We tell you everything you need to know about PhD scholarships: what are the requirements, types of funding and how to achieve it. Plus a list of major scholarships.
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Pursuing higher education, including PhD programs, can be financially burdensome. Many students resort to taking loans that they spend years repaying[1]. However, there are alternative ways to avoid unnecessary expenses by obtaining scholarships or winning grants. While there are more funding options available for PhD students compared to bachelor's and master's students[2], it is important to note that obtaining a scholarship is still a challenging endeavor.
In this article, we will provide you with information about PhD scholarships: including their sources, where to search for them, and how to secure them. For a general overview of scholarships available to international students, please refer to our separate article.
When considering PhD scholarships, the first thing you should examine is the source of funding — it can significantly impact the focus of your future research. Many corporations sponsor projects only in specific fields and may even require recipients of their grants to work for them for a certain period of time after graduation. An example of this partnership can be seen in the collaboration between the University of Cambridge and the Japanese company Hitachi[5].
Here are the primary sources of funding for PhD programs:
A university is the first and most obvious place to look for funding. Here are the main types of scholarships:
At certain universities, the funding application is submitted separately, while at others, it is included in the program application. Please refer to the university website for specific information. Below are some foreign universities that provide substantial scholarships for PhD students.
| Educational institution | Country | Scholarship amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sheffield University | Great Britain | Full tuition coverage + 19,432 USD/year |
| Dikina University | Australia | up to 10,000 USD/year |
| Concordia University | Canada | 3,000-10,000 USD/year |
| Max Planck Institute | Germany | 1,681 USD/month |
| University of Chicago | USA | up to 44,000 USD/year |
Assistantships are a common way to secure funding while working within a department. Similar to regular scholarships, assistantships provide financial support for accommodation, tuition fees, and personal expenses. In essence, students receive a salary for fulfilling official duties. Typically, these roles require a commitment of 20 hours per week.
There are two main types of assistantships:
At larger universities, there are many positions available for almost all PhD students, while competition with other candidates may be necessary at smaller educational institutions.
Many countries offer extensive programs to fund PhD students through government initiatives or specific public institutions, such as research institutes. This is driven by a public interest in fostering scientific development. Most often, these programs provide substantial financial support. Examples include the German DAAD program, which offers foreign students a monthly stipend of 1,261 USD along with coverage for flights, insurance, and, in some cases, language courses.
Additionally, some countries cover the education expenses of their citizens studying abroad with the expectation that graduates will return home and contribute their valuable knowledge to the country's development. For instance, Russia has the Global Education program, which covers all the costs of studying abroad. A prerequisite for participation is a commitment to work for a Russian company for three years following graduation.
Private scholarships are a common type of financial support offered by companies aiming to foster industry development and recruit promising talent. For instance, Microsoft provides tuition coverage and additional payments to PhD students in the field of information technology. In some cases, corporations may even agree to cover your education expenses on the condition that you work for them after graduation[6]. It is worth approaching companies directly within your field of interest to explore such opportunities.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), various foundations, and individual patrons often offer tuition grants for students at different academic levels, including PhD programs. It is important to note that these scholarships are not purely acts of charity. Funding from non-profit organizations typically has a specific purpose. In many cases, these organizations support PhD candidates whose research aligns with their primary objectives. For example, Fight for Sight allocates grants to young ophthalmologists, while the
American Association of University Women provides grants for women pursuing education in various fields.
Consider the social group you identify with and the area in which you plan to conduct research — there is likely at least one foundation in the world that is interested in supporting individuals like you.
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To increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, keep the following in mind:
A successful candidate for a PhD scholarship typically possesses the following:
Application deadlines, selection criteria, and the required documents vary depending on the chosen program. Generally, a completed application form and a compelling motivation letter are essential. Additionally, the following documents are often required:
A research proposal serves as an introduction to your thesis, outlining the significance, originality, and methodology of your research. It should provide a clear overview that allows the reader to envision the completed work, even if only in general terms.
Acquiring a PhD scholarship is a challenging endeavor, often requiring exceptional test scores, a distinctive research topic, and notable achievements. However, there are instances where belonging to an underrepresented social group or directly approaching interested companies can simplify the funding process. While specific criteria must still be met, having research that benefits others can facilitate obtaining financial support. As a prospective PhD student, you are already highly regarded by numerous organizations, ranging from corporations to research institutes[7].
Start by exploring opportunities at your chosen university. Even if the institution doesn't provide direct funding, the financial office can offer guidance on relevant public and private programs. To search for scholarships, use one of the following services:
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| International Student | Free search engine for scholarships by country, keywords, and field of study. |
| Great College Deals | An updated list of the Top 20 US Scholarships for International Students. |
| Find a PhD | English portal for searching for PhD programs, grants, and scholarships. Includes keyword search. |
| Scholars 4 Dev | Scholarship aggregator for PhD programs worldwide. Offers a keyword search feature. |
| We Make Scholars | Portal to find scholarships and study programs based on specialty, level of study, and country. Includes application deadline countdown. |
| Scholarship Portal | Website that compiles all existing scholarships for your selected country and level of study. |
| Go Overseas | Selection of 46 scholarship programs for international PhD students (current as of April 2021). Annual opportunities available. |
This international research grant, available specifically for women under 35, is funded by L'Oréal in collaboration with UNESCO. It aims to address gender inequality in the field of science. To be eligible for the grant, applicants are required to demonstrate the significance of their research through a motivation letter. Priority is given to research works in the fields of biology, medicine, physics, and chemistry. The grant amount varies between 40,000 USD and 100,000 USD, depending on the category in which the applicant wins. Each year, five women are awarded this grant, representing North America, Africa and the Middle East, South and Latin America, Asia and Oceania, and Europe respectively.
Another grant program exclusively for women, providing full coverage for three years of study at American universities. In case the program cannot be completed within this timeframe, an extension can be requested. The annual payment amount is 18,000 USD for master's programs and 20,000 USD for PhD programs. The main objective of the candidate is to demonstrate the significance of her research.
The foundation provides funding for medical research and education at the master's level and above. Individual applications for scholarships are not accepted; they must be submitted by the applicant's employer. Only organizations operating in low- and middle-income countries (excluding India and China) are eligible to apply. The complete list of eligible countries can be found on the program website. The grant amount is 315,194 USD per year, distributed over a three-year period.
International students wishing to study in Germany can apply for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships. Priority is given to second-generation migrants and students from low-income families. While there are no specific field of study requirements, scholarships are primarily awarded to candidates actively involved in social work. Applicants are required to submit a motivation letter demonstrating political solidarity with the foundation, which promotes the ideology of social democracy. The monthly scholarship payments can reach up to 782 USD, with additional coverage for medical insurance. For scholarship holders with minor children, the medical insurance payments amount to 163 USD per month, while for others, it is up to 75 USD per month. Foreign applicants must also provide proof of their German language proficiency.
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