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Applying for a phd: step-by-step guide.

Studying a PhD is a big decision and submitting your application can feel like a long process. Though with the right guidance, applying for a PhD will be a lot more straightforward than you think. 

There is a lot of PhD application advice out there. To help you make sense of it all, we’ve put together a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to apply for a PhD. We cover the PhD application process, what you need to consider, what to prepare and how to submit your application.

Follow the steps below to understand everything you need to know when applying for a PhD.

PhD application checklist

• Choose your subject area
• Choose your type of PhD
• Check application deadline
• Draft a research proposal
• Contact potential PhD supervisors
• Check PhD entry requirements
• Check PhD fees and funding
• Make your PhD application
• Submit your PhD application 

In this article, we’re going to look at all these different elements in greater detail to help you with the PhD application process.

1. Choose your subject area

You will be  studying your PhD for a long time – between three- and four-years’ full time and up to eight years part time – so it is essential you choose to study a subject you are passionate about.

Most PhD students study a subject area that they have studied previously, but in much greater detail. Most PhD courses require some previous academic experience in the research area, for example if you choose to study your PhD on William Shakespeare, you are likely to have studied the works of Shakespeare as part of an English Literature masters degree. Similarly, if your PhD research is in a science-based topic it is likely to be going more in depth into a science-related field you studied as an undergraduate and then as a masters student.

However, your PhD does not have to be directly related to your masters degree, for example an English Language masters graduate could expect to be successful if applying to do research in an  English literature PhD if they have achieved the necessary grades.

There are many areas that you can consider when choosing the subject area for your PhD. These could come from the  Arts ,  Humanities , STEM , Social Sciences and  Business .

Research the department at your chosen university to find the perfect PhD program to apply for.

2. Choose your type of PhD

Whilst most PhDs follow a traditional route (completing an independent research project under a supervisor), there are alternatives.

The two main types of PhD include: self-proposed PhD projects and predesigned PhD projects.

Self-proposed PhDs are the most common and traditional type of doctoral degree, although universities also offer predesigned PhD courses that integrate aspects of taught study.

Make sure you’ve considered your PhD options fully before applying for a PhD. Here are the main differences between self-proposed and predesigned PhD projects.

Self-proposed PhD projects

Self-proposed PhDs are the most common type of PhD, where students propose and design their own research.

With a self-proposed PhD, the student has a lot of control over their work and can specialise in any area that interests them with the support and approval of their academic supervisor.

Not all self-proposed PhDs receive funding, so applicants will need to make sure they have appropriate funding in place to pursue their self-proposed PhD.

There may also be some additional steps in the application process for self-proposed to ensure success in their PhD application. The student will have to dedicate a lot of time to their PhD application as it will need to include their PhD study proposal.

Predesigned PhD projects (Doctoral Training Centres)

Many universities now have something known as ‘DTC centres’, or ‘ Doctoral Training Centres ’. Many of these are in economic, social or scientific research areas, so if this is your area of interest, PhDs run out of DTC centres are worth exploring, as they can have substantial funding included. 

Predesigned PhD projects are usually slightly longer in course length than most traditional PhDs, as they’re likely to include a year of lectures and a variety of projects in the first year, before choosing to specialise in the second year.

This option is great if you know you want to do a PhD but aren’t entirely certain of what you’d like to do beyond a general area. Best of all, they often offer fully funded  studentships .

3. Check application deadlines

When applying for a PhD it is important to ensure you meet all application deadlines, this includes the deadlines for your PhD application form and PhD proposal as well as any PhD funding deadlines.

Different universities will have different deadlines, and some universities may even have rolling deadlines, this means it is important to check on the website of the university and department you are interested in, to make sure you get your application in on time.

4. Draft a research proposal

It’s important to draft a PhD proposal when you are applying for a PhD. This is a requirement of most self-proposed PhD applications and can also be necessary when applying for other PhDs.

To ensure the success of your PhD research proposal, it’s a good idea to do some research around the subject area before submitting your research proposal. This will give you a better idea of what it is you want to research and will also help you to present your proposal more clearly.

How to write a PhD research proposal

When writing a PhD research proposal, you will need to include the following:

• A TITLE that clearly conveys the theme of your research project.
• The main RESEARCH QUESTION that will be the focus of your research.
• An EXPLANATION of why your research topic is important.
• Brief LITERATURE REVIEW demonstrating your knowledge to answer the question.
• Proposed METHODOLOGY for answering your research questions.
• TIMELINE SCHEDULE of the research project.  

5. Contact potential PhD supervisors

You want to make sure you choose your potential PhD supervisor in plenty of time. Of course, you should always leave plenty of time for any application, but this is especially important for a PhD, as you will often be applying to a particular supervisor who is a specialist in your area of study.

Therefore, you need to ensure you have enough time to research into suitable PhD supervisors and get in contact with them before you apply for the doctorate.

You shouldn’t rush this research, as  getting the most out of your supervisor is the first step to doing well in PhD study – it’s important to make sure you pick the one best for you.

Another important consideration is  where you choose to study . You’ll want to look at the department’s reputation, and to make sure it excels in research in the area you intend to study do you get the support you need.

6. Check PhD entry requirements

To be eligible to study a PhD, you will usually need a  masters qualification in the subject area or in a closely related subject to the subject upon which you wish to base your PhD research.

However, entry requirements will differ depending on the university, so it is important to check the PhD eligibility requirements of the PhD and university that you are interested in studying at.

Applying without a masters

Some PhD courses will allow you to apply without a masters degree although you will need a bachelors degree. These are only usually offered as integrated masters and PhD programs which include a year of masters study before PhD.

Applying for a PhD as an international student  

If you are an international student applying to study a PhD in the UK, check the  visa requirements that you need to meet.

To apply for a PhD in the UK, international students need a Student Route visa.

The Student Route visa is a points-based visa system for all international students – including EU, EEA and Swiss students – who want to study in the UK. This has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

You can apply for a  student visa if you meet the following criteria:

• You have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
• You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
• You can speak, read, write and understand English – you may need to prove this through a recognised English language test.

Student visas can only be issued for certain courses, and if your course is eligible, your education provider (Student sponsor) will give you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) which you use to apply for a student visa.

The earliest you can apply for a student visa is six months before the start date of the course.

7. Check PhD fees and funding

Before committing to PhD study, it is important to check the PhD tuition fees and these will differ depending on the university and the course.

PhD tuition fees in the UK will be more expensive for international students than for home students. Tuition fees in the UK usually range from £3,000-£6,000 per year for home students and up to £18,000 per year for international students.

As a PhD student you will need to cover tuition fees, living expenses and any other unforeseen costs.

PhD scholarships and studentships are available, as is funding from various research councils, so make sure you investigate all your options and find out what financial help is available.

Funding your PhD

There are various funding options available to PhD students – here are the main ones:

University funding – some universities offer alumni funding support for students continuing their studies at their university. Check funding webpages for details.

PhD loans –  PhD loans are available from the  UK government .

PhD scholarships – many universities and companies offer  PhD scholarships , this includes our  Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries .

PhD studentships –  PhD studentships at your university are a great option as they usually include a stipend that covers full PhD tuition fees and some living costs.

Research councils – there are seven research councils in the UK that can provide funding for PhD students, these are:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
• Economic and Social Research Council
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
• Medical Research Council
• Natural Environment Research Council
• Science and Technology Facilities Council . 

Their funding can come as PhD studentships.

Self -funding – as a postgraduate student, you may have saved up money through work to enable you to  self-fund your PhD.

Don’t just apply to the standard big research funding bodies, but do your research and look into charities too. There are plenty of funds, foundations and other sources of money available to people with the right interests – and you might just be one of them!

8. Making your PhD application

Now you’ve done most of the preparation for your application, what about the actual application for a PhD? What does it involve?

When applying for a PhD, you usually apply directly to the university, rather than via a third party such as  UCAS .

PhD applications will differ from university to university, so check on the admissions page of the course you are interested in to make sure you include everything they ask for. You are likely to have to include:

• Completed application form
• Research proposal
• Personal statement
• Academic CV
• Academic references
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Student visa documentation

Ideally, you should have already contacted your intended supervisor and talked about it with them, via email or perhaps in person. They will give you a run through of everything to include in your application to help ensure you don’t leave anything out by mistake. 

You should ensure that you’re not too modest in applying for a PhD! If you’ve been published in a relevant area, or if you did exceptionally well or presented a particularly successful paper at a conference, mention it. You don’t need to brag, but you shouldn’t hide your achievements either.

PhD interviews

Unlike with bachelors degrees and many masters degrees, you will probably need to have a PhD interview as part of your application. If you’ve not had a university interview before, make sure you prepare well for it.

Ideally, if you’re still in education, see if a tutor you know can give you tips, or potentially a mock interview. If not, many universities’ careers service will remain open to you after graduating,,so contact them and see what advice they can offer you. 

Ensure you read up on anything you mentioned in your application and have good solid reasons for why you wish to do a PhD, and why you’ve chosen to do it at in that particular topic  at that particular university.

You should already know by now  what it takes to study a PhD and be able to answer convincingly when asked about these things during your interview.

9. Submit your PhD application

  Now you’ve reached the final step – it’s time to submit your PhD application!

This is likely to be online, although it’s important to check this with your chosen university in case you need to send any hard copies of original certificates or documentation in the post.

Follow the university guidelines. They will usually indicate how to submit your application, what to include, and when you should hear back about the success of your PhD application.

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Visit the Apply Now page to start your application for graduate study.

Select One Program

Out of the graduate degree programs listed on the Explore Graduate Programs page , you may apply to only one program per academic year.

The only exception is within the Biosciences PhD programs , where you may apply for two programs within a single application.

Central & Departmental Processes

We work in partnership with your graduate program of interest to ensure a smooth admission experience from the time you start your application until you enroll at Stanford.

Graduate Admissions

• Oversees the online application system
• Determines university-wide admission requirements
• Reviews the official documents of incoming graduate students to verify that they meet university-wide admission requirements

Graduate Program

• Oversees the review of applications
• May supplement university-wide requirements with program-specific admission requirements
• Communicates admission decisions and offers of financial support

Admission Process Overview

Application.

The first step is to prepare and submit your application materials through the online application system, by the deadline set by your intended graduate program. 

After you submit your application, it is routed to your graduate program for review by its admission committee. Some programs conduct interviews as part of the evaluation process.

Your graduate program communicates the admission decision to you once it is finalized by the admission committee.

If you are admitted, you must respond to the offer of admission by the deadline set by your program. Some programs host "visit days" to help you make an informed decision.

Verification

If you accept the offer of admission, you must arrange for your official transcripts and degree documents to be sent to Graduate Admissions for verification.

Matriculation

After Graduate Admissions reviews your official documents, you are matriculated into your degree program. At this point, you are eligible to enroll in courses if you have no enrollment holds on your record. Note: If you are an international student, you have an enrollment hold until you arrive on campus.

• PhD/Master's Application Process

Who is Eligible to Apply? 

If you have completed your undergraduate degree (bachelor's or equivalent) or will have completed it prior to your intended matriculation date at Yale, you may apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).

A Master's degree is not required to apply for a PhD at Yale, although some programs give preference to applicants with post-baccalaureate training. Consult your program of interest directly for information on how it evaluates applications.

We value diversity of all kinds at the Graduate School, and we encourage students from all backgrounds to apply if Yale is a good fit for your intellectual and professional goals. All are welcome to apply, without regard to citizenship or immigration status, socioeconomic level, race, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, etc.

Requirements for All PhD and Master's Degree Applicants

You will need to provide the following with your application for admission:

• A statement of academic purpose. You will find the prompt for the statement of purpose in our Application Question FAQs . 
• A list of all the prior colleges or universities you have attended, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with your application. Official or paper transcripts are not needed at this time. 
• Three letters of recommendation. Enter the names of your recommenders directly in the application and they will receive a link to upload a letter on your behalf. 
• $105 application fee or fee waiver. 
• Standardized tests . GRE requirements vary by program. TOEFL or IELTS are necessary for most non-native English speakers. 
• Resume/CV . 
• Some programs have additional requirements, such as a writing sample . You can find information about any specific requirements on the program's website. 

Where Do I Begin?

Decide whether you will apply for a PhD or a terminal Master’s (MA, MS) in one of the programs available at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . (Note that you will earn one or more Master's degrees en route to a PhD.) Learn about the program: its faculty, course offerings, and resources. Read the faculty's research publications. If you can identify and articulate why the program is a good fit for you and show how your preparation and interests align well with it, you will have a strong application.

A note to students applying to one of Yale’s professional schools or programs:

• If you are applying for a PhD in Architecture, Environment, Investigative Medicine, Law, Management, Music, Nursing, or Public Health; for an MS in Public Health; or for an MA in Music, be sure to use the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences PhD/Master's application.
• If you are applying for any other degree at one of the University’s professional schools (Art, Architecture, Divinity, Drama, Environment, Global Affairs, Law, Management, Medicine, Music, Nursing, and Public Health), visit that school’s website for further instructions. Those programs have separate admissions policies and processes that are administered by the professional schools, not GSAS.

Application deadlines vary by program, so please see Dates & Deadlines for information about your program of interest. 

All new students matriculate in the fall. The admissions process begins nearly a year in advance of matriculation.

Some PhD and Master’s degree programs require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Check your program's standardized testing requirement before you apply. 

In addition, applicants whose native language is not English may need to take an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS).

The application for Fall 2024 entry is closed. The application for Fall 2025 entry will be available starting in mid-August 2024. 

Be sure to complete and submit the application before your program's application deadline. 

Your application fee or an approved fee waiver is due upon submission of your application. 

Your letters of recommendation do not need to be received before you will be able to submit your application. However, since programs begin reviewing applications shortly after the respective application deadline, please be sure that your letters of recommendation are submitted promptly.

What Happens After I Submit My Application?

The faculty admissions committee in each department and program begins reviewing applications shortly after their application deadline. Led by the director of graduate studies (DGS) or director of graduate admissions (DGA), the committee will recommend students for admission to the Graduate School. Once confirmed by the deans of the Graduate School, the admissions office will release final decisions to applicants.

Unlike undergraduate admissions, the admissions office and staff of the Graduate School maintain the application, the application process, and other administrative transactions, but the admissions staff does not review applications or make admissions decisions. That responsibility is handled by the faculty of each department or program.

Most admissions decisions are provided between February and early March. You will receive an email notification when your admissions decision is available.

If you are accepted for admission, you will need to decide if you wish to accept our offer by April 15. We abide by Council of Graduate School's April 15 Resolution , regarding graduate financial support. 

Ready to apply? Begin your application today.

PhD/Master's Applicants

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• Dates and Deadlines
• Standardized Testing Requirements

Non-Degree Program Applicants

Looking for non-degree programs? In some cases, it is possible to enroll at the Graduate School as a non-degree student. Non-degree students receive a transcript and many of the benefits of being a Yale student, but do not earn a degree upon completion of their enrollment. We offer three types of non-degree programs.

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Wharton Stories

How to prepare a strong phd application.

Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School outline a few tips to help you navigate the PhD application process.

It’s no secret the application process can be intimidating. Where do you start? What exactly are schools looking for on your application? What materials do you need to submit? Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School have outlined a few tips to help you navigate the process.

Don’t Delay the Process

A successful PhD applicant starts thinking about their application months or even years before the deadlines. For Alejandro Lopez Lira , a third year student in Finance, the application process began a year before he actually submitted the paperwork. He said, “I spoke to my advisors way before, like one year before, about my letters of recommendation, where to apply, everything involved in the process.”

Each program has different requirements, which can make for a tedious process. Karren Knowlton , a third year in Management, said, “I took a little while to draft a personal statement. I had my mom, who teaches creative writing, and a few other people that I trust just read over it. Then you have to tweak it for different schools because they want slightly different things.”

Taking time to prepare your application is critical. Starting the process sooner rather than later gives you several advantages:

• It allows your letter of recommendation writers enough time in advance to thoughtfully prepare a letter that speaks to who you are as a PhD candidate.
• It gives you more time to review your materials, fix any errors, and proofread, proofread, proofread.
• Finally, it means a lot less stress when the deadline starts rapidly approaching. By planning ahead, you’ll have a much smoother process applying.

Get Letters of Recommendation

Prof. Matthew Bidwell , who previously served as the doctoral coordinator for the Management program , said a common mistake he sees are letters of recommendations from employers. Although he said it is impressive to see work experience, having an employer write a letter is not the best choice.

“We don’t pay very much attention to those because rightly or wrongly, we worry that they’re not looking for the kinds of things that we’re looking for,” he said. “If you have one, it’s not a disaster, but when you see people with two or three — most of their recommendations coming from their work — that kind of heightens our concern. You’re committing to a fairly specialized career, do you really know what that career entails?”

Instead, he suggests getting to know an academic who will be able to write a recommendation attesting to your ability to manage doctoral-level research and work.

Include Research/Work Experience in Your Field

Each program has a unique set of criteria to evaluate applicants, but several doctoral coordinators agree that some research and work experience in your field of interest will strengthen your application overall.

Prof. Fernando Ferreira , doctoral coordinator for the Business Economics and Public Policy and Real Estate programs, thinks work experience can be useful in demonstrating an applicant’s abilities. He said, “Any work experience after undergraduate school is important. If that experience is more related to research it’s even better, but work experience in general is always good.”

Prof. Guy David , doctoral coordinator for the Health Care Management & Economics program , thinks that work experience benefits applicants in terms of giving them a broader view of business. “Work experience creates retrospection about how the world works, how organizations make decisions, and how people function in various situations,” he said.

However, he warns that spending too much time away from an academic setting can have its drawbacks too. “It may lead people to start their PhD later when they are not in the habit of immersing themselves in rigorous studies and have a shorter horizons to develop a name for themselves,” he said.

Although having both research and work experience can strengthen your application, you will not be denied entry because you are lacking either.

Prof. Bidwell said, “I think research experience does give us some confidence that people have some idea about what it is that we do. In terms of work experience, I think we don’t have a strong view. We quite like work experience, but we also take people straight out of undergrad.”

Prepare for the Standardized Tests

Most PhD programs require students to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Having high test scores is a key part of an application as it tests skills learned over the course of many years in school. Quantitative skills are especially important when applying to doctoral programs in business areas. Much like any other standardized test, the GRE requires preparation.

Karren, who took the GRE twice to ensure her scores were high enough, offered advice to those who may be struggling. “I would absolutely recommend practicing the writing beforehand. Look up examples and have your outline structured,” she said. “So much of it is just getting the right structure and how you formulate your arguments so knowing what they’re looking for is key.”

Test prep can be time-consuming, but like anything else, practice makes perfect. There are multiple text books and online sites to help you prepare for the exam. Karren aimed to improve her math scores the second time she took the GRE and recommended this site to help strengthen math skills.

Taking advantage of resources to help you study can limit the number of times you need to take the GRE while ensuring you score high enough to remain in the applicant pool.

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Posted: August 4, 2017

• Admissions and Applying
• Advancement and Transition

Doctoral Programs

Start your doctoral journey.

Whether you’re just starting your research on PhD programs or you’re ready to apply, we’ll walk you through the steps to take to become a successful PhD candidate.

Deciding to get a PhD

You might be surprised to find out what you can do with a PhD in business.

Is an Academic Career for You ? What Makes a Successful PhD Student

Preparing for the Doctoral Path

The skills, relationships, and knowledge you need to prepare yourself for a career in academics.

How the PhD Program Works How to Become a Successful PhD Applicant

Choosing the right program

What’s the difference between PhD programs? Find out how to choose one that fits your goals.

What to Consider When Choosing a Doctoral Program What Differentiates R1 Universities?

Starting an application

Tips for a successful application process.

Application Requirements Preparing Your PhD Application

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The Office of Admissions oversees the application process for prospective students interested in master’s and PhD programs . We answer questions about the online application and work with graduate program admissions committees, who make acceptance decisions.  

Please review information about how to apply before contacting Admissions.

If you are interested in learning more about a program, reach out to the contact noted on the program page. 

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The Visiting Students Program Office assists with inquiries about non-degree programs and the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging can answer questions about outreach programs. 

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Have a general inquiry about graduate admissions? Email [email protected] .

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Applying to a PhD

Find out what’s involved in each stage of the PhD application process, from writing a Research Proposal to attending an interview. We’ll help you stand out from the crowd.

Key Resources

Guide to PhD Entry Requirements

Although undertaking a PhD can be an exciting challenge, understanding the numerous entry requirements is an important first step. These

How to Apply for a PhD – Application Process Explained

You’ve decided you want to apply for a PhD project. Find out how to start the application process, where do you apply, and which documents to prepare.

How to write an Academic CV for a PhD Application

Advice on how to write a great academic CV for your PhD application. We answer common questions such as “how long should a CV be” and “what should I include”.

Writing an Academic Cover Letter for a PhD Application

What is a PhD cover letter? How long should it be? What should you talk about? We answer these questions and give advice on writing a strong PhD cover letter.

How to Write a PhD Research Proposal

Find out how to write a PhD Research Proposal that any supervisor will be impressed with – find out what to include, how to structure it and more!

Common PhD Interview Questions

The PhD interview is a key milestone in your application. We share 11 commonly asked PhD interview questions and our suggestions on how to answer them.

Supporting Resources

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter

What is a PhD Motivation Letter? How do you write one and how long should they be? Get all your questions answered through our in-depth guide.

How to Email a Potential Supervisor

Contacting a potential PhD supervisor before applying to their position can greatly increase your chances of success; learn more here.

Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?

The short answer is yes you can, however there’re are several advantages and disadvantages to be aware of when making this decision.

How to Apply for A PhD Abroad – International Study

So you’ve decided to enrol onto a doctoral degree and study abroad at the same time. But how do you actually go about securing a PhD as an international student? This guide explains how to apply for a PhD in foreign universities.

Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate.

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How to Apply for a PhD in the US

Last Updated: January 18, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Carrie Adkins, PhD . Carrie Adkins is the cofounder of NursingClio, an open access, peer-reviewed, collaborative blog that connects historical scholarship to current issues in gender and medicine. She completed her PhD in American History at the University of Oregon in 2013. While completing her PhD, she earned numerous competitive research grants, teaching fellowships, and writing awards. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 20 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 629,652 times.

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

Ask the wikiHow College Coach

Researching Schools and Programs

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

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

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

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

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

Carrie Adkins, PhD

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

Meeting the Basic Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing Your Statement of Purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitting Your Application Packets

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

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

What Are The Main Reasons People Go To Graduate School?

Expert Q&A

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

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

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

About This Article

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

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Application requirements for all doctoral programs (phd).

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

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

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

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

Application Requirements:

Application form.

Complete and submit Stanford's graduate online application .

Application Fee

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

Application Fee Waivers

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

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

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

Statement of Purpose

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

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

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

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

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

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

College and University Transcripts

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

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

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

Concerning course work completed in a study abroad program

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

Concerning foreign institutions

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

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

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

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

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

Does Stanford accept tests other than TOEFL?

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

Contact Information

Admissions:  [email protected]  

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Applying for Graduate Admission

Applying to uc berkeley.

Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! We value and welcome students from a diverse set of backgrounds, nations, cultures, and experiences. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible to apply if you have an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) at an accredited institution or will have completed it prior to matriculating at Berkeley.

We recommend that applicants have a satisfactory average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale. Undergraduate research, training and/or work experience can be helpful.

Application Process

The 2024-2025 Graduate Admissions Application is now open. Please check your program of interest’s application deadline , and submit by 8:59 p.m. PST.

Reminder: Applicants may apply to only one degree program or one concurrent degree program per application term. UC Berkeley does not offer ad hoc joint degree programs or cotutelle agreements with other universities.

Schools with Separate Applications: Haas Business , Berkeley Law , Optometry OD , Public Health On-Campus MPH , Information Data Science MIDS, and Cyber Security MICS applicants should apply through their respective schools.

Read About the Steps to Apply

Getting started? Read "Steps to Apply" for requirements, a suggested timeline, and application deadlines.

Notice of Availability:

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the University of California, Berkeley publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes current security policies plus crime and fire statistics for the previous three calendar years. The body of the report also contains contact information for various campus and community resources related to crime prevention and survivor assistance. A digital copy of the report can be accessed via the link below, or paper copies are available free of charge at 1 Sproul Hall.

UC Berkeley Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Have questions? Read our Admissions FAQ page or contact the Graduate Admissions Office.

Application Process

While the PhD Program in Biological Sciences is located at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, it is offered through the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences ( Harvard Griffin GSAS ) and therefore the application process is through Harvard Griffin GSAS .

Students who wish to apply to the BPH Program must submit their application via the online Harvard Griffin GSAS/Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS) admissions application. Please make it clear that you’re interested in the Biological Sciences in Public Health (BPH) Program. See the HILS website for additional detailed application instructions and information about the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application system .

The online application for the 2024-2025 academic year is now open. Completed applications will be due by December 1, 2023.   Late materials will not be considered. Please check our “ Applicant Checklist ” page and the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions Page for the most updated information.

Applicants with admissions and/or applications questions should call 617-496-6100 from 2-5pm EST or email Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions

Please note that for those admitted, the PhD Program in Biological Sciences begins in July 2024.

News from the School

At Convocation, Harvard Chan School graduates urged to meet climate and public health crises with fresh thinking, collective action

Graduation 2024: Award winners

Once a malaria patient, student now has sights set on stopping the deadly disease

Providing compassionate care to marginalized people

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Thank you for your interest in graduate studies at Purdue University.

Applying is easy. The list below will assist you in completing your Graduate School application and preparing any necessary documents to support your application.

Purdue University offers you the opportunity to apply for up to three different campuses and/or majors with a single application and fee payment!

Learn more about the Graduate Degree Programs offered at the West Lafayette campus, or explore All Graduate Programs at Four Campuses throughout the Purdue University system.

Explore Admissions Requirements for graduate programs that interest you.

For international applicants:

 Review your current/previous academic institution’s country for a listing of required admission documents .

Review English Proficiency Requirements (you may be required to submit proof of English proficiency).

For all applicants:

Create an Application Account to start your application.

Choose up to 3 campuses and/or graduate majors in priority order.   Note : Not all graduate programs offer a third-choice option. ( List of available third choice graduate majors .)

Submit results of required tests (if needed) for your graduate program (examples of tests: GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS).

Review your current/previous academic institution’s country for a listing of required admission documents .

Prepare any additional documents based on your desired graduate program, including documentation for a 2nd or 3rd choice graduate program.

P ay the Nonrefundable Application Fee (not required for nondegree or teacher license applicants).

For degree-seeking applicants:

Upload Transcripts for every institution of higher education attended.

Submit a statement of purpose. If applying to a 2nd or 3rd choice graduate program, be sure your statement of purpose is all-inclusive, and supports your suitability for all graduate programs listed on your application.

Provide three Letters of Recommendation or the number required by your graduate program. If applying to a 2nd or 3rd choice graduate program, the program with the highest number of required recommendation letters will determine the minimum number of letters to be submitted.  

For nondegree applicants:

Provide evidence  of a bachelor’s degree (may be a transcript, copy of a diploma or a letter from your college/university verifying the degree).

For graduate certificate/teacher license applicants:

Upload Transcripts  for every institution of higher education attended.

CHECK YOUR STATUS

Log in to your Online Application Account .

If applying to a 2nd or 3rd choice graduate program, Check Your Application Status  for each graduate program

Contact your Graduate Program directly with any questions.

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If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact The Purdue University Graduate School .

Application Process

Tips and Advice from Current PhD Students

Videos with helpful hints and information from our current PhD Students about our program

Take the next step and begin your application today!

Frequently Asked Questions by PhD Applicants.

Fall 2024 Application Deadline: January 5, 2024 [We require an MSW degree for admission to the social work PhD program]

PhD Program Specific Requirements

Personal Statement** Please write a  3-5 page  personal statement that describes your career goals and  how the University of Maryland  School of  Social Work  (SSW)  PhD Program will help you achieve these goals. Detail your research and teaching interests and how your previous professional  and personal  experiences inform them. Identify any SSW faculty members whose work would be particularly influential on your  doctoral education and career . Finally, describe your strengths in terms of critical thinking, communication, tenacity, maturity, and other persona l qualities that prepare d  you for PhD-level work and that  would  contribute to the culture and climate of  a PhD program.  (Although the Graduate School Application asks for a  300-500 word  statement of goals and objectives, please provide this personal statement instead.)  

Writing Sample** Please provide a recent paper, report, or publication on which your role was the primary or sole author.  The writing sample should demonstrate how you formulate and communicate ideas or finding s  and how you build a logical argument or support a thesis. If using a co-authored product as your writing sample, include an introductory comment describing  your contributions to the work.  

Vita** Include a copy of your vita showing your educational background, your work experience, and any research projects and publications. At the end of the vita, include the names and qualifications of your three references.

(** = these documents can be emailed in pdf form to the PhD Program Academic Services Specialist  [email protected] )

Transcripts An official transcript from each college or university that you are currently attending or that you previously attended must be provided to the Graduate School. Official, stamped transcripts must be provided in sealed envelopes by the issuing institution. Encrypted, electronic transcripts are accepted in lieu of sealed, paper transcripts. You may include an unofficial, scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application for early review purposes if you’d like, but official versions are still required for the review process. Send encrypted, electronic transcripts from your issuing institution to: [email protected]. Send official, sealed, and stamped transcripts to:

ATTN: Admissions University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate School 620 West Lexington Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1508

Transcripts (US only) may also be provided through one of the following transcript clearinghouse services: https://www.parchment.com/  https://studentclearinghouse.org/transcriptservices/fast/ 

GRE scores We do not currently require the GRE. GRE scores will not be considered in admission decisions.

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY:

The PhD Program in Social Work welcomes International Applicants.  Our program requires a Master of Social Work degree for admission consideration.  The program also maintains a strict language requirement for non-native speakers of English. All applicants to the doctoral program whose native language and/or language of the home is not English are required to submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the  Duolingo English Test . This guideline applies to international students/non-native speakers of English who have completed a Master of Social Work or similar degree from a US or UK college or university.  

The minimum acceptable TOEFL score for admission is 80 for the internet-based test (IBT). IELTS test takers must score no less than Band 7 (total). Duolingo English test takers must score no less than 115. Some graduate programs have higher minimum score requirements.  

Please refer to the Graduate school website for information relevant to International Applicants:   https://www.graduate.umaryland.edu/Admissions/International-Applicants/  

Application Fee When completing the online application, you can pay the application fee($75) by credit card or debit card. The application fee is non-refundable. We have reached the maximum of application fee waiver requests for Fall 2024 admission. 

Letters of Recommendation(3)/Recommender Forms Select  three   references that are able to assess your conceptual, analytic, and research skills as well as your ability to apply theoretical and abstract knowledge to social work problems. They should clearly describe their relationship with you ,  the duration of that relationship,  and your potential as a social work scholar and teacher . Ideally, recommenders will possess a PhD or other doctoral degree. Please provide this guidance to each recommender and request that they upload or email a letter of recommendation on letterhead directly to  the  PhD Program Academic Services Specialist .

PhD Graduate Assistantship Application (optional) If you desire to be considered for a graduate assistantship,  you will be invited to  complete the   GRA application form  after you have been offered admission.  Several of our faculty members have grants and contracts that support PhD students through Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs).  A 10-month, 20-hour-per-week GRA provides a student with a stipend of about $25,000, health insurance, and up to 10 credits of tuition remission for the fall and spring semesters. Completing the application does not guarantee assignment to an assistantship. Assistantships are assigned on a competitive basis.

If you have any questions about the PhD Program in Social Work program-specific requirements please contact the PhD Program directly  [email protected]  or 410-706-7960.

Application Checklist

Here’s a summary of the application requirements:

• Online Application & Fee
• Transcripts
• CV or Resume
• Personal Statement
• Writing Sample
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• TOEFL/IELTS or Duolingo score (International applicants only)   Please refer to the Graduate school website for information relevant to International Applicants: https://www.graduate.umaryland.edu/Admissions/International-Applicants/    

If you have problems with or questions about the online application process, please contact us at 410.706.7131 or  [email protected]  

Interested in our PhD Program?

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How to apply for a PhD in the US

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

Giulia Evolvi

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

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

Get free support to study in the United States

Getting your tests: gre and toefl.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommendation letters and transcripts

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

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

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

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

The academic part: statement of purpose and writing samples

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

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

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

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

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The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires an individual plan of study.  For this reason, the bar to be admitted is higher than other programs and it is important that you extend your original research plans towards a clear problem you wish to tackle through your PhD education. Following is a description of the two-step application process to this degree..  

About the Application Process

Application to this PhD program is a two-step process.  Preliminary applications are reviewed for education background, research area and aptitude to perform independent research.  The Graduate Group that oversees and implements the application review for the Interdisciplinary PhD at the university level, will only consider applicants whose research interests and research goals for PhD study do not fit within another existing Northeastern PhD program.   Therefore, based on the materials provided through the preliminary application process, an applicant may be referred to another Northeastern PhD program or guided to pursue an MS degree before further consideration.  

Applicants who submit a preliminary application will receive one of the following two from the Graduate Group.

• An invitation to continue their application.  The Graduate Group may invite candidates to continue their application and refer the applicant to a different PhD or MS program.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to follow this guidance because if at the end of the process it is determined that the research is a better fit with an existing degree program, they will not be admitted to this PhD.
• Referral to another PhD or MS degree program.   In this case, the applicant is not invited to continue the process for this PhD and they are encouraged to continue graduate study through a different degree program.

When an applicant is invited to continue the process

The Graduate Group reviewed the preliminary application materials and determined that the research interest is a potential fit to the Interdisciplinary PhD.  The next step in the application process is to meet with potential faculty advisors about the research topic.  Because this degree is an individually designed program, the final admissions decision will be based on the applicant’s ability to advance their thinking around your PhD research topic through a series of individual conversations and independently revising the research statement. Applicants invited to continue the process are expected to complete the following steps:

• Meet with the faculty members identified by the Graduate Group to discuss areas of potential research.
• Revise the research statement based on conversations with faculty (1).  
• After the research statement has been revised, invited applicants should submit a full application through the SLATE admissions system, which includes a series of compliance questions required to formalize admission as well as an application fee.  
• Final review will include a comparison of the application submitted through SLATE, the preliminary application, feedback from faculty the applicant met with and input from other faculty experts.

Final Admissions Decision

The final admissions decision will be based on an overarching review of the application including:

• How far the applicant was able to advance the research proposal independently;
• How the proposed research is differentiated from other PhD programs offered by Northeastern;
• The availability of funding to support the applicant.  

Because this Interdisciplinary PhD requires an individual plan of study, the bar to be admitted is higher than other programs and it is important that applicants extend their original research plans towards a clear problem they wish to tackle through the PhD degree.  Therefore, an invitation to continue with the application should not be interpreted as an admission into the Interdisciplinary PhD.  The final admissions decision will be determined based on the final materials submitted in SLATE.  

Graduate Admissions and Application

Graduate program application process, *phd microbiology applications:, note: phd application deadline is determined by ils , but is usually around december 1 for admission the following fall semester..

Admission to the PhD Microbiology graduate program is primarily through the  Integrated Life Sciences program (ILS). ILS provides applicants with a flexible gateway to graduate programs throughout the life sciences. All of the Microbiology department faculty are members of the ILS program. During your first semester at UGA you will complete research rotations in three different labs, after which you will choose a major advisor. At that time you can choose to join the Microbiology PhD graduate program.  If you have particular questions about research opportunities at UGA, you should directly contact the faculty members who are doing the research you find intriguing. We are excited to hear from you! Having that connection established can also help during the interview and admissions process.

Part I.  Submit application materials directly to the UGA Graduate School Admissions Office here: 

Graduate school online application.

Questions about the Graduate School application should be sent to [email protected]

PART II.  Submit PhD application materials directly to ILS here:

Ils phd application  .

Questions about the ILS application should be sent to [email protected]

*MS Microbiology Applications:

Note: all application materials must be submitted by  december 1  for admission the following fall..

In order to be accepted into the MS in Microbiology program at UGA, you must first identify a faculty member in our program that is willing to serve as your MS thesis mentor. You should email prospective advisors to determine their willingness and/or availability to be your faculty mentor. Your application will not be considered for admission until a faculty mentor is secured.

Part I. Submit application materials directly to the Department of Microbiology here: 

Departmental online application  .

• To request application password and ask questions about the Microbiology MS Application, please email  [email protected]

Part II. Submit application materials directly to the UGA Graduate School Admissions Office here: 

Graduate school online application  .

• Questions about the Graduate School Application should be sent to [email protected]

Note: Graduate School Application materials should NOT be submitted until you have identified a Microbiology faculty or adjunct faculty member that is willing to serve as your MS thesis mentor.  

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Important Information

UGA Graduate School Application Requirements

UGA Graduate School FAQ

UGA Graduate Application Fee/Fee Waiver

Qualifications:    All aspects of each application are considered. We are interested in students that are competitive academically, and have significant research experience. Because the application is holistically evaluated, we do not judge the likelihood of acceptability based on a short pre-application. 

Information for International Students :   As a University of Georgia (UGA) policy, international students whose native language is not English and who do not have a degree from a US institution must have a TOEFL speaking score of at least 22 to be admitted. Additional training in English may be required before International students can serve as Teaching Assistants. Please contact the Graduate School for English Language Proficiency questions.

If you have any questions, please or email the Graduate Program Administrator at: [email protected]                                              

***The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status in its programs or activities. The Director of the UGA Equal Opportunity Office at 3 Peabody Hall, Athens, Georgia 30602 (telephone 706-542-7912 ) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding these non-discrimination policies.

Support Microbiology at UGA

The Department of Microbiology appreciates your financial support. Your gift is important to us and helps support critical opportunities for students and faculty alike, including lectures, travel support, and any number of educational events that augment the classroom experience. Click to read more . 

Every dollar contributed to the department has a direct impact on our students and faculty.

Ph.D. Admissions

We are a small intellectual community, currently accepting 3-5 students per year. Applications should be submitted directly through the UMD Graduate School. Individual faculty and departments do not accept applications directly.

Important Links

• D epartment Faculty and Staff
• Affiliate Faculty and Staff
• Current Ph.D Students  

We welcome applications from students with backgrounds in feminist and social justice activism, arts and culture outside academia as well as those who have studied women, gender and sexuality at the graduate and/or undergraduate level in any field or discipline.

When we read applications, we are looking for:

• an intriguing research area or project (though we recognize that this may well change during your time in the program)
• interests that appear to be a good fit with our faculty and resources
• evidence of a solid grounding in critical race, women, gender, and/or sexuality studies (this may but does not have to come from university courses in WGSS)
• a sense that you are committed to the work of a Ph.D. and understand what it is likely to entail

We take a holistic approach to admissions decisions. We have found that standardized test scores, such as the GRE, are not a good predictor for student success in our program. As of Fall 2020, we do not require the GRE for admission to our program.

Application Deadlines

• Ph.D. application deadline (for Fall 2025 matriculation): November 15, 2024.
• Please do not hesitate to let us know if you are experiencing any problems as you attempt to upload your application materials. If you have any questions, contact department staff at [email protected]. (The Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies does not consider applications for spring semester admission.)
• Enrollment deadline: To accept or decline the offer, applicants must notify the Department and Graduate School by April 15, 2025.

Click here for access to the new online application portal

Application Requirements

As required by the Graduate School, all application materials are to be submitted electronically:

• Graduate application
• Applicant’s motivations for pursuing a Ph.D. in women, gender, and sexuality studies
• Specific intellectual interests in the field and the ways in which these interests are supported by the particular strengths of our faculty , areas of concentration (described in the major field examination section of the Ph.D. program )  and course offerings .
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended, including all undergraduate and graduate work
• Letters of Recommendation (3)
• Review the latest IBT TOEFL and IELTS requirements
• Writing sample of approximately 10 double spaced pages in length (Please use a scholarly format with citations)
• Non-refundable application fee ($75) unless waived ( Graduate School fee waiver information )

If you have any questions, please contact department staff at [email protected] or the Director of Graduate Studies.

University of Maryland’s Graduate Application Process

The University of Maryland’s Graduate School accepts applications through Enrollment RX at gradapply.umd.edu . Before completing the application, applicants are asked to check the Admissions Requirements site for specific instructions.

Learn more about Graduate School Admissions to the University of Maryland

The electronic submission of application materials helps expedite the review of an application. Completed applications are reviewed by the Women’s Studies Graduate Admissions Committee. The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the dean of the Graduate School, who will make the final admission decision. Students seeking to complete graduate work at the University of Maryland for degree purposes must be formally admitted to the Graduate School by the dean. To ensure the integrity of the application process, the University of Maryland authenticates submitted materials through TurnItIn for Admissions .

Information for International Graduate Students

The University of Maryland is dedicated to maintaining a vibrant international graduate student community. The office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) is a valuable resource of information and assistance for prospective and current international students.  International applicants are encouraged to explore the services they offer and contact them with related questions.

The University of Maryland Graduate School offers admission to international students based on academic information; it is not a guarantee of attendance. Admitted international students will then receive instructions about obtaining the appropriate visa to study at the University of Maryland, which will require submission of additional documents. Please see the Graduate Admissions Process for International applicants for more information.

Registration

Applicants who do not register for classes in the semester for which they are admitted will have their admissions terminated. Students must maintain a cumulative “B” average or better in graduate course work and must satisfy all additional women’s studies and Graduate School requirements. In order to remain in good standing, doctoral students must be advanced to candidacy within five years of entrance, after which another four-year period is permitted for completion of the remaining requirements. Students should consult the Graduate Catalog for additional information on Graduate School policies and regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to have a complete application? You must electronically submit an application, statement of purpose and research interests, official transcripts from any institutions of higher learning that you attended, three letters of recommendation, a CV or resume, and a writing sample of approximately 10 pages.

Can I apply for a fee waiver? The processes for a fee waiver are overseen by the Graduate School, the department does not currently offer any of our own fee waivers. Please visit the Graduate School Fee Waiver page to find out if you are eligible for the BigTen Free App or any of the other fee waiver programs supported by the Graduate School.

Do I need to take the GRE? No. We do not find the GRE to be a good predictor for success in our program and we do not require it. If you have taken the GRE in order to apply to other programs, you do not need to report your scores to us.

What is the deadline for submission? We admit only once per year, in fall for the following fall semester.  The Fall 2024 cohort deadline is November 15, 2023 . Please do not hesitate to let us know if you are experiencing any problems as you attempt to upload your application materials. If you have any questions or concerns, contact departmental staff at  [email protected] .

I can have everything in by the deadline except [fill in the blank]. Will you review an incomplete application? We cannot review applications that are missing one or more of the requirements. Please follow up with your recommendation writers if the letters do not show in the application in early November to ensure they are received on time.

What role do volunteer activities and extracurricular work play in the admissions process? Feminist activist and other service work are not requirements, but they may make an application more attractive.

Can I apply to the Ph.D. program if I am coming in with a bachelor’s degree? We receive many more applications than slots available. We have found that the students applying to our program who have already completed an MA are able to present particularly strong applications. We do accept students with an undergraduate degree only. However, it is a good idea to apply to both stand-alone MA and Ph.D. programs to keep your options open.

Can I apply to the Ph.D. program if I didn’t major in women, gender, and sexuality studies? You do not need to have a degree in women, gender, and sexuality studies. Among the factors that we consider important are an applicant’s knowledge and familiarity with scholarship on gender, race, and sexuality, but this knowledge may have originated in other disciplines or outside academia.

Writing Sample

How long should the writing sample be? Writing samples should be no more than 10 pages. A writing sample of this length allows the reviewers to better evaluate both analytic and theoretical skills.

Does my writing sample have to be on a women, gender, and sexuality studies topic? The writing sample can be on any topic related to gender, and should be a paper of which you are particularly proud.

I wrote this great paper that I really want to submit, but it is too short/long. Can I send it anyway? If there is a piece that you feel represents your writing well, but it is too short, you can submit that as well as an additional sample that meets the length requirement. If your piece is longer than 10 pages, please select an excerpt that you feel represents your writing best.

What kind of funding is available? There are several options for funding. Fellowships are available on a competitive basis. We also offer 9.5-month assistantships; these include a stipend and require 20 hours per week of work in the department. Most of our assistantships are for teaching positions, although new graduate students are not assigned teaching positions in their first year. Students may also find assistantships in other departments on campus. For information on funding, including scholarships and student loans, visit the  Office of Student Financial Aid .

International Students

Who has to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)? The TOEFL is a requirement for all international students who apply for admission to the Graduate School. Non-native speakers of English who have earned a degree from the United States, United Kingdom, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Common wealth Caribbean are exempt from presenting TOEFL scores. Native speakers of English are defined as those who have received all of their education in one of the countries listed above.

Is the TSE (Test of Spoken English) required for international students applying for a teaching assistantship? Yes, unless you have a degree from a university in an English-speaking country (see above). However, since teaching assistantships are not assigned to first-year students, you will have an opportunity to take the TSE once you arrive on campus.

Where can I get more information about applying as an international student? International applicants should address any questions to  International Student and Scholar Services , 1126 H.J. Patterson Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (301-314-7740).

Miscellaneous Information

Where can I find out more about the department and about faculty research interests? Our website lists all of our core and affiliate faculty as well as their research interests and other information.

Can I use Interfolio to provide letters of recommendation?

The Graduate School does accept recommendations through Interfolio but it is not a requirement. Usually the recommenders are assigned an Interfolio email and the applicant would enter that email in their application. Interfolio can also email the letters directly to  [email protected]

What if I just want a master’s degree and not a Ph.D.? We do not have a stand-alone master’s program and so we only accept applications from students that intend to go on to complete a Ph.D. Current doctoral students may request conferral of a master’s degree upon successfully completing 31 credits of coursework; they must either produce a thesis with an oral exam or pass the general exam.

How do I decide between applying to a women’s studies program with a focus on another discipline and applying to another discipline’s program to focus on gender? With interdisciplinary programs like women’s studies, it can be hard to decide whether, for example, to pursue a women’s studies degree with work in history or a history degree with work in women’s studies. In many cases, the difference is not great. Some programs are harder to gain acceptance into than others, therefore we recommend applying to both and make the decision based on which schools accept you and what they have to offer.

How long will it take to complete my Ph.D.? Only an estimate is possible since everyone’s program will differ, especially the amount of time for research and writing the dissertation. We estimate about 5-7 years.

What is the job market for Ph.D.’s in women, gender, and sexuality studies? Nationwide, the placement record for women, gender, and sexuality studies PhD graduates is about 60%. We believe that the job market for our graduate students will be good as women, gender, and sexuality studies is expanding significantly at this time. “Programs” that once depended on faculty housed in other departments are becoming independent departments and hiring their own faculty. In addition to academic careers, our students will also be able to take jobs at research and policy institutes, in the government, and at other non-profit advocacy and funding agencies.

Learn more about the career and life paths of our alumni, who work in fields ranging from academia to the nonprofit community.

Additional Resources

• Graduate Programs
• Ph.D. Funding and Awards

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Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401

In this section :

Combined dvm-phd degree program pathway.

Cornell's Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway accepts a limited number of highly motivated and academically exceptional students each year. The program encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including:

• Students with an established interest in veterinary medicine and a concurrent career focus on discovery science and academia
• Students with an established interest in biology and a career focus in discovery science and academia, but who have more recently recognized the intellectual benefits provided by an education in veterinary medicine

Application Process

Application to the Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway can be accessed through the DVM Admissions website . When setting up your Cornell Tracking Page, you need to indicate that you are applying to the Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway. This will provide you access to a section requesting information related to your research experience. 

Applications to the Cornell Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway are reviewed by two separate admissions committees. The DVM Admissions Committee reviews the applicants to determine admissibility to the DVM Program. The Combined Degree Oversight Committee reviews applications for admissibility to the PhD program. Both committees must agree to support the student before the offer of acceptance is made.

The Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway Admissions Committee is looking for students who have:

• a dedication to both research and veterinary medicine
• a commitment to academic excellence and intellectual curiosity
• the ability to benefit from the special opportunities of a combined program

Specific Admissions Information for Cornell Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway Candidates

The following guidelines are to help you consider whether you might be competitive for admission to the Cornell Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway. However, we encourage you to contact Arla Hourigan , if you are interested in applying for the program and have administrative questions. Cornell DVM students who are entering their Year 1 or 2 of the DVM Program are eligible to apply to the Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway.  However, please note that 2 nd year DVM students must meet specific conditions in order to be considered. Please contact Rory Todhunter or Renata Ivanek to discuss eligibility.  

The deadline for receipt of all information is 11:59 PM (EST) on September 18, 2023 and all application materials must be complete at this time. Please check with your recommenders to be sure that letters are submitted on time, as we cannot guarantee that letters received after the deadline will be fully considered with the other materials.

Statement of Purpose The Statement of Purpose is an important part of your application, and is your opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about yourself. Feel free to include whatever information you think the committee should know about you and why you are applying to PhD programs. But please be sure to include a discussion of your past research experience. You can talk about one project or several, but focus on your role in each project.  Please also describe your potential future research interests and why you chose the BBS program for your PhD degree. If there are any faculty you find particularly interesting, feel free to include that information as well. Please be certain to address why you are applying to the Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway, and why you believe having both degrees is important for you and your future career plans. Please limit your essay to 1500 words.

Review Process Your application will go to the DVM Admissions Committee, which will evaluate your dossier for the DVM program, and to the Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway Oversight Committee, which will evaluate your dossier for the PhD program. We based our evaluation on the quality and extent of research experience the applicant has acquired, and the letters of reference provided by the individuals who mentored the applicant for a research project. After evaluating all the applicants, we make a short list of 5-6 individuals that will be invited for interview, on the condition that they have been admitted to the DVM program. After the interviews, we will select two to three students for the CD program. The more research experience you have, the better are your chances of being accepted into the program.

Applicants for the Cornell DVM-PhD Degree Program will not be automatically evaluated for admission into a Cornell PhD degree program if they are not accepted into the Combined DVM-PhD Degree program pathway. Any applicant who is interested in having their application evaluated for admission into a PhD degree program must follow the application procedures specific to the Biomedical and Biological Sciences PhD Program .

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• Universities /

Considering a PhD at University at Buffalo? Explore Eligibility, Funding, Applications, and More

• Updated on  
• May 30, 2024

The University at Buffalo PhD programs offer you the credentials and skills required to take the next step in your professional or academic career. While pursuing your education and research here, you will have the opportunity to learn from the best. The students and faculty of the university have been involved in dynamic, transformative, and collaborative research that has expanded well beyond Buffalo. Keep reading if you wish to pursue your PhD at this prestigious institute. We will discuss the university’s top PhD programs, eligibility, application process, and more. 

This Blog Includes:

University at buffalo phd programs: overview , university at buffalo phd programs and fees, university at buffalo phd programs: eligibility criteria, documents required, career scope.

The University at Buffalo PhD programs are highly reputed and recognised around the globe. 

Apart from the high-quality programs, the university also offers hands-on experience and a beautiful campus. Students develop a passion for effecting change locally, nationally, and internationally through coursework, experiential learning, mentorship from its award-winning faculty, and collaborative research.

Pursuing your education at the institute offers you exclusive access to UB’s global alumni network, learning opportunities, special events, and much more.

Also Read: PhD at Columbia University: Courses Overview, Tuition Fees and Duration

The University at Buffalo PhD programs are offered in a wide range of disciplines, including Biological Sciences, Behavioral Neuroscience, Accounting, and Law. See below some of the popular PhD programs offered at the institute. 

Before you begin your application process for the University at Buffalo PhD programs, make sure you are familiar with its eligibility criteria. So, here are the requirements you have to meet to secure your admission to the university:

• Applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree (or the equivalent) from an accredited/government-recognised university or college. 
• You need a B-grade (GPA of 3.0) or higher from your bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). Grade point averages from non-US universities will be evaluated by the university’s Office of International Admissions.
• Here are the English language proficiency test scores accepted at the university:

Also Read: PhD in Chemistry at Edinburgh University: Entry Requirements, Cost, Application Process

Application Process

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the University at Buffalo PhD programs, it’s time to proceed with the application process. Follow the steps given below to apply for admission to PhD courses here. 

• Go to the university’s list of academic programs and make the selection of your desired program. 
• Then, click on your desired program and you will land on its page.
• After this, click on “Apply Now” which will take you to the application portal.
• Key in all the required details, submit all the documents and pay the application fee.
• Once you are done, wait for the university’s decision regarding your application.

Here are the documents you have to submit:

• Official transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• GMAT/GRE scores
• Financial Documentation
• Passport copy
• English language proficiency
• Student visa

The graduates of the University at Buffalo PhD programs experience immense growth in their careers and enjoy a high salary. See below the popular job roles you can expect to assume after completing a PhD course at the institute. 

Relevant Reads:

Answer: Yes, with an acceptance rate of 67.7-70%, the University at Buffalo is not a very competitive institute to get into. 

Answer: The University at Buffalo is a world-class university renowned for its great academics and sports.

Answer: There are about 2,082 Indian students at the University at Buffalo. 

So, this was all about the University at Buffalo PhD programs. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad .

Abhishek Kumar Jha

Abhishek Kumar Jha is a professional content writer and marketer, having extensive experience in delivering content in journalism and marketing. He has written news content related to education for prominent media outlets, garnering expansive knowledge of the Indian education landscape throughout his experience. Moreover, he is a skilled content marketer, with experience in writing SEO-friendly blogs. His educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma in English Journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal. By receiving an education from a top journalism school and working in the corporate world with complete devotion, he has honed the essential skills needed to excel in content writing.

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