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Why is it so hard to get PhD funding in the UK for international students?

In general, it's fairly difficult to get a funded PhD position in the UK, if you're an international student.

An international grad student in the UK has essentially a few options, such as: (1) ultra-prestigious scholarships like the Rhodes scholarship, (2) external funding, e.g. from industry or their home country's government (this is common for students from many Asian countries), or (3) compete for a very small number of department or university funded positions/scholarships open to internationals.

This is very different from the situation in the US and most of continental Europe, where a PhD position always comes with a salary, and where there's typically no discrimination between domestic and international applicants.

Are there historical reasons why the UK PhD system is like this? It seems strange, especially given that the UK is a wealthy country strong in scientific research. Why don't they reform their system to better attract international talent?

(My field is physics, but I think the same is true across other STEM subjects.)

• united-kingdom

• 7 Almost all public (i.e. state-funded) universities in the US discriminate against international applicants; this is just not made obvious. –  Alexander Woo Commented Mar 24, 2022 at 19:54
• 2 @AlexanderWoo That is debatable. A lot of the discrimination against foreign students is indirect, because non-US universities are less well known, and because a certain country's education system might be perceived negatively. In any case it is nowhere nearly as extreme as in the UK. –  Aqualone Commented Mar 24, 2022 at 20:00
• 6 The situation at Berkeley was (and I would think still is) the following: the department covered the tuition for all students out of its budget. Domestic students could become in-state residents and have paid on their behalf a much cheaper rate after one year; international students continued to be charged at the out-of-state rate throughout. In addition, some grant funds could only be used for domestic students. The result was that one needed much stronger test scores, grades, and recommendations to be admitted as an international student (even if you came from a US undergrad school). –  Alexander Woo Commented Mar 24, 2022 at 20:36
• 5 @AlexanderWoo. funding is a different issue than "discrimination". Any tax supported institution may validly want to use the majority of its funds for residents (i.e. taxpayers). That may also reflect the UK situation as well. –  Buffy Commented Mar 24, 2022 at 20:47
• 3 @Buffy - I think it's clear this question is about funded positions for graduate students. –  Alexander Woo Commented Mar 25, 2022 at 0:56

3 Answers 3

The big difference between the UK system and some other systems is that in the UK a PhD student is primarily regarded, at least by the system (even if not always by the supervisor) as a student who is there to learn, whereas, at least in the EU system, PhD students are primarily regarded as researchers who are there to perform a role.

The OP asks "Why don't they reform their system to better attract international talent?". This assumes that students are regarded as something you want to attract in order to benefit the country. But officialdom in the UK regards students as people who take benefit, rather than give it. A student is receiving a service, not providing one. To a British official, asking why they don't fund overseas PhD student is the same as asking why they don't pay for the undergraduate tuition fees of international students.

So, the British government sets aside a certain amount of money each year from its education/training budget to train PhD students. As it sees its job to educate British people, it would usually only pay for the PhD education of British people - it is other people's governments' job to pay for the education of their own people.

All of this is at least partly related to the superiority of the Arts and Humanities in British culture as the place where real intellectuals come from - at least in the minds of those in power, who almost without fail have humanities degrees from elite universities. In the arts and humanities, this view that PhD students are not part of a research workforce is closer to the truth.

All of this should not be taken as an endorsement of this situation, which I think is terrible.

All hope is not lost though. While with the UK leaving the EU, students from the EU became international students, the government has partially offset this by saying that up to 30% of students recruited to the main government-funded PhD programs (UKRI DTPs/DTCs) can be overseas students. In practice, I've found that this cap hasn't been a limitation, and we've been able to admit all the overseas students that ranked high enough in open competition in our DTP.

• “… the self-proclaimed superiority of…” Unfortunately there’s an oversupply of demand for UK degrees (and from some other countries as well) so that international grad. students are seen as an income stream to make up for administrative overspending. –  ZeroTheHero Commented Mar 27, 2022 at 13:35
• 3 "Self-proclaimed" is not my experience - its not the humanities PhDs themselves proclaiming their superiority, but more the gatekeepers of British society/culture, who are not generally humanities PhDs. I don't really buy into the whole two cultures thing. I also think that the tendency of universities to abuse international students as an income stream is separate from the government's decision to not fund them. –  Ian Sudbery Commented Mar 27, 2022 at 17:16

Funding of international students in the UK is a lot more difficult than places like the US because the UK research organizations (UKRI and the various research councils underneath it) have very strict rules about which type of award can and cannot support students, and how the money should be allocated to students.

The first major difference is that grants from the UK research councils (such as EPSRC/BBSRC/ESRC/etc.) can not be used to fund any student fees, so when a professor gets a new grant, they can't use it for students they have to use it for research staff (such as post-docs) [1]. This is very different from the US system, where grants from bodies like the NSF/NIH can be used to fund students.

Instead, the UK research councils have special "Doctoral training" grants and "PhD Studentships" that are meant for funding PhD students. Even these are limited though, with the current UKRI rules [2] saying that no more than 30% of the UKRI-funded portion of a cohort on a training grant (e.g. Centre for Doctoral Training, training grant programs awarded to universities, etc.) can be international students, and even then, the UKRI-provided money can only be used to cover the amount of the home fees for the student. This means that those international students still must pay the difference between the international and home fees amount (although the university can cover the difference from other sources, such as internal funding or company support).

Both of these restrictions means that the main funding source available to support PhD students in countries like the US (e.g. government grants and centers) is not easily available to support international students in the UK, forcing the reliance on the private programs and university-level programs where the individual charities/universities set the rules and not the government.

[1] RGC 4.5 in https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/UKRI-170821-FullEconomicCostingGrantTermsConditions-Aug2021.pdf

[2] https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/UKRI-170321-InternationalEligibilityImplementationGuidance.pdf

• 1 I think the question was why does the UK have policies that lead to this situation in general, not what are the details of the funding restrictions that lead to this. –  gib Commented Mar 26, 2022 at 8:54

Different countries give different answers to the basic question

Why would a society (country) fund someone from outside that society for getting some academic degree?

Some of the reasons can be:

• pure altruism,
• seeing it as development aid (which will be politically desirable),
• expectation that the person will stay and work for a domestic company, thus strengthening the economy,
• strengthening the domestic research community (in international competition),
• lack of own personnel capable of doing important research.

Alas, societies often are only willing to invest resources (money) if the can clearly see a good return-on-investment. And the UK seems to be a bit more sceptical here than other countries.

• 1 This doesn't directly address the question. Also, the points you raise only partially apply since a PhD is a job in additional to being an academic course. (indeed, in some places in continental Europe, PhD positions are essentially jobs, with the degree awarded in the end being almost like a side-effect) –  Aqualone Commented Mar 25, 2022 at 12:24
• 1 @Aqualone See my answer, below, but I think the key point you are missing is that in the UK a PhD is not regarded as a job in addition to being an academic course. At least not in the minds of those that make the policies. –  Ian Sudbery Commented Mar 26, 2022 at 23:56

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International PhD Student - Dependant Visa

I'm an international student excited to receive a PhD offer in Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The scholarship covers around $35,000 AUD annually.

I'm planning to bring my spouse on a dependant visa. She has a Master's degree in Analytical Chemistry.

Here are my questions:

Dependant Visa: Is it possible for my spouse to obtain a dependant visa while I pursue my PhD?

Job Market: Does anyone have experience with the job market for Analytical Chemists in Australia, particularly around Brisbane? How likely would it be for my spouse to find work?

Dependant Visa Funding: In addition to my scholarship, do you know the minimum amount of funding I need to demonstrate for the dependant visa application?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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5 countries offering the highest PhD stipends

Did you know that as a PhD student, there is a difference between salary and PhD stipends?

This is just one of the many things you should know when deciding to do a PhD .

As the highest level of education, a Doctor of Philosophy or PhD can take anywhere from four to 12 years to complete .

Embarking on a journey towards a PhD is an intellectually rewarding pursuit, but it often comes with financial challenges.

So, how do students cope?

If you receive a salary, you are likely an employee the school hired to carry out a job like leading a class.

Like most jobs, salaried workers get a set wage based on their hours and often have employee benefits like subsidised healthcare or compensation.

A PhD stipend is a financial support system for doctoral students to cover living expenses, tuition, and research costs during their academic journey.

There are three types of PhD stipends :

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs): For this, you are required to assist by delivering one or more courses over a number of years. You would also need to take on other responsibilities, such as marking student tutorials, supervising lab experiments, and providing support to undergraduates during office hours.
• Research Assistantships (RAs): In this role, you will assist a departmental professor with their research. If you are lucky, the professor will be your PhD supervisor, and their research (and the support you give) will relate to your own doctoral project.
• Stipend via Studentship: This is a non-repayable grant for doctoral students. Unlike the other two stipends, this one rarely has additional suits, but you must progress with your degree.

Have PhD stipends always been like this?

PhD stipends have a rich history that mirrors the evolution of higher education.

Our current understanding of a PhD originated in 19th-century Germany , but doctoral degrees were awarded long before this.

Over time, PhD stipends have evolved into a cornerstone of doctoral education, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the pursuit of advanced knowledge.

Fun fact: The term “stipend” itself has Latin origins, coming from “stipendium,” which refers to a soldier’s pay.

This etymology underscores the idea that stipends are a form of financial support for individuals committed to advancing knowledge, akin to soldiers committed to a cause.

Sometimes, these PhD stipends are not enough.

In January 2023, The Guardian reported about how PhD students in Australia were barely earning enough to survive.

“Through Melbourne’s winter, I know people forced into less than suitable housing who weren’t turning on their heat,” said Tara-Lyn Camilleri, who lobbied to raise the stipend at Monash University from 30,000 AUD to A$37,000 while completing her PhD last year.

It was eventually raised to A$33,000, about A$4,500 less than the minimum wage after tax.

As PhDs can take years to complete, it is always easier to do one when you have money saved away instead of relying entirely on the PhD stipend.

Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Chairman of Google, has a PhD in electrical engineering.

Forbes even released a list of the most popular PhDs among billionaires :

• Former CEO of Google. Eric Schmidt (estimated net worth: US$16.2 billion), UC Berkeley
• The man behind Garmin GPS, Min Kao (US$4.2 billion), University of Tennessee
• Co-Founder, Chief Technology Officer and Chairman of Broadcom, Henry Samueli (US$7.7 billion), UCLA
• Founder of D. E. Shaw & Co., L.P., David Shaw (US$7.9 billion),  Stanford University
• Co-Founder & Co-Chairman of Two Sigma, David Siegel  (US$6.8 billion), Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• The man behind some of Microsoft’s most successful software, including Word and Excel, Charles Simonyi (US$5.2 billion), Stanford University

And while having these PhDs doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on your way to the list of richest people in the world, it definitely makes you more knowledgeable than most. Having a PhD stipend will simply make this journey to the top easier.

In fact, some universities around the world have increased their stipends recently to attract more talent.

• The Canadian government has pledged 825 million CAD (approximately US$603 million) to support next-generation researchers by increasing both the number and value of stipends over the next five years. This would increase annual PhD stipends from 24,000 CAD to 40,000 CAD.
• Vanderbilt University, one of the most expensive universities in the world , will increase its PhD stipends to a range of US$34,000 to US$38,000 beginning in the 2024-25 academic year.
• De La Salle University is offering full tuition and fees with monthly stipends of 35,000 PHP (approximately US$600) for full-time students in any PhD academic programme through the Saint Miguel Febres Cordero PhD Scholarship Programme.

Now, if you’re a promising PhD student hoping to secure your stipend, try checking out these countries with some of the best offers:

The University of Vienna is a public research university located in Austria. Source: University of Vienna

Top 5 countries with the highest PhD stipends

• Average PhD stipend: US$104,328
• Average cost of living: US$1,705.67

Boasting over 50 institutions of higher education, it is no surprise that Austria is a top choice for a PhD.

Its rich cultural and academic heritage offers competitive stipends, with institutions like the University of Vienna leading the way.

This is because of the country’s commitment to academic excellence and research.

Universities often collaborate with international partners, contributing to a vibrant research community.

Government funding and a focus on supporting doctoral research contribute to the attractiveness of stipends in Austria.

Here are some of the best universities in Austria:

• University of Vienna
• Vienna University of Technology
• University of Innsbruck
• Medical University of Graz
• Salzburg University

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by UvA: University of Amsterdam (@uva_amsterdam)

Netherlands

• Average PhD stipend: US$74,163
• Cost of living: US$861.45  to US$1292.17

The Netherlands, known for its innovation and research-driven culture, offers competitive stipends, with institutions like Delft University of Technology providing substantial financial support.

About 10 Dutch research universities are ranked in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022.

The Netherlands is also highly ranked internationally for the number of publications per researcher (second) and for the impact of research publication (fourth).

“The PhD salary in the Netherlands is one of the best in the world,” a former PhD says to Dutch News .

“In the UK, the salaries are just 1,000 pounds and PhD students need to work at weekends. I was able to buy a house while being a PhD student here.”

Here are some of the top universities in the Netherlands :

• University of Amsterdam
• Leiden University
• University of Groningen
• Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)
• Erasmus University Rotterdam

The University of Helsinki has one of the highest PhD stipends. Source: University of Helsinki

• Average PhD stipend: US$46,537
• Cost of living:  US$646.09 to US$969.13

Renowned for its high-quality education system, Finland offers competitive stipends, with institutions like the University of Helsinki providing substantial financial support.

Government funding often supports stipends in Finland, reflecting the country’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Students are also encouraged to take ownership of the research in Finland.

Here are the top universities in Finland :

• University of Helsinki
• Aalto University
• University of Oulu
• Tampere University
• University of Turku

Universities in Denmark often offer industrial PhDs. Source: University of Copenhagen

• Average PhD stipend: US$53,436
• Average cost of living: US$11,45.62

Denmark strongly emphasises education and research, and the country’s social welfare system ensures that stipends are sufficient to cover living expenses.

The country also offers an Industrial PhD option if you want to conduct a research project with commercial perspectives.

Denmark is also popular for the balance of robust academics and a great living standard, giving international students the best of both worlds.

Here are the best universities in Denmark:

• University of Copenhagen
• Technical University of Denmark
• Aarhus University
• University of Southern Denmark (SDU)
• Aalborg University
• Average PhD stipend: US$42,618
• Average cost of living: US$2,512.13

The land of innovation and Vikings beckons ambitious scholars with competitive stipends and one institution that stands out is the renowned Karolinska Institute.

Sweden’s commitment to pioneering research and its unique blend of modernity and tradition make it an alluring destination for those pursuing a PhD.

Most universities in Sweden offer salaries instead of stipends.

Here are some of the leading institutions in Sweden :

• Blekinge Institute of Technology
• Chalmers University of Technology
• Dalarna University
• Halmstad University
• Jönköping University

*All figures were converted as of the time of writing on December 7, 2023.

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on May 23, 2024.

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List of Fully Funded Ph.D. Scholarships in USA 2025

Do you want to start your study adventure in USA? Good news! A number of fully funded scholarships are available in United States of America for international students. In this article we will explain in detail about fully funded scholarships offered in top universities in USA, their benefits and step by step application process.

More than 1500 fully funded Ph.D. scholarships 2025-2026 are available at USA’s top universities for international students. These scholarships provide an average monthly stipend of $1500 along with tuition fees, accommodation charges, health insurance, and travel allowance.

Apply for fully funded scholarships and fulfill your dream of studying at world top universities like Yale University USA, Harvard University USA, Clark University, Kellogg Institute, Schlumberger Foundation and many more.

1.  Fulbright Scholarships USA

Fulbright Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are only offered for masters and PhD studies. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program covers full tuition fee, a living stipend, a full accommodation fee, airfare, and health insurance.

• Institution:  USA Universities
• Level of Study:  Masters / PhD
• Click here for deadlines and a step-by-step application process.

2.  Stanford University Scholarships

Stanford University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for Masters and Ph.D studies. This scholarship is offering full tuition fees, traveling allowance, Living allowance and academic expenses.

• Institution:  Stanford University

3.  Yale University Scholarships USA

Yale University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, masters and PhD. Yale Scholarship can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year; the average Yale need-based scholarship is over $50,000.

• Institution: Yale University
• Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD

4. Facebook PhD Fellowship

Facebook Fellowship Program is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for doctoral research studies. The scholarship covers two years of study and fees, an annual stipend, and conference travel aid.

• Institution: Facebook
• Level of Study: Ph.D.

5. Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is available for PhD studies and provides the recipient with up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship.

• Institution: World Bank

6. IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program

IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program are fully funded PhD scholarship for international students. International Mathematical Union Scholarship value is up to a maximum of  USD 10,000 per year and covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and living expenses.

• Institution: International Mathematical Union

7. AAUW International Fellowship Program

AAUW Fellowship Program is a fully funded scholarship. This scholarship is offered by The American Association of University Women , USA. International students from all world countries are eligible to apply. This scholarship is only available for graduate and post-graduate studies in any subject offered by the university. AAUW Fellowship Program covers $18,000 to $30,000 per year, contingent upon meeting academic standards for renewal. 

• Institution: The American Association of University Women
• Level of Study: Masters/ PhD / Postdoctoral

8. ACI Foundation Scholarship

ACI Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship or fellowship for international students. This scholarship is offered for undergraduate, masters, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies. This scholarship provides $10,000 – $15,000 US educational stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials.

• Institution: ACI Foundation
• Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD / Postdoctoral 

9. Knight Hennesy Scholarship

Knight Hennesy Scholarships are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are offered for Masters and PhD studies. These scholarships cover full tuition fees, traveling allowance, Living allowance, and academic expenses.

• Institution: Stanford University
• Level of Study: Ph.D. / Masters

10. Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowships

Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowships are open for international students who want to pursue doctoral and post-doctoral degrees in the USA. The Kellogg Institute for International Studies has been offering visiting scholarships in a helpful society of academics since 1983 to encourage interdisciplinary global studies.

• Institution: Kellogg Institute for International Studies
• Study in: USA
• Level of Study: Doctoral & Post Doctoral

11. ACI Foundation Scholarship

• Level of Study: Ph.D. / Masters / Undergraduate / Postdoctoral

12. Schlumberger Foundation Fellowships

Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship is a funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is valued at a maximum of USD 50,000 per year for a PhD and a maximum of USD 40,000 per year for a Post-doc and may be renewed through to the completion of studies.

• Institution: Leading universities worldwide

50 Best Scholarships for Ph.D. Students

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: May 30, 2024 , Reading time: 27 minutes

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In this article, we will be covering...

Data Points:

• Roughly 47% of first-generation doctoral students hold undergraduate student loans * , compared to only 31% of continuing-generation students.
• About 65% of scholarships ** to help pay for higher education are offered by the college or university. Other sources of scholarships are states (37%) and non-profits or companies (35%).
• 86% believe *** that earning a scholarship “is something to be proud of.”

“First, you get your bachelor’s degree, and you think you know everything. Then, you get your master’s degree, and you realize you don’t know anything. Then you get your doctorate, and you find out that nobody knows anything.”

While we can’t find information on who said these words, we can’t help but laugh! You, a student pursuing your doctoral degree, may even laugh at it because there’s a grain of truth to it. Your doctoral dissertation, after all, will likely be about creating new knowledge or building on old knowledge because “nobody knows anything” in a manner of speaking. 

But why are you pursuing a doctoral degree when your master’s degree will suffice for most jobs? There are even people who believe that it’s a waste of time and money for many reasons. Some people push for it because of the numerous benefits that it brings.

So, which one’s a better perspective? A doctoral degree is about contributing to the existing body of knowledge through original research. It is considered an introduction to independent research in your chosen field, with your doctoral dissertation as the first of many intellectual masterpieces .

Let’s first take a look at the unfavorable view because there’s also some merit to it. For one thing, there’s the cost of doctoral education that, in U.S. universities, the average is $133,340 . In Ivy League universities, the cost can be higher – at Harvard University, for example, the full tuition needed for the first two years of study is $54,032, exclusive of health insurance, housing, books and supplies, and food expenses.

Yes, indeed, it isn’t cheap to get a doctoral degree in the United States , not even in one of the lesser-known universities!

In addition, there’s a sense of dissatisfaction among doctoral students. You may feel, at one point, that you’re doing slave labor, no thanks to the 10-hour workdays and low pay during your research.

Your employment prospects may also seem uncertain, considering the competition due to the oversupply of Ph.D. holders. The number of Ph.D. holders exceeds the number of employment opportunities for them, too! Such a disconnection partly stems from the high degree of specialization required to get a doctoral degree, not to mention that Ph.D. holders have high employment expectations.

Still, the number of doctoral degree holders in the U.S. has more than doubled between 2000 and 2018! In 2000, there were 2 million Ph.D. holders, and by 2018, there were already 4.5 million. Why do people pursue doctoral degrees despite the myriad of challenges that come with them?

Here’s why.

• You have a clear edge in getting higher positions and, thus, higher pay. Studies have shown that a Ph.D. is a contributing factor toward earning over 20% more than people with master’s degrees. In a PayScale comparison, Ph.D. holders earned $107,000 per year, on average, while master’s degree holders earned $84,000 .
• Your specialized knowledge and skills are highly marketable. You will likely enjoy a flexible career path, whether you choose a career in public service or the private sector. Your career will also be characterized by the highest lifetime earning potential and the lowest unemployment rate! Your Ph.D. training will also strengthen your critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills, which are highly sought after by employers.
• You will be a recognized knowledge creator, a rare skill sought after by society and employers, too. You have gained both the discipline and ability to search for, introduce, and defend new knowledge, even under the most stringent scrutiny. Your competencies will lead to a leadership position as you gain respect and prestige.

Are you still worried about the financial expenses of getting a Ph.D. in your field? We completely understand that $ 50,000 plus per year plus the difficulties of juggling work, studies, and family responsibilities will break a person. But you can achieve your doctoral degree through scholarships and grants!

This isn’t a new concept either, as millions of Ph.D. holders have also achieved such a lofty goal. Many of them have been scholars and fellows for most, if not all, of their studies – and it’s a path you can take, too, with plenty of planning and networking.

You have dozens, if not hundreds, of scholarship and fellowship opportunities in your field of study, not to mention the ones offered without restrictions as to the field of study. The trick here is to diligently look for these opportunities, applying to as many as you are qualified for, and complying with the requirements.

You may have to apply every semester or academic year for a new scholarship or fellowship, but it’s worth the time and effort. You could be lucky and be one whose studies were financed through scholarships and grants from year one, although luck has little to do with it because you spent time looking and qualifying for the scholarships you deserve!

Here, we present you with 50 of the Best Scholarships and Fellowships for Doctoral Students that we think are worthy of your consideration.

April 2024 Deadline

IBRO Travel Grants

• Type of Scholarship: Annual
• Amount: $2,500 
• Deadline of Application: April 30, 2024

IBRO Travel Grants support PhD students and early-career post-doctoral neuroscientists by covering travel and local expenses for conferences. Preference is given to under-resourced, less well-funded countries. Nevertheless, students studying and residing in the United States can still apply for the grant. 

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

• Amount: Up to $50,000 (shared)
• Deadline of Application: April 29, 2024 

The ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship is available to all types of students, including PhDs. Applicants can win multiple awards with a $50,000 scholarship, with four monthly winners earning $1,000 each and two additional winners in December 2024. Applicants must be residents of any 50 United States, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territories, except for Rhode Island and Michigan.

May 2024 Deadline

Separations Division Graduate Student Research Award

• Amount: $200 + plaque
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024 

AIChE is the leading global organization for chemical engineering professionals. It boasts over 60,000 members from 110 countries and administers over 60 awards, including monetary prizes, certificates, and medals. The $200 award may seem small, but the benefits extend far beyond its monetary value.

This award honors outstanding graduate scholars in separations, recognizing their contributions to fundamentals and applications and awarding a plaque. Recipients gain recognition within the field, enhancing their professional credibility and giving them access to new opportunities. 

“Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable)
• Amount: $25,055
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024

Bold.org offers a $25,000 “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship to students with the boldest profiles. The scholarship is based on the characteristics of being earnest, determined, and moving. It is similar to many easy scholarships available on Bold.org and will be awarded to students who apply earlier. The scholarship is open to students at any education level, state, field of study, and GPA.

Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarship

• Amount: Varies
• Deadline of Application: May 27, 2024, 1:00 PM

The Valuing Diversity PhD scholarship program was made to encourage underrepresented populations to attend marketing doctoral programs. The amount given to applicants depends on the program’s funding and the number of recipients. If you’ve applied for this scholarship opportunity before, you can still reapply. 

Applicants should be enrolled in and have completed at least one year of an on-campus AACSB-accredited marketing or advertising doctoral program. Two signed letters of recommendation are required.

Wenner-Gren Foundation Dissertation Fieldwork Grant

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Non-renewable) 
• Amount: $25,000 
• Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024 (for January 1 and June 30, 2025 projects) November 1, 2024 (for July 1 to December 31, 2025 projects)

Applicants must be on-campus enrollees of an AACSB-accredited marketing or advertising doctorate and have completed at least one year. Two signed letters of recommendation are required.

Independent Research Awards (pediatric cardiology)

• Type of Scholarship: Annual (Renewable)
• Amount: $150,000 up to 2 years
• Deadline of Application: May 22, 2024 (letters of intent); and September 11, 2024 (full application)

The Children’s Heart Foundation funds research affecting patients with congenital heart disease. This award is given to doctoral students in clinical cardiology, translational research, and population science. It gives priority to researchers focusing on advancing the diagnosing, treating, and preventing congenital heart defects.

ASH Graduate Student Scholarships

• Amount: $5,000 
• Deadline of Application: May 22, 2024

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation offers Graduate Student Scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in communication sciences and disorders. These scholarships include International Student Scholarships, Minority Student Scholarships, and NSSLHA Scholarships for racial or ethnic minority students.

Applicants must be accepted in U.S. graduate communication sciences and disorders programs accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation. They must be full-time students for the entire academic year.

Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science

• Deadline of Application: May 24, 2024 

The American Meteorological Society Graduate Fellowship in the History of Science supports students completing dissertations on atmospheric, oceanic, or hydrologic sciences. This fellowship aims to foster close working relations and provide a $20,000 stipend for one year. Applicants must submit a cover letter, transcripts, a detailed dissertation topic description, and three letters of recommendation.

Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship

• Amount: $3,000
• Deadline of Application: May 31, 2024

Although less known, the sheep industry is a big contributor to the country’s economy. The Sheep Heritage Foundation Memorial Scholarship, administered by the American Sheep Industry Association, is a large program for students pursuing sheep-related studies. This Fund is given out yearly to those dedicated to helping advance the U.S. sheep industry, wool, and lamb.

Applicants must have U.S. citizenship, involvement in sheep and wool research, and be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution.

June 2024 Deadline

John Santos Distinguished Program Development in Clinical Gerontology Award

• Amount: $1,500
• Deadline of Application: June 1, 2024

John Santos, a retired Retirement Research Fund board member, established an award in 2009 to honor the contributions of psychologists and students working with older adults. Candidates must be nominated and endorsed by a division member, providing a letter of nomination, CV, evidence of impact, and two additional letters of support.

Kay F. Fullwood Northeast Florida Geriatric Nursing Scholarship Fund

The scholarship is open to nursing students in Northeast Florida enrolled in an accredited graduate program focusing on geriatrics and practicing geriatric N.P.s in an accredited DNP program. 

Henry and Sylvia Richardson Research Grant

• Type of Scholarship: Annual 

The grant, established by Henry and Sylvia Richardson, offers research funds to post-doctoral ESA members with at least one year of experience in insect control. The recipient must be an ESA member and a highly skilled scholar working with insect control methods like attractants, repellents, biological controls, thermocontrols, or chemical controls.

F.J. McGuigan Dissertation Award

• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline of Application: June 5, 2024

The F. J. McGuigan Dissertation Award supports research on mental function and understanding the mind from behavioral and neural perspectives. The award is open to any area of behavioral or brain science. Applicants must meet specific criteria: quality, viability, originality, competence, and resource allocation. Candidates must have finished their PhD candidacy and received committee approval for their dissertation.

Aylesworth Scholarship 

• Deadline of Application: June 12, 2024

The Aylesworth Scholarship offers support to students enrolled in universities across Florida. Eligible applicants can pursue research in any academic field that pertains to marine sciences, provided their institution participates in the Florida Sea Grant program. 

To qualify, candidates must be U.S. residents, actively seeking a doctoral degree, and studying disciplines such as ocean science, biology, engineering, economics, marine science, or food science. Additionally, applicants must be full-time students attending a Florida-based institution and demonstrate financial need to be considered for this scholarship.

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship  

• Deadline of Application: June 15, 2024

This is one of the most inclusive scholarships, open to U.S. students with U.S. citizenship or a valid Visa/U.S. passport. However, because recipients are picked through a random draw, those affiliating with Niche cannot apply. This includes employees, officers, directors, and their children, grandchildren, or those affiliated with Niche’s other partnering organizations. 

This scholarship is also only applicable to students planning to study in one of Niche’s listed colleges .

Wayne F. Placek Grants

• Amount: Up to $15,000

The Wayne F. Placek Grant, which has been awarded over $1 million since 1995, aims to enhance public understanding of homosexuality and sexual orientation. It helps fund research and initiatives for doctoral students that focus on alleviating stress experienced by the LGBTQ community. This includes addressing prejudice, discrimination, and underrepresentation in scientific research.

APF welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including doctoral-level researchers and graduate students, and encourages early career researchers and graduate students.

CVS Health / AACP Community Pharmacy Health Equity Award for Student Pharmacists

• Amount: $20,000 
• Deadline of Application: June 16, 2024

This award is given to 21 students annually who demonstrate high academic performance and those who overcome financial barriers. Underrepresented minority, disabled, and military service students are encouraged to apply. The award recognizes leadership, academic success, and commitment to patient care in underserved communities.

The Springfield Research Fund Dissertation Fellowship

• Amount: Up to $10,000

Springfield Research Fund Dissertation Fellowship offers graduate students the opportunity to research contemporary LGBTQIA+ issues, aiming to dispel stereotypes and negative information contributing to prejudice and discrimination. Intersectional stigmas will be prioritized in 2024. It offers a $10,000 fund for each recipient, with a $1,000 bonus upon publication. 

Applicants must have begun their doctoral studies in a regionally accredited university. They must submit a dissertation abstract, statement of need, and CV.

ONS Foundation Josh Gottheil Memorial Stem Cell Transplant Development Award

Josh’s Fund, established in 1994, awards educational grants to oncology nurses to support their professional development. It also establishes endowments for emotional and mental support. 

Among ONF’s several awards is the Josh Gottheil Memorial Stem Cell Transplant Development. It aims to offer financial assistance to non-advanced practice-level registered nurses in stem cell transplantation and bone marrow. Applicants must have one or more years in practice.

Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award

• Amount: $10,000
• Deadline of Application: June 2024

The Dr. James T. Mellonig Regeneration Research Award is given annually to periodontology residents who are advancing clinical therapies in periodontal regeneration. U.S. students in their second and third years of periodontal residency are eligible for this award. Applicants must also have completed original research and published a manuscript advancing periodontal regeneration clinical therapies.

The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships

• Amount: $30,000 up to 400,000 (international coursework or research of up to 4 years)
• Deadline of Application: June 30, 2024

The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships program is open to full-time Ph.D. students involved in peace and conflict prevention or resolution, disease prevention and treatment, and water and sanitation. Applications can be made via a local Rotary Club chapter, and the chapter must sponsor non-Rotarians applying for the scholarship. The chapter creates the applicants’ initial application, and the latter then completes the online scholar profile.

The amount can be used for various costs, including passport/visa, travel expenses, tuition and other fees, vaccinations, school supplies, room and board, and household supplies. Application is year-round. However, scholarship applications for August, September, or October studies must be submitted by 30 June.  

July 2024 Deadline

Marketing Research Grant

• Deadline of Application: July 15, 2024

Offered by the Harold & Muriel Berkman Charitable Foundation, Inc., this Marketing Research Grant is applicable to students enrolled in an AACSB-accredited program. It gives priority to applicants who are focused on scientific research and knowledge production in business administration. 

Marian R. Stuart Grant

• Amount: Up to $20,000
• Deadline of Application: July 10, 2024

The APF Marian R. Stuart Grant offers up to 20,000 USD to early-career researchers researching mental and physical health. While APF welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, preference is given to psychologists in medical schools.

MNF Ph.D. Research Grants

• Deadline of Application: July 12, 2024

The Mississippi Nurses Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises, accepts, and distributes charitable donations to enhance Mississippi’s professional nursing and overall health. Among its scholarships is the MNF Ph.D. Research Grants, which aim to help nursing professionals complete their original research. Applicants must be in good standing in a PhD Nursing program in Mississippi, a Mississippi resident, and a Mississippi Nurses Association member.

August 2024 Deadline

Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk Veteran Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: Opens May 1, 2024, ends August 31, 2024 

The Harold and Muriel Berkman Charitable Foundation has established a scholarship in honor of Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, renowned for his World War II and Vietnam War achievements. This scholarship program accepts applicants from online and on-campus AACSB-accredited degree programs. It is awarded to an exceptional veteran applicant, chosen by the review committee from the finalists.

Carole Bailey Scholarship

• Amount: $5,000
• Deadline of Application: September 18, 2024

The Carole Bailey Scholarship is offered by the AccessLex Institute, an organization focused on promoting quality legal education for purpose-driven students. This scholarship program, awarded annually to ABA-accredited law students, provides up to $5,000 for those committed to public service in a legal career.

September 2024 Deadline

YIVO Institute for Jewish Research Fellowships 

• Deadline of Application: Opens September 2024

The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research is a leading institution preserving and studying East European Jewry’s history and culture. The institute offers several fellowship programs to encourage more students to pursue research in the field and contribute to YIVO’s archives and library collections.

$5,000 awards: 

• YIVO – Joseph Kremen Memorial Fellowship: Available for postgraduate researchers studying Eastern European Jewish arts, theater, and music. 
• YIVO- Dora and Meyer Tendler Fellowship: Available for student researchers of American Jewish history and the Jewish labor movement. 
• YIVO- Abraham and Rachela Melezin Memorial Fellowship: The scholarship supports original doctoral research in Baltic Jewish studies for 2-3 months.
• YIVO-  Workmen’s Circle/Dr. Emanuel Patt Visiting Professorship: Offered to postgraduate Eastern European Jewish Studies students. This can be combined with other YIVO fellowships. 

$3,000 awards: 

• YIVO Vladimir and Pearl Heifetz Memorial Fellowship: Available for East European Jewish Literature researchers.
• YIVO Dina Abramowicz Emerging Scholar Fellowship: Intended for post-doctoral research focus on Eastern European Jewish Studies.
• YIVO Aleksander and Alicja Hertz Memorial Fellowship: The Fund supports research on Polish-Jewish history, including modern relations, the Holocaust, and Jewish contributions to Polish literature and culture.

Every fellow is also required to deliver a public lecture regarding their research. The research period should be between 2 and 3 months only. Interested applicants should submit a written summary of their respective research on acceptable topics.

YIVO – Fellowship in East European Jewish Studies

• Amount: $18,000 stipend 
• Deadline of Application: Opens in September 2024

The combined Professor Bernard Choseed Memorial Fellowship and the Natalie and Mendel Racolin Memorial Fellowship come with many benefits. Aside from the financial stipend, three months of free access to the YIVO Library and Archives are also offered for research. They, on the other hand, will be required to deliver at least two public lectures on Jewish studies.

October 2024 Deadline

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF)

• Amount: Varies 
• Deadline of Application: Opens October 1, 2024

NEF offers several scholarship opportunities for doctoral students in the field of nursing, many of which are the result of endowments by notable nursing practitioners who want to support the continued education of professional nurses. 

• The NEF/Johnson and Johnson Health Equity Scholarship program promotes the research, advocacy and clinical practice of nursing professionals interested in underrepresented groups and addressing the health inequalities and disparities in these populations. 
• The AJN/Thelma Schorr Scholarship program has a preference for nurses with nursing leadership potential. 
• The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship permanent program awarded scholarships to nurses studying nursing education at the doctoral level. 
• The M. Elizabeth Carnegie African American Scholarship program is for black nurses in doctoral degree programs. 

American Cancer Society Post-doctoral Fellowships

• Amount: Up to $66,000
• Deadline of Application: Oct. 15, 2024

ACS, the nation’s largest private, not-for-profit organization funding scientists and doctorates studying cancer, offers grants and fellowships managed by the Extramural Discovery Science (EDS) team. The Post-doctoral Fellowships are designed to help new investigators in research training programs, preparing them for independent careers in cancer research. Program funding includes

• progressive stipends of up to $70k for up to 3 years,
• an annual fellowship allowance of $4k, and
• a $1,500 travel fund. 

The application is open to U.S. citizens or non-citizens with an appropriate visa and within four years of obtaining a doctoral degree.

November 2024 Deadline

NCTM & AMTE Early Career Research Grant

• Amount: $10,000 each, maximum 
• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024 

Granted in partnership with Eugene P. & Clara M. Smith Mathematics Education Research Fund, the Early Career Research Grant accepts applications from doctoral candidates pursuing math education degrees. The grant must be used in supporting their doctoral research project, preferably projects that bridge research and practice. 

Note that early career math educators or those who have completed either an EdD or PhD in math education or other related fields within the past five years are eligible to apply. Doctoral students will only be considered if they have advanced to candidacy status in accredited programs. 

Newberry Consortium in American Indian Studies Faculty Fellowship

• Amount: $5,000/month (Long-term fellowship for 4-9 months); $5,000/month (Short-term fellowship for a month only)
• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024 (Long-term fellowship); December 15, 2024 (Short-term fellowship)

The American Indian Studies Faculty Fellowship is intended for scholars in the early stages of their careers who are involved in American Indian studies, specifically research in the Newberry Consortium collections. Doctoral students are welcome to apply. The monthly stipend can be used for a wide range of education-related expenses, too.

Fellows receive the NCAIS research carrel and other fellowship privileges, as well as perform responsibilities related to their research. These include research presentations, seminar participation, and consultation with other NCAIS Graduate Student Fellows.

AIA Fellowship for Study in the U.S.

• Deadline of Application: November 1, 2024

The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) offers post-doctoral research fellowships for archaeologists working at Deutsches Archäologisches Institut (DAI) or its project collaborators. The fellowships are for either fall 2024 or spring 2025 in selected universities, including the University of Cincinnati, the Joukowsky Institute at Brown University, or the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

Fellows are provided with financial support for travel expenses, a stipend for living expenses, and residency at a university housing or rental housing, as well as library privileges. The residency lasts for 2-3 months only, during which time the Fellows are expected to give a minimum of one lecture at their respective host university. 

Applications should include a duly filled-up online application form, a curriculum vitae, and two references, among others.

National Gem Consortium Ph.D. Engineering Fellowship

• Amount: $16,000 living stipend for the first academic year plus a paid summer internship
• Deadline of Application: November 8, 2024

The National GEM Consortium in Engineering Fellowship is open to Ph.D. students belonging to the minority, and who have been accepted into a doctoral program straight from a bachelor’s degree program or who have earned a master’s in Engineering. Fellows can be enrolled in any of the participating GEM member universities. 

The above-mentioned stipend applies to the first academic year of fellowship for a Ph.D. Engineering/Science Fellow. After that, the fellow will enjoy a continued living stipend up to the fifth year of Ph.D. studies through a combination of alternative funding sources. The fellow will also have his tuition and fees paid for by the GEM university member.

American Association of University Women American Fellowship Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grants

• Amount: $8,000–$50,000
• Deadline of Application: November 30, 2024

The Summer/Short-Term Research Publication Grant is the oldest female-specific scholarship program for graduate students. Of course, only female graduate students are considered, and they must either be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Applicants should also be available for eight consecutive weeks during the summer.

The American Association of University Women’s selection committee applies strict criteria in choosing the annual crop of scholars. The criteria include academic excellence, project originality, project design quality, project scholarly significance to the discipline, and project feasibility. The applicant’s qualifications are also considered.

History of Art Institutional Fellowships

• Amount: $30,000
• Deadline of Application: November 30, 2024 at 5 PM EST

Devoted to studying European art, architecture, and archaeology heritage, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation chooses six applicants each year to receive up to $30,000 worth of research grants. Applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program focused on antiquity to the early 19th century. They should also be completing all higher degree work except dissertation.  

Patty and Paul Levi Research Award

The Patty and Paul Levi Research Award, offered by the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation, grants a predoctoral student or students annually. They should be doing research related to preventative periodontology under faculty supervision. The applicant can apply post-graduation, provided their research was conducted during predoctoral studies, and must submit their current C.V.s. 

December 2024 Deadline

SMART Scholarship Program

• Amount: Up to $46,000
• Deadline of Application: December 1, 2024

SMART, a Department of Defense-funded scholarship program, provides full tuition, stipends, and guaranteed employment for STEM students pursuing degrees in 24 disciplines. It aims to increase underrepresented students’ participation in the DoD STEM workforce, particularly for high school seniors in Historically Black colleges and universities.

Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship

Norman S. Baldwin, the inaugural executive secretary of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, guided the organization for 15 years until his untimely passing in 1971. The Norman S. Baldwin Fishery Science Scholarship seeks to inspire talented graduate students to pursue advanced research in fishery biology and Great Lakes science, prioritizing scientific excellence and innovative inquiry.

The chosen candidates will be awarded $3,000 scholarships each, with the Awards Committee distributing them as needed. Applicants must be master’s or Ph.D. students with relevant research topics who have not been previously awarded. 

David M. Dolan Scholarship

• Amount: $1,000 
• Deadline of Application: December 1, 2024 

David M. Dolan’s scholarship, which started in 2014, honors students conducting graduate research in statistics, mathematical modeling, data analysis, or quantitative decision support to advance the understanding and management of Great Lakes ecosystems. The scholarship is open to exceptional students whose graduate research aligns with Dr. Dolan’s work on Great Lakes ecosystems but not relatives of IAGLR officers or directors.

Applicants must submit an extended abstract and a brief title for their proposed research. It should highlight how the study of the Great Lakes relates to the use of applied environmental statistics and modeling. In addition to the $3,000, recipients will receive a one-year membership in the IAGLR.

Lawren H. Daltroy Preceptorship in Health Communication

• Amount: Up to $15,000 per year 
• Deadline of Application: December 2, 2024 by 5 PM EST

The Lawren H. Daltroy Preceptorship in Health Communication from the Rheumatology Research Foundation supports student, researcher, and clinician training in rheumatology. They are among the top supporters of those who dedicate their studies to enhancing patient-clinician interactions and communications. 

Eligible candidates include trainees, junior researchers, and health professionals without funding. Projects must address patient-clinician interactions and communications, including small-scale research, curriculum creation, participation in education, patient-facing materials, health literacy/numeracy studies, and shared decision-making in healthcare settings.

AWWA Abel Wolman Scholarship

• Amount: $30,000 for one year (If necessary, a fellow can apply and be approved for the second year of financial support)
• Deadline of Application: December 2024

Students who are pursuing advanced training and research, including doctoral studies in water supply and treatment and its related fields, can apply for the Abel Wolman Fellowship. The doctoral fellowship provides financial support for up to two years to an outstanding student. Applications can be sent to the American Water Works Association (AWWA), and more information can be seen on its site.

AWWA Larson Aquatic Research Support Scholarships

• Amount: $7,000/student

Made in honor of Dr. Larson, the Larson Aquatic Research Support (LARS) scholarship is available for outstanding doctoral students engaged in the fields of science and engineering. The selection committee chooses one doctoral student every year for the scholarship, with an emphasis on excellent academics and leadership potential.

Applications must include a resume, official transcripts, three recommendation letters, and GRE scores as well as a course of study. Be sure to submit your research plans, too, with your application.

Martin Frank Diversity Travel Awards

• Amount: Up to $1,500 in travel support 
• Deadline of Application: December 8, 2024

The Martin Frank Diversity Travel Award program aims to increase participation in physiological sciences among trainees and early career faculty from historically underrepresented backgrounds. It provides travel awards to students and professionals interested in attending the American Physiology Summit. Recipients receive travel reimbursement, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The program is open to specific underrepresented populations defined by the NIH .

National Gem Consortium Ph.D. Science Scholarship

• Amount: $16,000 living stipend plus a paid summer internship

The National Gem Consortium’s PhD Science Scholarship is exclusive for students belonging to the minority in their first year of doctoral studies. Applicants should be pursuing a natural science discipline, such as earth science, chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, and computer science. The scholarship applies to an accredited GEM member university.

Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and get promising GRE scores.

Frances C. Allen Fellowship

• Amount: $3,000 per month (1-2 month’s duration)
• Deadline of Application: December 15, 2024

The Frances C. Allen Fellowship is exclusive to women of American Indian heritage. Applicants must be engaged in studies related to the Newberry Research Library’s collections, and the fellow must use the resources at the Chicago, Illinois, library. Applicants should also write to the library for more details, although application forms are available on the official website.

Gil Kushner Memorial Travel Award

• Amount: $750 in travel support 
• Deadline of Application: December 20, 2024

Gilbert Kushner was key in establishing applied anthropology as a graduate discipline. Gil has made USF’s Department of Anthropology among the most thriving applied research centers. The $750 travel expense award is given annually to a select few who want to attend the SfAA annual meeting.

Sallie Mae Scholarship

• Deadline of Application: December 31, 2024

Sallie Mae has launched a scholarship program for employees’ children pursuing college education. The program offers renewable scholarships for full-time study at an accredited institution, with eligibility determined by the sponsor. The scholarship is open to legal residents of the United States.

Year-round Scholarships

Lou Hochberg Thesis and Dissertation Awards 

• Type of Scholarship: Continuous
• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline of Application: Continuous

While the Lou Hochberg scholarship’s $1,000 grant isn’t much, its eligibility requirements are relatively easy to comply with. The essays submitted should focus on the social, biophysical, and experimental aspects of Wilhelm Reich’s discoveries. These are then judged based on their clarity, merit, and accuracy, and there’s no deadline for submissions.

Related Posts

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Funding & Scholarship: Graduate Programs

Financial support for ph.d. students, all students admitted into our ph.d. program receive full financial support., this support includes tuition, fees, $1,004 in transportation and dental subsidies (as of ay24-25), and a cost-of-living stipend ($3655 per month in ay23-24 and $4083 per month before taxes in ay24-25)..

Support is independent of need provided a student remains in good academic standing and is making satisfactory progress towards his/her Ph.D. degree. Students are expected to complete their Ph.D. requirements in four to six years. Financial support takes several forms: fellowships, teaching fellowships, and research assistantships. Ordinarily, first-year Ph.D. students are supported with full fellowships so that they can devote their time to coursework.

For the classes entering in Fall 2024 and beyond : SEAS PhD students are expected to complete two sections of teaching in SEAS in their second year or spread across their second and third years. Both sections may be completed concurrently in a single course. Their research assistantship will be adjusted accordingly during the semester(s) in which they are teaching fellow (TF). The academic requirement for the PhD degree is one section of teaching in SEAS. The student and their research advisor may arrange to replace the second section of teaching with a research assistantship. Beyond the first year, when students are in a better position to teach and assist in research, support is ordinarily provided through research assistantships, or a combination of a teaching fellowship and a research assistantship. For more detailed information, please visit the following pages: GSAS Tuition and Fees  G SAS Financial Support for PhD Students

External financial support for Ph.D. students

Applicants and current students are encouraged and expected to apply for all non-Harvard scholarships for which they are eligible, especially those offered by the  National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program  and  National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG) . 

Each year, many SEAS students secure fellowships from external agencies.  Should an incoming student be awarded and accept any fellowship external to Harvard, it is the expectation that the student will utilize these funds in the first year of study in place of Harvard funding.   In advanced (G2+) years in the graduate program, students with external fellowships are advised to have a discussion with their financial aid officers from Harvard Griffin GSAS and SEAS about how to best utilize the remaining years of funding based on their activities and academic requirements.

To ensure equitable treatment of all students, the coordination of external award benefits with a student’s existing funding package is determined by the Harvard Griffin GSAS financial aid officer in consultation with SEAS.

Currently, PhD students with external support are eligible for a SEAS-sponsored academic incentive.  PhD students who bring in open, competitive external fellowships that are equal to 50% or more of total their support (tuition/fees + stipend) will receive a supplemental award of $3,000 in the first year of the external fellowship.  PhD students who bring in open external competitive external fellowships that are not 50% or more of their total support and are at least $10,000 (tuition/fees + stipend or salary) will receive a supplemental award of $1,000.  The full $3,000 bonus may also be awarded in certain cases of multi-year fellowships depending on the total amount of support provided.This policy is subject to review and change.

Financial support for terminal masters students (M.E. & S.M.)

While financial aid is not available for master’s students in our M.E. and S.M. programs, there are a variety of funding opportunities available. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for independent grants and fellowships to fund their studies.  Information about tuition and fees can be found here . Students in our Computational Science & Engineering or Data Science programs-should visit this page and also may contact the  GSAS Financial Aid Office  to learn more.

Students in the  MS/MBA:Engineering Sciences program  are eligible to apply for need-based  HBS Fellowships  and student loans in both years of the program.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

by Alumni Team | Aug 2, 2022

COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

How to apply, supporting documentation, advice for applicants, choosing a university/course, applicant eligibility.

• Eligible countries

Completing the application form

• Selection process and criteria

Tenure and placement

Financial assistance, general conditions, faqs and enquiries.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for applicants from least developed countries and fragile States, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), in the Commonwealth,  for full-time doctoral study at a UK university.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC’s work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

Purpose: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) , Commonwealth PhD scholarships contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a developmental impact. They also enhance individual teaching and research capacity leading to increase institutional capacity in academic and other sectors in Commonwealth countries, and will contribute to UK higher education and research by attracting high-calibre international applicants and encouraging links and collaboration, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

Intended beneficiaries: Commonwealth PhD scholarships are for high-quality graduates who have the potential to undertake world-class research of a developmental nature and to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries.

These scholarships are offered under the six  CSC Development themes .

Applications for Commonwealth PhD scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year are now closed.

Applications to the CSC must be made using the CSC’s online application system.

The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the online application system .

Applicants are advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible, as the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline.

As well as applying to the CSC, applicants must apply to a nominating agency .

There are three types of nominating agency for PhD scholarships:

• National nominating agencies  – this is the main route of application.
• Selected universities/university bodies  – which can nominate their own academic staff.
• Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies .

Nominating agencies put forward applicants to the CSC for consideration. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.

Each nominating agency oversees its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria.  Applicants must check with the nominating agency for their specific advice and rules for applying, and their own eligibility criteria.

Nominating agencies may set their own closing dates for applications.

Agencies will nominate candidates to the CSC by December 2023.

Applicants can expect to hear the outcome by July 2024. We will contact all applicants by email and they should ensure all folders of their email accounts are monitored, including junk mail and spam folders. A scholarship offer may be withdrawn if an applicant is emailed but does not respond within a specified time.

Applications must include supporting documentation to be eligible.

Please note that applicants are required to collect references and supporting statements, on institution letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details, from referees and proposed supervisors in the UK and then upload them in PDF format to the application system with their other supporting documentation.

The references and supporting statements must be uploaded to the application system by the deadline for applications and we are unable to accept references and supporting statements any other way or after this date.

Applicants must upload the following documents with the application:

• Proof that they are a citizen or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country: a copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) showing a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
• Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including to-date transcripts for any courses currently being studied, with certified translations if not in English. Where any transcripts are missing or do not include all pages, the application will be considered ineligible.
• References from at least two individuals, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details.
• A supporting statement, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details, from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on the application form.

Applications will be considered ineligible if any of the required documentation is not included by the closing date.

The CSC will not accept supporting documentation submitted outside the online application system.

When completing the references, referees should be asked to comment as fully as possible on the applicant, keeping in mind the following points for inclusion, as appropriate:

• How long, and in what capacity, the referee has known the applicant.
• The referee’s views on the applicant’s suitability for the proposed Scholarship and the need for the particular subject of study in the UK.
• Information on how, and to what extent, the applicant has shown ability in terms of capability to grasp concepts and reason analytically; capacity for original thought; and motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives.
• Assessment of the applicant’s particular strengths and weaknesses.
• The applicant’s potential to impact development in their home country.
• Any other general qualities which the referee considers would make the applicant a good recipient of a Scholarship.

Please note that the CSC does not charge apply for any of its scholarships or fellowships through its online application system.

When completing supporting statements, proposed supervisors should be asked to confirm that they are, in principle, prepared to have the applicant working with them and that they have the facilities to undertake the research. They should also be asked how the applicant’s plan of study fits with the expertise of their department and to indicate how much of the applicant’s plan of study, if any, they wrote. Any additional comments they make will be appreciated by the Commission.

Applicants can find general information about applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship on our advice for applicants page .

Please read and complete the PhD Scholarships eligibility checklist before submitting your application.

Applicants may find the following resources useful when researching their choices of institution and course of study in the UK:

• Study UK – British Council website, with guidance for international students and a course and institution search
• Steps to Postgraduate Study – a guide to asking the right questions about taught postgraduate study in the UK
• Postgrad.com  – information for postgraduate students, with a course search
• Prospects – information on postgraduate study in the UK
• Research Excellent Framework 2021 results – results of a system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions
• UCAS Postgraduate – guidance on how to find and apply for a postgraduate course
• Discover Uni – the official website for comparing UK higher education course data
• UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) – advice for international students on choosing a course of study

The CSC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Applicants can also discover how Commonwealth Alumni are making an impact and leading change across critical development issues by visiting our development impact stories page .

To apply for this scholarship, applicants must:

• Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
• Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
• Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
• By September 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)*.
• Not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2024.
• Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
• Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.

*The CSC recognises that disabled people have often faced and overcome challenges or barriers in their education journey which have prevented them achieving the academic requirement for a Commonwealth Scholarship. Disabled applicants who can demonstrate their potential to contribute to international development but who do not hold a 2:1 Undergraduate degree may be considered for a contextualised nomination through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) nominator. For more information, please contact CDPF directly using the details on our NGOs and charitable body nominators page .

The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants. For further information on the support available to scholars who share that they have a disability, see the  CSC disability support statement .

There is no age limit for CSC applications. Applicants are advised to confirm with their employers any age restrictions on leave entitlement they may have in place.

Eligible Countries

Please note that only applicants from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), in 2023/24.

Bangladesh Cameroon Kenya Kiribati Lesotho Malawi Mozambique Nigeria Pakistan Rwanda Sierra Leone Solomon Islands Tanzania The Gambia Togo Tuvalu Uganda Zambia

In the application form, applicants are asked to:

• List all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications obtained.
• List up to 10 publications and prizes.
• Provide details of employment history and explain how the experience gained supports and is relevant to the programme to be undertaken in the UK.
• List names and positions of three referees who are qualified to comment on both their capacity to benefit from the proposed Scholarship in the UK and their ability to deliver development impact afterwards. One of the referees must be a current employer (if applicable) and at least two references must be included with the application.
• Provide a Development Impact statement in four parts.

In the first part applicants should explain how the proposed scholarship relates to:

• Development issues at the global, national, and local level
• Development issues connected to the chosen CSC development theme and the wider sector

The second part should explain how they intend to apply their new skills once the Scholarship ends.

The third part should outline what they expect will change in development terms following the Scholarship, including:

• The outcomes that they aim to achieve
• The timeframe for their implementation
• Who the beneficiaries will be

In the fourth part applicants should write about how the impact of their work could be best measured and evidenced.

Applicants are also asked to:

• Confirm what their award objectives are and how each of them will be met by the Scholarship programme.
• Confirm what their career plans are for the 5 years following the Scholarship.
• Confirm their long-term career plans.
• Provide a detailed plan of study.
• Provide a personal statement to summarise the ways in which their personal background has encouraged them to want to make an impact in their home country. Applicants may wish to highlight any areas where they have already made significant contributions, including overcoming personal or community barriers in accessing higher education or within their field.
• Summarise the ways in which they have engaged in voluntary activities and the opportunities they have had to demonstrate leadership.

Selection Process and criteria

Applications will be considered according to the following selection criteria:

• Academic merit
• Quality of research proposal
• Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s come country

For further details, see the Commonwealth Scholarships selection criteria .

Applicants should note the criteria carefully and link their answers in the application form to each point listed.

Scholarships are tenable at any approved UK university or higher education institution with which the CSC has a part-funding agreement for a specific programme of research for 36 months of full-time study only. For the full list, see here: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/uk-universities

Scholarships are to obtain one degree; funding will not be extended to enable candidates to complete a qualification in addition to or higher than that for which the selection was made.

Scholarships are made in respect of full-time study only and no other course of study may be undertaken at the same time.

The CSC does not provide new direct financial or promotional support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas, defined as the extraction, production, transportation, refining and marketing of crude oil, natural gas or thermal coal, as well as any fossil-fuel fired power plants.

Applicants must make clear in the application which qualification they are applying for. This will enable the CSC to consider the application in the correct category. Applications which do not make this clear may be considered ineligible.

Applicants are advised to list three universities and supervisors that they think are the most appropriate for their study, in order of preference, and to explain their reasons. This is important because the CSC will not change the university or supervisor (or the order of preference) of a provisionally selected candidate after the point of selection, unless exceptional information becomes available that could not have been foreseen at the time of application.

Applicants may propose to study at one university for a four-year PhD, but this must be based in a recognised Doctoral Training Centre. They must research this option thoroughly and justify its added value compared with a three-year PhD. As the CSC will fund only a limited number of four-year PhDs, applicants are strongly advised to also propose at least one three-year PhD choice.

The CSC will make the final decision on institution of study, and reserves the right to overrule any preferences indicated by the candidate. The CSC will consider the suitability of the course and its value for money when deciding on any overrule.

Applicants must take the necessary steps to apply for admission to their preferred universities in advance of their scholarship application. Many courses have strict admission deadlines and candidates should check admission requirements carefully when applying. If an applicant is selected for a scholarship and has not applied and been accepted for a course, it may not be possible to proceed with the scholarship.

Applicants must provide a supporting statement for a named supervisor from at least one of the UK universities to which they are applying. Details of what the supporting statement should include are outlined in the supporting documentation section. Applicants are strongly advised to provide a supporting statement from a supervisor at the first choice university. If not, the CSC reserves the right to select for placement at another university for which a statement is provided.

Each scholarship provides:

• Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (the CSC will not reimburse the cost of fares for dependants, nor the cost of journeys made before the award is confirmed).
• Approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university, and Scholars are not liable to pay for any part of the tuition fee.
• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels).
• Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
• Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
• Provision towards the cost of fieldwork undertaken overseas (the cost of one economy class return airfare to the fieldwork location), where approved.
• Paid mid-term visit (airfare) to the Scholar’s home country, unless they have claimed or intend to claim spouse and/or child allowances during their scholarship or have received a return airfare to their home country for fieldwork.
• If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse but no children: spouse allowance of £290 per month for a maximum period of nine months, if they and their spouse are living together at the same address in the UK (unless the spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
• If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse and children: spouse allowance of £290 per month and child allowance of £290 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their spouse and children are living with them at the same address in the UK (unless their spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
• If a Scholar has children and is widowed, divorced, or a single parent, child allowance of child allowance of £576.61 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their children are living with them at the same address in the UK.

If a Scholar shares that they have a disability, a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.

The CSC’s family allowances are intended to be only a contribution towards the cost of maintaining a Scholar’s family in the UK. The true costs are likely to be considerably higher, and Scholars must be able to supplement these allowances to support any family members who accompany them to the UK.

For more information, see the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars .

Please note that the conditions outlined in the Handbook are subject to change.

A Commonwealth Scholarship covers fees, approved fares, and personal maintenance. Other scholarships, awards, or bursaries that cover the same costs may not be held concurrently.

For the CSC to administer the application effectively and efficiently after submission, it will be necessary to create a record in the applicant’s name. If they apply for an award to the CSC, their details will be kept on file. Basic anonymised demographic data for all applicants will be kept for analytical research. The CSC is committed to protecting personal information and to being transparent about the information we are collecting about applicants and what we do with it. To find out more, see our privacy notice .

Applicant’s personal information will be used to conduct necessary due diligence checks to CSC’s satisfaction, before CSC proceeds with any type of formal agreement or contractual relationship. In most cases, the due diligence checks will be straightforward, however further information may be requested, so we ask for full co-operation to speed up the process.

If an applicant does not agree to personal data being used for the purpose of conducting due diligence, unfortunately CSC will not be able to proceed further with the application process.

If an application is successful, the CSC will notify the applicant that they have been provisionally selected (selected for an award subject to the CSC agreeing terms of admission to the university) at which point they will be a provisional scholarship candidate.

The CSC does not require any applicants to take an IELTS (English language) test.

The CSC will not be able to offer a scholarship if it would contravene the terms and conditions of another scholarship previously held.

When terms of admission to the university have been agreed, the CSC will provide a Notification of Award (formal offer of a scholarship).

When all conditions of the Notification of Award have been met, the CSC will provide a formal Confirmation of Award.

Candidates will be required to submit a Health and Disability Form  before the Confirmation of Award can be issued.

Candidates will be required to sign an undertaking to return to their home country as soon as possible after the end of the award.

Candidates are expected to start the award on the date stated in the Notification of Award.

If a candidate requires a Student visa to come to the UK to study, they must meet all relevant immigration requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration. They should check the GOV.UK website for updated information.

All UK immigration regulations are set by UK Visas and Immigration and are subject to change. The CSC has no control over these regulations.

Candidates will be selected for an award based on the plan of study outlined on the application form, which is not expected to change significantly during the award. Any such changes must be agreed by the CSC.

Throughout their award, Scholars are expected to reside in the UK, and must seek approval from the CSC in advance of any overseas travel.

Scholars must not undertake paid employment during the award without approval from the CSC in advance.

Collaboration is a feature of doctoral research. The CSC expects that participants in collaborative projects will develop a collaborative agreement to clarify the contributions and rights of each partner. The CSC will not get involved in negotiating an exploitation agreement but will need to be assured that an arrangement acceptable to all parties exists. Arrangements should be made to identify, protect, and value any arising intellectual property and to secure a suitable return to the institution and the investigators through exploitation. The CSC considers the intellectual property ownership to lie initially with the student; however, many universities have their own locally applicable policy. In many cases, it is in the best interest of a student for ownership to be vested with the university, which will have greater negotiating powers and will be likely to be able to seek the best returns in any exploitation agreement. Award holders are expected to notify the CSC when CSC-funded intellectual property is exploited.

The CSC will consider a request to extend a Scholar’s leave to remain in the UK after their award only if they wish to move from Master’s to PhD study. Strict conditions will apply.

The CSC cannot provide a letter of support or permission for Scholars to remain in or return to the UK after the award to enable them to work or undertake postdoctoral study.

The following are not eligible to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship; an employee, a former employee, or relative of an employee of the Government of the United Kingdom; or a staff member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities or the British Council; or a Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner, former Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner or a relative of a Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner. Former employees of the organisations listed above are eligible to apply three years after ceasing their employment with them.

In line with the UK Bribery Act 2010, any applicant convicted of bribery will be banned from reapplying for a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship for a period of up to five years.

Applicants are expected to adhere to the CSC’s Code of Conduct for award holders and the Disciplinary Policy and Procedure .

An award may be terminated at any time for reasons of unsatisfactory conduct, progress, or attendance, or if registration is suspended or terminated by the university for any reason.

The CSC is committed to administering and managing its scholarships and fellowships in a fair and transparent manner. For more information, see the CSC Anti-Fraud Policy and Procedure at and the FCDO guidance on reporting fraud .

The CSC is committed proactively to safeguard and promote the welfare of our beneficiaries, and to protect its staff, Commissioners, beneficiaries and all those with whom the CSC comes into contact. The CSC requires staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding. Applicants should note the  CSC Safeguarding Policy which sets out the obligation for staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding.  Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the Commission at:   [email protected]

All conditions of award are subject to UK local law and practices and are subject to change by the CSC.

For more information, see the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars . Please note that the conditions outlined in the Handbook are subject to change.

For general information about applying for Commonwealth Scholarships or Fellowships, please see our FAQs page.

For queries not covered on the website, please use the contact us form .

Privacy Overview

The best answers to “Why do you want to do a PhD?”

If you are interviewing for a PhD position, chances are high that you will be asked about your motivation to do a PhD. And sometimes, simple questions are the hardest to answer. Therefore, it is smart to prepare an excellent response to this question in advance.

Creating your unique answer to “Why do you want to do a PhD?”

While this diversity is a good thing, the lack of clarity on what a good answer to the question “Why do you want to do a PhD?” constitutes, makes it particularly daunting.

A convincing response during a PhD application interview increases your chance of securing the position: it clarifies your ambition and can leave a memorable impression.

To impress your interviewers with an answer, preparation is key. The first step is to reflect on your personal ‘why’:

Write down everything that comes to your mind. Your notes could include words like “ curiosity” , and short sentences such as “ to be able to become a professor in the future” but also honest reflections such as “ I want to be able to call myself Dr”.

The following categories are some of the best to frame your unique answer to the question:

Doing a PhD to satisfy your scientific curiosity

There are different ways to emphasise your scientific curiosity. For instance, you could explain how a specific topic caught your interest. For example by reading the work of a specific scholar, following a course, or listening to a talk.

Doing a PhD because of your societal or environmental ambitions

Many people connect their answers to “Why do you want to do a PhD?” to societal or environmental ambitions. And for a reason: These answers can be very powerful!

You can, for instance, tell a short personal story about why you find something important. Did you have a life-changing experience? Or do you maybe know someone who has been affected by a societal shortcoming?

Doing a PhD for self-development

You don’t need to have ambitions to save the world or win a Nobel prize as a prerequisite to doing a PhD. There is nothing wrong with answering the question “Why do you want to do a PhD?” by focusing on yourself.

On the contrary, openness and a drive to improve yourself and learn new skills are highly valued by PhD supervisors. Thus, self-development can be another good framework for your answer.

Doing a PhD to improve your (academic) career prospects

Ambitions to work within academia are more straightforward to explain. For example, in most cases, you simply need a PhD to secure a lecturer position or professorship.

Master Academia

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• PhD Study in Japan – A Guide for 2024

Written by Ben Taylor

Japan welcomes thousands of international students each year, many of whom are PhD students attracted by the country’s world-class reputation for technology and innovation, as well as its exceptional heritage sites.

A PhD in Japan represents an excellent opportunity to hone your research skills in a safe, stable society that values education very highly.

This page will give you an introduction to everything you should know about studying a PhD in Japan, with information on the Japanese university system, the structure of a doctoral programme and how fees, visas and PhD scholarships in Japan.

PhD opportunities in Japan – what’s on offer for 2024?

Futuristic cities, stunning nature and fascinating history. . . Japan has plenty to occupy curious PhD students looking for a truly unique destination in which to pursue a doctoral programme.

The Japanese government has a long-standing commitment to increasing the numbers of international students in the country, setting itself some ambitious targets to meet. This drive goes hand-in-hand with Japan’s excellent universities, many of which are ranked among the best in Asia.

These are a few of the best reasons to study a PhD in Japan this year:

• World-class universities – There are a clutch of Japanese universities in the top 100 of the various global university rankings, and the country also performs well in regional metrics.
• Quality of life – Japan is rightfully famous for its high quality of life and it provides a safe, efficient environment for PhD students.
• International outlook – Along with its ambitious targets for international student numbers, the Japanese government has introduced the Top Global University Project, which gives extra funding to 37 universities to help develop links with other top universities from around the world.
• Technology – Japan has long embraced technology, making it an ideal place for PhD students who want to innovate in any number of scientific fields.

Coronavirus updates for international students at Japanese universities

For the latest information on the impact of coronavirus on studying a PhD in Japan, please check the official Study in Japan website for updates.

PhD life in Japan

Want to know more about what it's like to live in Japan during a PhD? Our detailed guide covers everything from accommodation and living costs to culture and entertainment.

Japanese universities

There are currently over 600 universities in Japan, around 74% of which are private institutions. The three main types of universities are:

• Private universities – Private universities have been established by independent organisations and each have their own unique education and research strengths. Over the years, they have greatly contributed to the development of Japanese higher education.
• National universities – These have been established in all local prefectures (the equivalent of local councils in the UK) to make sure that each region of Japan has access to quality higher education. Such institutions are an important part of the Japanese government’s Top Global University Project, promoting the globalisation of Japan’s higher education sector.
• Public universities – Established and managed by local public entities or public university corporations, public universities provide higher education opportunities to local people and act as intellectual and cultural centres.

Graduate schools

Since their introduction to the Japanese higher education system in the mid-20th century, graduate schools have trained doctoral candidates at some of the country’s top universities. As a relatively small percentage of students in Japan become postgraduates, these specialist graduate schools play a significant role in training the next generation of teaching and research staff.

Japanese university rankings

Japanese universities perform strongly in the various global league tables – there are six universities in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, for example. Japan also features heavily in regional rankings covering the rest of Asia.

Do rankings matter for PhD study?

University rankings can help you choose a PhD project or programme, provided you know what to look at. Our guide explains how to use rankings as a prospective postgraduate.

PhD structure

In Japan, PhDs usually take place within a specialist graduate school associated with a university. Much like the rest of the world, a Japanese doctorate is an advanced research qualification.

PhD programmes

PhDs in Japan are often split into two phases – the first phase is aimed at graduates and incorporates a Masters qualification as part of the programme. The second phase is designed for student who already have a Masters. If you study a Masters as part of your PhD, you’ll gain a total of 30 credits.

Programme length

Japan’s academic year begins in April, with the first semester running until September. The second semester begins in October and finishes in March.

For holders of Masters degrees, a PhD lasts a minimum of three years (four years if your research project is in the areas of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry or veterinary science).

At some institutions, students also have the option to study for a PhD directly after their four-year undergraduate degrees, although the duration of a PhD is then five years. There are also additional requirements in the first two years of study which consist of taught courses, a project proposal and an examination.

Supervision

Before applying for your PhD, you should contact a potential supervisor at a Japanese university in advance, telling them about your research plans and why they’d be the perfect fit. You should also send them a letter of recommendation from your current (or previous) academic advisor.

Professors command a great deal of authority at Japanese university and the supervisor-supervisee relationship is more akin to a master-disciple interaction. If you feel you need to challenge your supervisor, do so with the highest level of diplomacy and respect.

There is also a strict hierarchy within research teams which is determined by age and position, with post-docs commanding more seniority than PhD students who, in turn, are considered as seniors to masters and undergraduate students. As such you may find that discussions within a research teams are generally top down rather than on an equal footing.

Professors are often busy with administrative, pastoral and other activities, delegating their day-to-day supervisory role to junior academics, post-docs or even final year PhD students. As a PhD student, you will be expected to be an independent researcher and the support you receive is likely to be minimal. In this context, your graduate school will provide the training structure you need.

Assessment and examination

PhDs in Japan are typically assessed based in the quality of the doctoral thesis, as well as a public oral examination similar to the viva . Sometimes you may also have to make a formal presentation about your thesis.

Fees and funding

PhD study in Japan is relatively affordable and there are plenty of funding options for international doctoral students .

In national universities, the PhD tuition fees for pursuing a doctoral programme in Japan are fixed by the Ministry or by local authorities for public universities. They are currently:

• National universities: ¥820,000 (USD $5,508) per year
• Local public universities: ¥900,000 (USD $6,043) per year

In private universities, annual tuition fees range from approximately ¥800,000 to ¥1,000,000 (USD $5,372-$6,715).

Additional expenses

All international PhD students are required to enrol in the National Health Insurance system. This is done through the office which has processed your residence registration. The annual premium varies depending on where in Japan you live.

Optional expenses include:

• University student health insurance
• Personal accident insurance
• Personal liability insurance

PhD scholarships in Japan

There are several PhD scholarships in Japan available to international students. Some of these you’ll apply for before you arrive, while you can apply for others once you’ve arrived (with, however, no guarantee of securing the funding). The most prestigious research scholarships are those awarded by MEXT.

• Japanese Government (MEXT) Postgraduate Scholarships – Applied for through the Japanese embassy in your home country, these highly selective scholarships provide return air fare, university fees, a monthly grant of ¥143,000 (USD $960), an optional six-month course in Japanese and help finding accommodation. The scholarships are available in all subject areas.
• The Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students – These scholarships, awarded by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), provide a monthly allowance of ¥48,000 (USD $322) for graduate students who do not hold a scholarship (from any source).
• Scholarships offered by local authorities and private organisations

Living costs

The Japanese government estimates that the average monthly living cost of an international student in Japan is ¥93,000 (USD $624).

For more information, check out our guide to living in Japan as a PhD student .

PhD funding in Japan

Our guide to PhD funding in Japan has more information on PhD scholarship opportunities and how to pay for your doctorate.

Applying for a PhD in Japan

PhD students are normally referred to as ‘PhD students’ (no surprise there!) but the term ‘research students’ will normally mean visiting PhD students (i.e. for six to 18 months) so be aware of this when you apply for admissions.

Entry requirements

You should have a Masters degree or an international equivalent . Alternatively, if your university offers the option, you may be able to enter a five-year PhD programme directly after a four-year undergraduate programme such as a Bachelors.

You might have to sit an entrance examination in your subject area or provide a graduate entry test score such as GRE , so check what the practice is at your chosen university.

Some universities apply a minimum age policy. However, if you believe you have the necessary qualifications but are too young then it is worth speaking to the international office or the body responsible for admissions at your university.

Language requirements

Unless your PhD requires you to demonstrate Japanese proficiency, you are most likely to be asked to provide evidence of proficiency in the English language through an English language test , such as TOEFL or IELTS.

If you studied your Bachelors or Masters in English, this will usually be considered proof of English proficiency.

Even if your programme isn’t taught in Japanese, it’s worth learning some Japanese so you can communicate with your peers, at least informally. If your level of Japanese is only basic, then use English to talk about your research.

Application process

Visit your prospective university’s website and, if available, submit an admission inquiry form, along with your CV. Alternatively, if an email address is available (it might not), then contact individual supervisors to discuss your preliminary research plans. Once you are sure this is the right programme for you, submit the application form.

An admission panel will review your application based on your qualifications, documents supplied and test scores (such as GRE and language proficiency, if applicable). Some departments operate a two-stage selection process so you may be invited to an interview (face-to-face or by telephone) if selected at this stage.

These are some of the documents you’re likely to supply as part of your PhD application:

• Official diplomas of your previous degrees
• Official transcripts (you may also be asked for a copy of your Bachelor or Masters dissertation)
• Graduate entry test score and language proficiency certificates (if applicable)
• At least two letters of recommendation (generally from a senior member of staff such as a department head or academic advisor)
• An up-to-date CV
• A research proposal
• A medical certificate
• Three passport-style photos
• A photocopy of your valid passport
• A certificate of non-Japanese Registration, if you already live in Japan

What happens during a PhD interview?

Your interview for a PhD in Japan will follow a fairly standard format (even if the actual process takes place online). Our guides explain what happens at a PhD interview and look at some of the questions you might be asked .

Student visas

If you live outside Japan, you’ll need to apply for a “Student Visa” once you have your PhD offer.

You will need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility for a Status of Residence (COE). Once this has been issued, you can formally apply for your visa

You can apply for your visa at your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate. There are a few documents you’ll need to supply as part of your application:

• A letter of admission from your university
• A valid passport
• A completed visa application form

You might also be required to show proof that you have enough money to support yourself while living in Japan.

Registering with the local authorities

All foreign nationals must register with the municipal authorities in their local area within 14 days of arrival, regardless of their nationality and visa requirements.

Studying a PhD in Japan represents a fantastic opportunity to produce research in one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries. What’s more, Japan has the third biggest economy in the world, meaning that there are plenty of exciting career possibilities for talented postgraduates – like you!

If you want to work in Japan after your studies, you’ll need to apply for a suitable employment visa that fits your skills and plans. You can find out more on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website .

Find a PhD in Japan

Ready to start browsing some current PhD opportunities in Japan ? Alternatively, you can look at our other guides to PhD study abroad .

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Japan is a fantastic place for PhD study, offering many financial incentives for international students. This guide will take you through the cost of studying a PhD in Japan and all the key funding opportunities.

What are the best universities for PhD study in Japan? Our guide looks at the latest league tables to identify top-ranked Japanese universities and help you discover the best doctoral research opportunities in your subject.

Read about the language requirements and recognised tests for PhD study at Japanese-speaking universities.

What's it like to live in Japan during a PhD? Our guide covers accommodation, student living costs, working and other key information.

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How to get a PhD scholarship or funding

Uni life Published 23 Jan, 2024  ·  3-minute read

If you’re passionate enough about a topic to complete a PhD on it, we think that’s amazing. But, understandably, you’ll want some reassurance that you’ll be supported financially during your research endeavours. Let’s look at how to get a PhD scholarship in Australia.

A common way for PhD candidates to supplement their income is to do casual or even part-time work while completing their degree. However, this isn’t a viable option for everyone – and it may not be enough in some circumstances.

In such cases, a PhD scholarship is just what the doctorate ordered.

What is a PhD scholarship?

A PhD scholarship is much like any scholarship – it supports a PhD candidate to complete their studies. 

PhD scholarships are offered by a variety of universities, specific schools, and research institutes. For example, at The University of Queensland (UQ), there are 2 categories of PhD scholarships you can consider:

• UQ Graduate School scholarships  (UQGSS)  – about $33K per year for 3.5 years
• earmarked scholarships for joining an existing research project – about $32K per year for 3.5 years.

In either case, your scholarship will comprise tuition fees and a living stipend. Both types also come with the possibility of a single extension and both domestic and international students are eligible to apply.

There is also a UQ Graduate School Scholarship which only covers tuition fees and does not include a living stipend. The UQGSS-T is only available to domestic students.

Deciding which scholarship category suits you will likely come down to whether an existing research project aligns with your interests. If you’ve got a niche passion and the ambition to find your own supervisor and create a fresh research proposal , a Graduate School scholarship is likely the path for you.

If you’d prefer to join an existing team of researchers pursuing an established line of research, you might find an earmarked scholarship more appealing. You can expand your search for a project that interests you by visiting FindAPhD.com , though we’d obviously love to see you contribute to the groundbreaking research efforts right here at UQ.

UQ has earmarked scholarships available for a wide variety of research projects. Our research areas span from agriculture to creative arts, health, business, science and everything in between. Explore our research areas and find an earmarked scholarship that appeals to your interests .

Top-up PhD scholarships in Australia

You may also find yourself eligible for a top-up scholarship of $7-14K per year. Find out more about top-up scholarships .

How to get a scholarship for a PhD

When you’re looking at an earmarked PhD scholarship for an existing project, the process is rather simple: apply for the advertised position by contacting the project supervisor.

However, things get a bit trickier when you’re creating a new research proposal. Here are some tips for how to get a fully funded PhD project:

• Make sure your school or institute knows you want a scholarship , as they will need to nominate you for one. At UQ, this means selecting the option in your PhD application that says I would like to be considered for a UQ scholarship…
• Choose the right supervisor. Some of the criteria for getting a PhD scholarship include the experience and expertise relevance of your supervisor and advisory team. So, you’ll want to find a supervisor who checks all the right boxes .
• Get advice from your PhD supervisor . The quality of your research project is another large factor in determining whether you get a PhD scholarship. At the start, the main means of demonstrating this is your research proposal, so be sure to use your supervisor’s wisdom to make this proposal as steadfast as possible .
• Prepare the appropriate documents/evidence. Other criteria include your academic performance, your research capabilities, and the quality of your proposed research environment. This means having evidence prepared to demonstrate these factors (e.g. the academic transcript from your honours/postgraduate degree, or details of the laboratory where you’ll be conducting your research) can help you attain a PhD scholarship.

Learn more about completing your PhD at UQ Explore all UQ scholarships available for postgraduate research students

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Google PhD fellowship program

Google PhD Fellowships directly support graduate students as they pursue their PhD, as well as connect them to a Google Research Mentor.

Nurturing and maintaining strong relations with the academic community is a top priority at Google. The Google PhD Fellowship Program was created to recognize outstanding graduate students doing exceptional and innovative research in areas relevant to computer science and related fields. Fellowships support promising PhD candidates of all backgrounds who seek to influence the future of technology. Google’s mission is to foster inclusive research communities and encourage people of diverse backgrounds to apply. We currently offer fellowships in Africa, Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, India, Latin America, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the United States.

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Program details

Application status, how to apply, research areas of focus, review criteria, award recipients.

Applications are currently closed.

Update on 2024 Announcement : Decisions for the 2024 application cycle, originally planned for July 2024, will now be announced via email in August 2024. We apologize for the delay and appreciate your patience as we work to finalize decisions.

• Launch March 27, 2024
• Deadline May 8, 2024
• Awardees Notified By Aug. 31, 2024

The details of each Fellowship vary by region. Please see our FAQ for eligibility requirements and application instructions.

PhD students must be nominated by their university. Applications should be submitted by an official representative of the university during the application window. Please see the FAQ for more information.

Australia and New Zealand

Canada and the United States

PhD students in Japan, Korea and Taiwan must be nominated by their university. After the university's nomination is completed, either an official representative of the university or the nominated students can submit applications during the application window. Please see the FAQ for more information.

India and Southeast Asia

PhD students apply directly during the application window. Please see the FAQ for more information.

Latin America

The 2024 application cycle is postponed. Please check back in 2025 for details on future application cycles.

Google PhD Fellowship students are a select group recognized by Google researchers and their institutions as some of the most promising young academics in the world. The Fellowships are awarded to students who represent the future of research in the fields listed below. Note that region-specific research areas will be listed in application forms during the application window.

Algorithms and Theory

Distributed Systems and Parallel Computing

Health and Bioscience

Human-Computer Interaction and Visualization

Machine Intelligence

Machine Perception

Natural Language Processing

Quantum Computing

Security, Privacy and Abuse Prevention

Software Engineering

Software Systems

Speech Processing

Applications are evaluated on the strength of the research proposal, research impact, student academic achievements, and leadership potential. Research proposals are evaluated for innovative concepts that are relevant to Google’s research areas, as well as aspects of robustness and potential impact to the field. Proposals should include the direction and any plans of where your work is going in addition to a comprehensive description of the research you are pursuing.

In Canada and the United States, East Asia and Latin America, essay responses are evaluated in addition to application materials to determine an overall recommendation.

What does the Google PhD Fellowship include?

Students receive named Fellowships which include a monetary award. The funds are given directly to the university to be distributed to cover the student’s expenses and stipend as appropriate. In addition, the student will be matched with a Google Research Mentor. There is no employee relationship between the student and Google as a result of receiving the fellowship. The award does not preclude future eligibility for internships or employment opportunities at Google, nor does it increase the chances of obtaining them. If students wish to apply for a job at Google, they are welcome to apply for jobs and go through the same hiring process as any other person.

• Up to 3 year Fellowship
• US $12K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• Google Research Mentor
• 1 year Fellowship
• AUD $15K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• Up to 2 year Fellowship (effective from 2024 for new recipients)
• Full tuition and fees (enrollment fees, health insurance, books) plus a stipend to be used for living expenses, travel and personal equipment
• US $10K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• Yearly bursary towards stipend / salary, health care, social benefits, tuition and fees, conference travel and personal computing equipment. The bursary varies by country.

Early-stage PhD students

• Up to 4 year Fellowship
• US $50K to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel

Late-stage PhD students

• US $10K to recognise research contributions, cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel
• US $15K per year to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel

Southeast Asia

• US $10K per year for up to 3 years (or up to graduation, whichever is earlier) to cover stipend and other research related activities, travel expenses including overseas travel

Is my university eligible for the PhD Fellowship Program?

Africa, Australia/New Zealand , Canada, East Asia, Europe and the United States : universities must be an accredited research institution that awards research degrees to PhD students in computer science (or an adjacent field).

India, Latin America and Southeast Asia : applications are open to universities/institutes in India, Latin America (excluding Cuba), and in eligible Southeast Asian countries/regions (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam).

Restrictions : All award payments and recipients will be reviewed for compliance with relevant US and international laws, regulations and policies. Google reserves the right to withhold funding that may violate laws, regulations or our policies.

What are the eligibility requirements for students?

All regions

• Students must remain enrolled full-time in the PhD program for the duration of the Fellowship or forfeit the award.
• Google employees, and their spouses, children, and members of their household are not eligible.
• Students that are already supported by a comparable industry award are not eligible. Government or non-profit organization funding is exempt.
• Past awardees from the PhD Fellowship program are not eligible to apply again.
• Grant of the Fellowship does not mean admission to a PhD program. The awardee must separately apply and be accepted to a PhD program in computer science (or an adjacent field) at an eligible institution.
• Grant of the Fellowship will be subject to the rules and guidelines applicable in the institution where the awardee registers for the PhD program.

Nominated students in Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and the United States, East Asia and Europe.

Universities should only nominate students that meet the following requirements:

• Africa: Incoming PhD students are eligible to apply, but the Fellowship award shall be contingent on the awardee registering for a full-time PhD program in computer science (or an adjacent field) within the academic award year of the Fellowship award, or the award shall be forfeited.
• Australia and New Zealand : early-stage students enrolled in the first or second year of their PhD (no requirement for completion of graduate coursework by the academic award year).
• Canada and the United States : students who have completed graduate coursework in their PhD by the academic award year when the Fellowship begins.
• East Asia: students who have completed most of graduate coursework in their PhD by the academic award year when the Fellowship begins. Students should have sufficient time for research projects after receiving a fellowship.
• Europe: Students enrolled at any stage of their PhD are eligible to apply.

Direct applicant students in India, Latin America and Southeast Asia

• Latin America : incoming or early stage-students enrolled in the first or second year of their PhD (no requirement for completion of graduate coursework by the academic award year).

What should be included in an application? What language should the application be in?

All application materials should be submitted in English.

For each student nomination, the university will be asked to submit the following material in a single, flat (not portfolio) PDF file:

• Student CV with links to website and publications (if available)
• Short (1-page) resume/CV of the student's primary PhD program advisor
• Available transcripts (mark sheets) starting from first year/semester of Bachelor's degree to date
• Research proposal (maximum 3 pages, excluding references)
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the nominee''s work (at least one from the thesis advisor for current PhD students)
• Student essay response (350-word limit) to: What impact would receiving this Fellowship have on your education? Describe any circumstances affecting your need for a Fellowship and what educational goals this Fellowship will enable you to accomplish.
• Transcripts of current and previous academic records
• 1-2 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the nominee's work (at least one from the thesis advisor)

Canada, East Asia, the United States

• Cover sheet signed by the Department Chair confirming the student passes eligibility requirements. (See FAQ "What are the eligibility requirements for students?")
• Short (1-page) CV of the student's primary advisor
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the nominee's work (at least one from the thesis advisor)
• Research / dissertation proposal (maximum 3 pages, excluding references)
• Student essay response (350-word limit) to: Describe the desired impact your research will make on the field and society, and why this is important to you. Include any personal, educational and/or professional experiences that have motivated your research interests.
• Student essay response (350-word limit) to: Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time. (A leadership role can mean more than just a title. It can mean being a mentor to others, acting as the person in charge of a specific task, or taking the lead role in organizing an event or project. Think about what you accomplished and what you learned from the experience. What were your responsibilities? Did you lead a team? How did your experience change your perspective on leading others? Did you help to resolve an important dispute at your school, church, in your community or an organization? And your leadership role doesn’t necessarily have to be limited to school activities. For example, do you help out or take care of your family?)

Students will need the following documents in a single, flat (not portfolio) PDF file in order to complete an application (in English only):

• Student applicant’s resume with links to website and publications (if available)
• Short (one-page) resume/CV of the student applicant's primary PhD program advisor
• 2-3 letters of recommendation from those familiar with the applicant's work (at least one from the thesis advisor for current PhD students)
• Applicant's essay response (350-word limit) to: Describe the desired impact your research will make on the field and society, and why this is important to you. Include any personal, educational and/or professional experiences that have motivated your research interests.
• Applicant's essay response (350-word limit) to: What are your long-term goals for your pathway in computing research, and how would receiving the Google PhD Fellowship help you progress toward those goals in the short-term?

How do I apply for the PhD Fellowship Program? Who should submit the applications? Can students apply directly for a Fellowship?

Check the eligibility and application requirements in your region before applying. Submission forms are available on this page when the application period begins.

India, Latin America and Southeast Asia: students may apply directly during the application period.

Africa, Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, New Zealand, and the United States : students cannot apply directly to the program; they must be nominated by an eligible university during the application period.

How many students may each university nominate?

India, Latin America and Southeast Asia : applications are open directly to students with no limit to the number of students that can apply from a university.

Australia and New Zealand : universities may nominate up to two eligible students.

Canada and the United States : Universities may nominate up to four eligible students. We encourage nominating students with diverse backgrounds especially those from historically marginalized groups in the field of computing. If more than two students are nominated then we strongly encourage additional nominees who self-identify as a woman, Black / African descent, Hispanic / Latino / Latinx, Indigenous, and/or a person with a disability.

Africa, East Asia and Europe : Universities may nominate up to three eligible students. We encourage nominating students with diverse backgrounds especially those from historically marginalized groups in the field of computing. If more than two students are nominated then we strongly encourage the additional nominee who self-identifies as a woman.

*Applications are evaluated on merit. Please see FAQ for details on how applications are evaluated.

How are applications evaluated?

In Canada and the United State, East Asia and Latin America, essay responses are evaluated in addition to application materials to determine an overall recommendation.

A nominee's status as a member of a historically marginalized group is not considered in the selection of award recipients.

Research should align with Google AI Principles .

Incomplete proposals will not be considered.

How are Google PhD Fellowships given?

Any monetary awards will be paid directly to the Fellow's university for distribution. No overhead should be assessed against them.

What are the intellectual property implications of a Google PhD Fellowship?

Fellowship recipients are not subject to intellectual property restrictions unless they complete an internship at Google. If that is the case, they are subject to the same intellectual property restrictions as any other Google intern.

Will the Fellowship recipients become employees of Google?

No, Fellowship recipients do not become employees of Google due to receiving the award. The award does not preclude future eligibility for internships or employment opportunities at Google, nor does it increase the chances of obtaining them. If they are interested in working at Google, they are welcome to apply for jobs and go through the same hiring process as any other person.

Can Fellowship recipients also be considered for other Google scholarships?

Yes, Fellowship recipients are eligible for these scholarships .

After award notification, when do the Google PhD Fellowships begin?

After Google PhD Fellowship recipients are notified, the Fellowship is effective starting the following school year.

What is the program application time period?

Applications for the 2024 program will open in March 2024 and close in May 2024 for all regions. Refer to the main Google PhD Fellowship Program page for each region’s application details.

A global awards announcement will be made in September on the Google Research Blog publicly announcing all award recipients.

How can I ask additional questions?

Due to the volume of emails we receive, we may not be able to respond to questions where the answer is available on the website. If your question has not been answered by a FAQ, email:

Africa: [email protected]

Australia and New Zealand: [email protected]

Canada and the United States: [email protected]

East Asia: [email protected]

Europe: [email protected]

India: [email protected]

Latin America: [email protected]

Southeast Asia: [email protected]

See past PhD Fellowship recipients.

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1. Introduction:

1.1. The ICSSR supports and encourages Ph.D. scholars to pursue their doctoral research in social and human sciences. The award of Doctoral fellowship takes into consideration innovative research proposals having potential of path breaking addition to existing body of knowledge. The priority of the ICSSR is to address changing societal dynamics and social challenges through effective evidence-based research to fulfil India’s aspirations to become a global power.

1.2. Doctoral Fellowships shall be awarded to Indian research scholars, who are registered for Ph.D. in UGC recognized Universities / Deemed-to-be-Universities, Institutes of National Importance as defined by MoE / UGC, ICSSR Research Institutes and colleges having approved Ph.D. programme. The Doctoral Fellowships for the Financial Year 2024-25 shall be awarded in the following areas of Social and Human Sciences:

Research Proposals that span across disciplinary boundaries also fall within the areas of the Council’s interest. Preference will be given to PhD Students pursuing research in the priority areas of the ICSSR.

2. Eligibility

A) Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship

2.1 Doctoral Fellow should be a full-time bonafide Ph.D. student at the affiliating university/ institution throughout the duration of fellowship tenure.

2.2 The candidate must have a confirmed Ph.D. registration at any of the institutions mentioned in para 1.2 in line with the UGC norms in force. The Ph.D. topic must have been confirmed by the DRC/authorised statutory body of the institution on or before the last date of call for applications. Application submitted by those scholars whose research proposals and topics have not been approved by the statutory bodies of their respective institutions will be summarily rejected.

2.3 The candidate must not be more than 40 years of age on the last date of application. There shall be an age relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST/OBC-(NCL) candidates Persons with benchmark Disability (PwD).

2.4 The candidate must have secured a minimum of 55% marks in Post-Graduation or equivalent grades in any social science discipline. Five per cent (5%) relaxation of marks will be given to SC/ST/ OBC-(NCL) candidates Persons with benchmark Disability (PwD). The submission of scanned copy of mark sheet of Post-Graduation is mandatory for submission of online application. In case, the candidates do not upload the documents, their candidature will be summarily rejected

2.5. The criteria of NET for applying for ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship Schemes will be as under:

i. 95 percent of the total fellowships shall be awarded to NET qualified applicants

ii. A maximum of 5 per cent of the fellowships shall be awarded to candidates who are not NET qualified but their proposals are found outstanding in the evaluation of the ICSSR’s panel of subject experts.

2.6. Candidates who have already availed UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) / Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) / Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) / ICSSR / ICAR / CSIR / ICPR / ICMR / ICHR / Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Foundation Fund Fellowship (JNMF) or any such major doctoral fellowship are not eligible to apply. Candidates drawing UGC Non-NET Fellowship are eligible to apply.

B) Institutional Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship

2.7. Candidates applying under Institutional Doctoral Fellowship Scheme shall not be eligible to apply for Centrally-Administered Doctoral Fellowship schemes.

2.8. All the conditions of the Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship (2.1 to 2.6) shall apply to this category also and the fellowship shall be administered through the ICSSR Research Institutes.

C) Short-Term Fellowship

2.8. All the conditions of the Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship (2.1 to 2.6) shall apply. In addition, the candidate should have completed at least three years of research work for Ph.D degree at any of the institutions mentioned in para1.1.

D) Contingency Grant

2.9. Under this scheme, a one-time grant is awarded to Ph.D scholars registered at any of the institutions mentioned in para1.1, who are at an advanced stage of their research work. The candidates meeting all conditions of the Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship (2.1 to 2.6) are eligible to apply for Contingency Grant for the purposes of field trip, stationery and computer consumable related expenses.

3. How to Apply

3.1. Applicants must submit an online application in prescribed format and upload scanned copies of the annexures on ICSSR website.

3.2 (A) Self-attested copies of educational qualification and proof of date of birth must be annexed with the hard copy of the application form. The candidate has to mandatorily provide an attested copy of research proposal submitted by the candidate in the institution where he/ she is registered for PhD. The copy of research proposal must be attested by the concerned HoD/Dean. The topic mentioned in the proposal must have been confirmed by the DRC/authorised statutory body of the institution on or before the last date of call for applications and a certificate to this effect must be uploaded during submission of online application and the attested copy must be annexed with the hard copy of the application form.

3.2 (B) Applicants are also required to submit the hard copies of their application and annexures, duly forwarded by the Competent Authorities of the affiliating university/college/institute, within the stipulated time mentioned in the call for applications. The forwarding letters and undertakings must be submitted in original along with the hard copy of the application form.

3.3 The Research Proposal should be either in English or Hindi. Arial/Mangal Unicode font will be used in Devanagari script to fill application form in Hindi.

B.) Institutional Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship

3.4 Applicants seeking Institutional Doctoral Fellowship must submit an online application in prescribed format along with the annexures as mentioned in para 3.2 (A) on ICSSR website only. The hardcopy of applications must however be forwarded by the respective ICSSR Research Institutes. The ICSSR will prepare the merit list of successful candidates and the same will be intimated to the concerned research institutes.

3.5 The ICSSR Research Institutes will intimate the same to the candidates and follow the guidelines of the ICSSR regarding disbursal of fellowships, which will be made available to them after declaration of result.

C) Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship

3.6 The application procedure for the scheme shall be the same as per the conditions mentioned in Clauses 3.1 to 3.4.

3.7 The application procedure for the scheme shall be the same as per the conditions mentioned in Clauses 3.1 to 3.4.

4. Procedure for Award of Fellowships

4.1. The fellowships shall be awarded on the basis of evaluation of applications by the panel of subject experts. Based on the evaluation reports of the Expert Committee(s), merit lists shall be prepared for award of fellowships.

4.2. The reservation policy of the Government of India for SC, ST, OBC(NCL), EWS and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwD) will be duly followed in the award of fellowships.

4.3 In case ICSSR feels the need, it may invite any short-listed applicant for presentation before an Expert Committee of ICSSR.

4.5 The merit list of selected candidates of Doctoral Fellowships will be placed on the ICSSR website.

4.6 Only the selected candidates and their affiliating universities shall be informed individually through a provisional award letter clearly specifying the formalities and documents required for joining the fellowship.

5. Duration and Value:

5.1 The value of Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship is Rs 20,000 per month plus Rs 20,000 contingency grant per annum. The total duration of the Full-term Doctoral Fellowship shall be two years. The first award letter will be initially for a period of one year effective from the date of issue of award letter. 5.2 The value and duration of fellowship will be in line with the directives of the Ministry of Education issued from time to time.

5.3 The duration and value of fellowship will be the same as mentioned under the Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship. (5.1 to 5.2)

5.4 The duration of the Short-Term Doctoral Fellowship is strictly for six months or till the date of Ph.D. submission at the university/ institution, whichever is earlier.

5.5 The value of fellowship will be equivalent to six month fellowship amount of the Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship grant plus contingency grant payable for six months.

5.6 The value of fellowship is a consolidated grant of Rs 62500/.

6. Joining and Release of Fellowship

6.1 The scholar must join the fellowship within the time stipulated by the ICSSR in the provisional award letter.

6.2 The fellowship instalments will be released on yearly basis.

6.3 The sanction of the fellowship will be issued initially for a period of one year, effective from the date of issue of award letter. The renewal of the Fellowship for the subsequent years shall be subject to the receipt of satisfactory Annual Progress Report and Statement of Expenditure for the entire fellowship grant released for first year.

6.4 The first instalment will be released after receiving the documents prescribed in the Award letter along with the Grant-in-aid-Bill (GIB) and Registration Mandate Form of PFMS Account of those affiliating / administering institutions, which have not linked their accounts to PFMS for ICSSR grant.

6.5 (i) The instalment of second year will be released only after the approval of extension of fellowship for the second year by the Council subject to the receipt of satisfactory Progress Reports and Statement of Expenditure for the entire fellowship grant released for first year and receipt of the Grant-in-Aid Bill (GIB).

6.5 (ii) The final year fellowship grant will be released in two instalments.

6.5 (iii) The final instalment will be released subject to receipt of appropriate documents such as the Thesis Submission Certificate issued by the Controller of Examination/Competent Authority of the University, soft copy of the PhD thesis, a summary in 3000 to 4000 words along with the audited Statement of Accounts and Utilization Certificate for the admissible grant (in GFR 12A Form).

6.6 The Statement of Accounts and Utilization certificate should be signed by the Finance Officer / Registrar / Principal / Director in case the accounts of the institution are audited by the CAG/AG. Otherwise, they need to be signed both by the competent authority of the affiliating institution along with the chartered accountant.

6.7 The requisite documents at every stage should be submitted within the prescribed time frame.

6.8 Same as mentioned under the Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship (para 6.1 to 6.7).

6.9 The Short-Term Fellowship will be released in two instalments. The first instalment amounting to 70% of the total grant will be released on receipt of the documents prescribed in the Award letter along with the grant-in-aid bill (GIB) and Registration Mandate Form of PFMS account of concerned affiliating / administering institution. The second and final instalment of the admissible grant shall be released after receiving a Thesis Submission Certificate issued by the Controller of Examination/Competent Authority of the University, soft copy of PhD thesis, a summary in 3000 to 4000 words along with the audited Statement of Accounts with Utilization Certificate (in GFR-12A Form) for the admissible amount duly signed by the competent authority of the affiliating institution.

6.10 The Statement of Accounts and Utilization Certificate will be signed by the Finance Officer / Registrar / Director in case the accounts of the Institution are audited by the CAG/AG. Otherwise, they need to be signed by the competent authority of the affiliating institution along with a chartered accountant.

6.11 The Contingency Grant will be released in two instalments. The first instalment amounting to Rs 40,000/- will be released on receipt of the documents prescribed in the Award letter along with the grant-in-aid bill (GIB) and Registration Mandate Form of PFMS Account of concerned affiliating / administering institution. The second and final instalment of the admissible grant shall be released after receiving a Thesis Submission Certificate issued by the Controller of Examination/Competent Authority of the University, a summary in 3000 to 4000 words along with the audited Statement of Accounts with Utilization Certificate (in GFR-12A Form) for the admissible amount duly signed by the competent authority of the affiliating institution.

6.12 The Statement of Accounts and Utilization Certificate will be signed by the Finance Officer / Registrar / Director in case the accounts of the Institution are audited by the CAG/AG. Otherwise, they need to be signed by the competent authority of the affiliating institution along with a chartered accountant.

7. Monitoring of Fellowships

7.1 Regular monitoring of Fellowship is done on the basis of Six Monthly and Annual Progress Reports in the prescribed format submitted by the scholar and duly forwarded by the supervisor.

7.2 The fellowship may be discontinued / terminated at any stage if research progress is found to be unsatisfactory or any ICSSR rules are violated or the research topic is changed without the permission of ICSSR.

7.3 The ICSSR may ask for annual presentation / mid-term appraisal of the research work.

7.4 In cases of delayed Progress Reports, the scholar will be required to give the justification of the delay on which the final decision shall be taken by ICSSR. The scholar may be asked to furnish an Undertaking specifying the date of Ph.D. submission to ICSSR.

7.5 During the course of the Phd, the scholars are required to publish at least two research papers in peer-reviewed journals on the theme of the research undertaken and submit a copy of the same to the ICSSR.

7.6 The scholars must acknowledge the ICSSR while getting their research papers published. The ICSSR must also be compulsorily acknowledged in the PhD thesis.

8. Completion of the Fellowship

8.1 If a fellow leaves the fellowship before the completion of fellowship duration, he/she has to inform ICSSR in advance.

8.1.1 No scholar will be allowed to leave the fellowship under clause 8.1 before completion of three months of fellowship period. If the scholar leaves it within three months, he/she will have to refund the already disbursed fellowship amount in full to the ICSSR.

8.1.2 The scholar shall be permitted to retain the grant released from date of Joining till the date of leaving / discontinuing the ICSSR fellowship subject to submission of the following:

(i) An updated Progress Report for the said period duly forwarded by the Supervisor.

(ii) An Undertaking to submit a Thesis Submission Certificate and soft copy of PhD thesis within a month of submission of thesis in affiliating/ administering institution on a Non-Judicial stamp paper of Rs. 100/- (in prescribed format).

(iii) Statement of Accounts and Utilization Certificate (in GFR-12 A form) for the admissible amount.

(iv) Refund of the unspent balance, if any. The payment may be made by sending a cheque/ DD in favour of ICSSR, New Delhi or through PFMS /RTGS.

8.1.3 In such cases, the ICSSR may consider to pay contingency grant subsequent to submission of thesis to ICSSR. In other cases, the scholar can leave the fellowship by refunding the entire amount already released by the ICSSR.

8.1.4 The scholars leaving the fellowship before completion of their fellowship tenure without informing ICSSR shall be required to refund the entire amount of fellowship released with penalty/penal interest.

8.2 The fellows are required to submit a Ph D Thesis Submission Certificate issued by the Controller of Examinations/Competent Authority and soft copy of the thesis preferably within a month of submission of the Ph D Thesis to the affiliating/ administering institution for award of the Ph D Degree, failing which the fellow has to refund the amount of fellowship to the ICSSR.

8.3 If, as a special case, a scholar remains on leave due to maternity / medical / extra ordinary circumstances (not exceeding six months) with due approval by the ICSSR, the tenure of fellowship shall be deferred by that period but the total amount of fellowship sanctioned shall not exceed the fellowship duration mentioned in the award letter.

8.4 Again, as a special case, a scholar can avail a foreign fellowship and re-join ICSSR Fellowship on return with due approval by the ICSSR, the tenure of fellowship may be deferred by that period but the total amount of fellowship sanctioned shall not exceed the fellowship duration mentioned in the award letter.

8.5 There will be no extension if the scholar deregisters from PhD and re-registers to submit the thesis after a gap. The date of deregistration will be the date of termination of fellowship.

8.6 After the thesis is submitted to the concerned university, the scholar must submit the following to ICSSR at the earliest preferably within a month to settle the accounts

(i) A PhD Thesis Submission Certificate issued by the Controller of Examinations/Competent Authority immediately after submission of the Ph D Thesis to the University for award of the Ph D Degree along with a copy of summary (in 3000 to 4000 words) and research papers published. A softcopy of the Thesis has to be sent along with the above.

(ii) The audited Statement of Account and Utilization Certificate (in GFR-12A Form) for the admissible grant as per clause 6.5 and 6.9.

8.7 As a policy, ICSSR does not accept contents beyond 10 percent on Similarity Index. Scholars are required to get their final report checked from their affiliating institutions for Similarity Index and attach the plagiarism report at the time of submission of soft copy of thesis to the ICSSR.

8.8 Same as mentioned under the Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship including the conditions mentioned in the Clauses 8.1 to 8.7. Further, the concerned research institute must submit the Thesis Submission Certificate and other prescribed documents to ICSSR well in time.

8.9 Same as mentioned under the Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship including the conditions mentioned in the Clauses 8.1 to 8.7.

8.10 Same as mentioned under the Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship including the conditions mentioned in the Clauses 8.2. 8.6 and 8.7.

9. Expectation from the Affiliating Institution

9.1 The affiliating institution is required to provide the requisite research infrastructure to the scholar and maintain proper accounts.

9.2 The affiliating institution is required to give a Forwarding letter in the prescribed format contained in the Application Form to administer and manage the ICSSR fellowship grant.

9.3 The affiliating institution shall open / maintain a dedicated bank account for ICSSR grant (Scheme Code 0877) that is duly registered at PFMS portal for release of the Doctoral Fellowship Grant without any delay.

9.4 The affiliating institution is expected to immediately release the sanctioned fellowship grant released by ICSSR to the scholar.

9.5 The affiliating institution is expected to ensure a Thesis Submission Certificate and audited Statement of Accounts and Utilization Certificate with respect to admissible grant, (in the prescribed GFR- 12A) duly certified by the Competent authority including the refund of any unspent balance within one year.

9.6 In case a scholar leaves / discontinues his fellowship before completion of fellowship tenure, the affiliating institution shall inform ICSSR within 15 days and settle the accounts including the refund of any unspent balance within three months.

10. Other Conditions

10.1 The ICSSR will follow the ceiling imposed by the UGC on number of doctoral supervisions under a particular category of guide (Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor).

10.2 The Doctoral Fellows must stay and work full time at the affiliating university / institute. However, they may go on field work with approval of their supervisor. For the rest of the research period, they must continue to work at the concerned university / institute and follow their rules.

10.3 The Fellow shall not accept or hold any appointment (paid or otherwise) or receive any emoluments, salary, stipend etc., from any other source during the tenure of the award of fellowship. However, a fellow may undertake teaching assignments of not more than six hours a week.

10.4 The tenure of Full-Term Doctoral Fellowship is strictly for duration decided by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India. Any extension will be granted under exceptional circumstances without any additional financial implications to the ICSSR. The total duration of fellowship will remain unchanged under all circumstances.

10.5 The contingency grant may be utilized for books, stationery, computer consumable costs and field work expenses related to the research work.

10.6 The ICSSR reserves the first right to publish the Ph.D thesis funded by it, provided the work is recommended for publication by the ICSSR expert(s).

10.7 Defaulters of any previous ICSSR fellowship / project / grant will not be eligible for consideration until the applicant obtains the clearance from the concerned administrative division.

10.8 A fellow is not entitled for same type of fellowship more than once.

10.9 While accepting Doctoral fellowships from the ICSSR, a fellow should not accept job or any other fellowship from any other university / institute. However, ICSSR shall encourage and support the ICSSR fellowship awardees getting prestigious foreign fellowships. Therefore, they shall be permitted to re-join their fellowships after their return from abroad as special cases, provided they had sought prior approvals.

10.10 During the tenure of fellowship, the fellow will be governed by the rules of the affiliating/ administering institution in all matters including drawls of TA, attendance, holidays/leave and contingency grant, etc.

10.11 The selected fellows are expected to do full-time research in India. They can, however, undertake data collection outside India, if warranted by the needs of the proposal. For this, they are required to apply separately for consideration under the Data Collection Scheme of the International Collaboration Division of ICSSR. However, ICSSR will not be bound to support such data collection from abroad and the decision of the ICSSR will be final. In either case, the completion of study should not be consequent upon such data collection support.

10.12 The scholar should not have been subjected to any disciplinary / legal action / proceedings/ financial penalties in his/her research career.

10.13 Application submitted against a Call will not be considered for the subsequent Calls on its own.

10.14 ICSSR reserves the right to reject any application without assigning any reason. It is also not responsible for any postal delay / loss.

10.15 Incomplete applications shall not be considered for fellowship.

10.16 No queries regarding the awards will be entertained by the ICSSR secretariat until the final declaration of results, which will be placed on ICSSR website.

10.17 The final authority for the interpretation of the guidelines or any such issue is vested with the ICSSR.

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