PhD programs abroad for international students
- Advantages of studying on PhD programs abroad
- Formats and levels of PhD programs abroad
- Top universities for PhD programs abroad
- How to apply for PhD programs abroad
- Language of instruction and preparation for PhD abroad
- Tuition fee for PhD programs abroad
- Scholarships and grants for PhD programs abroad
- Career prospects after PhD programs abroad
- Frequently asked questions

Doctorate - Business Administration
Geneva Business SchoolGeneva Business School is widely recognized as a world-class educational institution due to its pioneering approach to teaching and its dedication to implementing cutting-edge technological tools in the classroom.
Our Doctor of Business Administration program makes use of these advantages…

Doctor - Business Administration
EU Business SchoolThe Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at EU is one of the most selective in the world because of its reputation for academic rigor, intellectual stimulation, and difficulty. Students learn to think for themselves and solve problems critically, which helps them become experts in a particular…

Doctor of Business Administration Program
SBS - Swiss Business SchoolThe DBA Program is a work-and-research program for management practitioners and professionals interested in practice and policy.
In-class courses are intensive workshops with face-to-face sessions. All classes have written assignments. The candidate transitions from coursework to research…

Doctor of Business Administration - Strategy, Project Leadership and PMOs
SBS - Swiss Business SchoolThe Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Program is designed for working managers and other professionals in the field who are interested in making a substantial impact via their work and research.
There is a three-year minimum to finish the program. The majority of the required courses…

Doctor of Philosophy
Torrens University AustraliaThe Doctor of Philosophy is a highly recognised research degree that requires you to undertake independent study while being supervised and guided by experts in your field. The Doctor of Philosophy degree involves the completion of a thesis that displays original thought and academic rigour while…

Professional Doctorate - Research
Torrens University AustraliaThe Professional Doctorate (Research) incorporates research training into coursework and reflective practise, resulting in new discipline knowledge through research.
Graduates at this level must have a systematic and critical comprehension of a complicated topic of study, as well as specialised…

PhD - Anthropology
Memorial University of NewfoundlandWe offer a PhD programme that requires ethnographic fieldwork.
Many of our former graduate students went on to work as professional anthropologists. Others have used anthropology to advance their professions in journalism, filmmaking, and public policy. The Department has placed a great…

PhD - Archaeology
Memorial University of NewfoundlandMemorial Archaeology has a growing international reputation based on the range and quality of scholarly research, proficiency in teaching, and cutting-edge infrastructure.
We offer distinct strengths in historical archaeology, archaeological sciences, and the ancient indigenous past for…

PhD - Biochemistry
Memorial University of NewfoundlandOur graduate programme offers a high-level education with the purpose of preparing students for careers in research or other STEM fields. We offer MSc and PhD programmes, and many of our MSc students progress to the PhD programme. Our department is one-of-a-kind and diverse, with expertise in nutrition,…

PhD - Biology
Memorial University of NewfoundlandThe Department of Biology at Memorial University is home to nearly one hundred graduate students, thirty full-time faculty members, and several cross-appointment professors from other academic departments. Roughly twenty researchers from outside Memorial University, the majority of whom are employed…
Advantages of studying on PhD programs abroad
PhD abroad opens up unique opportunities for professional and academic development for international students. Studying at leading world universities means access to modern laboratories, scientific projects and cutting-edge research. Unlike standard education, PhD programs involve deep individual work with a scientific supervisor and participation in international conferences. Obtaining a PhD degree significantly increases career opportunities: graduates are in demand at universities, research centers, large corporations and international organizations. In addition, many countries provide scholarships and research positions for PhD students, making education accessible and financially justified.
Formats and levels of PhD programs abroad
PhD abroad most often lasts from 3 to 5 years and has several formats:
- Traditional research program – the student works on an individual scientific topic, writes a dissertation and publishes articles.
- Structured PhD programs – include lectures, seminars and courses aimed at developing research and teaching skills.
- Joint and dual programs – allow studying at two universities simultaneously, receiving diplomas from both.
- Industrial PhD programs – involve research work in partnership with companies, which is especially in demand in IT, engineering and biotechnology.
Top universities for PhD programs abroad
University | PhD program | Tuition fee for international students | QS / THE Ranking |
---|---|---|---|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, USA) | PhD in Engineering, Computer Science | ~55 000 USD/year | QS #1 |
University of Oxford (UK) | PhD in Social Sciences, Humanities | ~45 000 GBP/year | QS #3, THE #1 |
University of Cambridge (UK) | PhD in Natural Sciences, Engineering | ~40 000 GBP/year | QS #2, THE #3 |
Harvard University (USA) | PhD in Economics, Medicine, Law | ~50 000 USD/year | QS #4, THE #2 |
National University of Singapore (NUS) | PhD in Engineering, Business, IT | ~35 000 SGD/year | QS #8 |
University of Melbourne (Australia) | PhD in Education, Medicine, Law | ~35 000 AUD/year | QS #14 |
Technical University of Munich (Germany) | PhD in Engineering, Physics, Medicine | Free or up to 3 000 EUR/year | QS #37, THE #30 |
How to apply for PhD programs abroad
Admission to PhD abroad requires serious preparation, as competition is high and universities evaluate not only the diploma, but also the candidate's potential as a future researcher.
Main application stages
- Choosing a research topic and university. It is important to find a direction that matches the interests of professors and the research projects of the faculty.
- Finding a scientific supervisor. Most universities require topic coordination and confirmation of the professor's readiness to work with you.
- Preparing documents. It is necessary to collect a complete package of papers confirming qualifications and research experience.
- Submitting an application through the university portal. The process usually takes from 3 to 6 months.
- Interview or online interview. Often conducted with a potential scientific supervisor or faculty committee.
- Receiving an invitation (offer) and visa processing. This will also require proof of financial solvency and health insurance.
Documents for admission
- Passport copy. The validity period must cover the entire period of intended study.
- Master's or Specialist diploma (with transcript of grades).
- Academic resume (CV). It includes education, scientific achievements, publications, conference participation, proficiency in methodologies and analytical skills.
- Motivation letter. Explains why you want to enter this particular university and why you chose the research topic.
- Research Proposal. One of the key documents: describes the purpose of the work, research questions, methods and expected results. Usually takes 5–15 pages.
- Examples of scientific publications. If the candidate has published articles in journals or conference proceedings, this increases the chances of admission.
- Recommendation letters. At least 2–3 recommendations from professors or scientific supervisors confirming the candidate's research abilities.
- Foreign language proficiency certificate. Most universities require proof of English proficiency, sometimes also knowledge of the national language of the country of study.
Language of instruction and preparation for PhD abroad
The main language of instruction is most often English. However, in Germany, France, Japan and China, some programs are conducted in national languages.
For admission, international students have access to preparatory courses such as Pre-PhD Program or Graduate Foundation Year, where academic English, research methods and basics of academic writing are studied.
The cost of such courses ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 US dollars depending on the country and duration.
Tuition fee for PhD programs abroad
Cost of PhD abroad:
- In the USA and UK, tuition costs from 40,000 to 60,000 US dollars per year. In Australia and Canada – from 25,000 to 40,000 dollars.
- In Germany and Scandinavia, tuition at public universities is often free, the student only pays a semester fee (about 300–600 euros).
Additional living expenses:
- accommodation – 600–1200 USD/month,
- food – 300–600 USD/month,
- transport – 50–150 USD/month,
- health insurance – 300–600 USD/year.
To obtain a student visa it is usually necessary to have from 10,000 to 20,000 dollars or the equivalent in local currency in the account.
Scholarships and grants for PhD programs abroad
International students can use various forms of financial support:
- Academic scholarships are provided for high scientific achievements.
- Financial aid is allocated to students from families with limited income.
- There are scholarships for leadership qualities and motivation, which take into account participation in scientific and social projects.
- Universities often offer their own grants, covering from 20 to 100% of the cost.
- A special place is occupied by research and assistant positions, where the student works on projects and receives a salary.
In the USA and Canada, such positions can fully cover tuition and bring 1,500–2,500 USD monthly. In Germany and the Netherlands, grants are available for students from CIS and India, covering living expenses and part of research costs. In Australia and Singapore, universities allocate international scholarships based on academic results, which allows reducing the cost of PhD by 30–70%.
Career prospects after PhD programs abroad
- PhD graduates are in demand at universities, research centers, pharmaceutical companies, IT corporations, international organizations and financial structures.
- Specialists in biomedicine, artificial intelligence, energy, ecology and economics are especially valued.
- Many universities cooperate with companies, which provides internship opportunities during studies.
- A PhD degree abroad increases salary levels by 30–60% compared to Master's graduates and accelerates career advancement. According to statistics, PhD graduates find jobs outside their country faster, and investments in education pay off within the first 3–5 years of work.
Frequently asked questions
1. What do PhD programs abroad give to international students?
PhD programs abroad allow obtaining the highest academic qualification, participating in international research and significantly increasing chances for a career in science or business.
2. Is it possible to enroll in PhD programs abroad immediately after a Master's degree?
Yes, the main requirement is having a Master's degree or equivalent level of education. In some cases, a Specialist diploma is counted.
3. How much does it cost to study on PhD programs abroad?
The cost varies from free programs in Germany to 60,000 USD in the USA. Additionally, expenses for accommodation, meals and insurance are taken into account.
4. What documents are needed for admission to PhD programs abroad?
The package includes a Master's diploma, academic transcript, motivation letter, recommendations, resume, passport and language certificate.
5. Are there scholarships for international students for PhD programs abroad?
Yes, universities provide academic grants, financial aid, assistant positions and corporate scholarships available to students from CIS and India.