How to Do PhD Abroad in 2024?
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A PhD is a continuously rewarding career, given the possibility of constant self-development. But have you ever wondered how to do PhD abroad? If you are still confused about your chances of doing a PhD abroad, then this blog may help you get through any of your confusion. The blog draws a roadmap on how to get doctorate abroad.
Earning a PhD abroad is a thrilling experience - pushing the boundaries of knowledge and shaping a rewarding future. While studying abroad and doing a PhD can be challenging, it brings with it the international twist that amplifies your overall PhD experience by immersing you in diverse cultures, perspectives, and academic excellence.
Starting your PhD abroad might sound interesting. But how do you get a PhD abroad remains a daunting question over the years among students. This is especially the case when pursuing a PhD in your home country requires you to only qualify for the standardised National Eligibility Test like UGC NET and CSIR NET. This blog comes as a rescue to help student sort out their confusion on how to do PhD abroad. But first, let us understand what is PhD.
Check: Top PhD Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
What is PhD?
The PhD degree stands for the Doctor of Philosophy. A PhD degree is the highest attainable academic degree. A student enrolled on a PhD degree goes through years of intensive study, independent research, and results analysis and concludes their work by creating original knowledge relevant to the field.
A PhD requires you to invest your time and bring in your best work. Towards the end of your PhD, you are required to put all your research findings over the years in a dissertation. A dissertation is the most important aspect of doing a PhD. It is a written document that presents your findings contributing to the field of study. Check out in detail about What is PhD?
Why Doing a PhD Abroad is Better?
Whether doing a PhD abroad is better than doing it in your home country depends on individual goals, circumstances, priorities, and other factors. Both routes bring with them unique advantages and challenges, so, a student must weigh all the parameters based on their preferences. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of doing a PhD abroad.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Exposure to different cultures, people and opinions. | Language Barriers and Adjusting to a New Culture |
| Personal and Professional Growth. | Visa and Immigration Hurdles. |
| Access to High-tech Equipment and Funding. | Financial Budget Constraint |
| Self-dependent attitude and Self-discovery. | Distance from Family and Friends. |
How Many Years for PhD are invested in Abroad?
The number of years for a PhD depends entirely on your thesis topic, the time required to accomplish the research on your chosen subject, your professor and your university. Alternately, a PhD usually takes 3-6 years either in India or abroad for its completion. Please note that a PhD is considered complete only after your thesis/dissertation is approved by the committee members.
Read about: Masters vs PhD: Which one is right for you?
How Do You Get a PhD Abroad? | Step-by-Step Guide
Getting a PhD abroad is more complex than getting a bachelor’s/master’s degree abroad.
One needs to invest a major portion of their daily routine in their thesis project. Students also need to regulate their mental health which often gets weakened due to overwhelming stress and anxiety that comes due to peer pressure, meeting the submission deadlines, cultural change and a large proximity from their loved ones.
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Before knowing how to get a PhD degree abroad, one must determine their research interests and goals. The decision to choose the research path is holistic. Before applying for a PhD abroad, ask yourself what you want to do for the rest of your life and will pursuing a research program give you happiness and satisfaction. Once you are clear with your choices, go on finding out how do you get a PhD abroad.
The steps on how to obtain a PhD abroad are given below.
- Evaluate your profile as per the field of research you are interested in. You will be required to make a thesis proposal mentioning your interests clearly along with discussing your research plan for the entire duration. You are required to briefly explain your research interest and how you are planning to go about it.
- The next step requires you to look for countries where you can find similar research projects as your chosen research fields.
- Once you determine which country is it that you want to go to for your PhD, shortlist some universities that have the best projects ongoing within your research field. Look out for a professor (referee) with similar projects and whose research interests align with your requirements.
- Reach out to your favourite professor or referee with your research proposal and research plan and extend your request to do a PhD under their supervision and guidance. Your referee may ask you for additional documents or information such as your college mark sheets, the total number of years of education, scores of any required language test and any previously published research work (if any). Based on these, the professor will accept or reject your research proposal to do a PhD at their esteemed lab/institution.
- Once the referee approves your research request, you will be required to apply for a PhD on the university’s website.
- If your application gets selected, apply for a student visa and passport, and look for suitable accommodations or ask for one within the university. You can reach out to your university counsellor for the same.
Eligibility Criteria to Do a PhD Abroad
The general eligibility criteria to pursue a PhD abroad are given below.
- The student must have completed a 4 years bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in the relevant subjects.
- Age is not a limitation while applying for a PhD abroad. This means that a person can get a PhD abroad without worrying about their age.
- The applicant must be fluent in English or in another local language of the country that they are applying to. For this purpose, several universities ask for qualifying scores in the desired language test.
- The applicant must get qualifying scores in the GMAT/GRE. Please note the subject-specific marks requirements of each university may vary as per the subjects you choose for your PhD.
Selection Criteria
Getting into the field of research abroad is quite competitive as the number of applications received each year exceeds the required number of applications at each institution. For this reason, every university abroad lists its own set of selection criteria. Candidates are advised to check the selection criteria with their chosen universities.
The general selection criteria for getting a PhD abroad are given below.
- Timely submission of the application is the first preference. Candidates who submit all the required documents timely along with their applications are considered over others. For this reason, start preparing to apply for a PhD a year in advance.
- As a rule, there can be no more than 5 students working on the same research project. So, the university selects the best 5 applications for the same project/department (if there are that many vacancies).
- Any previously published research works or other collaborative work gives an added advantage to your application.
Documents Required
The documents may vary based on the country, university and subject that you choose for your PhD. The list of documents required for applying to do PhD abroad is given below.
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- A copy of the master’s degree obtained from a recognised university with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate (or a high GPA).
- GRE scores - check the qualifying marks required by the university you are applying to.
- English proficiency test scores (an overall score of 6.5 and a 6.0 grade point in all the sections for IELTS, 90 for TOEFL (iBT) OR other regional language proficiency test scores.
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Thesis Statement/Statement of Purpose (SOP)/Research Proposal
- Previous research work - if you have published a research paper earlier, mention that in your application as this will boost your chances of getting selected.
- An updated resume
- Other academic transcripts from school and college.
Please note that the qualifying scores for any of the tests may vary, please check the same with your university for eligibility.
Top 5 Countries to Do PhD Abroad
The best 5 countries for doing a PhD along with the average annual cost of PhD are given in the table below.
| Country | Average Annual Cost of PhD |
|---|---|
| USA | From ₹ 0 to ₹ 53 L |
| UK | From ₹ 13 L to ₹ 29 L |
| Germany | From ₹ 0 to ₹ 13 L |
| Ireland | From ₹ 7 L to ₹ 28 L |
| Canada | From ₹ 5 L to ₹ 44 L |
Please note, the fee is subject to change each year, thus, applicants should be cautious and double-check before applying to any of the countries abroad for a PhD.
Know more about PhD Abroad
| PhD Study in Canada: All you need to know | PhD Scholarships in the UK for Indian Students |
| All about PhD in the UK for Indian Students | Guide to PhD Programs in Germany |
For admission-related queries, sign up for free counselling at Shiksha Abroad Counselling and request a call back from our team of expert counsellors.
How to Do PhD FAQs
Q. Is there any age limit for doing a PhD abroad?
A. No, there is no age limit for students applying to get a PhD abroad.
Q. Which exams are required to do a PhD abroad?
A. One must qualify for the GRE General and GRE Subject exams to do a PhD abroad. Along with these, the student will also be required to qualify for the language-specific standardised proficiency tests.
However, the English language proficiency test can be waived if the student has received their school education in English medium. Students are advised to connect with their university counsellors to learn the university’s policies on waiving the English language Tests.
Q. How to do PhD after MBA?
A. To do a PhD after an MBA from abroad, one must qualify for the GMAT or GRE. As many universities abroad have a very small acceptance rate of 3-5%, students must create a strong SOP and submit 2-3 LORs from their faculties or industry mentors along with their applications.
Previous experience in the relevant field and published research papers can boost one’s chances of getting selected for the limited number of PhD slots available at global universities.
Q. How to do PhD after BTech?
A.One can get a PhD after BTech either directly (by getting your faculty’s recommendation) or by applying for an integrated PhD degree. In either case, the duration of the PhD may range from 3-6 years.
Q. How to do PhD in abroad with stipend?
A. To get a PhD abroad with a stipend, one must reach out to their professors or course supervisors well in advance and ask about their policies for a PhD stipend. Some universities/professors abroad may ask you to opt for Research Assistantships and Graduate Teaching Assistantships in exchange for the stipend. While others may offer only the studentship rather than a stipend. To secure the funds for your PhD abroad, you can also apply for several scholarships according to your needs and eligibility.
Q. Which country is the best for doing PhD?
A. The best country for doing a PhD abroad depends entirely on the student’s individual preferences. If your interest is to pursue a fully-funded PhD only then, the USA and Russia are the best choices. However, based on different fields of studies, Israel is considered good for conducting research in natural sciences, Canada for research in STEM subjects, and Japan for business-related courses.
Q. What is the cost of doing a PhD abroad?
A. An Indian student may expect to spend around INR 35,000 to 50 lakhs for doing their PhD abroad. One can also get stipends and lucrative scholarships based on their research proposal and thesis idea to support their PhDs.
Q. How to Do PhD Abroad with Scholarship?
A. Scholarships are provided by both, the university and the government. In most cases, the scholarship is provided by the university along with accepting your application. If you do not receive any scholarship from the university, then you can apply for an external scholarship yourself. These scholarships provide a good amount of funds to support your PhD, given that you fulfil their eligibility criteria.
Q. What are the eligibility criteria to do a PhD in abroad?
A. The specific eligibility criteria for a PhD program abroad can vary depending on the country, university, and field of study. However, some general requirements typically include:
- Master's Degree: A master's degree is required, especially for programs in competitive fields. In many cases, a PhD can be done right after the completion of an undergraduate degree (of 4 years or more). Consult with your supervisor for the same.
- GPA: A minimum GPA is often specified, typically around 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- English: Proficiency in English is almost always required, as most PhD programs are taught in English. Common language exams include TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic.
- Other Languages: Depending on the country and field of study, proficiency in other languages may be required.
- Academic References: Letters of recommendation from professors or academic advisors are essential. In some cases, letters of recommendation from professionals in the field may also be required.
- Statement of Purpose: A well-written statement of purpose outlining your research interests, motivation for pursuing a PhD, and future career goals is crucial.
- Research Proposal: A detailed research proposal outlining your proposed research topic, methodology, and expected outcomes is often required.
- Visa Requirements: Meeting the visa requirements for the country you intend to study in.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
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