The USA has become a coveted destination for international students to pursue their post-graduate programs, including PhD and doctoral programs. The comprehensive approach to postgraduate education, extensive research scopes, and enhanced subject knowledge draw the attention of international students to pursue PhD in USA.
In 2024-2025, 203,053 students were awarded their doctoral degrees in the USA. By 2031-2032, the number of students is expected to reach approximately 229,601.
Let us explore all the important details about pursuing a PhD in USA.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
| Duration | Typically 4-6 years |
| Educational Qualifications | 4-year Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree |
| GPA Requirement | 2.7 – 3.9 on a scale of 4 |
| English Language Proficiency Score | · IELTS – 7.0 – 7.5
· TOEFL – 90 – 100 |
| PhD Fee Range | USD 28,000 to USD 55,000 (varies depending upon university) |
| Scholarships | Various scholarships, depending on the university and PhD program |
| PhD Specializations | · Engineering
· Biological Sciences · Psychology · Education · Sociology |
Top Colleges/Universities for PhD in USA
Candidates looking to pursue their PhD in US must check these universities. Tabulated below are the universities with their QS University World Ranking 2024 and the courses they offer.
| QS Rank | Name of University | Courses Offered |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | · Engineering & Technology
· Natural Sciences and Mathematics · Agriculture & Forestry · Computer Science & IT · Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences |
| 4 | Harvard University | · Molecular and Cellular Biology
· Business Administration · Computer Science · Neuroscience · Statistics · Electrical Engineering |
| 5 | Stanford University | · Management Science and Engineering
· Computational and Mathematical Engineering · Materials Science and Engineering · Bioengineering · Civil and Environmental Engineering · Energy Resources Engineering |
| 10 | University of California, Berkeley | · Humanities
· Natural Sciences and Mathematics · Agriculture and Forestry · Social Sciences · Computer Science and IT · Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences |
| 11 | University of Chicago | · Life Sciences and Medicine
· Business and Management · Social Sciences and Management |
| 15 | California Institute of Technology – Caltech | · Materials Science
· Computation and Neural Systems · Applied Mechanics |
| 16 | Yale University | · Social Sciences
· Computer Science and IT · Business Management |
| 17 | Princeton University | · Computer Science and IT
· Agriculture & Forestry · Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences · Humanities · Social Sciences · Natural Sciences and Mathematics |
| 23 | Columbia University | · Social Science
· Natural Sciences and Mathematics · Arts, Design and Architecture · Engineering and Technology · Business and Management · Medicine and Health |
| 28 | John Hopkins University | · Computer Science and IT
· Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences · Engineering and Technology · Social Sciences · Humanities · Arts, Design and Architecture · Applied Sciences and Professions · Education and Training |
Why Study PhD in US?
Here are some reasons why international students aim to pursue their PhD in US:
Leads in Innovation
For post-graduate studies like PhD, USA is a trendsetter. After Germany, the USA switched to modern PhD programs, which are inclusive of a structured approach to doctoral training.
Abundant Funding Options
In the USA, the majority of research-intensive universities are substantially funded. This implies that students will get more financial aid and grants for pursuing a PhD in US.
Globally-Renowned Research Institutions
When it comes to the best research institutions in the world, US institutions rank at the top of the table. Research institutions offering PhD in US make significant investments in expertise and research output.
In-depth Understanding of the Subject
PhD programs in the USA develop a deep understanding of the subject in the initial stage. This strengthens the research base significantly.
Diverse Academic Community with An International Perspective
US universities have international students from various countries across the globe. Irrespective of the PhD specialization, students will be a part of a diverse academic community and develop an international perspective.
Admission Checklist for PhD in USA
| Requirement | Details |
| Letters of Recommendation (LOR) | 2-3 letters written by professors, employers, or mentors familiar with your research skills and academic potential. |
| Research Proposal | A detailed document outlining your intended research topic, objectives, and methodology (varies by program). |
| Statement of Purpose (SOP) | A well-crafted essay explaining your academic journey, research interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing the specific program. |
| CV/Resume | Updated with your academic achievements, research experience, publications, and professional accomplishments. |
| Entrance Exams | GRE or GMAT scores (if required by the university or department). |
| English Proficiency Test | IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores for non-native English speakers. |
| Academic Transcripts | Official transcripts of undergraduate and master’s degrees, showing grades and coursework. |
| Degree Certificates | Copies of bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates or equivalent qualifications. |
| Writing Sample | A research paper, thesis, or academic writing sample to demonstrate your research aptitude (if required). |
| Application Fee Payment Proof | Confirmation of payment or receipt for your application submission. |
| Passport | A valid passport to apply for a student visa. |
| Proof of Funds | Financial documents showing sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses (if required). |
| Extracurricular and Professional Certificates | Evidence of professional development, workshops, conferences, or other relevant achievements. |
| Supervisor Contact or Match | Proof of communication or consent from a prospective supervisor (if applicable). |
Fees for PhD in USA
| Name of the University | Fees for PhD |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | · $1550 for doctoral students approved for non-resident tuition, first 3 semesters
· $4650 for doctoral students approved for non-resident tuition, subsequent semesters |
| Harvard University | · Full tuition – first 2 years of study – $55,656
· Reduced tuition – 3rd and 4th years of study – $ 14,470 · Continuation fee – after 4th year of study – $3,682 |
| Stanford University | · Year 1 – Tuition – 11-18 units – $61,095
· Years 2-4 – Tuition – 8-10 units – $39,720 · Year 5 – Tuition (TGR Level) – $15,888 |
| University of California, Berkeley | · 1st semester only – for California residents – $11427.50
· 1st semester only – for non-residents – $18,978.50 |
| University of Chicago | · Doctoral years 1-12 – per quarter – $16,578 |
Eligibility for PhD in USA
Candidates intending to pursue a PhD in USA must fulfil the below-mentioned eligibility criteria:
| Eligibility | Details |
| Master’s Or Bachelor’s Degree | · Minimum 15/16 years of education – school (10+2) + Bachelor’s degree – 3/4 years
· Master’s Degree |
| Proof and Test Scores of English Language Proficiency Tests like IELTS or TOEFL | · GPA – 3.0 – 3.9
· IELTS – 7.0 – 7.5 · TOEFL – 90-100 |
| GMAT or GRE Test Scores | · These scores are needed for post-doctoral management programs |
| Experience | · Internships
· Publications · Academic and Research Projects |
PhD Intakes and Application Deadlines
Here are the intake and application deadlines for pursuing a PhD in US in the top universities.
| Name of the University | Intake/Application Deadline |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | December 1, 2024
December 15, 2024 January 7, 2025 (Application deadlines vary depending on the programs. Visit the official website for details) |
| Harvard University | December 15, 2024 |
| Stanford University | December 2, 2024 |
| University of California, Berkeley | December 1, 2024 to January 8, 2025 (Application deadlines vary depending on the programs. Visit the official website for details |
| University of Chicago | December 15, 2024 |
Scholarships for PhD in USA
| Scholarship Name | Details |
| Fullbright PhD Scholarships/Fullbright Foreign Student Program | · Funds for tuition, health insurance, airfare, etc.
· Application guidelines and eligibility vary depending on the country |
| IBM PhD Fellowship Award Program | · Popular Scholarship for PhD students in the USA
· IBM PhD Fellowship awards for universities in the USA – $40,000 · In other countries – $6,000 – $25,000 |
| AAUW International Fellowships | · Supports women pursuing their post-graduate or graduate studies in the US
· Funding – $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | · Scholarships for PhD programs in the USA |
| Scholarships by Different Universities Offering PhD programs in the USA | · Visit the official websites of the leading universities in the USA offering PhD programs in different specializations and courses. |
Job Opportunities After PhD in US
Candidates completing their PhD in US can pursue various career paths. Some of them are as follows:
- Teaching and Research – Many candidates work as researchers or professors at various business schools or universities in the US.
- Research-oriented jobs – There are various kinds of research-oriented jobs in academia, private sector, and government sector in the USA Research institutes also hire candidates with a PhD degree.
- PhD to MD Program – PhD scientists in biological science can earn an MD degree and take up training for biomedical investigation
- Non-profit organizations – Candidates can apply their research skills to address various environmental and social issues. They can also work on policy development and implementation.
Top Recruiters of PhD in US
All the leading global organizations hire candidates with a PhD in US as per their requirements and in their respective departments. Some top recruiters include:
- CISCO
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Apple
- National Laboratories (Oak Ridge, Lawrence Livermore, etc.)
- Merck
- McKinsey & Company
- National Institutes of Health
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the duration to complete a PhD in US?
It takes approximately 4-6 years to complete a PhD in US. 1-4 years are for the coursework stage and years 2-4 are for the dissertation.
What is the academic year for students pursuing a PhD in US?
There are two teaching semesters in the academic year in the USA. These are August to December and January to May. Classes and assessments take place during this time.
Are PhD programs in the USA fully funded?
The majority of the universities in the USA offering PhD programs are fully funded for international students. Funding includes stipends, fee waivers and other kinds of financial aid.
Can students work during PhD in the USA?
As per the terms and conditions of the F-1 student visa, candidates can work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week during the PhD term time and full-time during the holidays.
Is a PhD in US difficult?
A PhD in US is difficult primarily because of the lengthy process which needs writing and completing an advanced research project, which has great peer reviews from academic experts.
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