how to do phd in usa with scholarship

List of Fully Funded Ph.D. Scholarships in USA 2024

Do you want to start your study adventure in USA? Good news! A number of fully funded scholarships are available in United States of America for international students. In this article we will explain in detail about fully funded scholarships offered in top universities in USA, their benefits and step by step application process.

More than 1500 fully funded Ph.D. scholarships 2024-2025 are available at USA’s top universities for international students. These scholarships provide an average monthly stipend of $1500 along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowance.

Apply for fully funded scholarships and fulfill your dream of studying at world top universities like Yale University USA, Harvard University USA, Clark University, Kellogg Institute, Schlumberger Foundation and many more.

1.  Fulbright Scholarships USA

Fulbright Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are only offered for masters and PhD studies. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program covers full tuition fee, a living stipend, a full accommodation fee, airfare, and health insurance.

• Institution:  USA Universities
• Level of Study:  Masters / PhD
• Click here for deadlines and a step-by-step application process.

2.  Stanford University Scholarships

Stanford University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for Masters and Ph.D studies. This scholarship is offering full tuition fees, traveling allowance, Living allowance and academic expenses.

• Institution:  Stanford University

3.  Yale University Scholarships USA

Yale University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, masters and PhD. Yale Scholarship can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year; the average Yale need-based scholarship is over $50,000.

• Institution: Yale University
• Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD

4. Facebook PhD Fellowship

Facebook Fellowship Program is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for doctoral research studies. The scholarship covers two years of study and fees, an annual stipend, and conference travel aid.

• Institution: Facebook
• Level of Study: Ph.D.

5. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is available for PhD studies and provides the recipient with up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship.

• Institution: World Bank

6. IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program

IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program are fully funded PhD scholarship for international students. International Mathematical Union Scholarship value is up to a maximum of  USD 10,000 per year and covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and living expenses.

• Institution: International Mathematical Union

7. AAUW International Fellowship Program

AAUW Fellowship Program is a fully funded scholarship. This scholarship is offered by The American Association of University Women , USA. International students from all world countries are eligible to apply. This scholarship is only available for graduate and post-graduate studies in any subject offered by the university. AAUW Fellowship Program covers $18,000 to $30,000 per year, contingent upon meeting academic standards for renewal. 

• Institution: The American Association of University Women
• Level of Study: Masters/ PhD / Postdoctoral

8. ACI Foundation Scholarship

ACI Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship or fellowship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, masters, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies. This scholarship provides $10,000 – $15,000 US educational stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials.

• Institution: ACI Foundation
• Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD / Postdoctoral 

9. Knight Hennesy Scholarship

Knight Hennesy Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are offered for Masters and PhD studies. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, traveling allowance, Living allowance, and academic expenses.

• Institution: Stanford University
• Level of Study: Ph.D. / Masters

10. Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowships

Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowships are open for international students who want to pursue doctoral and post-doctoral degrees in the USA. The Kellogg Institute for International Studies has been offering visiting scholarships in a helpful society of academics since 1983 to encourage interdisciplinary global studies.

• Institution: Kellogg Institute for International Studies
• Study in: USA
• Level of Study: Doctoral & Post Doctoral

11. ACI Foundation Scholarship

• Level of Study: Ph.D. / Masters / Undergraduate / Postdoctoral

12. Schlumberger Foundation Fellowships

Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship is a funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is valued at a maximum of USD 50,000 per year for a PhD and a maximum of USD 40,000 per year for a Post-doc and may be renewed through to the completion of studies.

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Top Fully Funded PhD Programs

Karla Ibarra is a content writer at Scholarships 360. She has worked as an English teacher and writing tutor. As a writing tutor, she has experience editing scholarships and college application essays. Karla graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication and a minor in English.

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Fully funded PhD programs offer students seeking their doctor of philosophy degrees the ultimate experience. With the average cost of a PhD at nearly $100,000 , students are able to focus on their studies without worrying about paying for their degrees or living expenses. Keep reading to learn about some of the top fully funded PhD programs in a variety of majors.

What is a “Doctorate of Philosophy” degree?

A “doctorate of philosophy” degree, better known as a PhD, is among the highest level degrees in the United States. A PhD is awarded after the successful completion of an extensive research and writing project known as a dissertation. Students can earn a PhD in a variety of fields, with most majoring in the humanities or social sciences. 

Further reading: What is a PhD?

How we chose the fully funded PhD programs on our list

We looked for programs that have stellar reputations in their respective majors. It makes sense that the most reputable programs offer the resources that are most important to  PhD students. Working with distinguished professors in their field and having access to outstanding libraries, PhD students will be immersed in the ideal learning environment. 

Opportunities to learn under and network with the most well regarded academics is invaluable for students’ future careers. Finally, we looked for fully funded programs that include not only full tuition coverage, but also living stipends and health insurance. A few of the programs might require students to “give back” in the way of graduate assistantships , so keep that in mind as you read the fine print on each website. 

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The top fully funded phd programs.

The following list is in alphabetical order with no preference for one particular program. We included a variety of majors in different regions, but remember, this is just the start of an exhaustive listing of fully funded PhD programs across the USA and the world!

Boston College’s PhD in English

The PhD in English Program at Boston College prepares students for careers in academia or other English related fields. With a focus on critical thinking, writing, and research, the program explores  literature through abstract, cultural, and historical contexts. Students are able to focus on various literature periods, creative writing, and literary theory.. Working closely with renowned faculty, the program offers abundant resources and support services including fellowships and publishing opportunities. 

• Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
• Focus of study : Creative writing, critical theory, and literary and cultural studies
• What is included : Full tuition remission, health insurance, and a living stipend

Brown University PhD in Computer Science

Brown University offers a PhD program in Computer Science for students interested in a strong foundation in computer science theory and applications and opportunities to conduct research in collaboration with faculty and peers. Brown’s computer science department has research strengths in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, computer graphics, and theory. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct independent research in computer science and to prepare them for academic or industrial careers.

• Location: Providence, Rhode Island
• Focus of study : Algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer systems, databases, and more
• What is included : Full tuition, health insurance, and living stipend

Cornell University PhD in Chemical Engineering 

Cornell University offers a PhD program in Chemical Engineering to provide students with a broad foundation in chemical engineering principles and their application to solving real-world problems. The program aims to train students in core courses in chemical engineering, including transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering, while providing them with opportunities to conduct original research. Students in the program have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, funding opportunities, and a supportive community of faculty and fellow students.

• Location: Ithaca, New York
• Focus of study : Chemical engineering principles and research topics including biotechnology, energy, materials science, and process systems engineering
• What is included: Full tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance

Duke University PhD in Literature

Duke University’s PhD program in literature prepares students for careers in academic research and teaching. The program offers a variety of courses in literary theory, criticism, and methodology, as well as opportunities to specialize in specific genres, periods, and cultures. The program also encourages interdisciplinary work, with opportunities to collaborate with scholars in other fields across the university. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in academia, publishing, journalism, and other areas.

• Location: Durham, North Carolina
• Focus of study : Literary theory, research methods, and a range of cultural and literary texts
• What is included : Five years of living stipend, tuition, and fees support as well as six years of health and dental insurance

Harvard University PhD Program in Biological Sciences in Public Health

The PhD program in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard University is designed for students who want to pursue research in the field of public health with a focus on biological sciences. The program focuses on the intersection of biology and public health, specifically emphasizing understanding the biological mechanisms underlying disease and developing strategies to prevent and treat illness. PhD students receive a rigorous education in both biological and public health sciences, preparing them to become leaders in advancing our understanding of human health and disease.

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• Focus of study : Cancer biology, environmental health, genetics, global health and infectious diseases.
• What is included : Competitive funding packages, including tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance

Johns Hopkins University PhD in Nursing

The PhD in Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University is designed to prepare nurse scientists who will conduct research to advance nursing science and improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The program is designed to be interdisciplinary, integrating knowledge from nursing, social and behavioral sciences, and biostatistics. PhD students may work as nursing faculty members, researchers, or policymakers, contributing to advancing nursing practice and developing nursing knowledge.

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Focus of study : Aging and dementia care, cardiovascular and chronic care, community and public health, health systems and outcomes, and more
• What is included: Full tuition with a stipend for the first three years of study

New York University PhD in Education

New York University offers a PhD in Education through its Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. The program provides a solid foundation in education theory and research methods, including coursework, research apprenticeships, and independent research. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue careers in academia, research, policy, and leadership in educational organizations. They are also equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to developing and implementing policies and practices in education.

• Location: New York, New York
• Focus of study : Learning sciences, educational policy, educational technology, and curriculum development. 
• What is included: Annual stipend, tuition coverage for required course work, and health insurance through the fifth year

Princeton University PhD in Mathematics

Princeton University offers a PhD program in mathematics that is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, or government. The program aims to provide a rigorous and comprehensive mathematics education, emphasizing both the theoretical foundations and applications of the discipline. Students take advanced courses in various mathematical fields, such as algebra, geometry, analysis, topology, and applied mathematics. Princeton’s program in mathematics is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious and rigorous programs.

• Location: Princeton, New Jersey 
• Focus of study : Algebraic geometry, mathematical physics, number theory, and topology
• What is included: Full tuition and student health plan coverage

Rice University PhD in Business

Rice University offers a PhD in Business through its Jones Graduate School of Business, designed to prepare students for academic careers and research-oriented positions in industry and government. Students in the program take courses in microeconomics, econometrics, statistics, research methods, and business ethics. In addition to coursework and research, students in the program are encouraged to work as teaching or research assistants. Rice University’s PhD program provides students with a strong foundation in business theory and research methods, with opportunities to work with world-class faculty on cutting-edge research projects.

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Focus of study : Accounting, finance, management, marketing, and strategic management
• What is included : Waived tuition fees, a stipend to cover living expenses, health insurance, and may be eligible for research and travel funding to support their research projects

University of Chicago PhD in History  

The PhD program in History at the University of Chicago is a demanding but rewarding experience that prepares students for a career in academia as scholars or teaching in the field of history. The program focuses on developing students’ knowledge of cultural, intellectual, economic, political, and social history under the guidance of highly qualified faculty advisors. PhD students also have the opportunity to present their research at conferences and publish articles in academic journals.

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Focus of study : Ancient, contemporary, early modern, medieval, or modern history 
• What is included: Tuition, student health insurance, and a stipend for living expenses and research support

University of Michigan PhD in Engineering 

The PhD in Engineering at the University of Michigan is a top-rated program that prepares students for research and academic careers in various engineering disciplines, including biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical engineering, and many more. PhD students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct independent research, develop new technologies, and advance the engineering field. The University of Michigan has a strong reputation for research and innovation, and the PhD program in Engineering provides students with ample opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry partners.

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan 
• Focus of study : Materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.
• What is included: Tuition waiver, monthly living stipend, and health insurance 

University of North Carolina PhD in Media and Communication  

The PhD program in Media and Communication at the University of North Carolina provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in media and communication theories, research methods, and critical analysis. Students can tailor their studies to their research interests by choosing from a variety of electives and seminars offered by the department. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in academia, media organizations, research institutions, and other industries where communication skills and media literacy are highly valued.

• Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina 
• Focus of study : Media and politics, journalism studies, digital media, global media, media effects, and cultural studies
• What is included: Tuition and fees for three years, health insurance, a $20,000+ annual stipend, and support for research and travel

Frequently asked questions about fully funded PhDs

What does 'fully funded phd' mean, can international students apply for fully funded phds, how long does a fully funded phd program take, do i need to have a master's degree to apply for a phd, what is the difference between a phd and a professional doctorate.

Keep reading: PhD vs. Doctorate: Everything You Need to Know

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Studying a PhD in The USA - The Complete Guide

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

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

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

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

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

1. PhD course length

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

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

2. World-class universities

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

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

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

3. International community

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

4. Affordable tuition fees 

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

5. Student experience

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

6. Student Support

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

7. Land of opportunity

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

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

Studying a PhD in the USA: top tips

Who is eligible for a phd in the usa.

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

Can I get a PhD without a masters degree?

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

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

How to apply for a PhD in the USA

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

Completed application form – provided by your preferred university.

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

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

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

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

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

The application fee. 

Method of study

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

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

Application for PhD In USA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funding your PhD in USA

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

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

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

Can a PhD be fully funded?

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

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

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

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

Top 10 ranked American universities

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

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

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

Why Do a PhD in USA?

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

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

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

Universities in USA

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

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

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

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

Method of Study

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

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

Teaching Requirements

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

Research Flexibility

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

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

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

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

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

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

How to Apply for PhD in USA

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

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

Application Deadlines and Fees

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

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

Funding your PhD in USA

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

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

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

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

PhD Duration in USA

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

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

Cost of a PhD in USA

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

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

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

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PAYING FOR YOUR PHD Expert Tips, Scholarships Opportunities and Resources for Financing an Advanced Degree

The average yearly tuition for a PhD program is slightly above $16,000, which means students will invest about $80,000 in tuition fees alone for a five-year program. Add in fees, cost-of-living, travel expenses and the figure can easily surpass six figures. Yet, it is possible to fund a PhD program without breaking the bank and going into debt.

Featured Online Schools

• PhD Cost Breakdown
• PhD Financial Aid Options
• Expert Spotlight: Lawrence Burns, PhD
• Earning Outlook for Phd Students
• Most Lucrative PhD Careers
• Expert Spotlight: Darren Pierre, PhD
• PhD: By The Numbers
• Additional Financial Aid Resources

PHD COST BREAKDOWN

The value of a college education should not be understated, but neither should its actual cost. Earning a doctoral degree can be an expensive proposition. According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition and fees for a graduate program of study was $16,435 in 2012-2013. The table below outlines the 2012-2013 graduate tuition and fees by academic institution.

• All Institutions $16,435
• Public $10,408
• Private Non-Profit $23,698
• Private For-Profit $14,418

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

A rough calculation of the number of years it takes to complete a doctoral program, multiplied by the average 2012-2013 tuition and fees from the NCES, reveals the following total cost figures by academic field of study.

A five- to six-figure education is something to take seriously as there are debt implications after leaving finishing a PhD program. Graduating doctoral students in 2013 left school with an average debt of just over $15,000, according to the National Science Foundation. By field, students in the Social Sciences, Education and Humanities graduate with the highest levels of student debt:

• Education: $26,566
• Social Sciences: $26,222
• Humanities: $21,485

Conversely, the science and technology fields graduate students with the lowest debt figures:

• Physical Sciences: $6,342
• Engineering: $7,031
• Life Sciences: $11,905
• Physical Sciences 78.2%
• Engineering 75.1%
• Life Sciences 67.2%
• Humanities 48.4%
• Social Sciences 46.5%
• Education 44.1%

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates, 2013

While these figures may seem alarming, a deeper dive into survey data from the National Science Foundation actually paints a more positive picture. Overall, more than 62 percent of all doctoral recipients graduate from school without a single dollar of debt.

Prospective students can use the table below to get a better sense of the percentage of students who take on debt at incremental levels in each field of academic study. A majority of students graduate with $10,000 or less in debt after finishing their doctoral degree.

PhD Cost Factors

The total cost of earning a doctoral degree is variable because of the sheer number of different factors involved. Tuition is not the only cost to consider when thinking about applying to a PhD program.

Typically, students pay full tuition rates during their first three years of doctoral study and receive reduced tuition rates for the remainder of the program. However, the actual cost of tuition does vary and may be dependent on the student’s actual degree program.

Graduate students pay a range of fees, with the most common including:

• Health Services (access to health facilities on campus)
• Health Insurance (personal health insurance)
• Student Activity (subsidizes athletics and other clubs)
• Student Recreation (access to recreational facilities on campus)

Some programs estimate students should be prepared to pay between $3,000 and $4,500 per academic year in student fees and health insurance costs.

Students with a master’s degree or coursework in a similar graduate program may be able to transfer credits into their doctoral program. That can lower the total number of credits required to graduate, which can lower the total cost of the degree. However, some institutions do limit the amount of tuition credits that can be applied for graduate work done in a related field at other institutions.

Whether or not the student has an assistantship does not affect the cost of textbooks and other academic materials. Books are a revolving charge, one a student should plan upon each semester or quarter.

Housing, utilities and food are considered indirect expenses students incur during their education. PhD students should plan on anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 and up for living expenses each year. Again, this figure is highly variable based on the location of the university and the cost-of-living in that area.

Owning a car means additional budgeting for insurance, car payments and gas. Additionally, students may need to travel for conferences and research. Without funding from a graduate student association or grant program, the student will have to cover these costs individually.

PhD students with children may have to account for childcare costs. Purchasing a new computer and other supplies may also be required. This type of budgeting will vary from individual to individual, program to program.

Most PhD programs allow students to progress at their own pace, requiring them to complete and defend their dissertation within a certain time period (e.g. six years). However, the time it takes to complete a dissertation depends on the student, area of study, research, etc. This can impact cost of attending a doctoral program.

Example Cost of Attendance

A student’s budget should include the total cost of attendance—that is both direct (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (e.g. housing). This budget is the starting point for determining the student’s financial need, how much financial aid they require, and if they can afford to attend a doctoral program. Below is a sample five-year total cost of attendance chart based on an in-state tuition program, with a budget that assumes fixed costs for fees and indirect costs, such as housing. It also does not take into account assistantships and tuition waivers for assistants.

Based on a figure that’s slightly below the 2012-2013 average graduate tuition cost, the total cost of attendance can still produce sticker shock. An average student in a program that charges $12,000 per year in tuition could have to pay between $30,000 and $45,000 year in total costs.

PhD FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS

Prospective PhD candidates have an abundance of financial aid options to help fund their graduate studies. Typically, students are fully funded by a combination of sources, including scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or student loans.

It is important for students to note that most sources of aid are awarded by individual academic programs, so they should follow-up with their department for up-to-date information.

Below is a high-level overview of the common types of graduate financial aid.

Prospective PhD candidates can turn to a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships to support their education financially. As discussed, most students use a combination of one or more of these funding sources to finance their degree program and research.

PhD students can apply for a variety of scholarships that award students with funds that can be used to help cover the cost of tuition, books and other fees.

Grants are similar to scholarships and are academic-based awards that can be used to augment other sources of financial aid.

Fellowships are a different type of funding that may encompass a scholarship or grant and can be used to fund research, study and teaching in the US and internationally. Many fellowships provide full tuition and a yearly stipend to students.

A PhD should never be an end in itself but rather a means to an end. The path to a PhD is an arduous one and should never be undertaken without serious thought to what it will bring the student. That said, there is money available for graduate study in most fields, and a student in the humanities should be very careful to apply to appropriate programs which fund their grad students.

• Engineering
• Physical Sciences

The SMART program is designed to support graduate students studying in STEM disciplines and offers a range of other benefits, including supplies and health insurance allowances and employment placement services with the DoD after graduation.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship is a three-year graduate fellowship that is designed to support doctoral students across fifteen engineering disciplines.

This three-year fellowship program supports the research efforts of doctoral students in STEM-related fields of study and allows them to pursue their work at any accredited graduate program in the country.

Renewable award for graduate students enrolled in a full-time APA-accredited doctoral program of study in psychology. Underrepresented, minority students are encouraged to apply.

This fellowship is open to female scholars and is designed to help offset the doctoral student’s living expenses during her final year of working on a dissertation.

This fellowship is a single-year of funding that is designed to support the doctoral research of a student working in child psychology.

The Javits Fellowship is provided on a needs- and competitive-basis to graduate students pursing graduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

Two fellowships are awarded to support doctoral students who plan to study at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece for a year.

The Richard M. Weaver Scholarship is open to graduate student members of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and supports the academic work of scholars pursuing teaching careers at the college level.

The AICPA fellowship is designed for minority students pursuing or planning to pursue a doctorate in accounting.

Five scholarships are available to provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing studies in accounting and plan on earning CPA licensure.

This fellowship provides financial support to female scholars conducting research and economic analysis into natural resource, food, or agricultural issues.

This renewable, four-year fellowship is designed to support a scholar’s work in the field of stewardship science: nuclear science, high density physics, and materials under extreme conditions and hydrodynamics.

This multi-year fellowship supports doctoral research in several fields, ranging from chemistry to geology, materials science to physics and connects fellows with NPSC employer partners.

The NWRI fellowship program is open to full-time doctoral students conducting water-based research in areas such as water quality, water treatment and technologies, water supplies and water resources.

Really think about your reasons for getting a PhD. Critically exam the support systems you have in place to get you through the journey: 50 percent of doctoral students suffer from depression. Utilize services like the counseling center on your college/university campuses to help you respond to the stressors that may occur with the transition.

ASSISTANTSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS AND LOANS

Graduate assistantships.

Graduate assistantships are a form of academic appointment and are provided by individual departments. Competitive in nature, they are typically awarded on the basis of the student’s academic accomplishments and potential in the graduate program of study. Most programs provide appointments for one year at time and students receive a tuition credit or waiver and monthly stipend. There are three types of assistantships: Teaching Assistantships, Assistant Lecturers, and Research Assistants.

Teaching assistants perform a range of support duties for faculty members at a university, including grading papers and teaching classes.

Lecturers may serve as instructors in the academic department where they are studying.

Research assistants conduct and assist faculty members with research projects in the student’s area of interest.

Fellowships

Fellowships are short-term funding opportunities (typically 9- to 12 months) provided to students in the form of tuition credits and/or stipends. They support a student’s graduate study in their field of choice, may assist them in their research, or gain professional training in an area of interest. Fellowships are competitive and are available in two types: University-based and External.

Individual schools, colleges, and departments at a university (e.g. College of Science, Department of English) may have endowed fellowships. Students are either nominated for an award by their department or may be open to an application process.

External fellowships are funded by foundations, government agencies and other groups and provide opportunities to study both in the US and abroad. For example, the Department of Defense offers the National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship to engineering students studying in one of sixteen engineering specialties.

Corporations

Many companies and businesses have created scholarship, fellowship, and tuition reimbursement programs for their employees. Depending on the company, there may be a possibility it supports the graduate school efforts of its employees. Speak to the Human Resources department to learn more about the potential funding avenues available.

Graduate students may borrow funds from the federal government under two loan programs: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

Private financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, offer unsecured educational loans to graduate students. These loans must be repaid with interest. The interest rates, loan amount, and repayment terms are based on the credit worthiness of the borrower.

Federal work study provides students with demonstrated financial need part-time job opportunities that allow them to earn income while they are in graduate school. The program focuses on placing students in community service situations related to the student’s academic course of study. A majority of jobs are on-campus, but some schools may have some off-campus jobs with nonprofit agencies and other groups. It is important to note that some universities may not allow students to use their federal work study for tuition, but other related expenses (e.g. books, fees).

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Lawrence Burns, PhD

What should a future phd student consider when selecting a program of   study .

Speaking in the humanities, a student is best advised, I think, to select the faculty member with whom he or she wishes to study rather than simply a program. This faculty member becomes the student’s mentor, a relationship that lasts well beyond graduate school years. Because the mentor becomes the student’s primary reference, his or her standing in the field can and does have an impact on pre- and post-doctoral grants a student might win as well as on the student’s success on the academic job market.

It is a delicate balance though, because one must also look at programs that have standing in a particular field and at institutions that can afford to fund their PhD students throughout their graduate years.

Much is made about the saturation of PhD graduates and not enough   positions — both in academic and the private sector. Should that dissuade   a student from pursuing a PhD?

Yes, of course. Again, a PhD is not something that comes easily, and it should not be pursued without a reason for it. On the other hand, for students who are committed to their fields, and for whom that field is a career choice, the PhD is still the only way into the university job market. 

There is a catch-22 in the world of post-graduate education. Research universities need to turn out research, and researchers often depend on their grad students to assist them–in all fields–and departments on their PhD candidates to teach many undergraduate courses. PhD students are thus recruited regardless of the job market for the PhD holders.

The challenges in funding the PhD for me were less about how am I going to pay for this degree, but making the adjustment from being a full-time salaried employee to now, taking a significant pay cut to serve as a graduate assistant.

EARNING OUTLOOK FOR PHD STUDENTS

Potential career earnings should be a significant part of the discussion when considering whether or not to pursue a doctoral degree. Completing an advanced program of study could increase an individual’s earning potential with their current or future employers.

Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a direct correlation between educational attainment and career success—both in employment opportunities and annual salaries. Doctoral degree holders are some of the highest paid professionals in the country. The table below outlines the difference in earnings by degree level in 2014.

source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Earnings and Unemployment by Educational Attainment

• Industry or Business $97,700
• Government $82,000
• Nonprofit Organizations $72,500
• Other $70,000
• Academia $60,000

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates

In turn, prospective students should consider how their sacrifice of time and money will pay off when they embark in their careers. Some professional fields have a higher return on investment than others. A majority of PhD candidates endeavor to become tenured-track faculty members, but they should realize that academia is one of the lowest paying sectors for individuals with a doctoral degree.

A review of National Science Foundation survey information shows that the best paying professional areas for PhD graduates include Industry and Business—with an average salary of $97,700. At the bottom of the list? Academia.

MOST LUCRATIVE PHD CAREERS

So, which PhD degrees pay the best?

According to the NSF, business, economics, and engineering are consistently among the best earning academic fields regardless of industry. The following tables outline the highest paying academic fields by professional area of work after graduation.

• Business Management and Administration $110,000
• Economics $82,000
• Engineering $79,000
• Health Sciences $70,000
• Education $60,000
• Business Management and Administration $135,000
• Economics $115,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $115,000
• Geosciences $110,000
• Engineering $98,000
• Economics $112,500
• Business Management and Administration $96,590
• Engineering $96,500
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $95,300
• Health Sciences $94,000
• Business Management and Administration $105,000
• Economics $100,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $100,000
• Health Sciences $98,000

At the occupational level, 2012 employment research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the best paying doctoral career was Physicist ($109,600), followed by Astronomers ($105,410), and Engineering Professors ($94,130).

Overall, the top 10 most lucrative PhD careers include the following:

• 1 Physicists $109,600
• 2 Astronomers $105,410
• 3 Engineering Professors $94,130
• 4 Economics Professors $90,870
• 5 Health Specialties Professors: $90,210
• 6 Agricultural Sciences Professors $86,260
• 7 Biochemists and Biophysicists $84,940
• 8 Forestry and Conservation Science Professors $84,090
• 9 Physics Professors $80,720
• 10 Medical Scientists $79,930

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Darren Pierre, PhD

How has earning a phd impacted you personally and professionally.

Personally, the PhD was an incredibly introspective process. I believe for many, they go into the PhD thinking one thing, and come out transformed by the experience. I learned and grew personally in how I harness my self-worth, I grew professionally in my ability to humble myself and authentically listen to the feedback given about my work.

Professionally, I move with a greater level of confidence, I have more insight into my own potential in ways I could have never imagined, and all of that propelled me to write my book, The Invitation to Love.

Through your own experience, what are the biggest mistakes   prospective PhD students make when choosing and/or funding their PhD?

The biggest mistake that perspective students make is doing the degree for the wrong reason. If you are doing the degree for any other reason that self-motivated factors, you will falter. Doing the PhD to cover areas of insecurity, or low self-worth; doing the PhD for the prestige or title sake, those reasons will have you floundering and faltering when the psychological stressors being to weigh heavy.

Did you create a roadmap--financially or academically--to stay on track to   completing your PhD?

Absolutely, you have to have a plan and work that plan. Each Sunday, I would develop the week's action plan, I would carve out everything from when I was doing assignments/research to when I would work out, everything was on a schedule so that even when the fog of the process set in, I had headlights (my schedule) that allowed me to drive consistently when the road ahead was hard to see.

PHD: BY THE NUMBERS

Doctoral education in the U.S. is a varied and broad system, one that has been growing in popularity. In the 2013-2014 academic year, more than 178,000 doctoral degrees were conferred to students nationally, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

• Doctoral Education Continues to Grow
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Dominate
• STEM Fields are the Most Popular
• Only Half of Students Earn a PhD in the Same Academic Field as their Master’s Degree
• Doctoral Degrees are an Investment in Time
• Primary Source of Funding Varies by Program

In its survey of earned doctorates, the National Science Foundation learned the number of doctoral recipients increased by nearly 30 percent between 2003 and 2013.

The most popular academic areas of study were Engineering and the Physical Sciences.

• Engineering 69.80%
• Physical Sciences 59.30%
• Health Sciences 53.60%
• Life Sciences 44.60%
• Other 38.90%
• Social Sciences 19.90%
• Humanities 9.10%
• Education -25.70%

Within the engineering and physical sciences disciplines, multiple sub-fields have been experiencing explosive interest and enrollments, with some programs (e.g. physics, materials science engineering) growing by more than 70 percent between 2003 and 2013.

• Other engineering 127.5%
• Materials science engineering 86.5%
• Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering 74.5%
• Mechanical engineering 70.5%
• Electrical, electronics, and communication engineering 53.6%
• Chemical engineering 46.0%
• Computer and information sciences 119.1%
• Mathematics 83.0%
• Physics and astronomy 76.7%
• Geosciences 28.8%
• Chemistry 22.0%

According to NSF, the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are the most popular doctoral areas of study.

• Life Sciences 23.3%
• Physical Sciences 17.6%
• Engineering 17.0%
• Social Sciences 15.9%
• Humanities 10.7%
• Education 9.4%

Interestingly, slightly more than 56 percent of graduate students continue into a doctoral program in the same field as their master’s degree. Rates are highest in the humanities, engineering, and social sciences fields.

• Humanities 67.6%
• Engineering 65.7%
• Social Sciences 65.6%
• Education 61.5%
• All Fields 56.1%
• Physical Sciences 53.4%
• Life Sciences 35.5%

It requires approximately 7.5 years of study for the average graduate student to complete a doctoral degree after enrolling in graduate school. Education takes the longest — more than 11 years, while the physical sciences and engineering fields only require 6.5 to 6.6 years of study to complete.

• Education 11.7
• Humanities 9.2
• Social Sciences 7.7
• All Fields 7.5
• Life Sciences 6.9
• Engineering 6.6
• Physical Sciences 6.5

According to the NSF, the most common source of funding for doctoral students are teaching and research assistantships. The table below details the primary source of funding for students by academic area of study.

• Life Sciences Fellowships/ Grants
• Physical Sciences Research Assistantships
• Social Sciences Teaching Assistantships
• Engineering Research Assistantships
• Education Own Resources
• Humanities Teaching Assistantships
• All Fields Research Assistantships

The following table includes a breakout of the primary funding source by major field of study, according the National Science Foundation.

Source: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/sed/2013/data-tables.cfm

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES

The ultimate financial goal of any PhD student should be to complete their program successfully and move into a professional career with as little debt as possible. The resources below are available to help students locate scholarships and other funding sources that can help make that goal a reality.

Unigo offers a selection of financial assistance resources for graduate students, including a scholarship directory, a scholarship match tool, educational information on student loans and funding options, and more.

Scholarships.com is a website that provides a selection of financial aid information, including a searchable scholarship directory, insights into funding trends, financial aid calculators, and information about grants and fellowships.

Peterson’s is an educational resource site that includes a searchable scholarship database, articles and advice columns, and a catalog of graduate school profiles.

FinAid.org is an educational resource site that focuses on financial aid and offers information about student loans, federal financial aid, financing a doctoral education, and includes a scholarship search option.

An office of the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid is the country’s largest provider of financial aid. Graduate students can learn about and pally for loans, grants, and work-study funds to pay for their doctoral education.

FastWeb is a financial aid-focused website that offers a searchable scholarship directory that allows students to focus their search to their major area of study, work experience, and personal and professional activities.

Chegg is an online educational portal that not only offers used textbooks, but a scholarship database as well.

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How to Find PhD Scholarships and Grants

Financing your PhD studies can be challenging, but it's essential to your academic journey. Scholarships and grants can ease this burden, although finding and securing them may seem daunting. 

Navigating your financial prospects can present a challenge, but scholarships and grants are there as available resources. In this blog, we will explain the opportunities to fund your PhD. We’ll also provide practical advice to help you find the right funding options for your PhD. Our guidance aims to give you a strong foundation for success.

Finding Doctoral Scholarships and Grants

Finding funding for graduate studies can be stressful, but scholarships and grants are available if you know where to look. 

• University Funding: Universities often offer scholarships and research grants to PhD students. For instance, the SMU provides various funding options for doctoral students through the Moody School for Graduate and Advanced Studies.
• Professional Associations: Depending on your field of study, grants are often available from professional associations. Have a look at your specific discipline’s association website or reach out to them directly.
• Government and Non-Government Organizations: Both government and non-government organizations offer grants to encourage research in various fields. Explore resources like Grant.gov and The National Science Foundation.
• Industry Partners: Companies often work with universities to fund research in their industry, supporting specific projects or areas of study.
• International Scholarships: International students can find PhD scholarships in the USA, like Fulbright and DAAD .

Essential Scholarship Application Tips

• Start Early: Keep in mind that securing funding takes time, so don’t wait to start your search. The application deadline is often way before the program application deadline.
• Be Thorough and Organized: Keeping track of deadlines, application components and other details can be overwhelming. Create a system that helps you keep everything organized and in one place.
• Tailor Your Applications: Tailor each application to the specific sponsor to maximize its appeal. Remember to show why you’re a perfect fit for their funding.
• Leverage Your Network: Don't hesitate to use your academic network. Professors, colleagues, and alumni can be valuable resources for scholarship and grant opportunities.

Grants and Scholarships for PhD Students vs. Other Forms of Aid

Initially, most students think of scholarships as a lifeline for PhD funding , but it's surprisingly uncommon for students to fund their PhD with scholarships alone. Can you get a scholarship for a PhD? Absolutely. But scholarships for doctoral students can be quite competitive.

In reality, most PhD students utilize a variety of funding sources. PhD programs commonly offer doctoral assistantships and fellowships, which are typically more widely available. Some students even explore additional routes like postgraduate loans, employer support, crowdfunding, and research council grants.

Knowing the ins and outs of each type of funding can help you make a decision that best suits your academic and financial needs. 

Scholarships

Scholarships, financial awards you don't need to repay, often reward merit or specific factors like demographics or career aspirations.

• Doesn't require repayment
• No obligation to perform services

Potential drawbacks:

• High competition
• May need exceptional qualifications

Grants operate much like scholarships in that they do not need to be repaid. They are frequently awarded based on need, although some may also take into consideration academic merit or field of study.

Benefits: 

• Doesn’t require repayment
• Can offset a significant amount of educational expenses

Potential drawbacks: 

• Competition can be fierce
• May have to meet eligibility criteria or conditions

Assistantships & Fellowships

Assistantships and fellowships are also common ways to pay for a PhD.  Assistantships involve providing services to the university by undertaking teaching or research roles, usually in exchange for a stipend and tuition waiver. Fellowships, like scholarships, are merit-based and don't require repayment or work in return. Fellowships usually offer generous resources and are specific to the student's field of study.

• Provide hands-on experience in teaching or research (assistantship)
• Accompanied by generous funding and resources (fellowship)
• Fellowships often provide greater freedom for research compared to assistantships
• Time commitment can impact personal studies (mainly assistantships)
• High competition may require exceptional qualifications or research proposals

While fellowships, assistantships, grants and scholarships for PhD programs aim to reduce the financial burden, they’re understandably different in their commitments, benefits, and application process. 

Discover PhD Funding at SMU

Finding and securing the right funding for your PhD is crucial in shaping a stress-free and productive doctoral journey. Remember, scholarships and grants, while beneficial, are just pieces of a wider resource puzzle that may include assistantships or fellowships. 

These funding options are aimed to ease your financial commitments, so explore opportunities for each, align them with your academic goals, and pave your way towards a rewarding PhD experience .

For more helpful resources or information about SMU's Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, contact us — we're here to help you on your academic journey!

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Funding & Scholarship: Graduate Programs

Financial support for ph.d. students, all students admitted into our ph.d. program receive full financial support., this support includes tuition, fees, $1,000 in transportation and dental subsidies (as of ay24-25), and a cost-of-living stipend ($3655 per month in ay23-24 and $4083 per month before taxes in ay24-25)..

Support is independent of need provided a student remains in good academic standing and is making satisfactory progress towards his/her Ph.D. degree. Students are expected to complete their Ph.D. requirements in four to six years. Financial support takes several forms: fellowships, teaching fellowships, and research assistantships. Ordinarily, first-year Ph.D. students are supported with full fellowships so that they can devote their time to coursework.

For the class entering in Fall 2024 : SEAS PhD students are expected to complete two sections of teaching in SEAS in their second year or spread across their second and third years. Both sections may be completed concurrently in a single course. Their research assistantship will be adjusted accordingly during the semester(s) in which they are teaching fellow (TF). The academic requirement for the PhD degree is one section of teaching in SEAS. The student and their research advisor may arrange to replace the second section of teaching with a research assistantship. Beyond the first year, when students are in a better position to teach and assist in research, support is ordinarily provided through research assistantships, or a combination of a teaching fellowship and a research assistantship. For more detailed information, please visit the following pages: GSAS Tuition and Fees  G SAS Financial Support for PhD Students

External financial support for Ph.D. students

Applicants and current students are encouraged and expected to apply for all non-Harvard scholarships for which they are eligible, especially those offered by the  National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program  and  National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG) . 

Each year, many SEAS students secure fellowships from external agencies.  Should an incoming student be awarded and accept any fellowship external to Harvard, it is the expectation that the student will utilize these funds in the first year of study in place of Harvard funding.   In advanced (G2+) years in the graduate program, students with external fellowships are advised to have a discussion with their financial aid officers from Harvard Griffin GSAS and SEAS about how to best utilize the remaining years of funding based on their activities and academic requirements.

To ensure equitable treatment of all students, the coordination of external award benefits with a student’s existing funding package is determined by the Harvard Griffin GSAS financial aid officer in consultation with SEAS.

PhD students with external support are eligible for a SEAS-sponsored academic incentive.  PhD students who bring in open, competitive external fellowships that are equal to 50% or more of total their support (tuition/fees + stipend) will receive a supplemental award of $3,000 in the first year of the external fellowship.  PhD students who bring in open external competitive external fellowships that are not 50% or more of their total support and are at least $10,000 (tuition/fees + stipend or salary) will receive a supplemental award of $1,000.  The full $3,000 bonus may also be awarded in certain cases of multi-year fellowships depending on the total amount of support provided.

Financial support for terminal masters students (M.E. & S.M.)

While financial aid is not available for master’s students in our M.E. and S.M. programs, there are a variety of funding opportunities available. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for independent grants and fellowships to fund their studies.  Information about tuition and fees can be found here . Students in our Computational Science & Engineering or Data Science programs-should visit this page and also may contact the  GSAS Financial Aid Office  to learn more.

Students in the  MS/MBA:Engineering Sciences program  are eligible to apply for need-based  HBS Fellowships  and student loans in both years of the program.

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PhD Scholarships in the USA for International Students 2024-25

• Updated on  
• Oct 23, 2023

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

This Blog Includes:

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

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

Scholarship Details

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

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

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

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

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

The program offers grants for US study that include:

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

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

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

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

The fellowship includes:

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

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

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

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

Also Read: Scholarships For Girls in 2021

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

To be eligible for the fellowship, you must: 

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

The fellowship includes: 

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

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

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

Deadline: February 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Requirements:

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

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

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

Related Articles

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

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

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

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

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How to Find Scholarships for Graduate School

Like for undergraduates, many scholarships and fellowships are available to students seeking a master's degree.

Finding Scholarships for Grad School

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Scholarships are usually merit-based – such as for a certain GPA, athletic ability or hobby – or based on a student's specific area of study or identity.

While it's well known that financial aid exists for undergraduates, many students are unaware that scholarships also are available for those seeking a graduate degree.

At San Diego State University , for instance, 29% of total scholarships were awarded to graduate students during the 2022-2023 cycle, says Kari Hooker, director of scholarships in the university's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Funding amounts and availability of scholarships for graduate students – who make up about 15% of the higher education student population, according to a 2020 Center for American Progress  report  on graduate school debt – vary by program. But every dollar counts, experts say.

"Not surprisingly, private colleges and universities are able to fund more scholarships due to their hefty endowments," Nellie Gaynor, a graduate school and MBA admissions counselor at Ivywise, an educational consulting firm, wrote in an email. "However, students need to review these scholarship ‘discounts’ in relation to the overall package that is being presented to them including academics, student life, location , fit and cost. Ultimately, scholarships are one piece of a larger puzzle when deciding which admissions offers to accept."

The application process differs depending on the graduate scholarship, but may require filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA , writing an essay and submitting a letter of recommendation .

For prospective professional and graduate students, here are some points to consider when tracking down scholarships to pay for an advanced degree .

The Difference Between Grants and Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are forms of financial aid that don't need to be paid back, also known as "gift aid."

Northern Arizona University 's Louis H. and Betty J. Quayle Scholarship, for instance, provides up to $4,000 per semester to part- and full-time graduate students who are members of a federally recognized Native American tribe or nation.

"Scholarships can come in all kinds of amounts and students can apply for several at a time to help cover the cost of tuition," Suzanne T. Ortega, president of the Council of Graduate Schools, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and advancing graduate education, wrote in an email.

Grants, however, are typically awarded at the college , state or federal level based on financial need, like the federal Pell Grant for low-income students. Pell Grants are generally for undergraduate students, but graduate students may be eligible for other federal grants.

Where to Look for Graduate School Scholarships

As aspiring graduate students start their search process, it's important to "really focus on the scholarships that are most appropriate for them and not put effort into scholarships where they are not truly eligible," Hooker says.

Different types of national graduate school scholarships are listed on database search websites, like Fastweb , Cappex and Unigo . GoGrad is another online resource that lists niche scholarships for prospective and current grad students.

"Often, what is called a scholarship in the undergraduate sphere is frequently called a fellowship in the graduate sphere," Ortega says. "So be sure to look for fellowships as well."

Institutional Scholarships

Students can reach out to the school's financial aid office or talk with a program department head or adviser to learn about degree- or research-specific scholarships, like teaching. As part of the Urban Teaching Apprenticeship Program's Humanities Teaching Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania , for example, fellows are awarded a $32,000 scholarship.

"Most students will have to supplement their financial aid package with student loans (both federal and private), graduate assistantships, or work-study programs, Gaynor says. "With that being said, we have seen an increase in graduate and adult programs therefore leading to an increase in applications for graduate school admissions. Given the competitiveness in this space, schools are using school scholarships as a way to attract talent to their school."

Local Scholarships

Graduate students should not look past applying to local scholarships , which are usually less competitive than national scholarships, experts say. A student's employer , parent's employer or even place of worship, like a church or synagogue, may offer scholarships.

Another option is to find and join professional associations in a field of interest. For instance, undergraduate and graduate members of the National Black MBA Association, Inc., can apply for an award of up to $5,000.

The American Bar Association also awards $15,000 of financial aid over three years to underrepresented first-year law school students. About 10 to 20 incoming students receive the Legal Opportunity Scholarship each year.

When to Apply for Scholarships for Grad School

Deadlines for scholarships vary, but Ortega advises students to start their search as soon as they're accepted into a graduate program – if not before.

"You can apply to scholarships year-round, so always be on the lookout for new ones that pop up," she says. "Even if you planned to take out a student loan , you can still apply for scholarships to help reduce the amount of loan you need."

What's the Best Strategy to Win a Scholarship?

If there are short answers or essay questions in the application, Hooker advises students to write about what makes them unique.

"Try to be sincere and share what you are going through and how a scholarship would benefit you," she says. "We have a lot of students that work 20 plus hours a week. They need to let those committees know because those are the students that we want to support."

Before submitting a scholarship application, have a peer or undergraduate adviser review the application for grammar mistakes and other errors, experts say.

"An advantage of applying for scholarships as a graduate student versus an undergraduate is that you have more life and educational experience to draw from when writing a scholarship essay ," Ortega says. "Since graduate school programs are more focused on a specific area, it’s easier to speak to why you are pursuing this degree or area of research, which may be a compelling story for the scholarship application."

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

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: scholarships , graduate schools , financial aid , students , education , paying for graduate school

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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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Scholarships

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Scholarships for PhD in USA: Fully Funded PhD Programs in USA for International Students 2024

Each year, more than 9.84 lakh international students visit USA to build fruitful careers through PhD programs. America, being an educational hub to international students, offers them perks like diversified cultures, tourism, sports/leisure facilities, distinct food cuisine, university dormitories, private rentals, banking system, scholarships for PhD in USA, financial aid, etc.

But is it easy to get enrolled in a US university?

Reports state that the USA has the 20th highest cost of living globally. Therefore, tuition fees, travelling, rental, and other living expenses are quite high in the US. Consequently, due to financial barriers, not all international students can enrol a seat in PhD programs.

If you, too, are one of them, worry not! There are various amazing scholarships for Phd in USA. But to what extent do scholarships benefit the students? What are its types? And how can one apply them?

Let’s get answers to these and other intriguing questions by exploring the guide on fully funded Phd programs in USA for international students.

Overview of Scholarships for PhD in USA

PhD scholarship is a type of funding option that provides a certain amount to international students in the USA. These scholarships are usually sanctioned on merit bases and need bases. The international PhD scholarships are designed to support only international students to overcome the challenges of currency change, travelling expenses, study material costs, etc. Following are its types:

• Government Funding Schemes: These are funded by the government to international students based on their academic performance and financial background.
• Exchange Schemes: In this, a pair or group of countries come together to fund each other's citizen students.
• University Awards: These are offered by the universities to their PhD students.

Most of the fully funded PhD in USA provide financial support to fund the student's PhD fees, living expenses, and travelling expenses. Next, let’s check the types of fully funded PhD programs in USA for international students and the scholarships for PhD students in USA.

Suggested: Cost of Studying PhD in USA

PhD Scholarships in USA for International Students 2023

As the doctoral/PhD studies are burdensome, it becomes impossible for the students to do part-time jobs along with the course. Therefore, getting aid from scholarships, grants, or fellowships is better. Let’s lay bare the list of USA PhD scholarships for international students.

• AAUW International Fellowship

This is one of the oldest fellowships that provide much-needed support to women pursuing graduate studies in the USA. It provides international fellowships for PhD programs that require an application by December 1st.

Key factors of this scholarship include:

• A $20,000 stipend
• Requirement of English language proficiency
• Cover for almost complete PhD tuition fees for most US universities
• Aga Khan International Scholarship

It provides scholarships to international students from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Aga Khan Scholarship covers international fellowships for PhD programs with an application deadline of March 31st.

• Flexible stipend amount
• Age requirement of below 30 years
• Financial need
• Excellent academic performance and admission in a reputed PhD program
• American-Scandinavian Scholarship

This scholarship is for international Scandinavian students living in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Iceland, undertaking a master's or PhD program in the USA. It provides international fellowships for PhD programs with an application deadline of February 15th.

• A $23,000 stipend amount
• Basic English proficiency
• Submission of 3 LORs , undergraduate/graduate/ academic transcripts , CV/resume, and a biographical essay

Suggested: Phd Stipend In USA

• Asian Cultural Council Fellowship Program

This scholarship financially supports Asian international students. The included countries can be checked from the official website. It provides international fellowships for PhD programs with an application deadline of November 1st.

• PhD enrollment in arts or humanities
• Submission of a professional portfolio with atleast 15 work samples
• Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowship

This fellowship is sponsored by the Leakey Foundation for international students from developing countries. It provides international fellowships for accredited PhD programs with an application deadline of February 15th.

• A $15,000 yearly stipend
• Candidates from prehistory, paleoanthropology, primatology, and related fields
• An intention to return home after course completion

Other than these, the international PhD students can also apply for Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Fellowship, East West Centre Graduate Degree Scholarship, Fullbright Foreign Student Program, HHMI International Research Fellowship, and IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program.

Suggested: How to apply PhD in the USA in 2023?

Tips to Apply for Scholarships in USA for PhD 2023

It is paramount to note that a fully funded PhD in USA is a competitive task. Not everyone gets the applied scholarships. But that doesn’t mean that you should not apply for one. You just need to follow the right steps or tips to amplify your chances of getting a fully funded PhD in USA for international students. Let’s go through the pointers…

• Look for an appropriate scholarship on your university website. They might mention the offered scholarships or route you to the ones that can be applied.
• Be prepared in advance as some scholarships require you to give formal interviews or crack an exam like IELTS , TOEFL , etc.
• Stay motivated as few universities might sanction the scholarships based on a student's financial needs. In other cases, the academic qualifications or admission applications might be considered.
• Make yourself stand out from the rest by showcasing involvement in extracurricular activities or local community services, possessing leadership skills, supporting academic and personal qualities through a letter of recommendation, etc.
• Read the scholarship application instructions carefully and submit an essay/cover letter/personal statement with information on your PhD projects, career goals, etc.

Suggested: Indian Student's Scholarships in the USA

With the available USA PhD scholarships for international students, one might get confused easily on which fellowship/scholarship to apply for. If you, too, get stuck at any step or need expert end-to-end guidance, choose Yocket premium . Our well-qualified counsellors will surely guide you through the process, making your PhD study abroad experience successful.

Frequently Asked Questions on PhD Scholarships in USA 2023

What are the requirements to apply to PhD scholarships for US universities?

Though the scholarship application criteria for each university is different; however, good academic performance and English proficiency are required by all. You can drop in a query at Yocket for detailed information on PhD scholarships in USA 2023. 

Can scholarships for international PhD students in USA sponsor the complete expenses?

PhD or Master’s students can apply for the Fullbright scholarship in USA. Their grant covers complete tuition fees, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.

How do PhD scholarships in USA for international students 2023 work?

At times, scholarships in USA are a one-time payment. Unlike other scholarships that might get paid in instalments or at the beginning of each semester. 

How much amount is sanctioned to study PhD in USA with scholarship?

From $4,500 to the complete tuition fee, the scholarships for PhD in USA amount varies massively.

Rohan Deshmukh

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RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

Nastaran Nagshineh, center, defended her Ph.D. thesis at RIT in April. Faculty from RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses served on her thesis committee and include, from left to right, Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard, Steven Weinstein, Nathaniel Barlow, and David Kofke (a professor at the University at Buffalo). Mohamed Samaha participated remotely and appears on the video screen behind the group and alongside Nagshineh’s picture.

Nastaran Nagshineh is one of the first Ph.D. candidates to bridge RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses. Her accomplishment creates a path for future students at the university’s international campuses.

Nagshineh completed her Ph.D. in mathematical modeling while working full time as a mathematics lecturer at RIT Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, teaching as many as five classes a semester. She described her Ph.D. journey as “an exercise in perseverance” due to competing demands and long days. Rochester is eight hours behind Dubai, and the time difference meant many late-night classes and meetings.

“I saw this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than as a challenge, because my primary adviser, Dr. Steven Weinstein (RIT professor of chemical engineering), and my co-adviser, Dr. Mohamed Samaha (RIT Dubai associate professor of mechanical engineering), both have the same area of research interest,” she said. “They both worked toward my success.”

Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023.

In 2020-2021, RIT’s Graduate School met and surpassed the university’s goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski , dean of RIT’s Graduate School.

Meeting these goals puts RIT on a path toward achieving an “R1,” or research-intensive designation, from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. RIT is currently ranked as an R2 institution . Many factors go into changing a university’s status, including research investment and maintaining a three-year average of 70 Ph.D. degrees awarded per year, according to Slusarski.

“We have met the goals of the strategic plan, and now we look forward to contributing to the research innovation in the future,” Slusarski said. “We want to help the new programs thrive and win national research awards.”

RIT’s emphasis on high-level research is seen in Nagshineh’s Ph.D. work. She applies mathematical modeling to the field of fluid dynamics. Her research has been published in top-tier journals and has gained notice, said Weinstein, her thesis adviser.

Weinstein describes Nagshineh’s accomplishments as “a testament to a fantastic work ethic and commitment” and is inspirational to younger students at Rochester and Dubai.

“The collaboration between RIT Dubai/Rochester has continued,” he said. “Another paper was submitted a few weeks ago with Mohamed Samaha and Nate Barlow (RIT associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics) as co-authors, as well as Cade Reinberger, a younger Ph.D. student in my research group.”

Mathematical modeling is one of RIT’s newer Ph.D. degree programs, and Nagshineh is among its earliest graduates. The program has doubled in size since it began accepting students in 2017, Slusarski said. This past fall, the mathematical modeling program had 35 students, with two graduating this year.

Altogether, RIT has 13 Ph.D. degree programs currently enrolling 438 students, with computing and information sciences accounting for the largest with 117 students. RIT’s other Ph.D. programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , electrical and computer engineering, imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

New programs in cognitive science and physics will launch in the fall.

The growth in RIT graduate education—with more than 3,000 master’s and doctoral students—reflects a demographic change in the student population, Slusarski said. “We have a higher percentage of women in the graduate programs than we have for RIT undergraduate programs.”

RIT’s graduate programs enroll 42 percent women, according to Christie Leone , assistant dean for the Graduate School.

Nagshineh, who also holds an MS in electrical engineering from RIT Dubai, welcomes her role as a mentor to other women students on both campuses.

“As a young woman in an Arabic country, the power of women is often underestimated and undervalued, and I hope to serve as a role model to female students, especially those that question their path,” Nagshineh said.

She plans to continue in her career as a professor and a researcher. “I would like to pursue a research program where I can advise my own students and teach them more deeply.”

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Rhodes and truman scholarships should serve all of america.

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Last fall, the Harvard Gazette profiled the university’s 10 2024 Rhodes Scholars. One will study “counseling patients on abortion.” Another will explore how US involvement in the Philippines relates to “settler colonialism on the North American continent.” A third, citing interest in Islamic and Marxist thought, will ask how progressive political messaging “can intersect with local and religious epistemologies.” Not one winner espoused even fleeting interest in an issue typically regarded as right-leaning.

The ideological uniformity of the winners struck a chord, given that many observers tend to think of the Rhodes program as relatively apolitical. After all, alumni number a mix of prominent Republicans and Democrats—including former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, Senator Cory Booker, former Supreme Court Justice David Souter, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Indeed, the Rhodes program has made clear that it thinks assembling an inclusive and intellectually diverse community of scholars is central to its mission.

The near-absence of right-leaning thought is a problem for programs that work closely with public ... [+] institutions (or utilize public funds) to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders, in order to prepare these leaders to tackle big challenges in a distrustful, polarized nation.

The Rhodes scholarship and its U.S. government-funded counterpart, the Truman scholarship, have long served as prestigious launching pads into America’s political, social, and economic elite. That’s why Truman scholars receive $30,000 in federal funds for graduate studies, access to mentoring and special programs, and preferential hiring for federal jobs. And it’s why, in the case of both programs, public colleges and universities devote time and resources to supporting student applications and celebrating their winners.

The presumption is that these programs constitute a much-needed effort to cultivate a diverse community of future leaders who can help promote understanding and bridge our divides. But it’s worth asking how well these programs continue to play this role—a question with special salience when it comes to the taxpayer-funded Truman scholarship.

In a new analysis , AEI ’s Joe Pitts and I tallied the past five years’ worth of Rhodes scholars and the past three years’ worth of Truman winners (published biographies for Truman winners only went back to 2021). We then examined their biographies to examine their research interests.

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What did we find? Over the past five years, just one of 157 American Rhodes scholars expressed interest in a conservative issue. Just six of 182 Truman scholars did. Among these scholars, interest in prominent progressive issues dwarfed interest in conservative ones—by a ratio of 20 to one. For instance, while 98 scholars cited an interest in immigrant rights or in DEI/racial justice, just seven noted an interest in religious freedom, free markets, or pro-life advocacy.

The progressive tilt swamped even pressing “centrist” concerns like cybersecurity, mental health, and national security, with more scholars focused just on immigrant rights than on all three of these issues, combined.

Even the bare handful of scholars with putatively conservative interests aren’t obviously right-leaning in any conventional sense. The single Rhodes winner with an interest in an identifiably conservative issue (religious freedom) focused on advocating for Muslims in India. The half-dozen Truman scholars with conservative interests included those focused on “protecting women’s right to bodily autonomy,” “alternatives to incarceration,” the need to combat anti-Muslim discrimination, and expanding rural education accessibility. These topics are obviously valid areas of study, of course. It’s just that they’re not especially conservative, which makes it telling that they constitute the rightmost reaches of the Rhodes and Truman programs.

Asked for comment, Dr. Terry Babcock-Lumish said, “The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation's rigorous selection process is based solely on applicants' demonstrated commitment to public service, leadership potential, and academic excellence.” She continued, “The annual competition requires nominations from undergraduate institutions, so the Truman Scholars selected are reflective of the pool of candidates before us. If students are not nominated or do not apply, we cannot select them.”

The near-absence of right-leaning thought is a problem for programs that work closely with public institutions (or utilize public funds) to cultivate tomorrow’s leaders, in order to prepare these leaders to tackle big challenges in a distrustful and polarized nation.

Both programs need to take the challenge of recruiting students with diverse perspectives much more seriously.

Board members and institutional partners should ask hard questions, demand more transparency around recruitment and selection processes, and insist that these programs do more to produce leaders who can speak to the whole nation. This is especially true for the Truman program, which is governed by a bipartisan board of trustees.

Public institutions that engage with these fellowship programs—by promoting them, supporting student applicants, or celebrating their scholarship winners—should reassess their relationships if the status quo is not addressed.

When it comes to the publicly funded, federally sponsored Truman scholarship, elected officials should insist that recruitment and selection reflect the program’s commitment to identifying and recruiting a pool of applicants true to the nation’s breadth of perspectives, views, and values.

If these prestigious scholarship programs operate primarily as training grounds for advocates of a particular ideological perspective, they will cease to deserve public support, publicly sponsored prerogatives, or their exalted public image.

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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Important Updates

• The priority filing date for the 2024-25 FAFSA and CADAA was extended to May 2, 2024 . Visit Apply for Financial Aid for details.
• The Department of Education has announced they will send information from the 2024-25 FAFSA to schools in mid-March. This may result in a delay in financial aid packaging and offers for the 2024-25 academic year. While awaiting your financial aid offer, we encourage you to utilize the UC Davis Financial Aid Estimator  to estimate your potential aid.

Cost of Attendance - Master of Management

How to understand your cost of attendance.

Cost of Attendance is an estimated budget that the school uses to help students maximize financial aid opportunities. This budget is estimated using direct and indirect costs that a student will incur while enrolled in an academic program.

Direct Costs: Charges included in the cost of attendance that the student/family pays directly to the college. Actual charges may vary by student. For example, students may have different housing options or may enroll in a part-time program. These items include Tuition and Fees, Health Insurance, and Nonresident Supplemental Tuition (for California nonresidents).

Indirect Costs: Estimated expenses in the cost of attendance that are not paid directly to the institution. These items include Books and Supplies, Housing and Food, Personal Expenses, and Transportation.  

Please note:  The cost of attendance is calculated based on the current academic year's budget and represents the estimated expenses for a single academic year. In the event your program extends over multiple academic years, the fees listed in the budget indicate the estimated annual cost, not the total cost of the program.

2024-25 Master of Management Cost of Attendance

• Footnote (1) 
• The tuition, fees, and charges posted here are estimates based on currently approved amounts. These figures may not be final; actual tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by the Regents of the University of California or, as authorized, by the President of the University of California. Accordingly, final approved levels and charges may differ from the amounts shown .  For the most recent tuition and fee amounts, please visit the  U C Davis Tuition and Fees  website.
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• For estimates of off-campus housing costs near the UC Davis campus please review:  Housing Costs Near UC Campuses . For more information on actual off-campus rental costs please visit the  Student Housing  website.
• Footnote (3)
• If eligible for Federal Direct loans the Cost of Attendance will be $252 higher on your MyAwards than what is displayed here. The average Direct Loan fee for Graduate students is $252. Please note that this fee component will be displayed in your budget whether or not the loans are accepted.

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