What is PhD and How to Do a PhD Abroad?
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What is meant by PhD: If you are wondering "what is meant by PhD and what is PhD full form?" then, read this article for complete information on what is PhD course. A PhD degree is the highest level of educational qualification/degree that one can achieve. After the successful completion of a PhD degree, one can decide to get an extension to their PhD, pursue another PhD degree or set up a career in academics or R&D.
A PhD degree, short for "Doctor of Philosophy", is the highest academic degree awarded in a specific field. It requires extensive research and a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the area of study. Earning a PhD is often a prerequisite for becoming a university professor or researcher. The degree is typically abbreviated as PhD or DPhil, depending on the institution. While DPhil is more common in the UK, especially at Oxford, PhD is the standard abbreviation in most other places.
As you follow the standard levels of education, i.e. high school - bachelor's degree - master's degree - PhD degree, there is no higher degree than PhD. So, after completing a PhD, you either go for another PhD or just ride on to your desired career trajectory. Some education enthusiasts may also go for another PhD degree on a different topic/specialisation or another master's in a new stream/subject and then go for another PhD in the same discipline, but there is no higher degree. However, some go for a postdoc after completing their PhD, however, that is more of a training that helps to bridge the gap between the student experience and the professional experience.
The PhD degree is recognised across the globe and the individual holding it is thus referred to as a “doctor”, meaning that they are an expert in their chosen PhD subject. A PhD degree allows an individual to conduct collaborative or independent research in their area of expertise and share their results across the scientific communities of engineers, doctors, psychologists and other professionals. If you too wish to do a PhD abroad, then read this blog till the end for all the necessary details on what is PhD and how to get one abroad.
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What is PhD Degree?
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree that can be pursued only after the completion of a master’s degree in a specific field. It requires extensive research and a dissertation that contributes original knowledge. The term "philosophy" in this context refers to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, rather than the academic discipline of philosophy.
During PhD, a doctoral candidate is required to present a project, thesis, or dissertation that typically includes a substantial amount of original academic research, which is generally deemed suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. In numerous countries, the candidate must also defend this work in front of a panel of expert examiners designated by the university.
The PhD degree is awarded by higher and authorised institutions only after the successful thesis or dissertation submission by the PhD holder. Even though a master’s degree is a basic requirement for pursuing a PhD degree, some institutions abroad allow students to avail a PhD degree straight after their bachelor’s degree. A PhD degree is typically pursued by those students who wish to settle in an academic or research field or students who wish to get a strong hold on their subject - as much as possible.
The process of getting a PhD involves:
- Coursework: Completing required courses related to the chosen field.
- Research: Conducting original research and writing a dissertation.
- Defense: Defending the dissertation before a panel of experts.
Requirements and practices for earning a PhD can vary between countries and institutions. However, the general process involves rigorous academic work and a significant contribution to the field of study.
A PhD degree can pose numerous challenges in front of a student but alongside, equally rewards them for their determination and hard work. One may even be able to bring out some groundbreaking results during their journey to manifesting their highest academic degree.
Requirements to Earn a PhD Degree Abroad
The requirements for obtaining a PhD degree differ significantly based on the country, institution, and duration, ranging from introductory research degrees to advanced doctorates. Throughout the course of their studies, individuals pursuing this degree are referred to as doctoral students or PhD students. However, those who have completed the requisite coursework and examinations and are in the process of writing their thesis or dissertation may be referred to as doctoral candidates or PhD candidates.
In certain institutions, a student at this stage may receive a Candidate of Philosophy degree or a master's degree as a step towards the doctoral qualification. This status is sometimes informally referred to as "ABD," which stands for "all but dissertation." PhD graduates often engage in postdoctoral research as they transition from their studies to securing academic positions.
Below are some important elements of requirements to earn a PhD degree abroad:
| Requirements to Earn a PhD Degree Abroad | |
|---|---|
| Requirements | Remarks |
| Academic qualifications |
|
| Language proficiency |
|
| Research proposal |
A detailed outline of your intended research topic and research methodology
|
| Letters of recommendation |
Typically 2-3 letters from academic or professional references
|
| Coursework |
Some programs require completion of specific courses
|
| Comprehensive exams |
Entry to many PhD programs include written or oral exams to test broad knowledge in the field
|
| Original research |
Conduct independent research leading to new knowledge in your field
|
| Dissertation |
Write and defend a lengthy thesis presenting your research findings
|
| Publications |
Most PhD programs require publishing research in peer-reviewed journals
|
| Funding |
Secure funding through scholarships, grants, or teaching/research assistantships
|
| Residency requirements |
Many programs require a minimum period of full-time study in the host country
|
| Supervision |
Work under the guidance of an approved doctoral supervisor
|
| Time commitment |
Usually 3-5 years full-time, though this can vary
|
PhD Subjects
Just like the bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a PhD degree can be attained in any stream or subject. Some major PhD subjects are given below.
| PhD Subjects |
|
|---|---|
| PhD in Maths |
|
| PhD in Statistics |
|
| PhD in Linguistics |
PhD in Sociology |
| PhD in Politics |
PhD in Environment |
| PhD in Oceanology |
PhD in Climate and Weather Changes |
Eligibility Criteria of a PhD Abroad
When it comes to PhD Admission abroad, one must fulfil the requirements of getting into it. To be eligible to get admitted to a PhD abroad, one must:
- Have a master’s degree in a relevant subject or a bachelor’s degree of 4 or more years in the same or relevant field.
- Have the consolidated marksheet of both master's and bachelor's degrees.
- Have valid scores in the English Proficiency Tests like IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
- Qualify for the General GRE.
- Qualify for the Subject GRE.
- Arrange 2-3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
- Possess the required Academic Transcripts
- Have a high GPA score
Tip:- If you have published a research paper as a co-author or as a principal author then, you must also mention the details of that paper in your application. This gives an edge to your application among others.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
How to do PhD Abroad?
Unlike getting a bachelor's or a master's degree abroad, the way to get a PhD abroad is different. The students need to approach their desired supervisors and get their recommendation before applying to the PhD vacancies available at the university. For the complete step-by-step plan on how to do PhD abroad, do check out our article "How to do PhD?".
Required Documents
Below is a list of documents that a PhD applicant is expected to possess. Keeping these documents ready beforehand applying for a PhD may delay any last-minute disruptions.
- Your school and college mark sheets.
- Test scores of standardised English language proficiency tests.
- Your research/thesis proposal.
- An updated CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation: consider asking your professors and department heads in college.
- Passport
Once your application gets approved, you will be required to possess your university's acceptance letter at all times while applying for a visa and looking for accommodations in that foreign country.
Know all about PhD Abroad
| All about PhD in the UK for Indian Students | Guide to PhD Programs in Germany |
| PhD Study in Canada: All you need to know | PhD Scholarships in UK for Indian Students |
Average PhD Stipend in Different Countries
The Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, is considered a professional degree which is why the duration of a PhD degree is counted in the total experience of the student. Most countries and universities abroad provide fully-funded PhDs; while the others provide some amount of funding/stipend for pursuing the full cost of a PhD. The amount of funding provided may vary according to the government or institutional policies. When it comes to the funding of a PhD in different countries, one must look for both government and non-government scholarships. We have listed the average range of government and non-government funding available in different countries in the table below.
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| Country | PhD Funding Body | Average Yearly PhD Funding Amount (respective currencies) |
|---|---|---|
| Study in Canada | Government (Scholarships included) | CAD 10,000 - 70,000 (INR 6.2 L - 43.6 L) |
| Non-government | CAD 1000 - 40,000 (INR 62.4 k - 25 L) | |
| Australia | Government | AUD 15,000 (INR 8.5 L) |
| Non-government | AUD 3000 - 30,000 (INR 1.6 L - 16.8 L) | |
| USA | Government | USD 15,000 - 30,000 (INR 12.5 L - 25 L) |
| Non-government | USD 15,000 - 30,000 (INR 12.5 L - 25 L) | |
| Study in UK | Government | GBP 18,000 - 30,000 (INR 18.9 L - 31.5 L) |
| Non-government | GBP 15,000 - 27,000 (INR 15.78 L - 28.4 L) | |
| Germany | Government | EUR 11,208 - 15,000 (INR 10.28 L - 13.6 L) |
| France | Government | EUR 500 - 2,000 (INR 45.5 k - 1.8 L) |
| Spain | Government | EUR 1,188.49 (INR 1.08 L) |
| Study in Ireland | Government | EUR 28,000 (INR 25.5 L) |
| South Korea | Government | USD 1000 - 2000 (INR 83 k - 1.6 L) |
*The given INR conversions are subject to change as per the exchange rate.
Please note that the above values are for estimation purposes only. There may be some difference in the actual values due to an update in the policies for funds in the concerned organisations. Students must also note that PhD stipends in some countries may cover the cost of living while others may not. It is advised to check the details of the funding thoroughly.
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How long is a PhD Abroad?
The duration of completing a PhD depends entirely on the institution, subjects and the thesis topic. In some institutions, a PhD can take up to 6-8 years depending on the challenges and research processes involved during the PhD, while some institutions may help you get a PhD degree within 3-4 years of its manifestation. On average, a PhD may span to up to 5-6 years anywhere across the globe. A PhD degree cannot be referred to as “complete” if the thesis has not been approved by the supervisor.
Benefits of PhD Abroad
Below are some advantages of a PhD abroad.
- You get a global perspective of people, trends, and cultures.
- You may get hands-on practice on some of the most sophisticated analytical equipment.
- There are more research opportunities and you may get a diverse set of interests, support and opinions on your project. This can help you in bringing out your best results.
- You get a chance to network with brilliant experts and authors which may not be possible in your home country.
- Better funding.
- You may even get to complete your PhD degree in a shorter duration of time, depending on your supervisor and institution. You may look for your desired supervisor’s trends of approving a thesis or connect with their PhD students to get an idea of what you may expect on joining their laboratory.
Careers After PhD Abroad
After pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) abroad, one can settle into the following career segments.
| Career After PhD | |
|---|---|
| Academic and Scientific Researcher | Lecturer or Professor at an Esteemed University |
| Medical Practitioners | Consultants |
| Psychologists | Legal Advisers |
| Doctors | Government Officials |
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Life of a PhD Scholar Abroad
As heard from the active PhD students abroad, it may be outlined that pursuing a doctorate (PhD) abroad can be challenging. While a PhD abroad may come with numerous rewards such as great funding, more research ideas and networking with brilliant people, it may pose equally challenging obstacles in the journey of the researcher as well. We have listed some pros and cons of doing a PhD abroad.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Personal and Professional Development | Limited job availabilities |
| Greater Funding | High cost of living |
| Better Research equipment and cutting-edge technology | Constant pressure to produce high-quality research reports |
| Networking with Brilliant People | Difficulty understanding and adjusting to a new culture and networking with people |
| Better lifestyle and exposure to diverse landscapes | Homesickness or loneliness may induce mental stress often |
| Top renowned universities | Moments of self-doubt and confusion |
This was all about what is PhD, PhD full form, PhD subjects, PhD meaning, how to do PhD abroad and how many years for PhD are required. Candidates looking for assistance with the university application process can get in touch with our Shiksha Counselling Services on the same. Candidates can also write to us with their queries in the comments section, below.
What is PhD FAQs
Q. What is PhD Scholar?
A. A PhD Scholar, also sometimes referred to as a Doctoral Scholar, is someone who is enrolled in a Doctoral program, specifically working towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. A PhD scholar is typically engaged in:
- Conducting original research under the guidance of a supervisor or advisor.
- Taking advanced coursework related to their chosen field.
- Writing a dissertation, a lengthy document presenting their original research findings.
- Participating in conferences and workshops to present their research and network with other scholars.
Q. Can a PhD holder be called a “doctor”?
A. Yes, the PhD degree allows a person to use “doctor” in their title. PhD is a terminal degree pursued by social and physical scientists in which they administer, conduct and evaluate published research(es). A PhD degree can be achieved after 5-7 years of continuous research and hard work of the scientists in their respective fields of work.
Q. What is PhD course work?
A. PhD coursework refers to the structured academic components that doctoral students typically complete during the initial phase of their PhD program. PhD coursework typically involves advanced classes and seminars in a student's field of study, taken during the initial years of a doctoral program. These courses aim to deepen knowledge, develop research skills, and prepare students for their dissertation work.
Q. How long is a PhD degree in India vs abroad?
A. The completion of a PhD degree and its duration depend entirely upon the supervisor and the institution’s PhD thesis committee members. However, one may expect to complete their PhD within 3-5 years abroad and within 5-8 years in India.
Q. Does a PhD abroad offer more employability and income?
A. Yes, a PhD abroad comes with greater benefits and indeed a high income benefit. Having a PhD renders you to be a notable expert in a given field. This opens the doors to get employed with the biggest institutions and organisations in the world. A person can get n-number of PhD degree meaning that they can become experts in more than one field.
Q. How many years for PhD should one dedicate?
A. The ideal number of years for a PhD are 3-5 years. While a 3-5 years of PhD prepares an individual to start their careers early, ahead of others. This time is also considered enough to conduct and conclude any experimental research for bringing out the desired PhD results for the presentation of thesis.
Q. Which country is the best for a PhD abroad?
A. The best country for a PhD may be chosen on the basis of subjects and the individual interests of the students. For this reason, the USA and Germany are considered one of the best countries to pursue a PhD.
Q. Can I apply for a PhD abroad without a master’s degree?
A. Yes, one can be exempted from having a master's degree for getting admission to PhD abroad only in special cases. To be exempt from having a master’s degree, one must have pursued a bachelor’s degree of 4 years or more. However, this may vary according to the university you are applying to. So, it is advised to ask your university supervisors for confirmation.
Q. What is PhD synopsis?
A. A PhD synopsis is a brief document outlining a proposed doctoral research project. It typically includes the research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. The synopsis serves as a concise overview of the planned dissertation for review by academic committees.
Q. What is PhD Thesis?
A. A PhD thesis, also known as a doctoral dissertation, is a substantial and original piece of academic research conducted by a doctoral candidate as the culmination of their PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) program.
Q. What is PhD Fellowship?
A. A PhD fellowship is a financial award given to doctoral students to support their research and studies. It typically covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses, allowing students to focus on their academic work without significant financial burden.
Q. What is exactly done in a PhD?
A. The work required in a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) typically involves:
- Conducting original research in a specific field
- Writing and defending a dissertation
- Taking advanced coursework
- Developing expertise in research methods
- Contributing new knowledge to the field/subject
- Working closely with academic advisors
- Potentially teaching or assisting with classes
The specifics in each case can vary by discipline and institution.
Q. What is a PhD registration certificate?
A. A PhD registration certificate is a document that certifies that a student is registered for a PhD program at the mentioned university, college, industry, or research institution. Typically, the PhD registration certificate contains details of the student and the certificate-issuing body, such as the name of the certificate-issuing body and the student, registration number, registration date, name of the PhD supervisor, subject, etc.
Q. What is PhD eligibility criteria abroad?
A. The eligibility criteria for a PhD abroad varies from institution to institution and the program applied for. However, the basic criteria of eligibility to get a PhD abroad are:
- A master's degree in a relevant subject.
- Students with an integrated UG-PG degree are also eligible to apply.
- In some cases, students in STEM programs with a 4-year UG degree are also eligible to apply; the same must be confirmed with the university counselor before applying.
- Universities abroad provide state-of-the-art facilities for research and experiments and take the utmost pride in their PhD alumni for their meaningful contributions to the scientific world. For this reason, universities eye applicants with strong academic records, i.e. having good scores throughout their school and graduation years.
- If the host university's medium of lecture delivery and communication is English or any other language and requires you to prove your fluency in the same then, you will have to take appropriate tests and provide your scores prior to getting admitted to the university.
- A strong SOP that describes your goals, methodology, and research interests.
- 2-3 LORs from established referees that can vouch for your knowledge and experimental skills to the host university's supervisor.
Q. What is PhD salary?
A. The PhD salary in India, often called a "stipend", varies for a JRF and an SRF. A PhD scholar in India spends the first two years as a JRF and the remaining three years as an SRF; the monthly stipends for each position are INR 37,000 and INR 42,000, respectively.
However, after completing a PhD, a PhD salary for the PhD scholar may range from INR 4 lakhs to 15 lakhs a year (average amount).
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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