have found a good group of people I love to hang out with in Caltech. So, its totally up to you. I think the most important thing to keep in mind while applying is the area of your interest and the profs you might want to work with. Once you get accepted, then you can think of weather since it is definitely going to affect your life. In big schools you will have more professors working on each area. But in a small school, you will find it very easy to interact with more professors, peers and you won’t feel lost. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. I would say it is more important to find out about the group you want to join than the university. If you are not very sure of your interests, then its better to join a bigger university. Do write to your seniors in those universities, find out more about the professor you might want to work with and his/her group. Its better to write to someone in the group you are joining or want to join. Nobody knows the prof as an adviser except his/her own students! Do not make a final decision of joining a group just by looking at the research work. You will be interacting with the prof closely for 4-5 years. So, you better know what you are signing up for!

It helps if you start thinking about applying early. That way, you can plan on how best to use your summers and spend time exploring different areas of research. Building a good resume takes time. Get done with your GREs and TOEFLs early, they are a nuisance (those scores are valid for a few years). Stay in touch with your seniors who’ve graduated and are pursuing further studies, they often give good advice and can help with your SoP. And finally, maintain a good CGPA — it is an important number that might decide where you end up after your time on campus.

One of the things I have liked best about graduate study in the US is the kind of lifestyle I lead. I cook about 4-5 times a week (never cooked before coming here), buy my on groceries, clean my house myself, pay my own taxes, go to the hospital myself, and in general lead a MUCH more independent life than I would if I were in India. Secondly, I interact with students from all over the world. Thirdly, I love outdoor recreation (hiking, kayaking, etc etc etc) and the US (and many other first world countries) have so much to offer in this regard. For all of these reasons and more, I am happy that I chose to app rather than to settle down in a job in India, or go to IIM.

The most important thing is to find out if you want to do a PhD. It’s a 5-6 year commitment and is no joke. Do not apply just because you have a good CGPA and all your peers with similar academic achievements as you are applying. If you are unclear, its better to apply for Masters or work for a year or two and apply later. Yes, it’s not necessary that you go abroad immediately after your B.Tech. We hardly know what we want and more importantly, have been not exposed to so much of research (3 months of an internship and a semester of BTP work are not real research experience). So, it’s okay to take time to decide. Don’t be a sheep in the herd. Decide for yourself. It is not necessary that you apply in the same department as yours in the institute. In fact, there are many more interesting departments in most of the universities. I guess it was one of the mistakes I made, not looking at other programs. There are programs with different names that might suit your interest more. In US its very common for people to change their areas. So, don’t be limited by what you see in the institute.

Realize that grad student life is not going to be similar to your undergrad. But you will have more freedom in the way you want to work. It is going to be mentally stressful at times, because you might be lonely and you are responsible for yourself. Life outside the institute (grad school and job) involves fewer close friends than in India. Be aware of the fact that the area and the kind of work you might end up doing in grad school could be vastly different from you’ve done in undergrad and what you expect. This could be because you see a lot of more new areas or because of funding issues or both.

“Cross app” is quite common/acceptable in the US. In India, we’re used to thinking of rigid branches. It’s much more free in the US (many people get multiple majors in undergrad). I switched from EE to Physics. Doing a minor in Physics helped big-time. And with some effort, I think I have a background comparable to Physics majors and don’t feel any pain of crossing over. Based on what I heard from many profs, departments tend to prefer students with a research background (even if it’s in a different field) rather than people who’ve done tons of courses in their area of interest. So go ahead and get a semester/summer of research experience (in any lab/area that you’re interested in) without worrying too much about its direct relevance to the area you’re applying to.

A lot depends on your branch. If you are not in CS/EE, you have a pretty good chance – looking at where your seniors went in the previous years would be a good indicator. Letters of recommendations and internships help, but only to an extent. Despite being in EE without a 9-point CGPA, people have landed good universities over the previous years, so don’t be disheartened – but apply wisely. A lot also depends on the funding situation in general; try mailing people at the university you plan to apply at, so that you are aware of the openings. Try to be meticulous while going about the whole process. Try to avoid a place where many guys with better grades are applying. Even if all of them have it as a backup and abandon it, it is highly unlikely that it will roll down many places among people from the same place.

If you have specific questions for any of the respondents above, leave a comment or drop us a mail at t5e.iitm [at] gmail [dot] com and we’ll try our best to get it answered.

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HOW TO APPLY FOR PH.D. ABROAD

Ph.D. in Abroad with Scholarship

Ph.d. abroad: top countries, ph.d. abroad: top careers, what is ph.d., why do your ph.d. abroad, how to apply for ph.d. in foreign universities, studying for a ph.d. program, the teaching assistantship, the thesis and dissertation, research the programs and decide on specialization, zero in on your supervisor and start networking, complete the application and plan ahead, is it difficult to apply to phds abroad, will i need a student visa, ph.d. in different countries, ph.d. abroad: eligibility criteria.

If you are interested in applying for a Ph.D. program abroad with scholarship funding, there are several options available to international students. Some common types of Ph.D. scholarships include:

• Full scholarships: Full scholarships typically cover all costs associated with the Ph.D. program, including tuition, housing, and food.
• Partial scholarships: Partial scholarships provide partial financial aid for specific expenses, such as tuition, housing, or other designated costs.

It is worth noting that scholarship opportunities may vary based on the country and university you are applying to. Scholarship opportunities are provided to students by some universities and organizations, while others may have more general funding opportunities available. It is recommended to research and apply for as many scholarship options as possible to increase your chances of securing funding for your Ph.D. program.

Here are some of the top countries for Indian students to study Ph.D. abroad:

• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Ph.D. Abroad: Top US Universities

Here are some top universities for Ph.D. Abroad:

Ph.D. Abroad: Top Australian Universities

Ph.D. Abroad: Top European Universities

Ph.D. Abroad: Top German Universities

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A PhD is a research degree that signifies the completion of a program of advanced study and is the highest level of academic qualification that can be obtained. PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. It typically takes between three and four years of full-time work to earn a PhD and involves the production of a thesis, which represents an original contribution to the field of study.

There are many benefits to studying abroad for a Ph.D. degree. For some students, the opportunity to learn a new language, immerse them in a different culture, and make new connections may be appealing. In other cases, pursuing a Ph.D. degree abroad may be necessary due to limited opportunities in the student's home country for their chosen area of research.

Studying abroad may also offer more favorable funding options, affordable tuition fees, access to advanced laboratory equipment, and experienced supervisors, which can enhance the overall Ph.D. experience and benefit the student's career.

•  It is important to communicate your specific area of interest to the admissions committee, demonstrating your passion and readiness for a Ph.D. degree. It may also be helpful to have a specific topic in mind and to show that you have done your research on the subject.
•  To apply for a Ph.D. program at a foreign university, it is important to perform well on general GRE exam and the subject GRE with preparation tips.
• To enroll in a Ph.D. program abroad, you will first be enrolled as a Ph.D. student. After completing the required coursework and passing qualifying exams, which may include written and oral components, you will become a Ph.D. candidate.
• The majority of your time will be spent working on your dissertation, which will be overseen by a dissertation advisor.
• It is typically expected that it will take 3 to 10 years to complete a Ph.D. program, depending on your field of study, previous experience, and training, and your progress in your studies.
• In some fields, such as certain branches of physics, a doctoral degree is almost necessary for employment.
• When applying for a Ph.D. program abroad, it is important to carefully consider your area of interest and to prepare for the GRE.

[ Read More: Know How to Book GRE Slot in 4 Simple Steps ]

• A Teaching Assistantship (TA) is a position assigned to Ph.D. candidates and some graduate students to teach undergraduate courses in their field at a university.
• This type of position can provide practical experience that is useful for a future career in academia.
• If being a TA is not desirable, there are other fellowships available, such as Research Assistantships (RA), where students can assist senior researchers and professors in a laboratory setting.

When considering a Ph.D. program, it is important to take into account various factors before choosing a university and mentor that you will work with to complete your dissertation.

Choosing a Mentor and University

• Choosing the right mentor for your Ph.D. studies is crucial.
• It is important to find a professor who is interested in your area of research and whose interests align with yours.
• It is helpful to do your homework and thoroughly research professors and departments to find the best fit.
• It is also important to make sure that the university or department you are applying to specializes in your field of study.

Obtaining a Ph.D. degree from a foreign university can greatly enhance your career prospects and allow you to make meaningful contributions to your field of study. Many Indian students seek Ph.D. programs at respected universities around the world. After completing a master's degree, a Ph.D. program allows students to delve deeper into their area of interest. Currently, numerous universities worldwide offer a wide range of Ph.D. programs.

Countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia are among the leading destinations for international students seeking Ph.D. programs , provided they have good grades and research experience. However, before applying to a university, there are several steps to consider.

The journey of an overseas Ph.D. program starts with thorough research on the universities in a given nation that provide the specific course combined with their eligibility/entry requirements. You must also keep in mind the deadlines for applying to the degree of your choice and the topic or specialization in which you want to do the doctorate. Proper research of the universities, the facilities, the faculty (in the subject you've selected), and their areas of specialization must be done before deciding on the specialization.

When selecting a supervisor for your research at a university, it is important to carefully consider the supervisor's knowledge and experience in the field of your chosen specialization and ensure that their research interests align with yours. Your potential supervisor should also have experience guiding similar thesis projects and be able to provide support throughout your Ph.D. program.

Keep in mind that established supervisors may receive numerous requests from Ph.D. applicants but can only accept a limited number of students each semester, so it is important to reach out to them formally (via email) to express your interest and reserve a spot.

[ Read More: Indians to benefit from visa cap removal for PhDs in UK ]

It is advisable to research the supervisor's academic and research background, the number of students they typically work with, and the level of support they can provide. It is also advisable to follow up with the supervisor regularly and ask relevant questions about your Ph.D. program to help you prepare a strong university application.

Your university application is a crucial document that can determine whether or not you are accepted into the program of your choice. It is important to carefully craft your application to highlight your background, strengths, passions, and aspirations.

In addition to considering the curriculum and your academic accomplishments, you should also think about your future goals and consider what you hope to do after earning your Ph.D. degree. Whether you want to pursue a career in academia, research, or another field, it is important to prepare yourself to meet the requirements of your desired role to succeed in the industry you hope to join.

There are generally some similarities in the process of applying for a Ph.D. program at universities in different countries. However, there may be some differences between the specific documents required and the language proficiency tests that you need to take. For example, some universities may require you to provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, while others may have additional or different requirements.

It is important to carefully review the requirements for each university you are considering and ensure that you have all the necessary documents and meet any language requirements before submitting your application. Similarly, you may need to take a language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS , to demonstrate your ability to communicate in the language of instruction at the university.

Whether you need a student visa to study abroad for a Ph.D. program will depend on the country to which you are applying. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, non-EU students may need to apply for a Tier 4 Visa to pursue a full-time Ph.D. program. In Germany, students may need a residence permit rather than a student visa. In the United States, students typically need to apply for an F-1 student visa.

The requirements for obtaining a student visa in Asian countries may vary. For example, in China, you may need an X1 Student Visa, while in Singapore, you may need a Student Pass. It is recommended to check the government website of the specific country you are interested in studying in to learn about the specific requirements for obtaining a student visa or other documentation needed for studying abroad.

If you are thinking about applying for a Ph.D. program abroad from India, it is important to research the specific requirements of the country and university you are applying to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the procedure and what you have to do.

[Read More: Best Places For Pursuing Your Higher Education]

Doctoral candidates are typically required to submit a thesis or project that includes their original research as part of their final course requirements. However, universities in different countries may have slightly different requirements for the admission process and criteria for passing. For example, in New Zealand, students may need to participate in an oral examination based on their thesis.

In the United Kingdom, Ph.D. candidates do not typically need to take written exams but must produce an externally examined thesis. In the United States, universities may require letters of recommendation and an essay outlining the purpose of the Ph.D. program. In Australia, students may need to provide a review of relevant research literature and an original research project in addition to their thesis to be awarded a Ph.D. degree.

How to Apply for Ph.D. Abroad from India in EU Countries

There are typically two ways to apply to universities in the United Kingdom : by applying directly through the university's website or by using the UCAS Postgraduate system. In Spain, Italy, and Germany, you may need to complete a pre-application process before you can apply for a Ph.D. program. This process is intended to ensure that your qualifications meet the eligibility requirements to study in the UK.

It may be helpful to consult with your government before beginning this process to get guidance on how your country's qualification system compares to the host country's system. Once you have completed the pre-application process, the university will review your application and contact you if you are approved to move forward. EU institutions may also interview you via Skype or phone.

How to Apply for Ph.D. Abroad from India in the USA

International students who are applying for Ph.D. programs in the United States may need to take additional exams beyond language proficiency tests, such as the GRE General Exam and the GRE Subject Exam. Studying in the United States can be competitive , so it is advisable to apply to a variety of institutions to increase your chances of being accepted. Applying to at least nine different institutions is generally recommended as part of your Ph.D. application process.

How to Apply for Ph.D. Abroad from India in Asia

The application process for Ph.D. programs in Asian countries, such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and India, may vary from one university to another. To ensure that you have the most accurate information, it is important to carefully review the specific application process for each university you are interested in applying to. This will help you understand the requirements and steps you need to follow to apply successfully.

How to Apply for Ph.D. Abroad from India to Australia

You must first find and email an appropriate supervisor if you intend to apply for a Ph.D. in a foreign nation like Australia. If you apply to the school as an international student without taking this action, your prospects of Studying in Australia would be reduced.

After reviewing the proposal with them, the supervisor will provide you with instructions on how to submit a formal application. Similar to EU institutions, if an Australian university believes you're a strong candidate, they'll probably invite you to a Skype or phone interview.

Eligibility criteria for pursuing a Ph.D. degree in a foreign country:

• A high GPA score
• Academic Transcripts
• Undertaken Ventures
• Scores of tests like the GRE, TOEFL, etc.
• Papers Posted, if any,
• If submitted, dissertations
• Participation in co-curricular activities related to the research subject you have selected
• Letters for Recommendation

Most asked questions on Google

Why is an international higher education better than studying at a domestic university.

The common notion is that foreign universities are expensive, although with scholarships this is an exaggerated issue. What many fail to consider are time and effort. Studying in an Indian college leads to a lower average salary than earned by our western counterparts. This salary sets the tone for all future promotions since companies often look at your previous salaries during compensation appraisals. Additionally, most senior positions tend to be scooped up by individuals who have an international outlook through global exposure.  Finally, studying in a foreign country is an incredible learning experience helping students get a better academic as well as soft skill development.

Why has Canada become such a popular destination for education?

Canada has been one of the market leaders in education for decades. However, what currently sets Maple Country apart is immigration. Canada is wholeheartedly inviting students to study in their universities to fill job vacancies that are always growing in the country. Students who study in Canada (especially a Master’s Degree) are practically assured of a Permanent Residency Visa.

Is a good entrance test score important for a scholarship?

A good score doesn’t automatically qualify a candidate for a scholarship, however, it is one of the primary factors that the admissions department looks for in a scholarship application. There are other attributes such as a candidate’s academics, extra-curricular, financial background, and application essays (SOPs).

How do I choose the right university for me?

We get this question a lot. Many candidates know which career path they want to take, but are at a loss for how to take that journey. Understanding the job role and the industry that you want to get into is the first step to picking the right university.

Where should i study abroad?

Carefully consider the immigration options of the country that the university that you are considering is in. This is more important when you intend to stay back in the country after the completion of your course.

Also, review the placement history of the university as well.

The first step is to list your preferences. By listing your preferences and strengths, describe your course of preference. Extensive research on the modules, software and its length for your preferred subject is necessary.

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More and more of today’s students are considering the value of international study and looking beyond their own borders for postgraduate courses.

Whether you want to take advantage of unique resources and training opportunities in other countries, acquire new skills, or simply indulge your sense of adventure, our guides provide all the information you need for destinations in Europe , Asia , Africa , North America , South America and Australasia .

We’ve answered all the important questions you might have about studying a Masters abroad: from university types and postgraduate course fees to application requirements, student visas, course fees, and funding opportunities.

What our guides cover

If you’re interested in studying abroad, we’ve covered everything you need to know in our guides including:

• Applications : Find out whether you meet the entry requirements a Masters in your chosen country, and what you'll need to apply!
• Funding : Learn about the scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities on offer for international students.
• Student accommodation : The accommodation options available in each country, covering both university-owned and private housing.
• Working abroad as an international student : How to work in abroad as an international student, and post-study work opportunities.
• Visas : What visa you'll need to study a PhD in France and how to apply.

Detailed guides to Masters study in Germany. Our guides have information on universities, courses, funding, student visas and life during a Masters course in Germany.

Detailed guides to Masters study in Ireland. Our guides have information on universities, courses, funding, student visas and life during a Masters course in Ireland.

Detailed guides to Masters study in Italy. Our guides have information on universities, courses, funding, student visas and life during a Masters course in Italy

Detailed guides to Masters study in France. Our guides have information on universities, courses, funding, student visas and life during a Masters course in France.

Interested in studying a Masters degree in South Korea? Our guide covers essential information on courses, universities, funding, visas and more.

Interested in studying a Masters degree in Norway? This guide covers what you need to know to decide, including courses, applications, funding and more.

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My experience doing a PhD abroad

Hi, I'm in my 5-6th year of my MS-PhD integrated program in Korea. I'm a Korean-American who grew up and went to college in the States, and came as an international grad student right after graduating. I'm in one of the top 3 schools in Korea for science, and thought I might share some of my experiences studying abroad for anyone who might be thinking of doing so.

After graduating college, I was interested in MS programs, but couldn't afford another $40-60k in tuitions in America. I started to look for free masters programs internationally. After a long and difficult period of searching for programs in Europe and Asia, I decided to apply to several schools in South Korea. Part of the reason was my Korean heritage, which I wanted to reconnect with, as well as thinking that I would better assimilate in a familiar culture/society. Most of the science grad programs in Korea are only MS-PhD integrated programs, so I took the leap, thinking I could maybe even get my PhD in 4 years if I worked hard. Welp, it's now almost my 6th year here (chuckle).

It's been the most difficult 6 years of my life so far. And science has very little to do with the hardships I experienced. Even though I'm Korean-American, living in the society and culture here has been extremely difficult. 90% of my international grad student cohort has long since dropped out of their programs, despite being brilliant students and researchers. Funny enough, my research itself is going great, with excellent results and potential for high caliber publication soon. However, the daily culture shock, even after 6 years of life here, is a difficult burden that almost makes me regret starting this journey. If I could go back and talk to my self 6 years ago, I would plead with me to have stayed in the States. OR, to have graduated with just an MS in Korea and started a new PhD program in the States.

For those who are considering pursuing a PhD in a foreign country, I would recommend thinking long and hard about it. For just a masters program, it might be easier, because you have a 1.5~2 year deadline. But for something like a PhD where there is no clear graduation timeline, life abroad can become very difficult very quickly. Academia alone is already hard in of itself. But trying to do that on top of navigating life alone in a foreign country can be extremely arduous, even for well-traveled people. Fresh out of college, one might think that a graduate program is just another short phase in their career path. But in reality, it can be a long marathon that can quickly tire you out. I highly recommend finding a place where you can thrive and live a fulfilled life while doing your graduate studies. And if you must go abroad to do your graduate studies, go to a country that speaks English (or whichever language you're most fluent in).

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PhD Abroad: with Scholarship for Indian Students, Colleges, Work Visa, Eligibility

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Content Curator

PhD Abroad are 2 to 6-year degree courses available at most of the top public universities across the globe. PhD from abroad will light up more opportunities for the candidates in terms of career and scholarship.

Top abroad universities offer a full scholarship for PhD programmes.  IELTS ,  TOEFL ,  GRE ,  GMAT , and  SAT  are some of the most popular entrance exams required for studying PhD Abroad.

See more :  List of PhD Courses

Table of Contents

• PhD Abroad: Eligibility
• Why study PhD from Abroad

PhD Abroad Scholarships

Phd abroad: top colleges.

4.1 Colleges in USA

4.2 Colleges in UK

4.3 Colleges in Canada

4.4 Colleges in Germany

4.5 Colleges in France

4.6 Colleges in Australia

• Work Visa for PhD Abroad

PhD Abroad: Top Careers

Phd abroad: faqs, phd abroad: eligibility criteria.

• Grades from academia (a high GPA)
• Previous Studies for Science
• Undertaken Ventures
• Scores of Studies (GRE, TOEFL in case of USA )
• Papers Posted, if any,
• If submitted, dissertations
• Healthy engagement in co-curricular events related to the research subject you have selected.
• Excellent Letters for Recommendation
• A clear Intent Argument

Why Study PhD from Abroad?

• Better Opportunities: In terms of both services and future managers, adding internationality will give you more alternatives. Also, researching in another country may encourage your access if your research needs access to such museums, locations, libraries, archives, or facilities.
• Better Funding: Doing your Ph.D. abroad could be considerably cheaper. Tuition fees, notably at the doctorate level, vary greatly around the globe. In addition, you may apply for some scholarships that are exclusively for students studying abroad from your home country or your destination country.
• Broad Network: By creating ties in a new county, extend your network. You will get to know individuals on a personal basis and make friends from all over the world. Doing a Ph.D. abroad will also benefit you if, after receiving your degree, you intend to work beyond your home country.
• New Culture: Studying globally would help you to develop a global perspective. You're going to be introduced to new concepts, ways of instruction, and academic communities. You might also get the chance to learn a foreign language.

Students who are aiming for a Ph.D. program often opt for foreign countries in different fields like healthcare, automobile, manufacturing, computer Science, Social Science, etc. The average cost can vary and it can be very heavy on pockets. Scholarships help reduce that burden. Some of the top Scholarships are tabulated below for your reference, 

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is an academic qualification that allows the degree holder to teach the subject they have chosen at the university level. There are many top universities around the globe that offer PhD courses in various specializations. They also offer scholarships as well for students who worry about their finances

PhD abroad is a 3-6 year course that brings more opportunities for the candidates. IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT, SAT, and GRE are some of the major entrance exams to gain admission to these universities. Many countries like the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Japan, Canada, Singapore, France house top universities that offer PhD courses.

PhD Colleges in USA

Some of the top PhD colleges in USA are tabulated below:

PhD Colleges in UK

Tabulated below are some of the top colleges for PhD and the courses offered by them are provided below for your reference, 

PhD Colleges in Canada

Tabulated below are some of the top colleges for PhD and the courses offered by them are provided below for your reference,:

PhD Colleges in Germany

Some of the top PhD colleges in Germany and Courses are tabulated below for your reference,:

PhD Colleges in France

Some of the top PhD colleges in France and Courses are tabulated below for your reference,::

PhD Colleges in Australia

Some of the top PhD colleges in Australia are tabulated below:

PhD Abroad: Work Visa

After Completion of the PhD program, there are a number of visas available that will help candidates to stay in that country for future job prospects. Some of the visa and their eligibility is mentioned below for your reference, 

Ques. What is the qualification required to pursue a Ph.D.?

Ans. You must have a previous master's degree in a relevant subject. You will also need a thesis proposal, Language proficiency scores, well-written SOP, and letters of recommendation to apply for a Ph.D.

Ques. Which country offers pocket-friendly Ph.D.?

Ans . Countries such as Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Norway offer low-cost Ph.D. programs?

Ques. What is the period required to complete a Ph.D.?

Ans. A Ph.D. program usually takes anywhere between 2 to 6 years.

Ques. Which country offers a better stipend to Ph.D. students?

Ans. For Ph.D. candidates, the highest salaries are in Switzerland and Canada, with Ph.D. candidates in Switzerland earning on average twice as much as those in Germany.

Ques. Which exams you need to clear to pursue a Ph.D. abroad?

Ans. You will need to secure excellent IELTS/TOEFL scores

Ques. What is the cost of studying Ph.D. abroad?

Ans . In the USA, the average cost of studying for a Ph.D. is nearly US$20,000–40,000 per year. In the UK, the average total cost of studying Ph.D. and living is nearly £10,032 per year. In Australia, The average total cost of doing a Ph.D. in science is nearly AUS$60,562. In Germany, you are expected to pay a semester contribution of around €250.

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

Ques. are master's degrees from ignou acceptable for admission into ph.d courses in top universities.

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ques. How difficult is it to get a PhD from IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

Ques. How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 27 Jun 23

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Ph.d. (physics), ph.d. (mathematics), ph.d. (biotechnology), ph.d. (zoology), ph.d. (psychology), ph.d. (business management), ph.d. (management studies), master of science [ms], ph.d. (computer science), ph.d. colleges in india.

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IIMV - Indian Institute of Management

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Study PhD Abroad for Indian Students & Apply now for 2024 Intake

A phd abroad is worth every effort and time.

Undertaking research studies abroad is a dream academic plan for a number of international students. PhD or Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic degree awarded to a student pursuing an advanced study in any particular field. While there are a number of Indian universities that offer a PhD program, pursuing PhD abroad has its fair share of advantages which entice international students. Completing a successful overseas PhD requires much more than just time and money. It takes an immense amount of patience and perseverance.

Why study PhD abroad?

Pursuing your research studies abroad benefit you in more ways than one. Here are the top perks of the same:

A global network: Doing your PhD outside your home country allows you to meet scholars from across the world and learn from their unique perspectives

Career advancement: It opens up opportunities for you to gain global skills and the land the most coveted jobs anywhere in the world

Globally recognised degree: A PhD from top universities abroad

adds weight to your CV and is highly respected by employers across the world

World-class faculty: Top ranking universities abroad have exceptionally skilled and experienced professors

Types of PhD programs

If you enjoy research, then applying for a Post-Doctoral Fellowship a year in advance would be a good move. If teaching interests you, then talking with the Adviser or Department Head is advisable and would help you to progress in academics. Venturing into industries is also a great option for research scientists as there are a number of opportunities available.

Eligibility criteria

While the specific requirements may vary from one university to another, here is what you will typically need:

Masters degree earned from a recognised university

Satisfactory GRE scores (you can speak with your IDP counsellor to know how much you will need to score to get into your preferred university)

Overall score of 6.5 or above on IELTS English proficiency test

You should also keep your letters of recommendation, transcripts, and Statement of Purpose ready for a timely application.

Read more : How to write an SOP | LOR – everything you need to know

Studying in a foreign country can seem expensive. To manage your finances efficiently, it is always a good idea to have a rough idea of how much money you will need.

Read more : Cost of studying abroad

Course duration

Depending upon the field of study, thesis completion and individual progress, PhD completion may take somewhere between 3 to 10 years. The coursework while pursuing international PhD will comprise of lectures, countless presentations, and extensive research.

Intake season

There are usually two intakes round the year that most foreign universities and colleges offer – one during the month of January which is the Spring intake and the other during the month of September which is the Fall intake. Some universities may also offer an intake in the month of April which is the Summer intake. Choose your intake based on factors like availability of your preferred program, your chosen institution, academic records, entrance test scores, job opportunities etc. You can always ask your IDP counsellor for guidance on the intake that is right for you.

Find out more about study abroad intakes

How to choose a university?

Choosing the right university is critical for any student aiming to study abroad. Before taking a decision, the key factors that should be considered are course structure, course fee, accommodation cost, university ranking, teaching standards, research activities, career prospects, and whether the degree is recognised or not.

Read more : How to choose where to study abroad

What scholarship options are available for Indian students?

Students can fund their PhD abroad by availing one of the several scholarships that are available:

Career scope A PhD abroad opens a new world of career opportunities to you. While in academics, you could continue with your post-doctoral project as researchers or teachers, industrial jobs are an option for science and engineering doctorates. PhD students can also work as consultants, biochemists, medical scientists, etc.

Work visa after course completion

There are a number of visa options that may be of help to you in case you are planning to stay and work in your chosen country:

Earning a PhD abroad is quite an achievement in itself as it takes immense patience and determination. Completing your PhD research demands commitment so make sure you are certain about the subject area and topic you choose. If you feel stuck anywhere, just connect with our international education specialists and we will be happy to guide you.