Doctoral Scholarships for International Students in the United States – The United States stands as a coveted destination for postgraduate studies among international students, owing to its distinguished higher education institutions and extensive academic offerings. Pursuing a PhD program here not only fosters expertise but also nurtures the potential to become a recognized international authority in one’s chosen field. Enrolling in a graduate school for a PhD in the United States offers a distinct experience compared to pursuing a doctorate in Europe, providing a unique opportunity for academic and personal growth. Studying abroad not only enhances one’s global cultural awareness but also expands their professional network, setting the stage for a promising future career.
Applying to study PhD in the United States of America
Students from the UK and Europe decide the field of their PhD thesis before applying. However, in the United States, prospective PhD students will spend up to one or two years deciding on their specific research topic while enrolling in higher level courses. It is normal to apply to up to six institutions for a PhD in the United States, and students apply to each institution separately because there is no central organization. Students in the UK and Europe should already deepen their understanding of the subject, usually in the form of a master’s degree, and be ready to immediately begin studies at the doctoral level. In the United States, students are not expected to have a thorough understanding of their subject, so they usually only have an undergraduate degree when they apply.
Admission Requirements to obtain a doctorate in the United States of America
Application deadlines for doctoral programs in the United States are usually between December and February, and institutions must notify you of your application before April. Most US institutions recommend applying in advance as much as possible to give them and you enough time to make arrangements. Institutions in the United States require international students to achieve a TOEFL score of about 90, but this number does not differ between institutions.
The Cost of Pursuing a PhD in the United States
When applying for a PhD program in the United States, taking your time can offer more opportunities for securing funding. The expenses for a PhD in the United States can range from $28,000 to $40,000 per year, yet many students discover funding options that cover a significant portion, if not the entirety, of their educational expenses. Deadlines for funding applications can be as early as December, preceding the fall semester’s commencement. Some PhD students may receive stipends through assistant positions at their institutions, although this varies among universities and departments. Others secure financial support from their home governments or U.S. government programs like the Fulbright program.
Duration of PhD Studies in the United States
In the United States, a Ph.D. program can span eight to ten years, but most full-time students typically complete it in five to six years. Students who already hold a master’s degree in a related field may shorten their PhD journey to four or five years instead of the longer duration.
Why Choose to Pursue a PhD in the United States?
While a PhD is a prestigious qualification regardless of location, the specifics can vary across different parts of the world. Factors such as program duration, funding structures, and requirements differ significantly for PhD students in various regions. Depending on your long-term objectives, your choice of where to pursue your doctorate can significantly impact your academic and professional journey.
In the United States, thousands of universities offer doctoral degrees each year, attracting graduate students worldwide. What makes the U.S. stand out?
Opting to pursue a PhD in the United States can provide you with a unique array of advantages. Depending on your goals and preferences, this decision may prove to be a wise one. Below, we will explore some of the benefits of selecting the United States as your destination for doctoral studies.
Choosing the Right University
The United States boasts 282 universities that confer PhD degrees, each with its own admission criteria and academic offerings. Prospective candidates can compile a list of suitable universities based on their research interests, previous academic experience, and program compatibility. The NRC’s ranking system can assist applicants in making well-informed decisions.
Requirements for a PhD in the United States
To embark on a PhD journey in the United States, certain requirements must be met:
- Statement of Purpose: Applicants need to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) to their chosen universities. The SOP should convey the alignment between the applicant, the program, and the professors.
- High GRE Score: Achieve a competitive score on the GRE General Test and, if necessary, the GRE Subject Test and English proficiency tests, depending on the program’s prerequisites. A higher score enhances your chances of acceptance.
- Letters of Recommendation: Submit letters of recommendation, which should include your PhD aspirations and a corresponding essay, to your chosen institution.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in the English language through high scores in tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge.
- Financial Assistance: Many U.S. universities offer tuition waivers and annual stipends to their students. In cases where direct funding or scholarships are not provided, students can explore opportunities for research assistantships to support their academic pursuits. Hence, applicants should carefully consider these options before declining university offers due to a lack of scholarships.
Conditions/Requirements for obtaining a doctorate in the United States of America
Declaration of intent: the applicant will have to send a sop (declaration of intent) to the respective universities to which he wishes to apply. In the SOP, the candidate must indicate the compatibility between you, the program and the professors
High GRE Score: pass the GRE General Test, the English proficiency test and the GRE Subject Test according to the needs of the programs you want to apply to. The higher the score, the better the chances of selection.
Letter of recommendation: applicants must send letters of recommendation (including the purpose of their PhD and an essay based on it) to the institute to which they wish to apply.
Language proficiency: for language proficiency, students must have a high score at Ielts / Toefl / Cambridge.
Financial assistance: students at U.S. universities receive a tuition waiver in addition to an annual stipend. In the event that the university does not provide direct funding or scholarship to an applicant, he has the opportunity to earn through research assistance in the United States. Therefore, before the offer of universities is rejected because scholarships are not awarded, applicants should also consider this option.
List of PhD Doctoral Scholarships for International Students in the United States
* AAUW International Scholarships
Deadline: 1 December
For nearly a century, the American Association of Universities (AAUW) has awarded international scholarships of chacune 20,000 each to graduate students from more than 140 countries pursuing a master’s, Professional Degree or doctorate in the United States. Eligible women must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, not hold U.S. citizenship, consider studying or doing research full-time, demonstrate proficiency in English, have outstanding academic achievement, and intend to return to their home country after graduation.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships
Deadline: March 31
Each spring, the Aga Khan Foundation distributes several doctoral scholarships to international students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique studying in the United States or Canada. Institution of Higher Education. Eligible candidates from the Middle East or Africans must be 30 years of age or younger, demonstrate real financial need, be accepted into a very reputable curriculum and consistently have excellent academic results.
* American-Scandinavian Foundation scholarships
Deadline: 15 February
The American Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) Awards one-year scholarships of up to dollars 23,000 to Scandinavian citizens who are pursuing a master’s or doctoral program in the United States for any field of study. Eligible candidates must legally reside in Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden or Iceland, but have at least some command of English. To be considered, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, university transcripts, a curriculum vitae or curriculum vitae and a resume essay.
* Campbell fellowships for Transformational Research
Deadline: 7 November
The Campbell fellowship awards mois 4,500 per month and the Campbell transformational research fellowships are awarded through the School of Advanced Research (SAR) to international doctoral students studying the conditions of women in developing countries around the world. Most applicants complete a PhD in anthropology, geography, political science, psychology, sociology, law, history or economics. Female researchers from any country who are enrolled in a graduate school in the United States and are proficient in English can apply.
* East-West Centre Graduate Scholarship
Deadline: 1 November
The East and West Center has created a postgraduate scholarship to provide 24 months of full tuition funding to students applying in Asia Pacific, including Russia, who earn a master’s or PhD from the University of Hawaii. Eligible candidates must enroll in the UH full-time, pass the TOEFL or IELTS exam, meet the J-1 visa requirements, and provide two reference letters. Selected fellows must complete a minimum of 90 hours of community service and submit monthly reports.
Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: 15 February
Sponsored by The Leakey Foundation, the Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowship is designed to award internationaux 15,000 per year to international students from developing countries who have been admitted to an accredited Master’s or doctoral program in the United States. Young non-U.S. citizens who study prehistory, ancient anthropology, elementary Zoology, or some other discipline related to human origins and evolution may qualify. Eligible Fellows must intend to return and work in their home country after their advanced specialized training.
* Fulbright Program for international students
Deadline: 15 October
The Fulbright International Student Program, administered by the U.S. Department of state, administers up to 1,800 doctoral scholarships for international students who wish to study in the United States each year. Eligible applicants must possess a first-class or higher-class honours Baccalaureate, be accepted into an accredited graduate school, demonstrate academic merit, pass the GRE or GMAT exam and attach their CV. Fulbright Fellows must return home for at least two years after funding.
HHMI International Student Research Fellowships
Deadline: 11 February
Through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), Research Fellowships are available for international students for $ 43,000 for non-U.S. pre-doctoral students studying at an accredited U.S. institution. Eligible candidates must enter their third, fourth or fifth year of doctoral studies. Specialties such as biology, chemistry, physics, Plant Biology, Biomedical Engineering and computer science will be eligible. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and innovation in biomedical science research.
IBM PhD Fellowship Awards
Deadline: 27 October
The IBM PhD Fellowship Awards are an intensive competitive program that attracts outstanding PhD students from around the world who wish to study, do an internship or conduct research in the United States. PhD students must be interested in computer science, electrical engineering, cybersecurity, mobile computing, data analysis, social technologies or materials science. To be considered, applicants must have completed at least one year of a doctoral program, reside in any country with the exception of U.S. embargoed countries, and meet visa requirements.
* Josephine De Kerman Scholarship fund
Deadline: January 31
Founded in 1954 by aviation expert Dr. Theodore von Carmann in honor of his late sister, the Josephine De Carman Fellowship Fund provides huit 22,000 annually to eight graduate students pursuing a PhD at an accredited university in the United States. International learners without U.S. citizenship are welcome to apply. Particular attention is paid to doctoral students in the humanities. Applications must include letters of recommendation, publications and several chapters of memoirs and transcripts.