Study PhD Abroad
Learn everything you need to know about studying PhD abroad and get end-to-end expert guidance from us.
How to Study PhD Abroad?
PhD is one of the most prestigious programs you can pursue abroad. There are several revered universities in top study destinations like the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Dubai and Germany that offer the course. The opportunity for better career prospects is the most attractive factor that drives international students to study PhD abroad.
Did You Know? A PhD is the highest degree awarded to any student on a particular subject.
The course duration can range from 3-6 years, and you require a good score in your Master’s or MPhil to get admission to the course. The admission requirements can vary depending on the university and country you choose to study at. This blog is all about studying PhD abroad and contains detailed information on the best universities and countries offering the program, average tuition fees, eligibility criteria, and much more.
Why Study PhD Abroad?
Pursuing a PhD abroad will highly benefit your career and future life. Now that you have considered studying abroad, here are some benefits of pursuing your PhD abroad.
- Better job opportunities: The chances of getting better, well-paid jobs are higher when you pursue your PhD abroad as your academic certificates will be highly regarded both in that country and in the rest of the world.
- Well-qualified faculty: If you study at top-ranked universities abroad, you will be guided by well-qualified professors, which will essentially improve the quality of your thesis.
- Wider network: When you study abroad, your exposure will be widened, and you will get to network with people from different countries, backgrounds and cultures.
- Well-recognised degree: A PhD abroad will be well-recognised all over the world, which, in turn, helps you stand out from the rest in the job market.
Types of PhD Programs Abroad
A PhD is not always a full-time program, and there are other types of PhD programs as well. We have given below a detailed explanation of the types of PhD programs abroad.
- Part-time PhD: A part-time PhD is commonly pursued by working professionals who wish to widen their careers. It may usually take 4-8 years to complete a part-time PhD program, and you will have to do the research work on your own. However, you should always be in touch with your guides. Top universities like the University of Edinburgh in the UK, the University of Technology Sydney in Australia etc., offer part-time PhD programs.
- Full-time PhD: A full-time PhD is pursued by those who are able to devote their entire time to pursuing the research program. They usually take 3-5 years to complete.
- Online PhD: Students also get the opportunity to pursue a PhD online. Top universities in the world, including the University of Oxford, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, King’s College London etc., offer online PhD options.
Best Universities to Study PhD Abroad
PhD programs are offered by several top universities in the world. We have tabulated the top universities, their average tuition fees, duration etc. You can expect an average annual tuition fee ranging from INR 39,000 to INR 53,00,000, depending on the course and university.
Name of University | Course | Destination | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
MIT | PhD in Biology | USA | 2 years | INR 53,10,000 |
Harvard University | PhD in Business Administration | USA | 5 years | INR 25,29,000 |
University of Oxford | PhD in Law | UK | 3 years | INR 25,20,000 |
University of Cambridge | PhD in Psychology | UK | 3 years | INR 33,66,000 |
University of Melbourne | PhD in Veterinary Medicine | Australia | 4 years | INR 28,09,000 |
University of Sydney | PhD in Medicine | Australia | 4 years | INR 35,85,000 |
University of Toronto | PhD in Computer Science | Canada | 4 years | INR 6,30,000 |
McGill University | PhD in Pharmacology | Canada | 4 years | INR 7,91,000 |
Trinity College Dublin | PhD in Political Science | Ireland | 4 years | INR 16,35,000 |
University of Limerick | PhD in Sociology | Ireland | 4 years | INR 12,48,000 |
University of Auckland | PhD in Clinical Psychology | New Zealand | 4 years | INR 25,40,000 |
University of Waikato | PhD in Environmental Planning | New Zealand | 4 years | INR 11,97,000 |
Ulm University | PhD in Molecular Biology | Germany | 4 years | INR 3,19,000 |
University of Kaiserslautern | PhD in Mathematics | Germany | 3 years | INR 39,700 |
Amity University | PhD in Forensic Sciences | Dubai | 3 years | INR 3,63,000 |
Eligibility Requirements to Study PhD Abroad
The eligibility criteria required to study PhD abroad differ significantly from one university to another. As such, it is not easy to provide specific requirements. However, we can provide the general criteria that most universities ask for. They are given below.
A good score in Master from a recognised university.
Good English proficiency test score.
- Acceptable score in other subject-specific tests, if required.
Scholarship to Study PhD Abroad
There are several scholarships offered to international students by several institutions abroad. These scholarships will be funded by the universities, the government, and other private institutions. They will have varying scholarship values and eligibility criteria as well. We have compiled a list of popular scholarships below for your reference.
| Name of Scholarship | Destination | Eligibility | Average Amount |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | UK | Students from commonwealth countries are eligible | INR 11,96,028 |
| Australia Awards Scholarship | Australia | All international students can apply | Full tuition and living expense cover |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | USA | International students pursuing PG and PhD are eligible to apply | INR 20,67,425 |
| Cambridge International Scholarship | UK | Meritorious students pursuing PhD at the University of Cambridge are eligible | INR 79,10,156 |
| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | UK | This is a merit-based scholarship offered by the University of Cambridge | Full tuition and living expenses cover |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship | Canada | All students nominated by only 1 Canadian institution that has a Vanier CGS quota are eligible | INR 30,92,101 |
| Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship | Germany | All international students with B2-level German language skills are eligible | INR 1,05,834 |
| AAUW International Fellowship | USA | All international female students who return to their home country after their studies are eligible | INR 20,67,425 |
Top Destinations to Study PhD Abroad
Though most universities in the world offer PhD courses, it is essential to identify which are the top destinations and universities so that you get the best possible education. We have combined a list of the top destinations in the world that has universities offering the best PhD programs. You can make a note of them so that it will be beneficial for you to decide on your preferred place to study.
- Australia: The country has several top-ranked universities that offer PhD programs in all popular disciplines. The average annual tuition fee can range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 42,000, depending on the university you apply to.
- The USA: It is a well-known fact that the USA has some of the best universities in the world. MIT ranks in the #1 position in the QS World University Rankings, 2023. You can expect an average annual tuition fee from INR 6,00,000 to INR 50,00,000.
- The UK: The UK is home to some of the most reputed universities in the world, thus making it a hot pick among international students. The average cost of studying PhD in the UK ranges from GBP 18,000 to GBP 35,000.
- Canada: Canada is one of the most preferred destinations chosen by international students because of its affordability. The country also houses some well-ranked universities. You can expect an average tuition fee between CAD 4500 to CAD 19,000.
- New Zealand: This country has, of late, gained popularity among international students as one of the preferred destinations for PhD studies. You will be able to study at some of the respected universities at a tuition fee ranging from NZD 6,000 to NZD 28,000.
- Ireland: Ireland is yet another country that has recently gained popularity as one of the most preferred destinations for PhD programs. The cost of living and studying in the country is lesser compared to other countries like the USA, the UK or Australia. You can expect an average annual tuition fee ranging from 9000 Euros to 30,000 Euros.
Pursuing a PhD is a long and equally rewarding process. If you are determined to pursue the course, you will surely find it interesting. If you feel stuck anywhere during your application process or if you have any questions or doubts, you can contact AECC’s counsellors to get expert information for free. You can also read our blogs to get detailed information on the cost of pursuing your course in top study destinations, visa procedures etc.
AECC has been assisting students in studying in top study-abroad destinations since 2008. You can contact us if you need expert guidance on any step of studying abroad. From university applications to visa guidance, we offer help on every step of your journey. Don’t hesitate to contact us!