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

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

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

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

PhD application checklist

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

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

1. Choose your subject area

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

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

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

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

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

2. Choose your type of PhD

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

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

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

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

Self-proposed PhD projects

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

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

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

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

Predesigned PhD projects (Doctoral Training Centres)

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

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

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

3. Check application deadlines

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

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

4. Draft a research proposal

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

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

How to write a PhD research proposal

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

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

5. Contact potential PhD supervisors

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

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

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

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

6. Check PhD entry requirements

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

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

Applying without a masters

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

Applying for a PhD as an international student  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Check PhD fees and funding

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

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

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

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

Funding your PhD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their funding can come as PhD studentships.

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

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

8. Making your PhD application

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

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

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

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

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

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

PhD interviews

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

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

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

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

9. Submit your PhD application

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

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

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

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• PhD/Master's Application Process

Who is Eligible to Apply? 

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

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

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

Requirements for All PhD and Master's Degree Applicants

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

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

Where Do I Begin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Happens After I Submit My Application?

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

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

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

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

Ready to apply? Begin your application today.

PhD/Master's Applicants

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• Dates and Deadlines
• Standardized Testing Requirements

Non-Degree Program Applicants

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

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Wharton Stories

How to prepare a strong phd application.

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

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

Don’t Delay the Process

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

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

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

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

Get Letters of Recommendation

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

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

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

Include Research/Work Experience in Your Field

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prepare for the Standardized Tests

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

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

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

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

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Posted: August 4, 2017

• Admissions and Applying
• Advancement and Transition

Doctoral Programs

Start your doctoral journey.

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

Deciding to get a PhD

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

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

Preparing for the Doctoral Path

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

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

Choosing the right program

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

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

Starting an application

Tips for a successful application process.

Application Requirements Preparing Your PhD Application

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How to Apply for a PhD in the US

Last Updated: January 18, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Carrie Adkins, PhD . Carrie Adkins is the cofounder of NursingClio, an open access, peer-reviewed, collaborative blog that connects historical scholarship to current issues in gender and medicine. She completed her PhD in American History at the University of Oregon in 2013. While completing her PhD, she earned numerous competitive research grants, teaching fellowships, and writing awards. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 20 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 629,152 times.

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

Ask the wikiHow College Coach

Researching Schools and Programs

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

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

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

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

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

Carrie Adkins, PhD

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

Meeting the Basic Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing Your Statement of Purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitting Your Application Packets

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

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

What Are The Main Reasons People Go To Graduate School?

Expert Q&A

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

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

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

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About This Article

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

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Applying to a PhD

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

Key Resources

Guide to PhD Entry Requirements

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

How to Apply for a PhD – Application Process Explained

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

How to write an Academic CV for a PhD Application

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

Writing an Academic Cover Letter for a PhD Application

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

How to Write a PhD Research Proposal

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

Common PhD Interview Questions

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

Supporting Resources

How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter

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

How to Email a Potential Supervisor

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

Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?

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

How to Apply for A PhD Abroad – International Study

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

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

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Application requirements for all doctoral programs (phd).

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

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

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

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

Application Requirements:

Application form.

Complete and submit Stanford's graduate online application .

Application Fee

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

Application Fee Waivers

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

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

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

Statement of Purpose

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

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

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

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

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

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

College and University Transcripts

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

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

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

Concerning course work completed in a study abroad program

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

Concerning foreign institutions

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

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

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

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

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

Does Stanford accept tests other than TOEFL?

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

Contact Information

Admissions:  [email protected]  

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PhD Admission Guide

Gain admission to your dream school, guide to phd admission.

While some students swear off further education after undergrad, some love the thrill of intellectual discovery and research. For these students, graduate school is a natural choice. Graduate degrees are separated into “professional” and “academic” categories. Professional degrees are JDs and MDs, while academic degrees are PhDs (literally “Doctorates of Philosophy” regardless of what field you actually study).

Whether or not you need to pursue a PhD depends entirely on what career you wish to have. Some require higher education, while many others do not. In this guide we’ll go over how to apply to PhD programs, what they are looking for, and how the application process works. This guide is focused on the US and Canada; Europe has a system which is simultaneously similar and very different.

What PhD Programs Look For

PhD programs want to make sure you are prepared academically for the rigors of the program, and that you have a concrete research goal in mind. PhD programs culminate with each student answering a research question they devise, contributing new knowledge to the world in the process. 

Thus these programs seek to evaluate your intellectual ability, research goals, previous research experience, and how you will contribute to their program. To determine this, they ask for the following:

Letters of Recommendation

We’ll go through each of these in turn, and explain what graduate programs are looking for from each.

Your GPA in undergrad is the single most important factor in PhD admissions. If your GPA is too low your application will be dismissed out of hand. While there are no hard limits, we suggest a minimum GPA of 3.5 for serious contention, especially at top schools. If your GPA is below 3.0 then you will likely not get admitted into any PhD programs.

The reason for this is that PhD programs are a lot of work. Being intelligent is necessary, but is far from sufficient alone. Everyone in PhD programs is intelligent, and everyone is also willing to do the work. Your GPA is seen as the primary indicator of your willingness and ability to do academic work to a high standard, and your preparation for the rigors of a PhD program.

Along with your overall GPA, schools request your major GPA. This is your GPA when calculated only using courses in your major. This is usually expected to be higher than your overall GPA. Your major GPA should be over 3.5.

While taking harder courses in undergrad is a great experience, they can also harm your overall GPA. Of course, the best approach is to take very hard classes and do well in them, but this is not always possible. We recommend taking a blend of courses, so you are never overloaded, and able to give each the attention it needs to do well.

Academic Preparation

Your GPA and transcript is also used to judge your academic preparation for the program. You should have a solid grounding in the field, and have taken advanced courses as well. Taking graduate level courses in undergrad can exemplify this. 

Some PhD programs also require research languages. This is more common in the social sciences and humanities, but all students will benefit from knowing other languages well enough to do research in them. You should look up language requirements when researching programs to apply to.

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test meant for students who intend to apply to graduate programs. Both MA and PhD programs ask for GRE scores. Much like the SAT or ACT in college exams, the test is meant to be a standardized measure of academic preparation and logical skill.

The test consists of six sections. The first is writing, next are two on verbal reasoning, then two on quantitative reasoning, and finally a research or experimental section, meant to test new questions. The entire test is offered on the computer, with one minute breaks after each section, and a ten minute break after the third section. While there is also a paper-based test, almost all testing is now done on a computer. Due to the pandemic, both testing centers and at-home testing are offered. The GRE is a multi-stage test, and how well you do on earlier sections determines the difficulty of later sections and questions. 

The verbal sections each consist of 20 questions, to be answered over 30 minutes. The whole is scored on a scale of 130-170. The quantitative section is scored the same, and consists of two 20 question sections, each of which should be completed in 35 minutes. The writing section is scored from 0-6. For this section, you write an essay on a given issue in 30 minutes, and offer a response critiquing a provided argument for 30 minutes.

Your total score from the GRE is given from 130-170. While the exact scores you need to enter graduate school vary, higher is better. In addition, some programs only care about your verbal score, while others only care about your quantitative score. How much weight each program puts on GRE scores varies greatly.

We recommend studying for the GRE for some time before testing. You can take the GRE up to five times per year, but must wait at least 21 days between testing dates. Only scores from the past 5 years will be released or considered by graduate programs.

Curriculum Vitae

This is akin to a resume, but is dissimilar enough that the two cannot be used interchangeably. The purpose of a CV is, like a resume, to detail what you have accomplished academically and in your career. It is far more focused on academics however, and is widely used for academic careers.

We recommend finding a template for a CV online, or asking your college’s advisors for help in creating one. If you already have a resume, then you will easily be able to convert it into a CV.

What admissions officers are looking for in your activities is primarily signs of research. This should be in whatever field you intend to pursue a PhD in. Publications are also incredibly valuable. All of academia runs on publication, and getting an early start helps your career at every step.

You should try to do research while still in undergrad. What this looks like depends entirely on what field you are pursuing. While the research does not have to exactly line up with what you wish to pursue, it should teach you skills which are cross applicable. Higher level academic research has its own set of methods and language which must be learned, and students who are already familiar with the forms and structures of research have a leg up in graduate school. 

Publication is not required, but is nice to see. If you have completed a master’s degree, you should have some publication history; of your thesis if nothing else. Speak with your academic advisors about getting your work published.

Each graduate school you apply to will ask for an essay. You will be able to use the same basic form for each, but will need to edit it to be about the particular program you are applying to. Most schools only require a single essay, although some programs ask for a second on diversity.

The purpose of this essay is to explain your research interests, what you have studied, your intended area of specialization, and what your focus will be on. Every PhD student is asking and trying to answer a very specific research question. This question forms the basis of their dissertation, and will be the focus of your life for several years if you are accepted.

Thus the essay is the most important part of your application. Your grades and GRE are required to see if you are academically ready for graduate school, but the essay lets readers know if you are a match for their program, and serious about your research.

Your essay should begin by stating which program you are applying to, and why. Next, go through your previous academic experience in the field, both coursework and research. You don’t have to go through every class, but cover the ones most relevant to your desired research topic.

You should discuss any prior research you have done in the field. If you completed a thesis for your undergraduate degree or a master’s program, cover that here. If you have any publication credits, cover those as well. This should relate directly to the field you are trying to enter. If you wish to pursue lab work, discuss your previous experiences; if instead you are pursuing field work, talk about your experiences there.

Next you should talk about the research you specifically wish to pursue through a PhD. You don’t need to have an exact research question worked out, but it is helpful to have some idea; you should at least know the subfield you will be focusing on. The more specific you are, the better. Having some discussion of methodology can be nice, but is not always necessary.

If there are any ongoing research projects ongoing at the school you wish to work on, cover those next. You should discuss how these projects specifically relate to your own research interests. Finally, you should talk about which professors you wish to work with. Professors take on graduate students to advise, and you ideally want one with a specialization at least tangentially related to your field of interest. The more closely related the professor’s studies are to your own, the better.

You will be able to leave much of this essay the same for each school you apply to, changing only the name of the program, the research projects, and the professors you wish to work with. 

This essay should be a page and a half to two pages long, single spaced. You should go into sufficient detail for those reading it to understand the research you want to pursue. These essays are reviewed by the faculty who run the department, and they make the admissions decisions for PhD programs. There are many more applicants than there are spaces, and admissions rates are low. The more specific and detailed you are in this essay, the better the faculty will understand your research aims, and the better your chances will be.

Diversity Statements

Not all programs ask for these, but you will likely be able to reuse the same essay for those that do. The purpose of the diversity statement is to see what unique points of view and experiences you will be able to contribute to the program. PhDs are about learning, and the more viewpoints and ideas within a program, the broader the experience will be.

If you are a member of an underrepresented group, an immigrant, come from an underprivileged background, or come from an area which is generally underrepresented, we suggest discussing that in this essay. You should not write an essay about your interactions with members of these groups, or a study abroad experience.

Above all, this essay should be authentic to you and your experience. The goal is to show how your background has shaped you as a person, and how it impacts your view of the world.

As with college applications, letters of recommendation are required for PhD admissions. These tell admissions committees who you are as a student and researcher, and give their opinion on how you will perform when doing graduate level work. Academic fields are small and often insular, and the professors writing your letters will often be known by those reading them, either by reputation or in person.

Programs ask for two to four letters. These should primarily come from professors who know you and your work well. If you had a thesis advisor, they should write one of your letters. If you’ve worked doing research for some time, then a mentor or lab director can also be a good source of a letter, even if they haven’t taught you in class. Letters should not come from non-academic sources, unless you have worked professionally in that field. 

While you have the option to read the letters that are written for you, you should always waive that right. If you don’t trust your writers to craft good letters for you, then you shouldn’t be asking them for letters. Asking to see letters is considered a sign of lack of trust, and is gauche. Many professors will decline to write letters if you insist on seeing them.

You should ask for letters well in advance of when they are due; we recommend at least a month or two. If you are asking non-tenured faculty for a letter, more leeway is recommended, as they have more on their plate, and are often more stressed. You may need to send a reminder as deadlines approach. You should also share a copy of your essay with letter writers, so they know exactly what subfield you intend to pursue, and can discuss this in their letters.

Finally, you should be aware of politics when asking for letters. Some professors do not like each other at all. If you are seen as the protege of a professor who others detest, this can impact your admissions chances. Always discuss which schools and programs you are applying to with your letter writers. You should also discuss your choices of writers with an advisor (for example a thesis advisor) familiar with the field. Academic politics are incredibly petty, but if you plan to pursue a PhD you need to be aware of the game, and how it is played.

If your application passes the first review, you will be invited to do an interview. This will be with faculty in the program you are applying to. This is to further get to know you, and to understand your research objectives. 

You should be able to clearly explain what you want to research, and how this program will help you do so. The people talking to you will all be familiar with the field, though not necessarily your specific subfield. They are looking for your ability to communicate and explain your view. Be prepared to answer some questions about the specifics of your goals, though it’s ok if you don’t know everything right now.

Interviews are generally in person, though due to the pandemic, virtual interviews have become more common. This is also your chance to ask any questions you have about the program you were unable to find answers to online. You can practice for this interview with an advisor or mentor; many schools have career centers which hold mock grad school interviews as well.

When and How to Apply to Grad School

There is no unified platform for PhD applications. Instead you must apply to each program individually, through the school’s website. This will mean filling out information multiple times, but they fortunately don’t ask for much. Once you have your documents in order, the rest is personal, demographic, and contact information.

You will need to pay to have your GRE scores sent to each school you apply to. Even though this is all electronic, they still charge dearly for it. 

Applications are generally due in December or January, with interviews held over the next few months. Applications open in September or October. We recommend getting your applications in before the due date, though most programs don’t use rolling admissions. Each program sets their own deadlines, so you should track when each of your applications is due carefully to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Paying for Grad School

PhD programs are for the most part fully funded. This means you will not be paying tuition, and will also get funding to live on. This funding is generally contingent on academic standing, and doing work TAing, teaching, or on ongoing research projects (or most commonly, all of the above). Many grad students also work full or part time to support themselves. 

While you will not need to take on additional debt to pay for graduate school, you will not be well paid either. While the exact amount graduate students receive varies by school and program, it is generally in the range of $20-30,000 annually. This goes towards food, housing, and supplies.

While you are in a PhD program, you will not have to make payments on any government loans you took out to pay for undergrad, though they will continue to accrue interest. Making payments on them during grad school is difficult, but will greatly cut down on the amount you need to pay back later.

There are also outside scholarships available to help pay for graduate studies. While the amounts offered by these vary, most are small. They can help greatly with paying for the necessities however, and applying to them is usually worth the time investment.

Grad School Admission FAQ

Now we’ll answer some of the most common questions about applying to PhD programs.

Can older students apply?

Yes. Many professionals return to school for a PhD long out of undergrad. We suggest taking some courses at a local university in the field you plan on entering before you do this however. Academic research advances quickly, and this will familiarize you with the latest developments. Further, this will introduce you to professors who can provide you with letters of recommendation.

What are my odds of acceptance?

This depends on both your field and program. Generally, however, it is quite difficult to gain admissions to a PhD program, and admission rates hover around 10%. Only the best students get accepted, and this is even more the case at the top schools and programs.

When should I start thinking about applications?

When you choose your major, you should decide what level you want to reach within that field. Some majors lend themselves to PhDs if you want to work in that field, while others allow employment at various levels.

Where should I apply?

You should find programs with professors who are dedicated to your particular subfield. A prestigious institution which does not focus on your area is far less useful, regardless of how famous its name is. You are looking for someone who will be able to advise you, and help you perform worthwhile research. Further, professors are looking for students studying fields similar to their own when they admit graduate students.

How long are PhD programs?

Generally programs last 4-5 years, though this can vary based on field. The exact structure of the programs also varies a lot based on field and program.

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How to Apply

Main navigation, the online application for 2024 entry is open..

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

Select One Program

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

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

Central & Departmental Processes

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

Graduate Admissions

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

Graduate Program

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

Admission Process Overview

Application.

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

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

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

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

Verification

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

Matriculation

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

Application Process

Invest in your future self.

Northeastern offers more than 200 online, in-class, and hybrid graduate degree and certificate programs across 20 different areas of study, meaning there are countless ways for prospective students to achieve their personal and professional goals.

The graduate admissions process varies by program or college. Prospective students should research their program of interest to learn about that program’s specific requirements and deadlines.

Get Started Today

Ready to apply? Application requirements vary by college and program. To review these details, visit any program page and reference the section titled “Admissions.” You can also visit the college websites below for more detailed information about the application process. Not sure what program you’re interested in?  Explore all our graduate programs.

• Apply to the College of Arts, Media and Design
• Apply to the D'Amore-McKim School of Business
• Apply to the D'Amore-McKim School of Business - Online
• Apply to the College of Computer and Information Science
• Apply to the College of Engineering
• Apply to the Bouvé College of Health Sciences
• Apply to the School of Law
• Apply to the College of Professional Studies
• Apply to the College of Science
• Apply to the College of Social Sciences and Humanities

General Application Requirements

All graduate applicants need to submit the following:

• Online application form
• Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
• Read our blog post on how to write a strong statement of purpose
• Non-refundable application fee of $75 to $100 (if required)
• One to three letters of recommendation
• Professional resumé and/or curriculum vitae
• Official GRE, LSAT, or GMAT scores (If required by your program)

International Application Requirements

Students for whom English is not their native language must complete the steps above, but also:

• To learn more about English proficiency exam requirement waivers, please contact your college admissions office directly.

If you are applying to a business, social sciences, engineering, mathematics, or science program, and your proficiency in the English language does not meet the minimum requirement, you may apply to the university’s  Global Pathways program . This program will help you improve your English language skills and academic knowledge before enrolling in your program of choice.

Other Resources

If you still have questions about the application process, or would like to learn more about our programs:

• Visit our Get Advice page for helpful tips, including how to connect with our admissions team to get your questions answered
• Explore our graduate degrees to find a program tailored to your personal career goals
• Email : [email protected]
• Call : (617) 373-2000
• Mailing Address: 

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

Please review information about how to apply before contacting Admissions.

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

Non-degree Programs 

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

Meet the Team

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

Looking for the undergraduate office of admissions? Find their contact information here . 

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Application Process

Tips and Advice from Current PhD Students

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

Take the next step and begin your application today!

Frequently Asked Questions by PhD Applicants.

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

PhD Program Specific Requirements

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ONLY:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Application Checklist

Here’s a summary of the application requirements:

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

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

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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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Applying for Graduate Admission

Applying to uc berkeley.

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

Who is eligible?

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

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

Application Process

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

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

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

Read About the Steps to Apply

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

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PhD in Management

Admissions - PhD in Management

Areas of specialisation.

• Accounting and Control
• Decision Sciences
• Entrepreneurship
• Organisational Behaviour
• Technology and Operations Management

INSEAD Doctoral Courses

• Core Courses
• Advanced Courses
• Admissions and Financing
• View PhD Student Profiles

Preparing a complete and competitive application - navigating the admissions process.

2025 Intake

September 2024

What we're looking for?

Our standards are high but extremely broad. Diversity is what INSEAD is about, after all. If you have a solid academic record in virtually any discipline, an inquiring and creative mind and a fascination with management or business, all you need is the right training to start your academic career in business academia. Among our successful applicants, there is one thing in common - the desire to become an academic researcher and professor in management.

We are now recruiting for the 2024 intake. To view   the minimum admissions requirements and deadlines, click  here .

Proven Academic Record

Regardless of subject background

Creativity and Independent Thought

Necessary to become a great researcher

Motivation, Determination and Drive

To follow through with goals

Ability to Work in English

As English is the sole medium of instruction at INSEAD

Why the INSEAD PhD?

The road ahead to a successful career in business academia is tremendously challenging yet, promising and rewarding in the end. If you are up for high pressure to reach excellent standards set and be amongst the brightest and most passionate minds within a multicultural, intellectually diverse and extraordinarily inspiring and fulfilling world-class academic environment, then look no further. At INSEAD, knowledge is created, challenged and nurtured. With a lifetime in research and knowledge creation focused on excellence, an academic career has never been this interesting and exciting.

Application Deadlines

We have closed our admissions for the 2024 intake. However, we will soon start our recruitment for mid-August 2025. Visit this page again for updates.

mid-Aug 2025

Next intake

  Start of application

1st week of January 2025

Admissions Deadline

Open One-Way Interview deadline

Application Process

Application Checklist

To apply to the INSEAD PhD, applicants must have a bachelor's degree, a minimum admissions requirement for education, and a valid GMAT or GRE test. Undergraduate students in their final year and recent graduates with or without work or research experience are welcome to apply. Applicants must submit an online application and e-copies of the required supporting documentation, including the open one-way interview.

We have extended our application deadline for the 2024 intake to Wednesday, 10th of January 2024, 23:59 CET.

Minimum Requirements

GMAT or GRE

of less than five years old

Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum education required

Other Requirements

Below are the steps to complete the application checklist:, step 1: online application.

INSEAD's application process is electronic, including the submission of supporting documents. The online application includes the prospect's profile, statement of purpose and statement of integrity.

Applying online

The INSEAD PhD application and supporting documents must be submitted online via apply.insead.edu .

To successfully access the application, please download or upgrade your browsers to the following minimum requirements: Internet Explorer 9 and above, Firefox 8 and above, Chrome 10, Safari 5 and above, and Opera 10 and above.

A complete application includes a duly accomplished online form, electronic copies (e.g. PDFs) of supporting documents, a fee of 50 € per application, and a recorded one-way interview. 

The online application form includes the following:

• Your Profile : personal information, test results, academic background, professional background, proficiency in the English language, international exposure and activities and interests.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) or letter of motivation (1500 words essay), stating current goals, career plans, and reasons for being interested in the PhD Programme. In as much depth as possible, discuss study plans and the intended area of specialisation. If you need further guidance on the SOP, please reach out to [email protected] . 
• Statement of Integrity  - upon submission of the form, you agree with the terms and conditions applicable to the INSEAD online application

NB : Electronic copies are scanned copies (PDF) of original documents with a < = 1 MB file size. Please use a reputable online service to compress your PDF files < = 1 MB.

For further information, download the  PhD Applications Instructions.

Step 2: Supporting Documentation

• A non-refundable fee of 50 € per application and paid online by credit card. Applications with no payment received are not considered successfully submitted. Hence, we do not include these in our review.
• CV/Resume,  preferably 1-2 pages long.
• Official Transcripts of Grades and Diplomas or Degree Certificates  For degrees in progress (undergraduate or graduate), please provide the latest official partial transcripts. Once you receive your full transcripts the following year, please send an e-copy (PDF) and an attestation that you've fulfilled the requirements for graduation.  Please provide an official English translation of your degree transcripts and certificates if the medium of instruction of your programme is non-English. Unfortunately, we do not accept self-translated documents.
• Official GMAT or GRE score report  The GMAT or GRE test is a mandatory requirement, and we cannot waive this under any circumstances. Therefore, please upload your test-taker score report to the application portal and request GMAT or GRE to send the official transmission to INSEAD. Moreover, no minimum test score is required, and the admissions committee does not have a preference for either of the tests.  The institution codes to send your scores are: 3244* (GRE/INSEAD's PhD in France) or 7324* (GRE/INSEAD's PhD in Singapore) and DL3-S8-08 (GMAT) *Please send only to either one of the GRE's institution code if you are applying for the PhD to 'either campus'.
• Official TOEFL score report The TOEFL is the only language test that we require for PhD admissions. Unfortunately, we do not accept the IELTS. However, we will automatically waive the TOEFL test if any of your degrees’ (either bachelor’s or master’s) medium of instruction is English. Your transcripts from this degree, which state that English is the medium of instruction, will suffice as proof of waiver. To send your TOEFL test score to INSEAD, indicate the institution code 3244.
• Supplementary information survey form link is in the Supporting Documents section of the online application form

Recorded interviews (OPTIONAL/NOT-MANDATORY) Upon submitting your online application, you will receive an email confirmation with a PDF copy of your online form and a link to the open one-way interview portal. The open one-way interview is OPTIONAL; however, it gives you an additional platform to express your interest in the PhD Programme through an interview format. 

Please note that the PhD Committee may request this during the review phase to provide further information on your online application. We will promptly contact you upon receiving their request. To ensure you receive our emails, kindly add [email protected] to your email safelist. 

Step 3: Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letters.

We only require three recommendation letters, preferably from faculty or academic sources who can evaluate the applicant's academic ability and research potential. We also accept industry recommendations if faculty references are not available. Candidates must use the online application to send the referee letter request to their recommenders. 

In the recommendation section, applicants must enter referee details like name, official title and email address and click the 'send an email to your recommenders' link. We highly encourage applicants to use the official email addresses of their referees; however, if this is not available, applicants can also use their personal email IDs. 

• Referees must submit their online recommendation forms by the last day of submission for the PhD online application.
• Refer to your application dashboard to view the submission status and make necessary follow-ups with your referees. However, we will not follow up on your behalf regarding the submission of recommendation letters.
• Any changes to the referees nominated must be made before you submit your online application form. We do not entertain any changes once you submit your application. 
• Suppose the referee requests a change of email. Please change this before you submit your online application. The referee with the new email will only receive the recommendation request. The other two referees, with no changes, will not receive a new request. 

Doctoral Programme

PhD Webinar | Mon, 22 Apr 2024, 20:30 EDT

We invite prospective PhD students to our webinar series to learn more about the PhD Programme and prepare a competitive application for the 2925 intake.  

Interested parties can ask questions about the programme structure, format and resources available to doctoral students during their studies in Singapore and France. We will also discuss the admissions process for the 2025 intake.

Monday, 22 April 2024, 20:30 - 21:30 EDT (e.g., NY Time) [+1, 08:30 - 09:30 SGT]

Duration: 1 hour

Please register at https://inse.ad/phd-webinars-registration and use www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html for the time conversion.

PhD Alumni Reunion and Conference 2024 - Reunite. Reflect. Reinspire.

**Exclusive Event for PhD Alumni**

INSEAD PhD in Management Programme cordially invites PhD alumni to its 35th anniversary on Europe Campus. 

For over three decades, INSEAD's PhD Programme has remained at the forefront of management research, and with the continued support and commitment of our dedicated faculty members, we have trained over 270 doctoral students and have successfully placed our graduates in top academic positions worldwide.

The INSEAD community continues to recognise the PhD's significant and relevant contributions to academic research. As one of INSEAD's premier graduate programmes, the INSEAD PhD will continue to inspire future academics to 'transform business and change the world for the better'.

We want to thank everyone who has celebrated this significant milestone of the programme with us. Please revisit this page for the latest updates leading to the reunion date. 

Please save the date to your calendar.

PhD Imperial College Fairs | Summer Careers Fair 2024

The INSEAD PhD Programme will be at the Imperial College Summer Careers Fair 2024 on Thursday, 11 June 2024.

Venue: Queen's Tower Rooms, South Kensington campus

The event is only open to Imperial College Students and Alumni. Visit the Imperial Summer Fair 2024 Page for more information.

Any Questions

Or try recently asked questions:

Learn More About INSEAD PhD and Find out How You Can Finance Your Doctoral Degree

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Vincent Lloyd, PhD, Named 2024 Guggenheim Fellowship Recipient

VILLANOVA, Pa. (April 19, 2024) – Vincent Lloyd, PhD, a professor of Theology and Religious Studies and Director of the Center for Political Theology at Villanova University, has been named a 2024 Guggenheim Fellow . Chosen through a rigorous application and peer review process from a pool of almost 3,000 applicants, Dr. Lloyd is one of 188 fellows selected for this prestigious fellowship based on “career achievement and exceptional promise.” In all, 52 scholarly disciplines and artistic fields, 84 academic institutions, 38 US states and the District of Columbia, and four Canadian provinces are represented in the 2024 Guggenheim Fellow class.      

Since its founding in 1925 by Senator Samuel Guggenheim, the Foundation has awarded over $400 million in fellowships to more than 19,000 fellows. Each fellow receives a monetary stipend to pursue independent work at the highest level under “the freest possible conditions.” Many Fellows’ projects directly respond to timely issues such as democracy and politics, identity, disability activism, machine learning, incarceration, climate change and community.

"Congratulations to Dr. Lloyd on this well-deserved recognition," said Adele Lindenmeyr, PhD, William and Julia Moulden Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. "The Guggenheim Fellowship is among the most prestigious awards in academia, recognizing individuals whose work demonstrates exceptional depth, promise and impact. Dr. Lloyd’s selection reflects his distinguished scholarly reputation and the timeliness of his compelling new project on the controversial Black intellectual and radical, Harold Cruse."

Selected as a Guggenheim Fellow in discipline of Intellectual & Cultural History, Dr. Lloyd’s research and teaching focuses on issues and trends related to religion in politics and race, and their impact on social change. Most recently, he is the author of  Black Dignity: The Struggle Against Domination  (Yale University Press), co-author of  Break Every Yoke: Religion, Justice, and the Abolition of Prisons  (Oxford University Press), and co-editor of the forthcoming  Political Theology Reimagined  (Duke University Press). Dr. Lloyd has co-edited the journal  Political Theology  for the past 12 years, and he co-edits the Transforming Political Theologies book series. Dr. Lloyd previously held fellowships from the American Council of Learned Societies, the Louisville Institute, Durham University (UK), Emory University and Notre Dame.

During his Guggenheim Fellowship, Dr. Lloyd will be writing  Harold Cruse: Contrarian Radical , a biography of one of the forgotten founders of Black studies, to be published by Yale University Press.

About the Guggenheim Foundation : Created and initially funded in 1925, by US Senator Simon and Olga Guggenheim in memory of their son John Simon, the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation has sought to “further the development of scholars and artists by assisting them to engage in research in any field of knowledge and creation in any of the arts, under the freest possible conditions.”

Since its establishment, the Foundation has granted over $400 million in Fellowships to more than 19,000 individuals, among whom are more than 125 Nobel laureates, members of all the national academies, winners of the Pulitzer Prize, Fields Medal, Turing Award, Bancroft Prize, National Book Award, and other internationally recognized honors. The broad range of fields of study is a unique characteristic of the Fellowship program.

The Foundation centers the talents and instincts of the Fellows, whose passions often have broad and immediate social impact. For example, in 1936, Zora Neale Hurston wrote Their Eyes Were Watching God with the support of a Guggenheim Fellowship and dedicated it to the Foundation’s first president, Henry Allen Moe. Photographer Robert Frank’s seminal book, The Americans, was the product of a cross-country tour supported by two Guggenheim Fellowships. The accomplishments of other early Fellows like e.e. cummings, Jennifer Doudna, Jacob Lawrence, Rachel Carson, James Baldwin, Martha Graham, and Linus Pauling also demonstrate the strength of the Foundation’s core values and the power and impact of its approach. More information at gf.org

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation’s top universities, Villanova supports its students’ intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu .

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Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies

2024-2025 graduate teaching assistantship application process, you are here, applications have closed.

Applicants may apply who are pursuing a PhD, MFA or MA in a field relating to gender, women's, sexuality studies or social justice; who have an undergraduate degree in the same; or who have completed coursework in feminist scholarship, sexuality studies and/or social justice and have teaching experience.  Although we grant weight to students enrolled in UI’s GWSS graduate certificate program, we regularly hire students with strong GWSS experience outside of our own degree program.

In order to be considered for a teaching assistant position for 2024-2025, complete the form found HERE and submit to Laura Kerr . YOU MAY NOT HOLD MORE THAN A 50% APPOINTMENT EITHER SEMESTER (this includes any bi-weekly on campus jobs you may have).

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: FEBRUARY 16th, 2024

AVAILABLE COURSES:

GWSS:1001 Introduction to Gender, Women’s & Sexuality Studies

2 TAs sought.  Three discussion sections = ½ time semester appointment (approximately 20 hours per week for a semester). Duties:  Attend 2 faculty-led weekly lectures and lead one small group discussion session per section each week within guidelines provided by faculty; meet with faculty supervisor for course planning and discussion, grade students’ written and oral work.

SJUS:1001 Introduction to Social Justice

3 TAs sought. Three discussion sections = ½ time semester appointment (approximately 20 hours per week for a semester). Duties:  Attend 2 faculty-led weekly lectures and lead one small group discussion session per section each week within guidelines provided by faculty; meet with faculty supervisor for course planning and discussion, grade students’ written and oral work.

GWSS:1002 Diversity and Power: Examining Gender, Race & Class in the US

2 TAs sought.  Three discussion sections = ½ time semester appointment (approximately 20 hours per week) Duties:  Attend 2 faculty-led weekly lectures and lead one small group discussion session per section each week within guidelines provided by faculty; meet with faculty supervisor for course planning and discussion, grade students’ written and oral work.

SJUS:2250 History of Social Justice Movements 1 TA sought.  Three discussion sections = ½ time semester appointment (approximately 20 hours per week) Duties:  Attend 2 faculty-led weekly lectures and lead one small group discussion session per section each week within guidelines provided by faculty; meet with faculty supervisor for course planning and discussion, grade students’ written and oral work.

TIA online application for 2024/2025 intake: Requirements and admission process

If you aspire to study accountancy or any other related business course, use the TIA online application to secure admission to one of its many nationwide campuses. For a long time, the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy (TIA) has been on the front line in producing some of the best graduates ready to add value to the economy.

In recent years, the job market in Tanzania has become competitive, and to be successful in your job search, you must have the best skill set and qualifications from a recognized and certified learning institution. Tanzania Institute of Accountancy has stood out as a leading learning institution for producing some of the country's best accountants since its launch in 2003.

Tanzania Institute of Accountancy

TIA provides education and facilitates research activities and consultancy in accountancy, business administration, procurement and logistics management, marketing and public relations, human resource management, public sector accounting, and finance. Therefore, TIA is not only a centre for teaching but also for knowledge generation.

Now that most employers are keen to scrutinize the credibility of credentials, it is vital to note that TIA programmes are approved and recognized by the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA). Since its establishment, the institution has grown exponentially with various campuses in different areas such as;

• TIA Dar es Salaam University
• TIA University Mbeya
• TIA University Singida
• TIA University Mtwara
• TIA University Mwanza
• TIA University Kigoma

At its various campuses, the institute offers:

• Basic Technician Certificate programmes
• Diploma programmes
• Bachelor Degree programmes
• Postgraduate Diploma programmes

Besides the above programmes, the institute provides specialized training for central and local government employees, review classes, and consultancy services.

What are the programs offered by TIA?

Below is a list of courses offered at Tanzania Institute of Accountancy.

• Master of Science Degree in Accounting and Finance
• Master of Marketing and Public Relations
• Master of Procurement & Supply Management
• Master of Business Administration in Project Management
• Master in Human Resource Management with Information Technology
• Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration
• Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management
• Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting
• Post Graduate Diploma in Procurement & Logistics Management
• Bachelor in Accounting
• Bachelor in Business Administration
• Bachelor in Human Resource Mgt
• Bachelor in Marketing and Public Relations
• Bachelor in Procurement and Logistics Mgt
• Bachelor in Public Sector Accounting and Finance
• Diploma in Accounting NTA level 5 & 6
• Diploma in Business Administration 1
• Diploma in Human Resource Mgt 1
• Diploma in Marketing and Public Relations
• Diploma in Procurement and Logistics Mgt (DPLM 1&2)
• Diploma in Public Sector Accounting and Finance
• Certificate in Public Sector Accounting Finance
• Basic Technician Certificate in Accountancy
• Basic Technician Certificate in Business Administration
• Basic Technician Certificate in Human Resource Management
• Basic Technician Certificate in Marketing and Public Relations

TIA admission entry requirements for the 2024/2025 academic year

Interested in studying at TIA during the 2024/2025 academic year? Well, you should be conversant with various minimum requirements for admission into the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

TIA management has outlined the prerequisites that a candidate must fulfil before applying to join the institution to study various courses. Here are the requirements for joining multiple academic programmes.

Basic Technician Certificate requirements

To apply for TIA online application for certificate you should have at least four (4) passes (grade “D” or above) at the certificate of secondary Education (CSEE) excluding religious subjects OR National Vocational Award LEVEL 2 accompanied with at least two passes at Ordinary Certificate of Secondary Education.

Diploma requirements

Here are the requirements for admission for the diploma program:

• Basic Technician Certificate in related programmes accompanied by at least four passes at Certificate of Secondary Education (CSEE) excluding religious subjects.
• Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (ACSEE) with at least one principal pass and one subsidiary in relevant subjects excluding Religious subjects.
• National Vocational Awards (NVA) level 3 accompanied by at least two passes at Certificate of Secondary Education (CSEE), excludes religious subjects

Bachelor degree requirements

Applicants for a bachelor's degree programme should have Form Six qualifications with either:

• Two principal passes with a total of 4.0 points from two subjects where A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E= 1 (For candidates who completed form six before 2014 and from 2016 onwards)
• Two principal passes with a total of 4.0 points from two subjects, A=5, B+=4, B=3, C=2, and D=1 (For candidates who completed form 6 in 2014 and 2015)

Form six applicants applying for Bachelor of Accountancy, Public Sector Accounting and Finance, and Procurement and Logistics Management should have passed mathematics at either O-Level or A-Level. Religious subjects are not considered; or,

Equivalent qualifications include:

• Ordinary Diploma (NTA Level 6) with at least a GPA of 3.0,
• Average of B grade for Diploma in Teacher Education,
• Upper Second Class for classified non-NTA diplomas,
• A distinction for unclassified diplomas,
• Average of C for full Technician Certificate (FTC) where A=5, B=4, C=3, and D=2.

Furthermore, the above qualifications should be accompanied with at least four O Level passes (Ds and above) or NVA LEVEL II/III with at least two passes at O Level.

Post Graduate Diploma requirements

To get accepted in the TIA postgraduate diploma program, an applicant should have:

• Bachelor or Advanced Diploma in Accounting or Procurement from any reputable institution or Any relevant degree programme OR
• An intermediate stage of CPA/CPSP or NBAA’s CPA or PSPTB’s CPSP

TIA courses and fees for 2023/2024

Interested in pursuing the courses offered by TIA at its various campuses across the country? Take advantage of the easy TIA online application process to secure admission to the renowned institution.

Tuko.co.ke recently published a list of the most marketable medical courses in Kenya with their salaries. In Kenya, several medical courses are considered highly marketable due to the increasing demand for healthcare professionals.

Among the most marketable medical courses are Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Bachelor of Pharmacy, Nursing and Clinical Medicine. The Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (MPDB) is responsible for regulating medical course training.

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Guru Gobind Singh Fellowship

Award information, important dates, eligibility criteria.

• Nomination Process

Application Process

• Stipulations

Fellowship details

In 1988 the University received a bequest from the late Mr. Karam Singh Maughan to establish an endowment to support graduate fellowships (named for Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikh religious leader) to be awarded to graduates of universities in a specific area of India and Pakistan for the purpose of pursuing graduate study at the University of California.

UCI may put forward one campus nomination for consideration.

For 2024-25, the amount of the Singh Fellowship award will be $30,000.

Students are to submit their applications by April 30 by 5:00pm PST.

To be eligible, a student must:

• be a graduate of an Indian or Pakistani university in the designated area1, (see map in the “forms” section below)
• be committed to returning to their country of origin after receiving the degree, and (3) not have engaged previously in graduate study at any other institution of higher learning in the United States. Individuals already holding the master’s degree will have preference.

Students at any stage of graduate study may be nominated. Preference to students who have reached the dissertation stage, and especially to those who have exhausted the normal sources of financial support.

The award will be made based on the strength of the student’s academic record and supporting documents should be provided a combined pdf; these should include:

• up to three letters of reference (one from the student’s faculty sponsor),
• university transcripts, and
• any other documents that may serve to support the candidacy.
• Indicate your current status, if you have advanced to candidacy or not, and planned completion date, etc.
• Include a statement of how the student proposes to use their graduate education in their home country.

Applicants may apply directly to the UCI Graduate Division .  School nominations are not required for this fellowship.

Singh_IndiaMap

1 Attached map has general boundaries. Specific coordinates begin at 25 degrees N, 77 degrees E, then northeasterly to 36 degrees N, 80 E, then northwesterly to 37 degrees N, 72 degrees E, then southwesterly to 27 degrees N, 68 degrees E, then southeasterly to the point of beginning.

Turner Dahl at [email protected]