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50 Best Scholarships for Ph.D. Students

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

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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.

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Top 11 PhD Scholarships in the USA for 2024-25

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Where Dreams Meet Doctorates

Dreaming of getting into doctoral research but worried about the cost? The USA boasts a treasure trove of scholarships waiting to fuel your academic journey. From full funding to program-specific awards, there's a golden ticket out there with your name on it. So, grab your research proposal, and get ready to explore the top 11 PhD scholarships in the USA for 2024-25! 

1. Yale University Scholarships USA

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD

Program Period: 2 to 5 years

Yale University offers a variety of PhD scholarships in the USA for both domestic and international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, financial need, and diverse backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. TOEFL scores must meet the following minimums:

• Internet-based TOEFL: 100
• Paper-based TOEFL: 600
• Computer-based TOEFL: 250

2. IELTS scores should be 7 or above, while Pearson Test scores must be 70 or higher.

Scholarship Coverage:

1. Yale University scholarship covers 100% of demonstrated financial need.

2. Parent's income, assets, and finances are considered for scholarship assessment.

3. Scholarship amount ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 annually.

4. Students with parents earning under $65,000 annually pay no tuition, room, or board fees.

2. Fulbright Scholarships

Level of Study: Masters, PhD

Program Period: 12 months

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program facilitates PhD scholarships in the USA from overseas to pursue studies and research at American universities or academic institutions. Scholars from 155 nations worldwide partake in this initiative annually.

1. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship or nationality, excluding permanent residents. Dual citizens should review specific award criteria.

2. A conferred bachelor's degree or equivalent is mandatory before the grant period commences.

3. In creative and performing arts, four years of professional training suffice. Arts applicants lacking a BA should email to confirm eligibility.

4. Language proficiency matching award requirements is essential for project completion and adaptation to the host country.

5. Holding a J.D. at the time of application is acceptable.

1. Tuition exemption

2. Financial support for living expenses

3. Health insurance for illness and accidents

3. AAUW International Fellowships

Level of Study: Graduate, Postgraduate

Program Period: 1 year

The AAUW International Fellowships, among the most established and expansive global PhD scholarships in the USA, have a rich tradition of aiding women in their pursuit of education. Its dedication to empowering women and fostering international cooperation renders it an unparalleled and invaluable opportunity for its beneficiaries.

1. Former recipients of AAUW national fellowships or grants (excluding local awards or Community Action Grants) are ineligible for International Fellowships.

2. AAUW board members, committees, staff, and interns can't apply for fellowships.

3. Women, including those who identify as women, from any field can apply for International Fellowships at accredited institutions.

4. Must be citizens of countries other than the U.S. or hold nonimmigrant visas if in the U.S. Dual citizens with the U.S. are ineligible.

1. Master’s/first professional degree: $20,000

2. Doctoral: $25,000

3. Postdoctoral: $50,000

The International Fellowship covers:

• Educational costs
• Living expenses
• Childcare for dependents

4. Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate

Aligned with Dr. Anita Borg's vision, this PhD scholarship in the USA was founded to advance women in STEM . It embraces Anita's ideals, encouraging global student engagement in addressing gender equality in technology.

1. Women showcasing outstanding technical abilities and academic achievements.

2. Studying courses like computer science or computer engineering.

3. Enrolled as full-time students in accredited universities.

4. Recent graduates from the previous academic year.

Will be given 7,000 Euros

5. Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowship

Program Period: 2 years

This fully funded scholarship targets students hailing from countries with restricted access to advanced education in human origins research. These PhD scholarships in the USA enable scholars to pursue studies or training either domestically or abroad.

1. Associated or employed with an organization in their native land.

2. Conditional admission (or proof of application) to the host institution.

3. Monetary support from the host institution.

4. Plans to go back and contribute to their home country after finishing the program.

1. Cover costs for tuition, travel, and living expenses

2. Include student fees, insurance, and book expenses

3. Account for other relevant spending categories

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6. Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust

Level of Study: Undergraduate, Graduate, PhD

Started in 1954 by the late Dr. Theodore Van Karman, this PhD scholarship in the USA was his initiative to support students who shared his values and academic pursuits. It assists high-achieving students with their educational endeavors.

1. Only students currently attending a U.S. university are eligible.

2. PhD candidates must plan to defend their dissertation within two years.

3. Undergraduates entering their senior year can also be considered.

Scholarship Coverage: Will receive $25,000.

7. NCITD International Trade Scholarships

Started in 2010, this doctorate scholarship in USA targets students at various educational levels, who exhibit a passion for international trade. This dedication is evidenced by their academic pursuits, work engagements, volunteerism, or relevant extracurricular involvements.

1. Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program related to international trade studies

2. Enrollment must be at an accredited U.S. college or university

3. Undergraduates should have at least "junior" status for the 2023-2024 academic year

4. Demonstrated interest or experience in international trade required

5. Open to both U.S. and Non-U.S. students at accredited U.S. institutions

6. Minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent required

Scholarship Coverage: Covers tuition fee

8. Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research

Level of Study: PhD

Program Period: 6 or 9 months

The School for Advanced Research (SAR) offers doctorate scholarships in USA for every academic year. These awards, known as Campbell Fellowships, are bestowed upon diligent, skilled, and deserving students.

1. Restricted to female applicants

2. Open to candidates of any nationality

3. Research must focus on improving women's health, well-being, and prosperity in developing nations

4. Requires a completed doctorate in anthropology, economics, geography, history, law, political science, psychology, sociology, or an interdisciplinary field combining two or more of these areas.

Scholarship Coverage: Will receive $4,500 per month.

9. IBM PhD Fellowship Awards Program

This doctorate scholarships in USA is a highly competitive global initiative that recognizes outstanding doctoral candidates aspiring to innovate in emerging and transformative technologies.

1. Nomination by a doctoral faculty member required; self-nomination not permitted.

2. Full-time enrollment in a PhD program during the award year is mandatory.

3, Nominees must have at least two years left in their program to apply for the fellowship to the final year.

4. Nominees must remain in the same program throughout the award duration.

1. Within the US, students awarded fellowships during school will receive a stipend covering living costs, travel expenses, and conference attendance.

2. Internationally, fellowship recipients during their academic years will receive a competitive stipend for living expenses, travel, and conference participation.

10. Texas A&M University’s Hertz Fellowship

Program Period: 5 years

The primary goal of these doctorate scholarships in USA is to offer distinctive financial aid and fellowship opportunities to exceptional doctoral candidates.

1. Candidates must be either college seniors, first-year graduate students, or in a gap year gearing up for graduate school applications.

2. They should have the intention to pursue a PhD in applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering .

3. Their academic focus should align with addressing significant societal challenges.

4. Applicants must hold citizenship or permanent residency status in the United States.

1. Offers help for up to 5 years.

2. Also includes a stipend of $34,000 for every 9 months.

11. University of lowa’s PhD Programs

Iowa hosts a substantial graduate student population of 7,667, providing 119 graduate programs, including 13 online options. It is one of the best PhD scholarships in USA for international students.

Aspiring graduate students need to have completed a bachelor's degree program with a GPA of 3.00 or higher out of 4.00.

1. Complete coverage of tuition fees

2. A stipend of at least 9 months (around $20,041, with yearly updates)

3. Extensive health insurance (90% covered for students)

Tips to Apply a Scholarships for PhD Students in USA 2024

Now that you're informed about the top PhD scholarships in the USA, it's crucial to keep in mind these helpful tips before proceeding with your application.

1. Start Early: Initiate your fully funded PhD in USA search as soon as possible. This allows ample time for researching various options, understanding eligibility requirements, and preparing your application.

2. Understand Eligibility Criteria: Every fully funded PhD program in USA comes with unique eligibility criteria. Ensure thorough comprehension of these criteria to confirm your eligibility before applying.

3. Prepare a Strong Application: Your application for scholarships for PhD students in USA serves as a platform to showcase your academic prowess, skills, and potential. Ensure it's flawlessly written, error-free, and highlights your strengths effectively.

4. Obtain Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation from professors add weight to your fully funded PhD in USA for international students. Request these letters well in advance to ensure timely submission.

5. Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Expand your horizons by applying for multiple fully funded PhD scholarships in USA. This enhances your chances of securing funding opportunities.

6. Meet Deadlines: Adhere strictly to the deadlines set for each PhD scholarships in the USA. Timely submission is crucial to avoid missing out on potential opportunities.

7. Follow Application Instructions: Each PhD scholarships in the USA presents its own set of application instructions. Pay close attention to these instructions and ensure compliance for a successful application.

With these diverse doctorate scholarships in USA at your fingertips, the path to doctoral success feels more easy. So, don't hesitate and take the first step towards achieving your academic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i get a full scholarship for a phd in the usa, who is eligible for phd scholarships in the usa for indian students, how difficult is earning a phd scholarship in the usa, how many years phd scholarships in the usa, is gre compulsory for phd scholarships in the usa.

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The Best PhD Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

Apply below right now to the Best PhD Scholarships. Exclusive Scholarships found only in Bold.org!

Eitel Scholarship

Eligibility criteria:.

• Education level : Graduate or Undergraduate student
• Background : Female student attending a Baptist College
• GPA : 3.0 and above

Augustus L. Harper Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate student
• Race : BIPOC
• Major : Accounting, finance, or business

Chief Lawrence J. Nemec Jr. Memorial Scholarship

• Experience : Volunteer as a firefighter or EMT

Creative Expression Scholarship

Capcut meme master scholarship, love island fan scholarship, carlos f. garcia muentes scholarship.

• Immigration status : First or second-generation immigrant
• Legacy Status : First-generation college student

NYT Connections Fan Scholarship

Bear fan scholarship, “stranger things” fanatic scholarship, “the office” obsessed fan scholarship, once upon a #booktok scholarship, nintendo super fan scholarship, minecraft forever fan scholarship, guts- olivia rodrigo fan scholarship, going merry "multiple no-essay scholarships in one" scholarship, book lovers scholarship.

• Background : Loves books
• Education Level : High school, undergraduate or graduate students

Eduardo Uvaldo Memorial Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate or Graduate
• Background : Lost a loved one

WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship

• Graduation Year : Between 2020 and 2026

DK Memorial Sports Broadcasting Scholarship

• Education Level : Undergraduate and graduate students
• Desired Career Field : Sports Broadcasting or Sports Journalism

Daily Upside Business News Scholarship

Oxstem educational scholarship.

• Education Level : Undergraduate or graduate
• Major : STEM
• University Type : HBCU
• GPA : 3.0 or higher

Training Future Data Experts Scholarship

Patrick stanley memorial scholarship.

• Education Level : Must be an undergraduate or graduate student
• Path : Must be a non-traditional student returning to school after a gap
• Age : Must be at least twenty-five years old
• Major : STEAM

Susan Leslie Wood Memorial Nursing Scholarship

• Education level : Undergraduate or Graduate students
• Future Career : Nursing

Gloria J. Willis Memorial Scholarship

• Background : First-generation
• Field of Study : Pre-med, medical school, nursing, or psychology

She Rose Initiative's "More Than a Conqueror" Scholarship

• Gender : Female
• Medical History : Diagnosed with a systemic autoimmune disease
• Field of Study : STEM, healthcare, health, public health, or medicine
• Race : African American

Kamyar Afshar Advancement for Higher Education Scholarship

• Education Level : 4-year undergraduate student or graduate student
• Race/Ethnicity : Middle Eastern
• Citizenship : US Citizen or Immigrant
• Field of Study : Pharmacy, Medicine, Law

Derrick Richardson Law Student Scholarship

• Ethnicity : Black
• Education : 2nd or 3rd year student in Law School

Andrea M Taylor Future Doctors Scholarship

• Education Level : High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
• Field of Study : Medicine
• Financial Background : Low-income

About PhD scholarships

The PhD, also known as the Doctor of Philosophy, is a graduate research degree. It is the highest level of academic qualification awarded by universities in the United States.

Although the name contains the term ‘philosophy,’ a PhD is not exclusively for philosophers. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor, which is connected to its original Greek meaning which means 'lover of wisdom'.

As the name implies, a PhD program will train you to become a researcher. While other doctoral degrees may focus on practice as well as research, the emphasis of a PhD is on academic research and the new knowledge that you can bring to your field of expertise. You can get a PhD in a variety of subjects, including but not limited to science, humanities, business, education, engineering, and law.

A PhD degree is normally obtained after at least 3 years of full-time study and research after earning a master's degree or sometimes just a bachelor's degree. During this time, doctoral students will do research at an accredited university. At the end of their PhD, they will present their doctoral research in the format of a dissertation.

While a PhD is a major achievement, you may be unsure of how to pay tuition. The average annual cost of a PhD is $96,800. The majority of Ph.D. students offset the cost of their degree with teaching and research assistantships, but if you still need help covering some of the tuition and fees that come with a doctoral program, there is plenty of financial aid available, including grants and scholarships that do not have to be repaid.

If you're looking for scholarships to help fund your PhD, you can find a variety of options on Bold.org . On our website, we have a variety of scholarships for graduate students, including PhD and doctoral students. Create a profile and start applying to our scholarships on our website.

What types of scholarships are there for PhD students?

Most scholarships for PhD and doctoral students are either merit-based or need-based scholarships, but some PhD scholarships combine these principles.

Merit-based scholarships are intended to help the most academically able students complete a PhD. To win one of these you need to be amongst the best students who apply, based on your transcripts, GPA, and research experience.

Need-based scholarships are intended to support students whose background or personal circumstances might make it harder for them get a PhD. You might be eligible for one of these if you are from a demographic that is under-represented at the PhD level.

How to qualify for PhD scholarships

Be a phd student.

In order to get a PhD scholarship, you must be getting your Doctor of Philosophy at an accredited university. PhD students can also qualify for more general scholarships for graduate or doctoral students in addition to PhD scholarships. If you're a student who is about to get your PhD, you can also apply for PhD scholarships.

Meet any other eligibility requirements

Some scholarships have additional requirements beyond just being a PhD student. Students could need to have a certain field of study, education level, or career goals in order to get financial assistance. Student eligibility may also depend on the types of extracurricular activities that a student participates in. Make sure you check all of the eligibility criteria for scholarships before you apply.

How do you get a PhD scholarship?

At certain graduate schools, there are fellowships, grants, and scholarships that students can apply for. Most of the financial aid is given out based on your financial need and academic qualifications, meaning that your expected research contribution will be taken into consideration.

Doctoral scholarships are incredibly competitive, so in order to get fellowship programs and grants, you will have to stand out. You can do this by writing compelling essays or research proposals that will impress the scholarship committees.

Graduate students can also get scholarships either by submitting the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or applying for scholarships online. Undocumented students and international students are ineligible to complete the FAFSA but are still eligible for university scholarships or private scholarships.

If you are worried about the competitiveness of financial aid for PhD's, Bold.org has a variety of scholarships for any graduate student. You can easily apply to scholarships on Bold.org. Just make sure that you have a strong profile before you apply.

How to find scholarships for PhD students

You can find plenty of scholarships on Bold.org. If you go to our website, you can use the filter feature to browse scholarships by category. By restricting your search by education level, you will be able to see all of the scholarships available to graduate and PhD students. You can even bookmark scholarships you're interested in so you can go back to them later and apply.

If you are getting your PhD in a certain field, you can also find specific scholarships by going to the "education" category or by searching for scholarships by major . There, you will find scholarships that apply to specific programs.

How to apply for PhD scholarships

Applying for financial aid can be a daunting process, but it is an important step for your college education. Many graduate schools have scholarships that you can apply for through the FAFSA or through your university. If you want to find scholarships with an easy application process, though, Bold.org is the perfect place.

On Bold.org, it is extremely easy to find and apply for scholarships. Once you have a profile, you can apply for scholarships in only a few clicks. Applying for scholarships typically requires an essay submission , but no-essay scholarships often just require a few minutes to apply. Each scholarship will have relevant instructions or essay prompts in the description, making the application process simple.

When you apply for scholarships, keep in mind that there are certain ways to increase your chances of winning , such as having a detailed profile, earning as many bold points as possible, and writing impressive essays.

When to start applying for PhD scholarships

When it comes to securing financial aid for your college degree, it's never too early to start. You can begin applying for scholarships as early as high school so that you can apply for a larger range of scholarships and minimize your need for student loans. Many students begin applying for scholarships as high school seniors, but applying earlier will give you a head start on tackling your college costs.

However, don't worry if you're already in college and just starting to apply. Many scholarships are geared towards students pursuing college degrees or even graduate students, so you have plenty of time to apply. Bold.org has college scholarships for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students.

Frequently asked questions about PhD scholarships

What gpa is required for a phd scholarship.

In order to get a PhD, many programs require students to have a college GPA of at least 3.0. For students who want to get a scholarship, and especially to get a merit scholarship, students will have to have a GPA far above the minimum GPA. A GPA above 3.5 is usually an excellent GPA to have in order to get a PhD scholarship, but there are scholarship options for students with a lower GPA .

What is the difference between a PhD and a doctorate degree?

Doctorate, or doctoral, is an umbrella term for the highest degrees that one can get. There are research doctorates and applied doctorates. PhDs are a kind of research doctorate, and they are the most common doctoral degree.

While a PhD and other research doctorates are more academic and research-focused, an applied doctorate degree allows students to master a subject in both theory and practice. Applied doctorates are generally paired with very specific careers, such as medical doctors, optometrists, psychologists, and law professionals. 

Doctoral students also present their research in different ways than PhD students. At the end of their doctoral degree, PhD candidates present their research findings in the format of a dissertation, while doctoral candidates present their findings in the format of a doctoral study.

Are PhD programs fully funded?

Most PhD programs are fully funded. These programs typically provide waived tuition and fees, as well as an annual stipend for living expenses. Some also offer health insurance and other benefits. For students who need help funding their research, there are plenty of research grants available. If you are in an accredited doctoral program that does not offer full funding for doctoral students, though, there are still plenty of options to help with the cost.

If your school does not fully fund your doctoral degree, there are other routes of funding available. Government-provided fellowships and grants are extremely useful, but there are options that don't come from public funds. Industry-sponsored PhDs allow students to pursue their research while developing excellent transferrable skills and providing you with business experience.

Can you get a full-ride scholarship for a PhD?

Yes, you can get a full-ride scholarship for a PhD. But, for PhD students who do not have their tuition and fees fully funded, private scholarships are a great option . You may be able to get private scholarships from local organizations or online websites. Bold.org has a wide array of scholarships for graduate school .

Minority doctoral students may also be able to find many full scholarships to get their PhD, as many donors want to encourage diversity in academia. Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship is a great option for PhD students who have a lot of debt from their undergraduate or graduate degree.

The Savvy Scientist

Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

How To Get A Fully Funded PhD Scholarship

It may come as a surprise, but when you’re applying for a PhD the difficult part isn’t always getting offered a place at the university. I found this out the hard way!

Instead, securing the funding to support your research can often be the biggest barrier to starting a PhD. Securing a fully funded PhD scholarship can be a great means of funding your research because it offers you lots of academic freedom.

It took me several tries (see my applications timeline and PhD application failures ), but after a few years I was eventually able to secure a fully funded PhD scholarship at my first-choice university.

Now I want to help guide you through how to get a fully funded PhD scholarship for yourself.

Is it Hard to Get a Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

There are a lot of different types of PhD funding. In fact I’ve written a full post about the PhD funding landscape which you can read here .

Any PhD funding is better than none, yet there is a hierarchy and scholarships sit at the top:

Scholarships and fellowships are typically the most prestigious types of PhD funding and usually come with the highest PhD stipends, therefore they can be tough to secure. As a side note if you’re interested in learning more about how much PhD students typically earn, check out my post here .

PhD scholarships and fellowships are pretty similar (and roughly interchangeable), so to keep things simple I’ll just refer to them both as scholarships going forward.

Project-specific funding comes about when a supervisor is awarded a grant by a funding body and uses this money to employ researchers and carry out the research as outlined in the grant application. If you go with this type of project there are usually restrictions on how much you can change the PhD topic.

Similarly to bursaries, PhD scholarships and fellowships are awarded to the individual student rather than a specific project grant. You therefore have far more academic freedom and scope to tailor a project to your own interests, without having to worry about whether it fits the theme of a certain grant.

Since scholarships are the most lucrative they are usually the most difficult type of PhD funding to get. Your CV and application will therefore need to be stronger than when applying for project-specific funding.

My Journey to Securing a PhD Scholarship

It took me several years to secure PhD funding:

Over this period I decided to work as a research assistant at a few different universities. Firstly this was so that I had a job and was earning money. Secondly, it was relevant experience which would help boost my chances of success when reapplying for a PhD.

It turned out that this work experience would be a big part of how I secured my PhD scholarship. Later in this post I’ll be mentioning papers I authored and prizes I played a part in winning and I want to make it clear that I didn’t do all of this as an undergraduate.

In fact, I did none of it as an undergraduate!

Outstanding undergraduate students may already have names of papers, patents, prizes or something else to show research prowess, but that wasn’t me.

If you’re struggling with securing PhD funding, getting a job as a research assistant in the meantime can be a great idea. Along with building up your research credentials it can also help you to understand whether you’d enjoy a career in research prior to committing to a PhD.

How I Got a PhD Scholarship at Imperial

When I was looking for PhD projects at Imperial I got in contact with a potential PhD supervisor who had advertised a PhD online and we discussed different funding routes.

Before applying for the scholarship I eventually got, there were a few other potential funding options on the table:

• Project-specific funding already in place. This is what initially got me chatting with the supervisor. I had previously learned my lesson that seeing a project advertised online doesn’t mean it is automatically funded!
• An in-progress grant application to a research council which would have funded my PhD. We did also eventually get this grant.
• The prestigious President’s PhD scholarships which funds 50 projects per year at Imperial. I did apply for this but was unsuccessful with the application and didn’t make the short list. This scholarship was more prestigious than the one I eventually won.

During these discussions I got told about the possibility of applying for another scholarship, which was the one I went on to get awarded. This highlights the value of having several applications on the go for different funding pots.

Had I not engaged directly with a supervisor who was within the university I would have never found out about the scholarship, since as far as I know it wasn’t ever advertised online.

Applying for the PhD Scholarship

The first I heard about the PhD scholarship was when I got told that the department was considering putting me forward for it. It turned out that the scholarship would fund one PhD across the entire university, and each department could only put forward one student to apply.

Just one PhD project across the whole university! Even just getting selected to represent the department would be tough.

This all sounded extremely intimidating to me. We’ll shortly come onto things you can do to boost your chances of success.

Here is what I had to provide for the application:

• A copy of the standard university online application: form, CV, personal statement, undergraduate transcript
• PhD scholarship proposal
• Two references
• A statement from the Supervisor / Head of department in support of the scholarship application

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD Scholarship?

Here is the timeline to me securing my scholarship, from finding a PhD advert through to getting the all important scholarship offer.

• Mid December 2015 – I found an advert for a fully funded PhD project.
• 4th January 2016 – I emailed the potential supervisor with my CV and a cover letter attached, saying that I was interested in the project.
• 15th January – Response from the supervisor: “You have a very strong cv and I think you should apply for a PhD scholarship, have you considered this? Have a look at the details for the President’s scholarship. With a first class degree and several papers I would say you have a strong chance of winning one.”
• 18th January – First chat with supervisor on the phone. We discussed how I had already applied for a PhD in the past (got the place but no funding) with someone who turned out to be a close collaborator of his. We decided this person would be my second supervisor if we got funding.
• 25th January – Supervisor sent me a PhD scholarship project proposal that he and the co-supervisor wanted to propose to me. Yes, they basically wrote it for me. Yes I got lucky.
• 26th January – Received feedback on my personal statement from the supervisor, and got pushed to submit the online application.
• 9th February – First I heard about the scholarship . Since I had been in contact for a few weeks and they had my CV, the supervisor had been speaking about me to support staff. I got told that the department wanted to put me forward for the scholarship: I would be the department’s top choice. Eek!
• 12th February – Deadline to submit the scholarship application. Because I’d already been applying for other funding, this mostly just needed the statement of support from my supervisor and finalisation of the PhD proposal.
• 10th March – Unofficial email from supervisor saying we were successful
• 11th March – Official email notifying me that I’d be awarded the PhD scholarship :

I got the PhD scholarship and was elated! 🎉

From initially speaking to the potential supervisor to getting the scholarship took about 9 weeks. From finding out about the scholarship to getting it took just over 4 weeks.

I certainly don’t expect I was the smartest person to be put forward, even just from the department let alone the whole university. My application included my mediocre A level results (AABC) and not-so-committed marks in the first couple of years of my undergraduate degree.

Even so, I was successful. Let’s now dive into what you can do to get your own PhD scholarship.

How to Get Your Own Fully Funded PhD Scholarship

Step 1: identify available scholarships.

To find potential PhD scholarships I suggest looking on the university website and searching online for funding relevant to your domain. For instance Google has its own PhD fellowships .

The best thing you can do is start chatting with potential supervisors. They will know the funding landscape at that specific university very well and will have a good idea of the best routes for PhD funding.

Also, having a supervisor such as mine who was willing to help so much with the application is incredibly useful to boost your chances of success. It is also a very good indicator that they will be supportive throughout your PhD.

I remember when I was first cold emailing potential supervisors: most replied but some never even acknowledged my message: a good sign that maybe they wouldn’t be the best supervisors to work with…

With all PhD funding it is really important to check your eligibility. There are sometimes some limitations to be aware of, for instance:

• Nationality / Citizenship. Some funding is not available to overseas students. Thankfully this isn’t usually the case with scholarships since they aim to attract the best students.
• Background, including undergraduate marks. There are sometimes minimum requirements for the grade you achieved during your prior degree(s). Of course to get a scholarship you’re competing against other students so we’ll shortly come onto how to stand out.

Step 2: Put Together an Outstanding Application

The bits of your scholarship application you can control usually revolve around:

• Your CV – showcasing why you’re a good choice (see my full post on writing a CV here and examples of other researchers’ CVs here )
• Personal statement – your motivation for wanting to start a PhD
• PhD scholarship proposal – what you would like to spend the scholarship money on

I won’t go into depth now on the actual writing of the application, but let me know if you’d like a separate post about how to compose the personal statement and scholarship proposal.

Generally in order to put yourself in a good position make sure to:

• Give yourself as much time as possible
• Incorporate feedback from your potential PhD supervisor(s)
• Be ready to pester your referees to make sure they submit your references on time

Right, now let’s move onto what you can do to bolster your application in order to give yourself the best chances of winning a PhD scholarship.

How to Improve Your Chances of Securing a Fully Funded PhD Scholarship

Imagine you’re in the position of awarding PhD funding. How do you decide which candidate to pick?

A good starting point would be looking at how much research experience candidates have and what outcomes they achieved. If someone already has a track-record of conducting research it takes away some of the risks during a PhD and is reassuring for funders that they’ll probably do a good job during the PhD.

The more research experience you can evidence in your application, the far stronger you’ll make the PhD scholarship application.

Some of the main traits that the scholarship committee could be looking for in a PhD student include:

• Research competence
• Enthusiasm for research & outreach
• Academic potential and a thirst for knowledge
• Technical knowledge
• Interpersonal skills

Let’s look at what you can do to evidence each of the above.

Demonstrating Research Competence

1. undergraduate research projects.

Hopefully during your degree(s) you’ve had some research experience. Perhaps this is what got you thinking about starting a PhD.

Being able to use this experience to illustrate your interest, experience and competence in research is extremely beneficial in your funding application. Bonus points if you submitted your work to a journal or conference, as we’ll come onto in a moment.

Examples of undergrad projects could be:

• Individual projects e.g. final year project as part of your degree
• Group projects as part of your degree
• UROP outside of term time

Experience working on your own is great for demonstrating independence while group projects can be useful for showing that you can work in a team. Both are useful but being able to work on your own is definitely the more important of the two.

In your application be sure to focus on what you did, what was novel about it and any interesting experimental or analytical techniques you used: especially if they could be applied to the PhD.

Here is what I had on my CV when I applied for my PhD scholarship:

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECTS Fourth year project: Optimal design of orthoses for treatment of intermittent claudication Conducted motion analysis capture of human joints to test effectiveness of commercially- available orthoses with EMG technology and muscle activation data Analysed test results, concluding in recommending the most appropriate orthoses for individual participants Progressed validation of a physical artificial leg model and OpenSim software model Third year project: 3-D printing of multi-scale porous biocement scaffolds for ligament attachment Prototyped novel magnesium calcium phosphate biocement scaffolds to investigate 3-D printing parameters for optimum implant integration Analysed parts under SEM to verify multi-scale porosity and XRD for detecting phase changes and composition Conducted a statistical analysis of variance study in sample porosity using optical microscopy and deduced the optimum printing parameters to maximise porosity Wrote a technical report and presented results during an oral presentation and viva Part of my CV at the time I applied for the fully funded PhD scholarship

2. Peer-Reviewed Publications

It is often said that papers are the currency of academia. The advantage of having papers starts with your PhD application.

It’s important to say that you don’t need to have papers to get offered a PhD position. You might not need them to get offered funding via a bursary or CDT, unless it is very competitive. But having any papers published will greatly enhance your chance of being offered a PhD scholarship because it’s so much more competitive.

For more on papers see my publishing series here .

How Many Publications Did I Have When I Applied for My PhD Scholarship?

When I was awarded my PhD scholarship I had on my CV:

• 1 x accepted journal paper
• 3 x abstracts from conferences published in the supplementary sections of journals
• 1 x paper under review at a journal (and clearly described as such)

Of these, I was the first author of just one of the published abstracts.

Just being part of the team showed that I was participating in projects which helped the research community.

Publication Tips to Get a PhD Scholarship:

• If you’re interested in a PhD and are offered the chance to get involved with some research which could result in a publication, do it. It will massively help. Even if it doesn’t end up being published any extra research experience is helpful.
• With the rise of arXiv it is now more easy to share early work and protocols. Sure, it isn’t the same as getting something accepted to a peer-reviewed journal or conference but it if you don’t yet have a complete paper ready to go through peer review, you could use arXiv to demonstrate that you’re working on research outputs.
• Already got publications? Here is a direct quote from my PhD supervisor, a professor at Imperia l: “I would also add the quartile and impact factor of the journals (the people reviewing will be non expert in your field).  You can get the journal quartile rankings here  http://www.scimagojr.com/index.php . Anaesthesia and Journal of Colloid and Interface Science [where I had some of my stuff accepted] are both Q1 and Impact factors of 3.5 and 3.4 respectively which is excellent and should be highlighted.”

3. Attending & Presenting at Conferences

As well as journal articles, another way researchers share their work is by presenting work at conferences. They’re an important part of academia and you’ll undoubtedly attend conferences as a PhD student.

A low stakes way of boosting your prospects of securing a fully funded PhD scholarship are by attending conferences, workshops, symposiums or other meeting points for research. If you’re attending conferences prior to applying for a PhD it can show that you have more than a passing interest in research.

Attending a conference is good for many reasons:

• Learn about potential PhD topics
• Meet current PhD students and ask advice for getting started
• Network with potential PhD supervisors
• Add it to your CV / application and it is something relevant to discuss in a PhD interview

Bonus points if you’re going to a conference which is relevant to your PhD research area. If your CV is looking a little thin I’d suggest highlighting any and every conference you’ve attended. Even small scale research symposiums at a university can be a good way to show that you broadly know how research gets presented.

Going to conferences is great but even better is submitting research to one and ideally presenting it yourself. The cherry on the top is if you, or the person from your group presenting the work, win a prize:

It is particularly useful when accepted abstracts get published as proceedings in a journal. This means that:

• You get a publication out of it
• People not at the conference can see your work, either for PhD interviews or citing it

I wouldn’t worry too much about the prestige of a conference. Showing that you have any experience attending one is great.

I also wouldn’t worry about posters vs oral presentations. Again, experience with either is fantastic.

Conferences on my CV when applying for my PhD scholarship

When I applied for my scholarship funding I’d been to a few different conferences and had some work accepted.

I was very fortunate that when I was applying for a PhD my CV looked like this, with three prizes from conferences:

Burton, M., Heyman, J.,  Clark, J. , Owens, D. (2015) Ventilation problems in a shared airway: the effect of the compression of the endotracheal tube during tonsillectomy. Unpublished poster presentation at:  All-Wales Airway Group , 15 May 2015, Newport, Wales. [Poster presented by co-author and  awarded first prize ] Clark, J. , Short, A., Chawathe, M., Francis, J., Saxena, N., Bogod, D., Girotra V (2014) Development of a realistic epidural simulator – a translational research project.  Anaesthesia ; s4 69: 1-9. [Presented by co-author at AAGBI Annual Congress 2014 and  awarded first prize  in Original Research category] Hamlyn, V.G., Bruynseels, D.,  Clark, J. , Hall, J.E., Collis, R.E. (2014) Assessment and training on a new epidural simulator.  International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia  2014; S34 23: 44. [Presented by co-author at OAA Obstetric Anaesthesia 2014 and  awarded first prize  in Training poster category] My CV when applying the PhD scholarship I got awarded

It’s important to highlight that I didn’t present any of the work myself.

I was first author for one of them but since it was an anaesthetics conference we figured it would be better for an anaesthetist to present…

Always be truthful with who actually presented, especially if there was a prize involved. Even if you aren’t the presenter, it is easy to see how someone associated with prize-winning work sounds like a good bet to the scholarship committee.

4. Other Research Competence

This could be things such as:

• A year in industry or other work experience. Bonus points if is is a research-orientated environment. Don’t just think R&D for a pharmaceutical company, this could include computational modelling for a car company or analysis in a finance company.
• For data science / AI / ML people: entering Kaggle competitions . Bonus points for doing well.
• Volunteering on a citizen science project.

I didn’t have any of this stuff on my CV when applying for the scholarship.

Demonstrating Enthusiasm for Research & Outreach

Beyond typical research outputs, it can go in your favour if you can show your eagerness to communicate research to others.

• Setting up a research paper reading group at your university
• Starting a podcast and discussing new research or interviewing researchers
• Traditional outreach: exhibiting science to the public, probably through your undergrad university
• Creating YouTube videos
• Writing articles, for instance on LinkedIn or medium.com
• Starting a science website or blog
• Explaining research on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or anywhere else

All of these show:

• You are the type of individual to go above and beyond to help others to understand research. Funding bodies are starting to care more and more about public engagement.
• Communication skills.
• That you can probably do a decent job at distilling complicated topics into something which is easy to understand. This is a very useful skill.

The handy thing with a lot of these is that you don’t need access to a lab or even to still be affiliated with a university. You can do as much or a little of them as you want.

I’ve written a whole post about STEM volunteering opportunities which I suggest you check out for some ideas for how you could demonstrate enthusiasm for research and outreach:

STEM Volunteering Opportunities in the UK

Any amount is better than none, especially if your CV is otherwise looking a little thin.

What outreach did I have on my CV when applying for my scholarship?

All I had done was manage an academic department’s blog. I actually didn’t start the website you’re reading this on until I was already working towards my PhD.

However, if I had not already had my research assistant experience I certainly would have considered starting something earlier to boost my application.

Demonstrating Academic Potential

Moving on from research, the committee will broadly want to judge your academic potential. Are you a committed student? Can you do well when you apply yourself to a topic? Do you have certain experience which could stand out?

Useful things to have on your CV include:

• Decent grades. Having good grades in relevant modules/units to your potential PhD topic and in research projects throughout your degree help. An impressive overall percentage for the degree (eg 85%) is even better. Me? I just scraped a 1st with 70.5%, see more details in the blue box below.
• Dean’s list, for being one of the top students during your undergraduate degree
• Academic prizes for doing well in certain topics
• Exchange schemes to other universities. Regrettably you get bonus points if it is a big name university, not least because this suggests that it must have been competitive to secure.
• For programmers: sharing coding projects on GitHub, GitLab etc. Bonus points if they’re popular open source projects.

Do You Need Good Grades to Get a PhD Scholarship?

In order to have a competitive application for a fully funded PhD scholarship you will need to have a minimum of a 2.1 overall for your undergraduate degree. However, you certainly don’t need to be top of your class, or having outstanding grades all the way back to school.

My marks? GCSEs: 7A*s, 3As, 1B A-levels: AABC. Which wouldn’t be enough to get into Imperial as an undergrad! Undergrad degree: 1st class. But only just, with my final average at 70.5%. My transcript showed modules with 48% and 54%. Yes, really. The scholarship committee will have seen those grades if they looked closely.

As you can see, I didn’t have a blemish-free stellar track record. However, thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do about it!

Demonstrating Technical Knowledge

Distinct from academic potential is your technical knowledge.

What’s the difference?

• Academic potential is about how you can apply yourself to any topic and do well.
• Technical knowledge relates specifically to your chosen PhD field or topic.

Thankfully, being an expert in your field certainly isn’t a requirement when you’re starting a PhD. I’d go as far as to say that PhD supervisors and funding committees are much more keen to find someone with academic potential and a willingness to learn.

How much technical knowledge do you need?

You do generally need to have at least some knowledge of the field.

For instance, a friend of mine studied human physiology for undergrad and wanted to move into neuroscience for her PhD. Without any technical knowledge in this area she couldn’t convince the committee that she would be able to confidently complete the PhD so she got rejected. Don’t worry, she did go on to get a PhD but in something which she could demonstrate a little more technical know-how in.

If you want to do start a PhD project which falls within the broad category of your undergrad degree, you’re fine. For instance, want to do a project which would be defined as a chemical engineering project and you have a degree in chemical engineering? You’re fine. Usually there is a good amount of latitude too: in this example if you alternatively had a degree in a chemistry or another engineering sub discipline you may also be fine.

You do not need to specifically know lots about your PhD area of focus before you start. Of course, the more specific technical knowledge you can demonstrate certainly won’t hurt your chances, especially for a PhD scholarship.

The exception to all of this are CDTs where you get a year of training to bring non-specialists up to speed in a discipline different to their undergrad.

Demonstrating Interpersonal Skills

Sure, your PhD will involve a lot of lone working but you will also have to interact with other people. Therefore, demonstrating interpersonal skills is a great asset for PhD scholarship applications.

Interpersonal skills include:

• Team work . From basics such as being courteous and respectful to other lab users through to working well with others on joint projects, so things like delegating and splitting tasks up.
• Communication skills. Getting comfortable presenting to a broad audience and discussing ideas with others. In particular showing that you can deal with people from other disciplines and speaking a common language.
• Showing initiative and initiating collaborations . This can involve networking and a motivation to seek out people with complimentary skills to achieve more impactful research projects.

These could be demonstrated by undergraduate projects, work experience, volunteering or even things like sports. Basically try to add in examples of any time you’ve worked with other people.

Do You Need to Tick Every Box to Get a Fully Funded PhD Scholarship?

No, not necessarily. There are loads of ways to impress the committee. For instance, I hadn’t really done any outreach.

When I first sent my CV to my PhD supervisor he immediately highlighted two things which would stand out to the scholarship committee:

• Being named on publications in reputable journals
• Being associated with some prizes at conferences, even though I wasn’t the presenter

I would highly suggest that if you get the opportunity to work on research which could result in a publication, take the opportunity!! Publications are really a golden ticket to a PhD, so do as much as you can to get your name on them.

Don’t be disheartened if you don’t already have experience in lots of these areas, instead focus on ways to gain experience to bolster your CV and boost your chances. This could be either through taking a job temporarily as a researcher (like I did) or proactively doing things outside of work to show your suitability, such as submitting a review article or starting a reading group.

My Top Tips for Getting a PhD Scholarship

For those currently at university:

• Try to get involved with some research and if possible try to present that research somewhere. Saying that you’ve presented at a conference makes you sound like a fully fledged PhD student before you’ve even started. Even better would be to get your name on a paper accepted to a peer-reviewed journal.

For everyone:

• Work with a potential supervisor to perfect your application. Often for scholarships you’ll have to name a supervisor should you get the award. The supervisor should be a great resource for improving your application to give you the best chance of success. If the supervisor doesn’t seem interested in helping you, I’d suggest that they’re probably not someone you want to be working with for the next 3-4 years of your life during a PhD.
• If your CV is looking a little light, consider adding to it with some things you can do in your free time such as research communication: writing articles online, informational YouTube videos etc.

Summary: How To Get A Fully Funded PhD Scholarship

In your application and interview try to demonstrate:

Providing as much evidence as you can include for each of these topics will put you in the best possible position for securing a fully funded PhD scholarship.

If you’d like personalised help with your PhD application I am now starting to offer a small number of one-to-one sessions. Please contact me to find out more or click here to book a call.

Best of luck with your PhD funding applications. I hope this post has given you some pointers to increase your chances of securing a fully funded PhD scholarship. If you think I’ve missed anything, please do let me know.

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4 Comments on “How To Get A Fully Funded PhD Scholarship”

A holder of a Master of science education degree in wood science and technology I need help to get a full funded phd programme. Currently am teaching in one of the school in Zimbabwe. Also assist on what programme is do i embark on for PHD

Hi Qhubani thanks for your comment. It sounds like you’re on a great path and are picking up useful experience. I would suggest starting to reach out to potential PhD supervisors. They will be best placed people to give you specific advice about PhD programmes relevant to you. See my post about finding supervisors . Best wishes! Jeff

I am impressed with the message here and decided to work day and night to compensate for the time I have killed to get my master’s degree and develop myself multi-directionally. Even if I’m feeling near the deadline, I will do whatever is needed to reach my vision. Thank you so much and I would like to share and consult more in person.

Great to hear your commitment, Tigist. Best of luck on your academic journey.

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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.

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•       Financial Aid       PhD Scholarships and Financial Aid

PAYING FOR YOUR PHD Expert Tips, Scholarships Opportunities and Resources for Financing an Advanced Degree

The average yearly tuition for a PhD program is slightly above $16,000, which means students will invest about $80,000 in tuition fees alone for a five-year program. Add in fees, cost-of-living, travel expenses and the figure can easily surpass six figures. Yet, it is possible to fund a PhD program without breaking the bank and going into debt.

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PHD COST BREAKDOWN

The value of a college education should not be understated, but neither should its actual cost. Earning a doctoral degree can be an expensive proposition. According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition and fees for a graduate program of study was $16,435 in 2012-2013. The table below outlines the 2012-2013 graduate tuition and fees by academic institution.

• All Institutions $16,435
• Public $10,408
• Private Non-Profit $23,698
• Private For-Profit $14,418

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

A rough calculation of the number of years it takes to complete a doctoral program, multiplied by the average 2012-2013 tuition and fees from the NCES, reveals the following total cost figures by academic field of study.

A five- to six-figure education is something to take seriously as there are debt implications after leaving finishing a PhD program. Graduating doctoral students in 2013 left school with an average debt of just over $15,000, according to the National Science Foundation. By field, students in the Social Sciences, Education and Humanities graduate with the highest levels of student debt:

• Education: $26,566
• Social Sciences: $26,222
• Humanities: $21,485

Conversely, the science and technology fields graduate students with the lowest debt figures:

• Physical Sciences: $6,342
• Engineering: $7,031
• Life Sciences: $11,905
• Physical Sciences 78.2%
• Engineering 75.1%
• Life Sciences 67.2%
• Humanities 48.4%
• Social Sciences 46.5%
• Education 44.1%

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates, 2013

While these figures may seem alarming, a deeper dive into survey data from the National Science Foundation actually paints a more positive picture. Overall, more than 62 percent of all doctoral recipients graduate from school without a single dollar of debt.

Prospective students can use the table below to get a better sense of the percentage of students who take on debt at incremental levels in each field of academic study. A majority of students graduate with $10,000 or less in debt after finishing their doctoral degree.

PhD Cost Factors

The total cost of earning a doctoral degree is variable because of the sheer number of different factors involved. Tuition is not the only cost to consider when thinking about applying to a PhD program.

Typically, students pay full tuition rates during their first three years of doctoral study and receive reduced tuition rates for the remainder of the program. However, the actual cost of tuition does vary and may be dependent on the student’s actual degree program.

Graduate students pay a range of fees, with the most common including:

• Health Services (access to health facilities on campus)
• Health Insurance (personal health insurance)
• Student Activity (subsidizes athletics and other clubs)
• Student Recreation (access to recreational facilities on campus)

Some programs estimate students should be prepared to pay between $3,000 and $4,500 per academic year in student fees and health insurance costs.

Students with a master’s degree or coursework in a similar graduate program may be able to transfer credits into their doctoral program. That can lower the total number of credits required to graduate, which can lower the total cost of the degree. However, some institutions do limit the amount of tuition credits that can be applied for graduate work done in a related field at other institutions.

Whether or not the student has an assistantship does not affect the cost of textbooks and other academic materials. Books are a revolving charge, one a student should plan upon each semester or quarter.

Housing, utilities and food are considered indirect expenses students incur during their education. PhD students should plan on anywhere from $12,000 to $25,000 and up for living expenses each year. Again, this figure is highly variable based on the location of the university and the cost-of-living in that area.

Owning a car means additional budgeting for insurance, car payments and gas. Additionally, students may need to travel for conferences and research. Without funding from a graduate student association or grant program, the student will have to cover these costs individually.

PhD students with children may have to account for childcare costs. Purchasing a new computer and other supplies may also be required. This type of budgeting will vary from individual to individual, program to program.

Most PhD programs allow students to progress at their own pace, requiring them to complete and defend their dissertation within a certain time period (e.g. six years). However, the time it takes to complete a dissertation depends on the student, area of study, research, etc. This can impact cost of attending a doctoral program.

Example Cost of Attendance

A student’s budget should include the total cost of attendance—that is both direct (tuition and fees) and indirect costs (e.g. housing). This budget is the starting point for determining the student’s financial need, how much financial aid they require, and if they can afford to attend a doctoral program. Below is a sample five-year total cost of attendance chart based on an in-state tuition program, with a budget that assumes fixed costs for fees and indirect costs, such as housing. It also does not take into account assistantships and tuition waivers for assistants.

Based on a figure that’s slightly below the 2012-2013 average graduate tuition cost, the total cost of attendance can still produce sticker shock. An average student in a program that charges $12,000 per year in tuition could have to pay between $30,000 and $45,000 year in total costs.

PhD FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS

Prospective PhD candidates have an abundance of financial aid options to help fund their graduate studies. Typically, students are fully funded by a combination of sources, including scholarships, fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or student loans.

It is important for students to note that most sources of aid are awarded by individual academic programs, so they should follow-up with their department for up-to-date information.

Below is a high-level overview of the common types of graduate financial aid.

Prospective PhD candidates can turn to a variety of funding sources, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships to support their education financially. As discussed, most students use a combination of one or more of these funding sources to finance their degree program and research.

PhD students can apply for a variety of scholarships that award students with funds that can be used to help cover the cost of tuition, books and other fees.

Grants are similar to scholarships and are academic-based awards that can be used to augment other sources of financial aid.

Fellowships are a different type of funding that may encompass a scholarship or grant and can be used to fund research, study and teaching in the US and internationally. Many fellowships provide full tuition and a yearly stipend to students.

A PhD should never be an end in itself but rather a means to an end. The path to a PhD is an arduous one and should never be undertaken without serious thought to what it will bring the student. That said, there is money available for graduate study in most fields, and a student in the humanities should be very careful to apply to appropriate programs which fund their grad students.

• Engineering
• Physical Sciences

The SMART program is designed to support graduate students studying in STEM disciplines and offers a range of other benefits, including supplies and health insurance allowances and employment placement services with the DoD after graduation.

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship is a three-year graduate fellowship that is designed to support doctoral students across fifteen engineering disciplines.

This three-year fellowship program supports the research efforts of doctoral students in STEM-related fields of study and allows them to pursue their work at any accredited graduate program in the country.

Renewable award for graduate students enrolled in a full-time APA-accredited doctoral program of study in psychology. Underrepresented, minority students are encouraged to apply.

This fellowship is open to female scholars and is designed to help offset the doctoral student’s living expenses during her final year of working on a dissertation.

This fellowship is a single-year of funding that is designed to support the doctoral research of a student working in child psychology.

The Javits Fellowship is provided on a needs- and competitive-basis to graduate students pursing graduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

Two fellowships are awarded to support doctoral students who plan to study at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece for a year.

The Richard M. Weaver Scholarship is open to graduate student members of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and supports the academic work of scholars pursuing teaching careers at the college level.

The AICPA fellowship is designed for minority students pursuing or planning to pursue a doctorate in accounting.

Five scholarships are available to provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing studies in accounting and plan on earning CPA licensure.

This fellowship provides financial support to female scholars conducting research and economic analysis into natural resource, food, or agricultural issues.

This renewable, four-year fellowship is designed to support a scholar’s work in the field of stewardship science: nuclear science, high density physics, and materials under extreme conditions and hydrodynamics.

This multi-year fellowship supports doctoral research in several fields, ranging from chemistry to geology, materials science to physics and connects fellows with NPSC employer partners.

The NWRI fellowship program is open to full-time doctoral students conducting water-based research in areas such as water quality, water treatment and technologies, water supplies and water resources.

Really think about your reasons for getting a PhD. Critically exam the support systems you have in place to get you through the journey: 50 percent of doctoral students suffer from depression. Utilize services like the counseling center on your college/university campuses to help you respond to the stressors that may occur with the transition.

ASSISTANTSHIPS, FELLOWSHIPS AND LOANS

Graduate assistantships.

Graduate assistantships are a form of academic appointment and are provided by individual departments. Competitive in nature, they are typically awarded on the basis of the student’s academic accomplishments and potential in the graduate program of study. Most programs provide appointments for one year at time and students receive a tuition credit or waiver and monthly stipend. There are three types of assistantships: Teaching Assistantships, Assistant Lecturers, and Research Assistants.

Teaching assistants perform a range of support duties for faculty members at a university, including grading papers and teaching classes.

Lecturers may serve as instructors in the academic department where they are studying.

Research assistants conduct and assist faculty members with research projects in the student’s area of interest.

Fellowships

Fellowships are short-term funding opportunities (typically 9- to 12 months) provided to students in the form of tuition credits and/or stipends. They support a student’s graduate study in their field of choice, may assist them in their research, or gain professional training in an area of interest. Fellowships are competitive and are available in two types: University-based and External.

Individual schools, colleges, and departments at a university (e.g. College of Science, Department of English) may have endowed fellowships. Students are either nominated for an award by their department or may be open to an application process.

External fellowships are funded by foundations, government agencies and other groups and provide opportunities to study both in the US and abroad. For example, the Department of Defense offers the National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship to engineering students studying in one of sixteen engineering specialties.

Corporations

Many companies and businesses have created scholarship, fellowship, and tuition reimbursement programs for their employees. Depending on the company, there may be a possibility it supports the graduate school efforts of its employees. Speak to the Human Resources department to learn more about the potential funding avenues available.

Graduate students may borrow funds from the federal government under two loan programs: William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

Private financial institutions, including banks and credit unions, offer unsecured educational loans to graduate students. These loans must be repaid with interest. The interest rates, loan amount, and repayment terms are based on the credit worthiness of the borrower.

Federal work study provides students with demonstrated financial need part-time job opportunities that allow them to earn income while they are in graduate school. The program focuses on placing students in community service situations related to the student’s academic course of study. A majority of jobs are on-campus, but some schools may have some off-campus jobs with nonprofit agencies and other groups. It is important to note that some universities may not allow students to use their federal work study for tuition, but other related expenses (e.g. books, fees).

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Lawrence Burns, PhD

What should a future phd student consider when selecting a program of   study .

Speaking in the humanities, a student is best advised, I think, to select the faculty member with whom he or she wishes to study rather than simply a program. This faculty member becomes the student’s mentor, a relationship that lasts well beyond graduate school years. Because the mentor becomes the student’s primary reference, his or her standing in the field can and does have an impact on pre- and post-doctoral grants a student might win as well as on the student’s success on the academic job market.

It is a delicate balance though, because one must also look at programs that have standing in a particular field and at institutions that can afford to fund their PhD students throughout their graduate years.

Much is made about the saturation of PhD graduates and not enough   positions — both in academic and the private sector. Should that dissuade   a student from pursuing a PhD?

Yes, of course. Again, a PhD is not something that comes easily, and it should not be pursued without a reason for it. On the other hand, for students who are committed to their fields, and for whom that field is a career choice, the PhD is still the only way into the university job market. 

There is a catch-22 in the world of post-graduate education. Research universities need to turn out research, and researchers often depend on their grad students to assist them–in all fields–and departments on their PhD candidates to teach many undergraduate courses. PhD students are thus recruited regardless of the job market for the PhD holders.

The challenges in funding the PhD for me were less about how am I going to pay for this degree, but making the adjustment from being a full-time salaried employee to now, taking a significant pay cut to serve as a graduate assistant.

EARNING OUTLOOK FOR PHD STUDENTS

Potential career earnings should be a significant part of the discussion when considering whether or not to pursue a doctoral degree. Completing an advanced program of study could increase an individual’s earning potential with their current or future employers.

Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals a direct correlation between educational attainment and career success—both in employment opportunities and annual salaries. Doctoral degree holders are some of the highest paid professionals in the country. The table below outlines the difference in earnings by degree level in 2014.

source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Earnings and Unemployment by Educational Attainment

• Industry or Business $97,700
• Government $82,000
• Nonprofit Organizations $72,500
• Other $70,000
• Academia $60,000

Source: National Science Foundation, Survey of Earned Doctorates

In turn, prospective students should consider how their sacrifice of time and money will pay off when they embark in their careers. Some professional fields have a higher return on investment than others. A majority of PhD candidates endeavor to become tenured-track faculty members, but they should realize that academia is one of the lowest paying sectors for individuals with a doctoral degree.

A review of National Science Foundation survey information shows that the best paying professional areas for PhD graduates include Industry and Business—with an average salary of $97,700. At the bottom of the list? Academia.

MOST LUCRATIVE PHD CAREERS

So, which PhD degrees pay the best?

According to the NSF, business, economics, and engineering are consistently among the best earning academic fields regardless of industry. The following tables outline the highest paying academic fields by professional area of work after graduation.

• Business Management and Administration $110,000
• Economics $82,000
• Engineering $79,000
• Health Sciences $70,000
• Education $60,000
• Business Management and Administration $135,000
• Economics $115,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $115,000
• Geosciences $110,000
• Engineering $98,000
• Economics $112,500
• Business Management and Administration $96,590
• Engineering $96,500
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $95,300
• Health Sciences $94,000
• Business Management and Administration $105,000
• Economics $100,000
• Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences $100,000
• Health Sciences $98,000

At the occupational level, 2012 employment research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the best paying doctoral career was Physicist ($109,600), followed by Astronomers ($105,410), and Engineering Professors ($94,130).

Overall, the top 10 most lucrative PhD careers include the following:

• 1 Physicists $109,600
• 2 Astronomers $105,410
• 3 Engineering Professors $94,130
• 4 Economics Professors $90,870
• 5 Health Specialties Professors: $90,210
• 6 Agricultural Sciences Professors $86,260
• 7 Biochemists and Biophysicists $84,940
• 8 Forestry and Conservation Science Professors $84,090
• 9 Physics Professors $80,720
• 10 Medical Scientists $79,930

EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: Darren Pierre, PhD

How has earning a phd impacted you personally and professionally.

Personally, the PhD was an incredibly introspective process. I believe for many, they go into the PhD thinking one thing, and come out transformed by the experience. I learned and grew personally in how I harness my self-worth, I grew professionally in my ability to humble myself and authentically listen to the feedback given about my work.

Professionally, I move with a greater level of confidence, I have more insight into my own potential in ways I could have never imagined, and all of that propelled me to write my book, The Invitation to Love.

Through your own experience, what are the biggest mistakes   prospective PhD students make when choosing and/or funding their PhD?

The biggest mistake that perspective students make is doing the degree for the wrong reason. If you are doing the degree for any other reason that self-motivated factors, you will falter. Doing the PhD to cover areas of insecurity, or low self-worth; doing the PhD for the prestige or title sake, those reasons will have you floundering and faltering when the psychological stressors being to weigh heavy.

Did you create a roadmap--financially or academically--to stay on track to   completing your PhD?

Absolutely, you have to have a plan and work that plan. Each Sunday, I would develop the week's action plan, I would carve out everything from when I was doing assignments/research to when I would work out, everything was on a schedule so that even when the fog of the process set in, I had headlights (my schedule) that allowed me to drive consistently when the road ahead was hard to see.

PHD: BY THE NUMBERS

Doctoral education in the U.S. is a varied and broad system, one that has been growing in popularity. In the 2013-2014 academic year, more than 178,000 doctoral degrees were conferred to students nationally, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

• Doctoral Education Continues to Grow
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Dominate
• STEM Fields are the Most Popular
• Only Half of Students Earn a PhD in the Same Academic Field as their Master’s Degree
• Doctoral Degrees are an Investment in Time
• Primary Source of Funding Varies by Program

In its survey of earned doctorates, the National Science Foundation learned the number of doctoral recipients increased by nearly 30 percent between 2003 and 2013.

The most popular academic areas of study were Engineering and the Physical Sciences.

• Engineering 69.80%
• Physical Sciences 59.30%
• Health Sciences 53.60%
• Life Sciences 44.60%
• Other 38.90%
• Social Sciences 19.90%
• Humanities 9.10%
• Education -25.70%

Within the engineering and physical sciences disciplines, multiple sub-fields have been experiencing explosive interest and enrollments, with some programs (e.g. physics, materials science engineering) growing by more than 70 percent between 2003 and 2013.

• Other engineering 127.5%
• Materials science engineering 86.5%
• Aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering 74.5%
• Mechanical engineering 70.5%
• Electrical, electronics, and communication engineering 53.6%
• Chemical engineering 46.0%
• Computer and information sciences 119.1%
• Mathematics 83.0%
• Physics and astronomy 76.7%
• Geosciences 28.8%
• Chemistry 22.0%

According to NSF, the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are the most popular doctoral areas of study.

• Life Sciences 23.3%
• Physical Sciences 17.6%
• Engineering 17.0%
• Social Sciences 15.9%
• Humanities 10.7%
• Education 9.4%

Interestingly, slightly more than 56 percent of graduate students continue into a doctoral program in the same field as their master’s degree. Rates are highest in the humanities, engineering, and social sciences fields.

• Humanities 67.6%
• Engineering 65.7%
• Social Sciences 65.6%
• Education 61.5%
• All Fields 56.1%
• Physical Sciences 53.4%
• Life Sciences 35.5%

It requires approximately 7.5 years of study for the average graduate student to complete a doctoral degree after enrolling in graduate school. Education takes the longest — more than 11 years, while the physical sciences and engineering fields only require 6.5 to 6.6 years of study to complete.

• Education 11.7
• Humanities 9.2
• Social Sciences 7.7
• All Fields 7.5
• Life Sciences 6.9
• Engineering 6.6
• Physical Sciences 6.5

According to the NSF, the most common source of funding for doctoral students are teaching and research assistantships. The table below details the primary source of funding for students by academic area of study.

• Life Sciences Fellowships/ Grants
• Physical Sciences Research Assistantships
• Social Sciences Teaching Assistantships
• Engineering Research Assistantships
• Education Own Resources
• Humanities Teaching Assistantships
• All Fields Research Assistantships

The following table includes a breakout of the primary funding source by major field of study, according the National Science Foundation.

Source: http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/sed/2013/data-tables.cfm

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES

The ultimate financial goal of any PhD student should be to complete their program successfully and move into a professional career with as little debt as possible. The resources below are available to help students locate scholarships and other funding sources that can help make that goal a reality.

Unigo offers a selection of financial assistance resources for graduate students, including a scholarship directory, a scholarship match tool, educational information on student loans and funding options, and more.

Scholarships.com is a website that provides a selection of financial aid information, including a searchable scholarship directory, insights into funding trends, financial aid calculators, and information about grants and fellowships.

Peterson’s is an educational resource site that includes a searchable scholarship database, articles and advice columns, and a catalog of graduate school profiles.

FinAid.org is an educational resource site that focuses on financial aid and offers information about student loans, federal financial aid, financing a doctoral education, and includes a scholarship search option.

An office of the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid is the country’s largest provider of financial aid. Graduate students can learn about and pally for loans, grants, and work-study funds to pay for their doctoral education.

FastWeb is a financial aid-focused website that offers a searchable scholarship directory that allows students to focus their search to their major area of study, work experience, and personal and professional activities.

Chegg is an online educational portal that not only offers used textbooks, but a scholarship database as well.

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

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Top Fully Funded PhD Programs

Karla Ibarra is a content writer at Scholarships 360. She has worked as an English teacher and writing tutor. As a writing tutor, she has experience editing scholarships and college application essays. Karla graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Communication and a minor in English.

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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

Fully funded PhD programs offer students seeking their doctor of philosophy degrees the ultimate experience. With the average cost of a PhD at nearly $81,000 , students are able to focus on their studies without worrying about paying for their degrees or living expenses. Keep reading to learn about some of the top fully funded PhD programs in a variety of majors.

What is a “Doctorate of Philosophy” degree?

A “doctorate of philosophy” degree, better known as a PhD, is among the highest level degrees in the United States. A PhD is awarded after the successful completion of an extensive research and writing project known as a dissertation. Students can earn a PhD in a variety of fields, with most majoring in the humanities or social sciences. 

Further reading: What is a PhD?

How we chose the fully funded PhD programs on our list

We looked for programs that have stellar reputations in their respective majors. It makes sense that the most reputable programs offer the resources that are most important to  PhD students. Working with distinguished professors in their field and having access to outstanding libraries, PhD students will be immersed in the ideal learning environment. 

Opportunities to learn under and network with the most well regarded academics is invaluable for students’ future careers. Finally, we looked for fully funded programs that include not only full tuition coverage, but also living stipends and health insurance. A few of the programs might require students to “give back” in the way of graduate assistantships , so keep that in mind as you read the fine print on each website. 

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The top fully funded phd programs.

The following list is in alphabetical order with no preference for one particular program. We included a variety of majors in different regions, but remember, this is just the start of an exhaustive listing of fully funded PhD programs across the USA and the world!

Boston College

The PhD in English Program at Boston College prepares students for careers in academia or other English related fields. With a focus on critical thinking, writing, and research, the program explores  literature through abstract, cultural, and historical contexts. Students are able to focus on various literature periods, creative writing, and literary theory. Working closely with renowned faculty, the program offers abundant resources and support services including fellowships and publishing opportunities. 

• Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
• Focus of study : Creative writing, critical theory, and literary and cultural studies
• What is included : Full tuition remission, health insurance, and a living stipend

Brown University

Brown University offers a PhD program in Computer Science for students interested in a strong foundation in computer science theory and applications and opportunities to conduct research in collaboration with faculty and peers. Brown’s computer science department has research strengths in artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, computer graphics, and theory. The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct independent research in computer science and to prepare them for academic or industrial careers.

• Location: Providence, Rhode Island
• Focus of study : Algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer systems, databases, and more
• What is included : Full tuition, health insurance, and living stipend

Cornell University

Cornell University offers a PhD program in Chemical Engineering to provide students with a broad foundation in chemical engineering principles and their application to solving real-world problems. The program aims to train students in core courses in chemical engineering, including transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering, while providing them with opportunities to conduct original research. Students in the program have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, funding opportunities, and a supportive community of faculty and fellow students.

• Location: Ithaca, New York
• Focus of study : Chemical engineering principles and research topics including biotechnology, energy, materials science, and process systems engineering
• What is included: Full tuition waiver, stipend, and health insurance

Duke University

Duke University’s PhD program in literature prepares students for careers in academic research and teaching. The program offers a variety of courses in literary theory, criticism, and methodology, as well as opportunities to specialize in specific genres, periods, and cultures. The program also encourages interdisciplinary work, with opportunities to collaborate with scholars in other fields across the university. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in academia, publishing, journalism, and other areas.

• Location: Durham, North Carolina
• Focus of study : Literary theory, research methods, and a range of cultural and literary texts
• What is included : Five years of living stipend, tuition, and fees support as well as six years of health and dental insurance

Harvard University

The PhD program in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard University is designed for students who want to pursue research in the field of public health with a focus on biological sciences. The program focuses on the intersection of biology and public health, specifically emphasizing understanding the biological mechanisms underlying disease and developing strategies to prevent and treat illness. PhD students receive a rigorous education in both biological and public health sciences, preparing them to become leaders in advancing our understanding of human health and disease.

• Location: Boston, Massachusetts
• Focus of study : Cancer biology, environmental health, genetics, global health and infectious diseases.
• What is included : Competitive funding packages, including tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance

Johns Hopkins University

The PhD in Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University is designed to prepare nurse scientists who will conduct research to advance nursing science and improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The program is designed to be interdisciplinary, integrating knowledge from nursing, social and behavioral sciences, and biostatistics. PhD students may work as nursing faculty members, researchers, or policymakers, contributing to advancing nursing practice and developing nursing knowledge.

• Location: Baltimore, Maryland
• Focus of study : Aging and dementia care, cardiovascular and chronic care, community and public health, health systems and outcomes, and more
• What is included: Full tuition with a stipend for the first three years of study

New York University

New York University offers a PhD in Education through its Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. The program provides a solid foundation in education theory and research methods, including coursework, research apprenticeships, and independent research. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue careers in academia, research, policy, and leadership in educational organizations. They are also equipped with the skills and knowledge to contribute to developing and implementing policies and practices in education.

• Location: New York, New York
• Focus of study : Learning sciences, educational policy, educational technology, and curriculum development. 
• What is included: Annual stipend, tuition coverage for required course work, and health insurance through the fifth year

Princeton University

Princeton University offers a PhD program in mathematics that is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, or government. The program aims to provide a rigorous and comprehensive mathematics education, emphasizing both the theoretical foundations and applications of the discipline. Students take advanced courses in various mathematical fields, such as algebra, geometry, analysis, topology, and applied mathematics. Princeton’s program in mathematics is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious and rigorous programs.

• Location: Princeton, New Jersey 
• Focus of study : Algebraic geometry, mathematical physics, number theory, and topology
• What is included: Full tuition and student health plan coverage

Rice University

Rice University offers a PhD in Business through its Jones Graduate School of Business, designed to prepare students for academic careers and research-oriented positions in industry and government. Students in the program take courses in microeconomics, econometrics, statistics, research methods, and business ethics. In addition to coursework and research, students in the program are encouraged to work as teaching or research assistants. Rice University’s PhD program provides students with a strong foundation in business theory and research methods, with opportunities to work with world-class faculty on cutting-edge research projects.

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Focus of study : Accounting, finance, management, marketing, and strategic management
• What is included : Waived tuition fees, a stipend to cover living expenses, health insurance, and may be eligible for research and travel funding to support their research projects

University of Chicago

The PhD program in History at the University of Chicago is a demanding but rewarding experience that prepares students for a career in academia as scholars or teaching in the field of history. The program focuses on developing students’ knowledge of cultural, intellectual, economic, political, and social history under the guidance of highly qualified faculty advisors. PhD students also have the opportunity to present their research at conferences and publish articles in academic journals.

• Location: Chicago, Illinois
• Focus of study : Ancient, contemporary, early modern, medieval, or modern history 
• What is included: Tuition, student health insurance, and a stipend for living expenses and research support

University of Michigan

The PhD in Engineering at the University of Michigan is a top-rated program that prepares students for research and academic careers in various engineering disciplines, including biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, electrical engineering, and many more. PhD students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct independent research, develop new technologies, and advance the engineering field. The University of Michigan has a strong reputation for research and innovation, and the PhD program in Engineering provides students with ample opportunities to collaborate with faculty and industry partners.

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan 
• Focus of study : Materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.
• What is included: Tuition waiver, monthly living stipend, and health insurance 

University of North Carolina

The PhD program in Media and Communication at the University of North Carolina provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in media and communication theories, research methods, and critical analysis. Students can tailor their studies to their research interests by choosing from a variety of electives and seminars offered by the department. Graduates of the program have gone on to work in academia, media organizations, research institutions, and other industries where communication skills and media literacy are highly valued.

• Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina 
• Focus of study : Media and politics, journalism studies, digital media, global media, media effects, and cultural studies
• What is included: Tuition and fees for three years, health insurance, a $20,000+ annual stipend, and support for research and travel

Keep reading: PhD vs. Doctorate: Everything You Need to Know

Frequently asked questions about fully funded PhDs

What does 'fully funded phd' mean, can international students apply for fully funded phds, how long does a fully funded phd program take, do i need to have a master's degree to apply for a phd, what is the difference between a phd and a professional doctorate, scholarships360 recommended.

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List of PhD Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships for International Students

Vanier canada graduate scholarships (vanier cgs).

Deadline: before 30 October 2024 (annual) Study in: Canada Course starts May/Sept 2025

East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowships

Deadline: 1 Dec 2024 (annual) Study in:  Hawaii, USA Course starts August 2025

Fulbright Foreign Student Program in USA

Deadline: varies, Feb-Oct 2024 Study in:  USA Course starts AY 2025-2026

Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford University for International Students

Deadline: varies, July-Oct 2024 (annual) Study in: UK Course starts October 2024

University of Sydney International Scholarship

Deadline: 13 Sept/17 Dec 2024 Study in:  Australia Course starts 2025

Italian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students

Deadline: 14 June 2024 (annual) Study in: Italy Course starts AY 2024/2025

2024 Numerix Women in Finance Scholarship

Deadline: 14 June 2024 (Annual) Study in: any Country Course starts 2024

Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants for Development

Deadline: Rolling** Study in:  any Country* Course starts AY 2024/2025

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Deadline: 31 Mar 2024 (annual) Study in:  any Country Course starts 2023

Australia Awards Scholarships

Deadline: 30 April 2024 (annual) Study in:  Australia Course starts 2025

Türkiye Scholarships for International Students

Deadline: 20 Feb 2024 (annual) Study in:  Turkey Course starts 2024

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10 PhD scholarships in Canada for international students in 2023

Canada is well-known for being a safe, stable, open and welcoming country. According to US News, the country is ranked the  seventh best study-abroad destination  in the world. 

That, however, is not all the Great White North is known for. 

Canada offers many beneficial opportunities for international students — from top universities to scholarships. 

If you’re looking for PhD scholarships in Canada, you’re in luck! There are  many scholarships  for both domestic and international students to further their education. 

There is no denying that studying abroad can be expensive. Combine your tuition fees with the cost of living, and it can all be too much to handle. 

After all, scholarships are a great way to help you pay for your education and reduce that burden. 

Thankfully, in Canada, there are over 800 scholarships available for international students for the term 2023 to 2024. 

With these many scholarships available, there may even be scholarships that you are eligible for that you didn’t know existed. 

So, don’t worry — we have listed down the top 10 PhD scholarships in Canada for international students for you. 

Here is a list of PhD scholarships in Canada every international student should know about: 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by University of Alberta (@ualberta)

1. University of Alberta Scholarships

The University of Alberta is a  comprehensive academic and research university  established in 1908. 

The university consistently ranks as one of Canada’s top destinations for international students due to the many funding opportunities available. 

Among the scholarships offered is the  Graduate Entrance Scholarship , available to all students enrolled in a master’s or doctoral programme. 

Recipients of the scholarship pursuing a PhD will receive a stipend of CA$21,000, and an additional CA$10,000 will be given to international students to help cover the cost of their fees. 

What’s more, the university has removed the IELTS requirement for applicants from many countries beginning this year. 

The deadline for the scholarship varies throughout the year, depending on your admission period.

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2. University of Waterloo Scholarships

The University of Waterloo is a public research university in Canada and is ranked eighth  as the Best Global Universities in Canada, according to US News . 

The university offers scholarships for all international students in undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes. The University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship is fully funded and valued at up to  $10,000 .

The scholarship recipients will enjoy benefits such as the International Master’s Award of Excellence valued at $2,500 per term for a maximum of 6 terms.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship differs based on the programme you are enrolled in. Click  here  to view the deadline based on your programme. 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by University of Saskatchewan (@usask)

3. University of Saskatchewan 

The University of Saskatchewan is renowned for its highly collaborative research environment and is ranked number one in Canada for water research. 

The  University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarship  is offered to all international students enrolled in a master’s or PhD programme. 

The best part? This fully funded scholarship provides up to CA$20,000 for PhD students over 36 months. 

Once enrolled at the university, you will automatically be considered for the scholarship based on your academic achievement and financial needs. 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by McGill University (@mcgillu)

4. McGill University Scholarships in Canada

McGill University is one of the leading universities worldwide, ranking #31 according to the  QS World University Rankings 2023 . 

The university aims to make the programmes more accessible to students facing financial difficulties. 

As such, it offers scholarships for international students pursuing an  undergraduate, masters and PhD programme . 

For those pursuing a PhD a modest amount of bursaries is given to help them financially. The deadline for scholarships at McGill is based on your admission.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Université de Montréal (@umontreal)

5. Montreal University Fully Funded Scholarship

When it comes to the number of students, the University of Montreal is the second-largest university in Canada, with  36,000 students enrolled .

UdeM exemption scholarship programme was designed to ensure students from all over the world can attend one of the top research universities in Canada. 

This scholarship programme is available to all international students pursuing their undergraduate, master’s or PhD at the university. 

Montreal Univeristy Scholarships will provide up to  CA$21,593.35 per year .

For more information on other scholarships, you may check out the  Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies  page.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by University of Toronto (@uoft)

6. University of Toronto Scholarships

The University of Toronto is a public research university in Ontario, Canada.

The university offers a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students.

It has a large number of scholarships that are awarded based on merit, leadership, financial need and many other factors.

All PhD students will receive a base funding package for up to five years of their study period. If selected, international recipients will receive  CA$27,811, including a UHIP of CA$756.00 .

Applicants would need to maintain their academic performance in their programme to remain eligible for the funding throughout the five years.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by University of Ottawa (@uottawa)

7. University of Ottawa Scholarships

The University of Ottawa offers an International Doctoral Scholarship to all international students who are enrolled in a PhD programme.

This scholarship is offered to full-time international students. The scholarship is valued at CA$45,000 over five years.

The scholarships are available to all undergraduate, master’s and PhD students.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The University of Lethbridge (@ulethbridge)

8. The University of Lethbridge

The University of Lethbridge is one of Canada’s top three research universities and is ranked among the 6% of world universities for research performance.

The Graduate Research Award aims to provide financial support to all graduate students at the university.

This financial support is provided to all students except those within the Faculty of Education.

Applicants will be considered upon admission and can receive up to CA$21,000.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Concordia University (@concordiauniversity)

9. Concordia University Canada Scholarships

Concordia University is one of the  top public universities  in Montreal, Canada. 

The university offers awards and scholarships to all students pursuing a PhD programme.

However, students need not apply, as they will be automatically considered for all entrance scholarships once admitted.

For more information on the scholarship, visit the  School of Graduate Studies Entrance Awards  page.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by University of British Columbia (@universityofbc)

10. University of British Columbia

The  University of British Columbia  is one of the top universities in the world, ranked #40 by the Times Higher Education rankings in 2023.

The  Four Year Doctoral Fellowship  (4YF) is an outstanding choice for students wanting to pursue a PhD at this university. This programme ensures that students who have achieved academic excellence will receive financial support of at least CA$18,200 annually.

This scholarship is available to all international students and is ongoing based on admission.

Aside from universities, the government offers several PhD scholarships in Canada. Source: Drew Angerer/Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

PhD scholarships in Canada offered by the government

Aside from universities, the Canadian government offers scholarships that are available for international PhD students.

Here is a list of two PhD scholarships in Canada offered by the government:  

1.Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships 

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship is offered to international students undertaking postgraduate programmes within the field of health research, natural sciences or engineering and social sciences and humanities. 

Apply by the end of April to stand the chance to receive this scholarship of up to CA$70,000 per year.

2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships 

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship is one of the most prominent scholarship offered by the Canadian government. This fully funded scholarship is open to all international PhD students.

Applicants will be selected based on academic excellence, research potential and leadership abilities. This scholarship is valued at $50,000 per year for three years.

The application window for the 2023 to 2024 term will close on May 1.

Many PhD scholarships in Canada aim to provide financial assistance to international students. Source: Drew Angerer/ Getty Images North America/Getty Images/AFP

Frequently asked questions when applying for PhD scholarships in Canada

The scholarship application process in Canada can be a little daunting, especially for first-time applicants. Not to worry. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to guide you through the process: 

1. How to apply for a scholarship in Canada for international students?

In Canada, the scholarship application process begins with first receiving an acceptance letter into a Canadian university.

Once you have that sorted, shortlist the scholarships that you are eligible for and best fit your needs. Contact your university’s financial aid representative or head over to the website for more details on deadlines and requirements before submitting your application.

2. Is it hard to get a scholarship in Canada for international students?

Your chances of receiving a scholarship depend on the scholarship’s nature and eligibility. Most scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements.

However, you have a higher chance of receiving a scholarship if you have work or volunteer experience.

3. What are the requirements for PhD scholarships in Canada?

The requirement for a PhD scholarship in Canada differs for each. However, the basic requirement is first to be accepted into a PhD programme. To do so, you must have a  GPA of 3.0 or higher . 

4. How can I get a fully funded scholarship in Canada?

Start applying early to stand a chance at scoring a scholarship. By starting early, you will have more time and opportunities available to you.

The second tip would be to apply for as many scholarships as possible. The more you apply, the higher your chances of winning a scholarship.

5. Can a PhD student work full-time in Canada?

As a PhD student in Canada, you will be eligible to work on and off campus as long as you have a valid study permit. However, while the semester is running, you will only be able to  work part-time for up to 20 hours per week . During semester breaks, students can work full-time. 

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• How to Apply for PhD Funding – Advice, Tips and FAQs

How to Apply for PhD Funding – Advice, Tips & FAQs

Written by Mark Bennett

You've found a great project at the perfect university and you're all set to get going with your research. There's just one question left: how are you actually going to fund your PhD?

The first step is to get to know the different types of PhD funding . But what about actually applying for them? How do you decide where to start? How do you stay organised? And, ultimately, how do you convince someone to help pay for your PhD?

This guide is here to help with those questions. We've distilled the most important PhD funding advice into six simple tips, followed by some FAQs to cover common questions.

How to apply for PhD funding – the basics

First things first, how do PhD funding applications actually work? It obviously depends on the type of funding you apply for, but here are some general pointers to get you started on applying for a PhD scholarship, studentship or loan.

Applying for PhD funding vs applying for a PhD

If your PhD is advertised as a funded project then you won't need to make a separate application for funding: you simply apply for the PhD opportunity and get the stipend or studentship that comes with it. This is common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. If that's you, you don't really need the advice on this page – you can just get started finding a funded PhD !

If you're proposing your own PhD topic then you will need to apply for funding separately. This is common in Arts, Humanities and Social Science subjects, though some STEM projects are also advertised for self-funded students . If you're one of them then the information here is designed to help you.

Where to apply

A lot of PhD funding is already allocated to universities, even if the money itself comes from an external source. This is the case for UK Research Council studentships as well as many scholarships from large charities like the Leverhulme Trust or the Wolfson Foundation.

You normally apply for this kind of funding after the university has accepted your PhD application . Sometimes it's a completely separate process, or you may automatically be entered into consideration for a PhD scholarship from your university.

Other funding bodies like smaller charities or learned societies will usually accept applications directly from students. They may also want confirmation that you've been accepted for a PhD before they'll consider you. If you're not sure how to apply for a PhD scholarship, it's best to reach out to the funding body directly, as the process will differ between organisations.

Applications for the PhD loan go directly to student finance. You'll need to say where you plan to do your PhD, but you don't need to have finished applying for it yet.

Deadlines for PhD funding are usually set quite far in advance. You may need to begin your funding application during the winter or early spring of the academic year before your degree starts. This provides time for funders to assess applications and select candidates (most PhD scholarships and studentships are awarded competitively).

Deadlines for student loans are more relaxed as only your basic eligibility needs to be checked. For example, you can actually apply for a UK PhD loan at any point up until three months before the end of your degree.

What you'll need

Application requirements for PhD funding are similar to those for a PhD.

You'll normally need to provide details of your existing or pending qualifications, a proposal for the project you plan to research, and some form of personal statement that explains your broader goals and establishes your 'fit' with this scholarship or studentship. Some funders may also ask to see an appropriate academic CV and references .

Bear in mind that the things a funder wants to see may be slightly different to the things a university wants to see. For example, they may care less about the academic detail and methodology for your project and more about how its outcomes support their own objectives.

PhD funding bodies

There are many organisations including charities and trusts that fund PhDs in the UK, but the seven Research Councils run by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are by far the biggest contributors to doctoral research. Together, they invest £380 million per year in PhD studentships.

How to apply for PhD funding – tips and tricks

Applying for PhD funding isn't quite the same as applying for a PhD . You'll need to plan for multiple options and outcomes and organise your applications accordingly. You may also need to think slightly differently about how you present and talk about your PhD plans.

Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

Tip 1 – Work out how much funding you definitely need

The first step in applying for funding should be to work out the rough cost of your PhD . Fees will be similar for most PhDs in the UK, but living costs and other expenses will depend on your subject and circumstances. It's a good idea to get a rough estimate for yours.

Now, subtract from that any funding you may be able to access automatically. This could include things like alumni discounts from your university or student finance like the UK PhD loan.

Once you've done this, you'll know how much funding is essential to make your PhD viable and you can prioritise your options accordingly (we'll get to that soon).

The reality is that applications for full studentships (like those from the AHRC , ESRC and other UK Research Councils ) are very competitive. They should still be your Plan A, but that doesn't mean you can't also be working on a Plan B.

Tip 2 – Don't put all your eggs in one basket

This follows from the above, but it's worth picking out (yes, we care about you too, skim readers).

You want a full PhD studentship. Having one is clearly better than borrowing money, using your own savings or working part-time to fund a PhD (and it's an awful lot better than having to do all three).

But you can't just assume you'll get a particular studentship. So don't.

At the very least, have a couple of alternatives in mind (i.e. funding opportunities from your university as well as a UKRI studentship ). You should also be thinking now about what you'll do if you don't get a particular funding option. Can you begin your project as a wholly or partially self-funded student? What other grants might you apply for in that case, and when?

This brings us to. . .

Tip 3 – Be really organised

Some of the most boring and obvious advice for a PhD funding search also happens to be some of the most effective.

First of all, make a list of the different funding options you might apply for. Include details of the amounts they offer, their specific eligibility criteria and, most importantly, their deadlines.

Next, work backwards from those deadlines and plan your application process. It might be a good idea to split this into phases, starting with the earliest deadlines for the best funding and moving on to less ideal (but potentially viable) options that leave you more time prepare.

Let's say you're looking to fund a Social Sciences PhD. You know that the deadline for Economic and Social Research Council funding at your university is in January and you focus on getting everying ready for that application, before Christmas. This is phase one.

Meanwhile, you're also making a list of alternative sources of full funding, from your university and some independent trusts and charities . If your ESRC application isn't successful, you're instantly ready to pick yourself up and go to phase two.

Finally, you've read up on the UK PhD loan system and determined that this is a viable (though not ideal) option, if all else fails. There's no real deadline for this and applications don't generally open until June. So, if it comes to it, that's phase three.

It's a lot of work, but it's also good training in organisational and project management skills – fairly handy on a PhD.

Tip 4 – Don't beg and don't spam

This advice should be self-explanatory and, given that you've bothered to read this far, you shouldn't need it. Still though, you might be surprised to learn just how many low quality applications some funders receive.

As a general rule, funders will be more interested in your research than they are in your personal backstory. Or, to put it another way, the fact that you really need funding isn't enough to get it (everyone else needs funding too and scholarships are almost never first-come-first-served).

Similarly, copying and pasting the same email to multiple funders may feel like it saves time, but it probably just wastes it. It's easy to spot a copied email and, in any case, you won't have given yourself a chance to explain why your research fits each funder's objectives. That brings us to the next tip.

Tip 5 – Think like a funder

Applying for a PhD means convincing someone that your research is worth doing. Applying for funding means convincing someone that it's worth paying for.

And, sadly, no funder exists just to help any student get any PhD in any subject.

So, a key piece of advice for a successful PhD funding application is to try and get inside the head of potential funders. What are their objectives? Why do they actually fund PhD research? What do they hope their funding will achieve?

Universities will want to maintain or raise their profile for research in certain areas. Businesses will hope to benefit commercially and / or reputationally from the research they fund. Charities will pursue a range of objectives, from combatting disease or addressing cultural issues to preserving local heritage or widening participation in education.

Whatever your funder's goals, you need to be really clear why and how you and your PhD are going to help achieve them. The best place for this is normally a personal statement or covering letter (if your funding application asks for one) but you may also need to think ahead to potential PhD interview questions , if a representative from your funding body will be present.

Tip 6 – Get help from your supervisor, if you can

Chances are that you've already been matched with a supervisor by now (particularly if you've already been accepted for your PhD). If not, you may have a supervisor in mind and have begun corresponding with them .

Either way, a prospective supervisor may be able to help more than you think. This isn't just because they're experts in your field, either; academics also have a lot of experience applying for research funding.

Here are a few of the ways they may be able to help:

• Highlighting funding you aren't aware of – Your supervisor will be aware of specialist funders in your subject area and they may also have advance knowledge of upcoming funding opportunities
• Helping you emphasise the right aspects of your project – Your supervisor will be used to thinking about research from a funder's point of view; they'll be able to help you decide what to include (and leave out) when pitching your research for funding
• Acting as a referee – Your supervisor will be uniquely positioned to vouch for the potential value and impact of your project
• Providing perspective – Not winning funding can be disheartening, but it doesn't mean your PhD is a failure; your supervisor will be able to help you pick yourself back up and move on to the next option

How much support you can expect from a supervisor will depend on your circumstances (and theirs) but you don't necessarily have to apply for PhD funding entirely on your own.

PhD funding FAQs

Here are the answers to a few common questions about PhD funding:

Can I apply for multiple funding options at the same time?

Yes. Technically you put in as many PhD studentship or scholarship applications as you like. Just bear in mind that good funding applications take time. It's better to be organised than to over-stretch yourself.

Also, some funding options can't be combined: for example, you can't have a PhD loan if you've also been awarded funding from UKRI .

Is there a limit to how much PhD funding I can get?

Some funders will only provide full studentships to PhD students who don't already have another substantial source of support.

There's no official limit on the number of smaller grants you can combine from universities, charities and trusts (and no one to enforce one) but, again, funders may wish to focus on students who need their support the most.

How much is PhD funding worth?

Broadly speaking, there are two types of PhD funding:

• Full studentships provide a payment for your university fees and a stipend or bursary to contribute towards your living costs
• Partial awards either cover your fees or contribute towards living costs

Some full studentships also provide additional money for travel and research expenses such as materials and fieldwork.

In any case, the value of your PhD funding will depend on the cost associated with your PhD. As a good benchmark, a full UKRI studentship currently provides a little under £20,000 per year for fees and living costs

What can I use PhD funding to pay for?

It depends what the funding is allocated for.

Most PhD stipends or bursaries are paid directly to students for living costs. Funders won't check exactly what you spend this money on, but it's a good idea to focus on accommodation, groceries and other essentials.

Some additional funding may be provided for travel or conference expenses, in which case you'll probably need to keep the relevant reciepts.

Money paid for fees will usually go directly to your university.

When should I start looking for PhD funding?

It's a good idea to begin thinking about funding as soon as you start to seriously consider a PhD. That will give you enough time to put together the best possible application and consider alternative options if you aren't initially successful.

Can funded students also work during a PhD?

You won't normally be allowed to work full-time if you also have a full studentship, but you may be able to work part time (this is the case for UKRI PhD funding).

Is PhD funding tax free?

Government funding, such as Research Council studentships, is usually tax-free. The same is usually true of other grants and scholarships that are provided solely to help support PhD study. However, some PhD funding may be taxable if it is provided in return for services such as teaching or other work at your university.

PhD loans are always tax free, but they may affect your entitlement to some benefits, including how much Universal Credit you can claim .

Does PhD funding need to be repaid?

Studentships and scholarships don't need to be repaid after you complete your PhD. Student loans do, but their repayments are linked to earnings.

Can I get funding if I don't have a 1st or 2.1?

Having a good degree result from your Bachelors (or Masters ) will help in your funding application, but it isn't the only thing funders will consider. A lower class degree may be compensated for by other factors such as relevant experience and the wider potential of your PhD project.

What happens if I don't get PhD funding?

You may still be able to begin your PhD without funding, but this will depend on your circumstances.

Some students begin by self-funding (using savings, part-time work and / or PhD student loans) in the hope of winning a full studentship during their PhD. This approach can be successful, but there's no guarantee you'll win funding later if you haven't done so in advance. So be honest about whether you can see the full doctorate through as a self-funding student.

Self-funding can also be difficult if you have to pay additional bench fees (for consumables and materials) or if the working hours for your PhD aren't flexible enough to fit around part-time work.

Ready to find a PhD?

You can find funded PhD programmes on our website.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

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Not sure how to fund your PhD? This guide answers some of the most common questions about PhD funding in the UK.

The seven UK Research Councils provide government studentships for PhD research in different subject areas. Our simple guide explains how this funding works, what you can get and how to apply successfully.

You may be able to get a PhD loan of up to £27,892 for a UK doctorate. Our guide explains eligibility, applications and repayments.

Our guide explains the best ways to fund international PhD study in the UK, with information on all the main scholarships available to you.

A range of scholarships may be available to help you fund a PhD. Our guide explains the different types of award with tips for making a successful funding application.

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PhD Scholarships in India 2024: MHRD, Indian students, through GATE, Canada, USA, Abroad

Waqar Niyazi

Content Curator

PhD Scholarships in India help several students to pursue a research degree after successfully completing their postgraduate program. PhD provides the facilities to the students to research and contribute to a field of study.

PhD Scholarships for Indian Students helps students who wants to get a scholarship for studying abroad. PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in USA are very useful for studying in Top Universities in USA. Canada PhD Scholarships are for studying in Top Universities in Canada.     

The duration of a  PhD programme  varies from 5 years to 7 years and thus the financial costs become a burden for many. There are several PhD Scholarships in India such as the PM Fellowship for Doctoral Research. These scholarships offer a stipend to the students so as to aid them. They also get free accommodation or accommodation at very discounted prices to carry on their studies. 

Table of Contents

• PhD Scholarships for Indian Students

1.1 Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research

1.2 Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

1.3 Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships

1.4 Google PhD Fellowship India Program

1.5 ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)

1.6 Maulana Azad National Fellowship

1.7 NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD

1.8 CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship

PhD Scholarships in India through GATE

2.1 GATE Financial Assistance Eligibility

• PhD Fellowships in India
• PhD scholarships for Computer Science
• MHRD PhD scholarships in India 
• PhD scholarships in India for reserved categories

6.1   SC Students

6.2  ST students

6.3   OBC students

PhD scholarships in India for International students

Phd scholarships in india for single girl child, phd scholarships in india: faqs, phd scholarships in india for indian students.

There are several PhD scholarships present in India, offered to the Indian students. A doctorate course generally lasts for 3 to 4 years, and sometimes it can cost more in some renowned institutes. 

For these, scholarships are given by various organizations to the Indian students to pursue their higher studies with ease. The eligibility for the PhD scholarships for Indian students varies. However the basic norms that they need to fulfill is to hold a master degree in a relevant stream and age should be below 35.

Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research

Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research is a Fellowship scheme which is under the supervision of the Central Government of India. It is launched to provide financial support to the meritorious students pursuing PhD courses. Under the scheme, the scholar gets a monthly stipend of INR 70,000. 

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships

Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships, awarded for the duration of six to nine months to the students pursuing PhD. in fields like Machine Learning, History, Sociology, Public Health, etc. This is designed to help students to cover the expenses related to tuition fees, round-trip economy class air travel, and other allowances. 

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships

Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships is designed to support the students pursuing doctoral programs in Science, Sociology, Philosophy, etc. after completing their post graduation. The duration of the scholarship is 2 years. To enroll to this scholarship program candidates must have completed their post graduation and they should be not more than 35 years old.

Google PhD Fellowship India Program

Google is offering Google PhD Fellowship India Program for the students wishing to pursue  PhD courses in computer science  or related post completing their masters studies. The main initiative of the scheme is to support the students to cover their expenses by offering a monthly fellowship and it also provides a chance to do an internship at Google. The average Fellowship given to the candidates in 4-years is around INR 26,89,160.

ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF)

Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) Junior Research Fellowships is offered to those candidates who are pursuing PhD in the field of Historical studies. To get benefit of this scheme students must qualify an online entrance exam followed by presentation-cum-interview. On an average, candidates receive INR 16,500 to INR 17,600 per month for 2-years as a Fellowship under ICHR Junior Research Fellowships.

Maulana Azad National Fellowship

Maulana Azad National Fellowship is a scheme to support financially weak students who wish to pursue research or doctorate courses. The Fellowship program is started by the Ministry of Minority Affairs of the Government of India. It can be availed by those candidates whose family income is less than INR 6,00,000. Under this Fellowship program, scholars receive INR 28,000 per month for 5-years.

NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD

The main objective of NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD is to help and support the meritorious students to cover their expenses on tuition fee, accommodations, books and other charges. To avail the Fellowship students must enroll for PhD programmes in a recognized University. Also one must qualify an entrance test such as the NET exam. The Fellowship is offered for the duration of 3-years. For NET exam qualified candidates, the Fellowship amount is INR 25,000 while for non qualified candidates it is INR 23,000.

CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship

CSIR-UGC JRF NET Fellowship is a fully-funded Fellowship program which can be availed by the candidates wishing to pursue research or doctoral courses in the field of Life Sciences, Chemical Science, Engineering, Earth & Atmosphere and other related fields. To be eligible for this Fellowship one must qualify the National Entrance Test (NET) conducted by CSIR. The average Fellowship for the candidates is between INR 20,000 to INR 31,000 per month for 2-years.

Numerous students in India apply to get scholarships via GATE. Candidates sitting for the GATE entrance exam and scoring well, will be awarded the scholarship. Also the eligibility for PhD scholarships via GATE varies organization-wsie. 

GATE Financial Assistance  is available for students who want to do a PhD. The scholarship is available for a duration of 5 years. 

GATE Financial Assistance Eligibility

• Candidates must have a valid GATE score at the time of application for the assistance to be eligible.
• Part-time courses are not eligible as it is for full time only
• Bank Account name of general savings account and the candidate name should be the same and joint accounts are not eligible.
• Students must not be under any other Scholarship
• Students from non-sponsored categories admitted with valid GATE Score cards are eligible.

PhD Fellowship in India

There are numerous fellowships in India given to the candidates pursuing a PhD degree in India. Most of the fellowships are given by the government of India, but there are other agencies as well. 

The minimum eligibility criteria to secure a PhD fellowship in India is acquiring a minimum of masters degree with at least 50% to 60% aggregate scores. Also they need to sit for any entrance exam to get scholarships from some organizations.

PhD scholarships in India for Computer Science

PhD Scholarships in India MHRD

MHRD stands for Ministry of Human Resource Development. There are also various PhD scholarships which are offered for the MHRD course. The basic eligibility criteria for MHRD PhD scholarships is that - the candidates need to be an ongoing PhD student and can apply for the country only if he or she is from the ASEAN countries.

PhD scholarships in India for SC

In India, most scholarships are available for the reserved categories especially SC and ST students. Candidates belonging from the SC category, get a good scholarship amount and the minimum eligibility criteria for the same is either having a PhD degree or being an ongoing PG student. Check out the top PhD scholarships for SC students in India in the table below.

See :  Jadavpur University Scholarship Details

PhD scholarships in India for ST students

ST or Scheduled Tribes are another part of the reserved categories, which also get a good scholarship amount. Candidates need to hold a doctorate degree to apply for the program. Also as per the eligibility of some organizations candidates are also eligible to apply for the scholarship by studying in class 11 or above. Check the table below to see the details.

PhD scholarships in India for OBC

There are also various PhD scholarships available for the OBC category students. Like ST category students, OBC candidates are also eligible to apply for the scholarships when they dwell in between class 11 and the PhD level. Another great feature of PhD scholarships for OBC candidates is that they get multiple awards with a good sum of money. Check a detailed view regarding the same in the table below.

In India, international students can also access scholarships which are specially made for them to pursue a degree in this nation. PhD scholarships for international students are available to the students of various countries including Australia, Singapore, UK, USA, to the Indian Nationals, and many more. Check it out in the table below.

PhD scholarships are also available for the female persons who are a single child of their parents. This scholarship is available in various organizations, starting from NCERT,  IIT Bombay , Maulana Azad, ICSSR, etc. Check a detailed view regarding the same in the tabulation form below.

Ques. Are there scholarships for PhD?

Ans.  Candidates pursuing PhD courses are offered with a variety of scholarships and fellowships schemes. Students are awarded with various kinds of funds which help them to cover their tuition fees, books or accommodation charges and other fees. To take advantage of scholarships schemes, one must have very good academic results or students may also be required to qualify for the entrance exam.

Ques. How much is a PhD scholarship?

Ans.  Scholarships for PhD candidates are given based on the categories of students. For candidates belonging to SC/ST categories, the amount of scholarships is more than that of candidates belonging to OBC and General categories. On an average students receive a scholarship amount between INR 25,000 to INR 28,000 in the first two years. 

Ques: Is it easy to get scholarships for PhD?

Ans:  Getting scholarships in PhD programs is highly competitive, one must secure excellent scores before applying for the scholarship. 

Ques. How to get Google PhD Fellowships?

Ans.  To get a scholarship offer by Google for Indian students, aspirants must fulfill the eligibility requirements for the fellowship. Google pays around INR 29,54,142 to the Indian students as a fellowship to pursue PhD courses. 

Ques. What are the basic eligibility requirements for a PhD student to apply for the PhD scholarships?

Ans.  To be eligible to apply for the scholarship program offered to the PhD students one must have secured at least 75% in this master's degree. For some scholarships aspirants should also qualify the test to be an eligible candidate. 

Ques. What is a Commonwealth Doctoral PhD scholarship for International students?

Ans.  The Commonwealth Doctoral PhD scholarship is a scholarship program offered to the candidates pursuing PhD in different fields such as science, health, technology, governance, commerce, etc. This scholarship program provides financial assistance to the students and helps them to cover their expenses on books, tuition fees and other charges. 

Ques. How much scholarship amount given to the students in the first year in the Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research?

Ans.  Under the Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research scheme, the scholarship amount given to the scholar is INR 70,000 per month in the first year which increases to INR 80,000 during second year.

Ques. Is there any age limitation to apply for a PhD scholarship named "Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships"?

Ans.  Yes, there is an age limitation to take advantage of a Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships scheme. To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, aspirants must be not less than 35 years old.

Ques. Can we pursue PhD with a scholarship after completing MTech in Computer Science?

Ans.  After completing MTech in Computer Science one can go for higher education. After completing a masters course one can opt PhD in Computer Science and apply for various types of Scholarship or Fellowship programs offered for the students pursuing any PhD courses. 

Ques. Does ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) offer scholarships to the students opting PhD in C.S?

Ans.  Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) Junior Research Fellowships is offered to those candidates who are pursuing PhD in the field of Historical studies. To get benefit of this scheme students must qualify an online entrance exam followed by presentation-cum-interview.

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

Ques. are master's degrees from ignou acceptable for admission into ph.d courses in top universities.

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ques. How difficult is it to get a PhD from IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

Ques. How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 27 Jun 23

Ph.D. (Chemistry)

Ph.d. (physics), ph.d. (mathematics), ph.d. (biotechnology), ph.d. (zoology), ph.d. (psychology), ph.d. (business management), ph.d. (management studies), master of science [ms], ph.d. (computer science), ph.d. colleges in india.

IIMV - Indian Institute of Management

Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research - [PGIMER]

IIM Sambalpur

IIM Sirmaur

University Business School, Panjab University - [UBS]

PSG Institute of Management - [PSGIM]

Krea University

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How smart is Gabby Thomas? What to know about USA sprinter's college degrees from Harvard, Texas

Gabby Thomas can do it all on and off the track.

The 27-year-old is one of the fastest 200-meter sprinters in the world, having won the bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Games. She's once again in the finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics as the favorite to win gold.

In addition to her blazing speed, she's incredibly smart. Thomas studied neurobiology and global health as an undergraduate student at Harvard before going on to earn her Master's degree in public health. Her PhD may be up next in her educational journey, but the sprinter is focused on achieving her athletic goals at the moment.

The world likely already knows how fast Thomas is, but how smart is she? The Sporting News details her education history below.

MORE: Full results, highlights from Day 4 of track and field at 2024 Paris Olympics

How smart is Gabby Thomas?

Thomas is not only extremely athletic but she's gifted in the classroom as well. She enrolled at Harvard University to study neurobiology and global health. She knew she wanted to study neurobiology since high school.

"I knew that I wanted to study neurobiology. I just didn't know what college I wanted to study it at," Thomas said on Cars and Culture with Jason Stein . "I was just really intrigued by just what you could do when you study the brain.

"I recalled seeing my twin brother going through some neuro treatments for his ADHD and seeing how effective that was. ... You can change lives with this."

MORE: Which country has the most Olympic medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Just 3.2 percent of applicants are accepted into Harvard, according to 2022 numbers from Prepscholar.com . The university is widely considered one of the best schools in the world.

Thomas balanced being a full-time NCAA athlete and a challenging neurobiology major.

When she graduated from Harvard in 2019, she began her graduate studies at the University of Texas. She obtained a Master's degree in public health focused on epidemiology.

Thomas may not be done with her studies either. Her mother wants her to get her PhD next, though the Olympian is focusing on her Olympic goals at the moment.

MORE: How many gold medals does the USA have at 2024 Paris Olympics?

Where did Gabby Thomas go to college?

Thomas attended Harvard University for her undergraduate degree, graduating in 2019. She studied neurobiology and global health, which she had planned to do since high school.

The Olympic sprinter was named the Ivy League’s Most Outstanding Track Performer in 2017 and 2018. She won the NCAA title for the 200-meter dash in 2018.

After Harvard, Thomas enrolled at the University of Texas. She studied at the school's health science center to earn her Master's degree in public health, specializing in epidemiology. She graduated in 2023.

Thomas' mother would like her daughter to earn her PhD, but the Olympian is focused on her track career at the moment.

Brendan O'Sullivan is an editorial intern for Sporting News.