how to get a phd in europe

Scholarships

Events & Webinars

Course Finder

Universities

Back to all Blogs

11 Secrets of a PhD in Europe vs USA that Matter

A PHD in Europe or USA?

They’re VERY different!

If you are trying to decide between pursuing a PhD in the USA vs a PhD in the UK, you should think more about which fits you best. There are 11 major differences between the two systems and you need to choose the one that fits you best:

Masters Degree

Typically, in Europe, you would join a PhD program after completing your Master’s degree. In the US, you would spend a few years taking courses (alongside research) to get your Master’s degree.

If you already have a Master’s degree, you may get a course waiver, which could reduce the time needed to complete your PhD.

Most of the US universities ask for GRE and TOEFL in your application for PhD program. But this not mandatory for PhD in europe, including UK and German universities. Though TOEFL, preferably above 90, is highly recommended for international students.

Choose your project before starting your PhD

For PhD in the UK (and Europe) , you need to choose a project before starting your PhD program.

This is different from the US , where you typically apply to a department for your PhD first and your thesis and research evolves in a year or two.

There are no class requirements for a PhD in the UK . You begin your research right away. The assumption is PhD students know their research areas. After all, you start by applying to a professor / lecturer with a research area in mind.

Now, that might be true for some students. Others may want to get exposed to new ideas and potential research topics. In addition, they may also want to have a wider peer group that gets formed in classes.

PhD in US vs Europe: Time to completion

PhD programs in the UK (and rest of Europe) take around 3 to 4 years to complete .

After a PhD in the UK, students generally go on to their postdoctoral research.

In the US , a PhD may take up to 5 or 6 years.

After a PhD in the US , students tend to go directly from graduation to academia or research jobs without a postdoc.

In many UK (and European) universities, there are firm guidelines on just how long a PhD takes and those are more important than individual decisions by a student’s advisers. In comparison, in the US, some students can fly through their PhD in 3 years with tremendous amounts of research, while others can take as long as 8 to 10 years to complete their PhD.

There are different systems within Europe.

In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, a PhD takes 4 to 5 years and includes additional teaching duties. Students in these schools are considered as employees. They receive monthly salaries which are comparable to the salaries earned by graduate students working in various industries and are taxable as well. A PhD student is allowed to either present or attend at least one conference anywhere in the world, expenses for which are taken care of by the research group.

In Germany, a 4-year PhD is considered too long and funding might not be available after the first three years of the PhD program.

Work-life balance

This point is less about the PhD in question, and more about the cultural difference between the UK (and Europe) and the US, but this could be a factor in your decision making if you are particular about the type of culture around you and the kind of lifestyle you wish to have.

The PhD lifestyle is much more relaxed in the UK (and in Europe). You will have more time for yourself as well as your friends and family in the UK, while pursuing your PhD.

In the US, PhD students are often overworked with more teaching and grading responsibilities. They also have a lot of class work.

PhD in UK vs US: Hierarchical Structure

In the US, PhD students report to and directly interact with their professors, but some of the PhD programs in the UK are headed by the Professor but there is also a Reader and a Lecturer. Students sometimes feel this hampers their flexibility to work, while restricting their exposure to the lab as well as the head of the lab.

Uncover the secrets of a Successful PhD

Seek advice from our counsellors today!

Get important information on Whatsapp

Future opportunities.

Some students feel that the US offers more opportunities to PhD students in academia as well as jobs. This can be true as the US has many universities offering teaching positions as well as companies offering jobs to PhD students.

However, irrespective of whether you earn your PhD from Europe or the US, some experts say you may have to hustle to find a great job after your PhD.

Different Stipend (salary)

For most PhD in the UK (and Europe), stipend (or salary) comes centrally from the universities or from Government research organizations. These stipends (or salaries) may be limited to only 3 years.

In the US , stipend (or salary) comes directly from your supervisor without any limitation on the duration of the PhD. Unlike in big US universities, there are fewer TA responsibilities for PhD students in UK universities.

In many cases, you don’t need to pay tax on your income as a graduate student in the UK (and Europe).

In Germany , international PhD students are funded for 3 years by the German government.

Less Publications

In the UK , you have less chances of getting published . Your time is more focused on your thesis document.

Less Chance of Faculty Position Afterwards

In the US , students opt for faculty positions after receiving their PhD .

This isn’t necessarily the case with PhD students in the UK , who opt for postdoc positions to remain in academia.

Get in Touch with Our Counselors!

More Similarity Than Differences

The UK (and European) universities are being influenced by the US system. Many UK universities’ Computer Science schools have Doctoral Training Programs which are essentially 4-year PhD programs, with the first year focused on teaching. These programs offer more flexibility about what you end up doing and who you end up working with. Also, these programs often are sponsored by industries, which means these have higher stipends and you may get an adviser in industry.

So, which one to choose – UK (or Europe) PhD vs US PhD?

Apart from the factors mentioned above, you should focus on the quality of the research group and reputation of the professor. You should look at the top conferences about your topic of interest and note where the papers come from. That’s your best clue as to which university / school you should choose.

Begin your Overseas Journey with us

Recent blogs.

At Azent, we have a strong commitment to education and career development. We are passionate about bringing global education to the doorsteps of students all over India.

Download Azent app

How to Apply for A PhD Abroad – International Study
Applying to a PhD

So you’ve decided to enrol onto a doctoral degree and study abroad at the same time. This is a great opportunity to develop yourself both personally and academically. However, do you actually go about securing a PhD as an international student? To help answer this for you, we’ve created this guide to explain how to apply for a PhD in foreign universities.

Why Do Your PhD Abroad?

There are many benefits to studying abroad.

Some PhD students do so as a way to develop a new language, discover more about a different culture, and to meet new people.

Besides personal reasons, undertaking a doctorate degree abroad can also for academic purposes. For example, in some countries, a particular research field may not be very popular and so there may not be many doctorate options available. In these cases, undertaking a PhD abroad will open up many more opportunities. It could also offer greater funding, lower tuition fees, better laboratory equipment and more experienced supervisors. Not only would these factors result in a more enjoyable PhD, but they could also contribute to greater career prospects. For example, you will likely have more opportunities to write publications, attend conferences and collaborate with other researchers. All of these will help you establish yourself as a respectable researcher within your field.

Is It Difficult to Apply to PhDs Abroad?

It’s not as difficult as you would imagine when it comes to applying to a PhD in a foreign country. Regardless of whether you’re applying to a university within the EU, such as the UK, Finland or Spain, or to universities within the US or Asia, the processes are relatively similar.

The differences in the application process can be categorised into three areas.

the documents you need to provide,
the prerequisite tests you need to sit,
how much you need to communicate with the potential supervisors before applying.

We’ve provided a basic outline of the application processes below. Although this will provide you with a good starting point, we highly recommend you look at the university websites for specific instructions and guidance before applying.

Will I Need a Student Visa?

This will depend on what country you are applying to. For example:

In the UK, applicants from outside the EU will need a Visa Tier 4 (Student). This will allow them to undertake a full-time PhD. However, due to UK visa restrictions, international students are unlikely to be able to enrol onto a part-time degree.
In Germany, most students will not require a student visa but will require a residence permit.
In the US, applicants will need to hold an F-1 Student Visa.
In Asia, the requirements differ depending on the specific country. For example, in China, you will require an X1 Student Visa whereas in Singapore you will require a Student Pass.

Because of the significant differences between countries, we highly recommend it is highly that you check the requirements on an individual case-by-case basis. This is best done by checking the government website of the country you wish to apply to.

General Process for Applying to PhDs Abroad

When applying to a PhD position, most universities regardless of where they’re located will require:

Online Application – An electronic form to provide your details and attach all supporting documents. You will also need to make any application fees during this process if required.
Academic Transcripts – Most universities need a scanned copy of your transcripts when applying. You will only have to submit official hard copies once they have accepted your admission.
CV – This should include details of your previous education, undergraduate degree and any experiences revenant to the field you’re applying to.
Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement – A letter which outlines why you’re applying to the PhD and why you believe you’re suitable for the project.
Letters of Recommendation – this should preferably be provided by your undergraduate degree course tutor or a professor who knows you well.

Language Tests

If your PhD is to be undertaken in English and English isn’t your first language, most universities will require you to sit an English language proficiency test. The most common tests, in order of popularity, are:

IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems)
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)

The minimum test scores will change from university to university. They will also vary depending on the research field. For example, research projects related to English Literature or Law will require relatively high scores whilst projects in Science and Engineering will require slightly lower scores. To provide an example, the University of Leicester in the UK requires a minimum overall IELTS score of 7 for Law PhDs but has a lower overall score requirement of 6 for Engineering PhDs.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How to Apply for PhDs in EU Countries

For UK universities, there are generally two ways of applying. You can either apply directly through the university’s website or you can make an application through the UCAS Postgraduate system .

In Spain, Italy and Germany, before applying to a PhD you will first need to pass a pre-application process. This involves checking that your qualifications meet their eligibility requirements. Before undergoing this pre-screening process, it would be beneficial to first speak to your government. They may offer advice on how your countries qualification system corresponds to the qualification system in the country hosting the PhD.

Once you’ve made your application, the university will review it and get in contact with you. For most EU institutions, they will invite you for a Skype or telephone interview with them if they believe you may be a suitable candidate.

If you require a student visa to study in an EU country, it’s recommended that you submit your application at least 3-4 months before the proposed PhD start date.

How to Apply for PhDs in USA

In addition to the English language exams mentioned previously, international applicants will also need to sit additional exams to be eligible for PhDs in the USA. These are the GRE General Exam and GRE Subject Exam(s). The GRE Subject Exam(s) you will need to undertake will be specific to your field and will be specified by the university as part of their edibility requirements.

Securing a PhD position in the United States is considered relatively difficult compared to other countries. As a result, it is commonly recommended that you apply to at least 9 different universities to increase your chances of securing a position.

How to Apply for PhDs in Asia

As Asia covers a wide range of countries such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, UAE and India, their application processes naturally differ from one another. Therefore, check the specific application process for each university you’re interested to get the most accurate information.

To summarise:

China – uses two centralised application services, CUAC and CUCAS. Both these services help international students find and apply to a PhD project in China. Students can also apply directly to a University if they wish to.
Singapore – rather than applying to a specific research project, you will have to apply to a faculty or department within a University. Only once you have been accepted into the university department will their research projects become available to you. Like US universities, most universities in Singapore will have required you to have sat a GRE Exams prior to applying to them.
UAE – you must apply directly to your chosen university. To be eligible for a PhD in UAE , you must hold a Master’s degree and it must be from a university recognised by their government. You will also be required to undertake GRE Exams before making your application.

How to Apply for PhDs in Australia

To apply to a PhD in Australia , you will first be expected to find and email a potential supervisor. If you’re an international student and you make an application directly to the university without doing this first, it’s highly likely that you won’t be considered for the position.

Upon discussing the project with the supervisor, they will instruct you to put in a formal application. This formal application will require the information previously outlined above.

Similar to EU institutions, if an Australian university believes you’re a strong candidate, they will likely invite you to a Skype or telephone interview.

Unlike EU universities, PhDs in Australian universities can start at any time of the year. Therefore, unless a specific funding requirement is attached to the project, there are usually no deadlines associated with applying to their PhDs. However, try to apply 3 to 4 months before you intend to start your studies.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=0; }"> Research landscape
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=1; }"> Your goal
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=2; }"> Plan your stay
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=3; }"> Success stories
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=4; }"> Our service
R&D policy framework
Research infrastructure
Research funding system
Universities
Universities of applied sciences
Technical universities
Top universities
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Helmholtz Association
Leibniz Association
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Academies of sciences and humanities
Federal institutions
State research institutions
What is R&D in German business?
Why is collaboration important?
Which sectors carry out R&D?
Which are the leading companies?
How do German businesses compare internationally?
How is the start-up scene set up?
How do I start a career?
Good reasons
Two ways to get your PhD
Find your PhD position
How to apply for a PhD
Funding programmes
Funding organisations
Funding databases
Job portals
Career options & dual careers
Funding & awards
Potential employers
Research fields
Entry and residence
German money-saving tips
Cost of living
Social insurance and health
Bringing your family
Information for your partner
Support for families
Finding a place to live
Funding opportunities
Recognition of professional qualifications
Counselling
Latest Thinking
First-hand experiences from international researchers
"Meet Your Future You" - series
On-site consultation
Our publications
Research news
Online talks
Topics in focus

Support making RiG more international!

Support making "Research in Germany" more international! Your expertise and commitment are the key to the further development of promoting the German research landscape. We invite you to take part in our online survey and share your valuable experiences and opinions. Duration: 7-10 min.

Please start the survey at the end of your visit.

How to apply for your PhD

Applying for your individual doctorate.

A researcher is presenting the results of her work on a blackboard.

DAAD/Jan Zappner

Once you have decided on a potential supervisor, you have to apply directly to the professor in question. Here are some useful tips that may help you succeed in your application:

Invest a lot of time and effort in your search for the right supervisor
Demonstrate your interest: show that you know the potential supervisor’s research field and you know what to expect
Give details of your own experience in this research field
Give explicit reasons why you would like this professor to supervise your thesis
Make your motives clear. It is important to show where your interest lies in your very first contact
Choose the subject of your thesis in a way that fits in with the academic orientation of your supervisor
Show that you are well-informed: you know the requirements for a doctorate in Germany
In your covering letter you should be brief and precise

In your application, you should provide information regarding your prior academic achievement, the topic of your master’s thesis and the subject area in which you wish to specialise. Your application should also include a well thought-out proposal for your doctoral thesis.

What's next?

After you have found a professor willing to act as your supervisor, the responsible department or doctoral committee must then confirm your eligibility as a doctoral candidate . At some universities, candidates have to apply for admission to the doctoral examination at this stage.

Although it is not always necessary, it can be advantageous for international students to enrol as a doctoral student even when they have opted for a traditional individual doctorate. The prerequisite for this is admission to the doctoral studies programme.

You may need to present proof that you have passed the relevant German language examination. The International Office at the respective university can provide more details. The doctoral regulations on departmental websites also provide information about requirements.

Applying for a structured PhD programme

A researcher is sitting at a desk in an office building and is taking notes in a small book. In front of him is a laptop.

When making your selection, you should focus on the following questions: Do the programme, the institution and the environment suit my doctoral proposal? What are the requirements? What is expected of doctoral students?

Once you have found a PhD programme, you should invest sufficient time and care in preparing your application. In some cases, there are application deadlines for admission to programmes. It is therefore advisable to begin looking for a suitable programme in good time before graduation.

Multistage application procedure

For your application to be successful, your planned doctoral thesis must fit in with the main emphases of the programme and you will need a good or very good degree that is recognised in Germany. Initial contacts are usually made over the Internet.

The application procedure itself often involves a number of different stages , but differs from programme to programme.

Generally, however, as a first step you will need to submit a curriculum vitae, a copy of your degree certificate, a brief description of your doctoral research proposal and a letter outlining the reasons for your application .
The second step , usually on request, involves a detailed application with a comprehensive exposé of the research project . This includes details of your time schedule, references from previous professors, copies of all certificates and your thesis and, possibly, proof of language proficiency.
If these documents win over the admissions committee, the applicant is usually invited to a personal interview , which can under certain circumstances also be held as a telephone conference.

Tips for your application

When you have found a suitable programme, submit an application to one of the professors in the PhD programme or to the appropriate selection committee – depending on the programme or call for proposals. Here are some useful tips that may help you succeed in your application:

Invest a lot of time and effort in your search for the right programme
Choose your thesis topic in a way that fits in with the programme. Graduate schools are more broadly based in terms of subject matter and work in an interdisciplinary way. Nevertheless, your thesis must fit in with their specific fields of research
Demonstrate your interest: show that you know the doctoral programme and you know what to expect

In your application, you should provide information regarding your prior academic achievement, the topic of your master’s thesis and the subject area in which you wish to specialise.

You should explain your reason for applying, describe your research project and possibly submit a position paper for your planned doctoral thesis. In some cases you will already be expected to know what you would like to do in your thesis and produce a research proposal on the subject.

How to write your research proposal

Be precise: say exactly why you are writing and what your research project is
Give precise details of what your research involves – and what it doesn’t involve
Explain what you want to discover in your research, what problem you would like to solve
Focus on your research topic and do not get lost in sideshows
Develop a coherent and convincing argument in favour of your research project
Don’t get tied up in minor details
Don’t forget to mention the most important works in your research area
Make sure your grammar and spelling are correct

Online course "How to apply for a PhD in Germany"

The completely online-based self-learning module offers information about how to write a good application, the characteristics of the German research landscape and many other useful topics. Register now!

A garden gnome is standing amidst tall grass and is holding a sign in his hand where "Welcome" is written on.

Valerie Loiseleux

►►► Click here to register!

Anyone interested in the course is welcome to participate. You will need about six to nine hours to complete the course.

You will learn more about the following aspects of doing a PhD in Germany:

where to find a PhD position,
application requirements and how to write a good application,
characteristics of the German research landscape,
and how to convince a supervisor of your project.

Check out our brochure

Doing a phd in germany (2019, 40 pages).

This booklet for (prospective) international doctoral students presents the different options for doing a doctorate in Germany. It explains the formal requirements and gives some practical advice on finding the right supervisor or doctoral programme. It also outlines different sponsorship and funding options.

Cookie Consent

To improve the website, the DAAD and third parties set cookies and process usage data . In doing so, the DAAD and third parties transfer usage data to third countries in which there is no level of data protection comparable to that under EU law. By clicking the "Accept all" button, you consent to this processing. You can also find selection options and explanations of these cookies and processing at the end of this page under "Cookies". There you can withdraw consent at any time with effect for the future.

Jump to content

How to Find Your PhD Position in Germany

Are you looking for a doctoral position in Germany? In the DAAD databases, you can find open PhD positions in all fields and all over Germany. When you have found an offer that matches your interests you can apply online at the offering university.

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V. Kennedyallee 50 53175 Bonn

All addresses in the DAAD Network

DAAD Newsletters

Receive regular up-to-date information about our work and organisation.

Newsletter - DAAD

Useful Links

Find Scholarships
DAAD offices worldwide

Jump to top of page

PhD Study Abroad - Guides to International Doctoral Opportunities

PhD Study Abroad

A good PhD should push the boundaries of its academic field. Sometimes that means going further afield as a student, which is why thousands of postgraduates choose to study their PhD abroad each year: seeking out the best expertise and facilities for the doctoral research they want to do.

You'll have plenty of options to choose between for an international PhD, from historic universities in Europe and America to ambitious and high-tech institutions in Asia or Australasia .

Our guides will help get you started with clear and up-to-date information on universities, fees, funding options, student visas, and information on how to apply for a PhD abroad (no matter where it is!).

Interested in PhD study down under? Find out what it's like to study a PhD in Australia, including advice on visas, applications & scholarships.

A culture of innovation and creativity makes Sweden a popular choice for international PhD students. Our guide covers universities, doctoral programmes, fees, funding and visas.

Holland and the Netherlands are a welcoming destination for international PhD study with historic and globally-renowned research universities. Our guide covers admissions, visas, fees and funding.

Looking to study a PhD in Norway? Our guide explains entry requirements, visas, funding (it’s free to study) and more.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

What documents you need for a complete study abroad application, what they are and what they should and should not include.

Unknown ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
Hear about our upcoming study fairs
Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

European Education Area

Quality education and training for all

Research opportunities in Europe

Europe offers considerable opportunities for existing and young researchers from around the world to study a PhD, a post-doctorate degree and to work as a researcher.

Some points to keep in mind when applying for PhD and postdoctoral studies in Europe

You should have a Master’s or equivalent degree to apply. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient.
Make sure you have a unique research proposal or know how your work can contribute to existing research in a field.
Generally, it takes a minimum of 4 years to complete a PhD in Europe, although there are 3- and 5-year programmes available, as well as part-time options.
Fees are typically low or non-existing and good grant possibilities are often offered by host countries, the European Union (EU) and other organisations. You may also be able to gain employment as a researcher during your doctoral studies.
The diversity of opportunities is matched by a system of qualification recognition and credit transfer, meaning that your degree will be internationally recognised and accepted by all countries with an ENIC-NARIC network .
After a PhD, you can pursue postdoctoral work. These positons are somewhat more difficult to obtain and in many cases the researcher will have to provide the funding for his or her research.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Candidates who are actively seeking a paid postdoc position may seek funding via the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).

MSCA is the EU’s reference programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training under Horizon Europe.

The MSCA foster inter-sectoral and international research. Funding is open to organisations, consortia and individual applicants.

To learn more about the different types of funding available and to apply for a relevant job, follow the link to visit the page About Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions .

Search EURAXESS

EURAXESS is a European Commission portal providing information on research positions and funding to help researchers come to Europe to work, work in another European country or beyond. People use it to find a position or funding.

To take advantage of this information and search for your job in research, just follow the link EURAXESS .

Doing a PhD in Europe vs. the US

Are you thinking of doing a PhD abroad? There are some considerable differences between European and American PhD programs that you should know about before applying. Read on to determine which program is right for you.

Qualifications

It is often not possible to do a PhD in Europe without first earning a Master’s degree. In the US, many PhD programs accept applicants who only have a Bachelor's degree. Students usually earn a Master’s as part of the PhD program after they have completed a few years of coursework and passed certain exams. This doesn't mean that all doctoral candidates in American PhD programs have entered the program straight from undergrad. Several still choose to do a Master’s first before applying for a PhD. In some programs students who already have a Master's might not be required to take as many courses as students with just a Bachelor’s, but this isn't always the case.

Time to Degree

European PhD programs are shorter than those in the US. For example, it takes three years to complete a PhD in France, Norway, the UK, and Germany. Across Europe, a three to four year PhD in common. In comparison, six years is the average time to degree in the US with many PhDs in the humanities taking seven or eight years to earn their degree.

Thesis Topic

PhD candidates in Europe must choose their thesis topic and supervisor during the application process. Students apply for specific vacant doctoral projects that are usually tied to a professor’s research. As part of their application, they must create a research proposal for this project. It is also possible (in the UK for example) to apply to a department rather than a specific position, but applicants must still include a research proposal and are advised to contact potential supervisors before applying. In the US, candidates apply to a department’s PhD program, rather than a specific PhD project. While they have to discuss their research interests and identify potential supervisors in their applications, students do not decide on their thesis topic until their second or third year. In fact, many science and engineering programs have students rotate between different labs in their first year before deciding on their supervisor and dissertation project.

Teaching Requirement

PhD candidates occasionally have the opportunity to teach in Europe, although teaching is not a requirement in many countries. In the US, PhD candidates are often required to teach undergraduates, often as teaching assistants for a large lecture class. A teaching assistant leads smaller tutorials for 20-30 students and grades their exams and papers. Most PhD students will TA one class each semester for two to three years. Several American PhD programs also have mandatory pedagogy courses for graduate students.

Many European PhD programs require students to do little to no coursework. Candidates start working on their dissertation projects right away. American PhD programs, regardless of the field, require students to take two to three years of courses and seminars about topics across the discipline before they being working on their dissertation.

Funding and Salary

In several European countries, PhD students are seen as employees and have work contracts. As employees, PhD students pay into health insurance, pension, and unemployment insurance. In countries where PhD students are not employees (such as the UK and Italy) students apply for university scholarships, external fellowships, or research grants for funding. Tuition fees are drastically lower in many European countries compared to the United States. Funding at American universities varies widely, as do tuition fees. Private universities have higher tuition than public state schools (though international students usually higher tuition at state schools). The top schools offer five-year funding packages which cover tuition and fees and provide a monthly stipend. They also often include health insurance and conference travel. At other schools, students must compete for fellowships at the university, state, or national level to fund their PhDs. In some departmnets students will be paid and receive partial tuition credit for take teaching assistantship or research assistantship positions.

Comprehensive Exams

Most European PhD programs do not require students to pass qualifying exams to progress through their PhDs. There are some notable exceptions, like Sweden, where PhD candidates do an oral and written exam at the halfway point of their PhD. In the US, students usually have to pass a series of comprehensive exams before they can start working on their dissertation. The exams test the student’s knowledge of the major fields within their discipline. While every university will have a slightly different exam structure, there is usually an oral and a written component. Sometimes students also have to orally defend their dissertation proposal. After the candidate has completed their coursework and passed all the required exams they are considered ABD (all but dissertation).

Discover related jobs

Discover similar employers

Accelerate your academic career

PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in the Netherlands

Interested in working in the Netherlands? Here's how much PhD students, ...

The Difference Between a CV and a Resume

The terms CV and resume are used interchangeably, however, there are sev...

How to Pay for a PhD

Before applying for a PhD it is important to consider how you will pay f...

American Academic Job Titles Explained

What's the difference between an assistant and an associate professor? H...

The 5 Most Important Questions You’ll Be Asked During a PhD Interview

These are the five most important questions you will be asked in a PhD i...

Moving to Belgium to Research or Study

Belgium is a great place to work and study. Here are some practical thin...

Jobs by field

Electrical Engineering 199
Programming Languages 180
Molecular Biology 173
Artificial Intelligence 167
Machine Learning 158
Materials Engineering 147
Cell Biology 145
Computational Sciences 138
Biochemistry 133
Mechanical Engineering 128

Jobs by type

Postdoc 363
Assistant / Associate Professor 158
Professor 108
Research assistant 97
Researcher 95
Engineer 82
Lecturer / Senior Lecturer 69
Management / Leadership 59

Jobs by country

Belgium 340
Netherlands 203
Morocco 128
Germany 125
Switzerland 102
Luxembourg 78

Jobs by employer

KU Leuven 147
Mohammed VI Polytechnic Unive... 132
University of Luxembourg 77
Eindhoven University of Techn... 69
Ghent University 59
ETH Zürich 52
Leiden University 45
Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) 43
University of Antwerp 42

Skip to primary navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to primary sidebar
Skip to secondary sidebar
Skip to footer

career-advice.jobs.ac.uk

Planning To Do A PhD In Europe?

Here’s what you need to research

There may have never been a better time to study for a PhD in Europe . Many European universities are expanding, and opening up to a world beyond national borders. There can be significant cost savings as well. If you are a world-class student, there is likely to be a world-class opportunity for you.

Portability and quality.

Research-based doctorates are usually seen as equivalent the world over, but some kinds of professional doctorates, such as medical degrees, can come with licensing issues. Before you apply for a PhD in Europe, make sure the programme will give you equivalent professional status in your country of origin.

Of course, you must ensure that you have chosen an accredited university. Unfortunately, some overseas students have been caught out by fraudulent firms posing as PhD providers. All European countries have national accreditation schemes for universities, including private education institutions.

You should also ensure that the programme you choose compares well internationally in your field.

Degree check.

In most European countries, you must have the suitability of your foreign bachelors and masters degrees checked by a national organisation before you can apply for a PhD programme. You may need to submit a record of your module marks and information about course structure as well as your degree certificates. A small fee will be charged, and you should allow plenty of time for this process.

Language matters.

You’ll also need to look at language issues. Some PhD programmes are taught in English, and for research-based PhDs language is not always an issue, as long as your supervisor agrees. For others, you may need to take a specific language exam.

If English is your second language, you may also need to take an exam to establish your level of fluency—which exam and which level will depend on the university and the course. Each country has a language exam framework and will only accept certain qualifications as equivalent: the IELTS is the most commonly used, but you will need to check.

Another possibility is taking a pre-sessional language course followed by an exam. This can usually be arranged directly with the university if you have been accepted as a provisional student.

Visa issues.

EU students can study anywhere within the EU region without a student visa, but for non-EU applicants, this can be a lengthy process. Part of the visa process may include proving that you already have enough money to support yourself (and partner/children if they will come with you) before arriving.

Funded PhD in Europe students may receive help from the university in making visa arrangements as part of their package, but self-funding students should begin working as early as possible to ensure everything is in place. The university will, of course, provide you with proof that you have been accepted onto the course, but there will be additional paperwork to prepare and submit.

Be sure that you understand the terms of your visa: Some European countries allow students to work during their studies (usually a limited number of hours), and some allow new graduates to work. Others expect you to leave immediately after completing your degree.

What did you think of our article? - please rate

Share this article

Reader Interactions

You may also like:, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please enter an answer in digits: sixteen − one =

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

How to Find Fully Funded PhD and Master’s Programs in Europe

Young female student dressed casually with colorful books in the inner yard of oldest university in the world in Bologna city in Italy.

By Andrew Anžur Clement, PhD

Let’s say that you’re about to graduate from college, with either an undergrad or a master’s under your belt. You’re looking for your next move but would like to avoid things like mountains of student debt or crushing teaching loads. If you’re like me, maybe you studied abroad and just don’t want to come home. If so, there are a lot of great reasons to consider one of the many fully-funded master’s or PhD programs offered by the European Union and other European institutions.

Read on to learn more about where to get started looking to find the European post-grad experience that’s right for you, at the master’s, PhD and post-doc levels.

The double master’s scholarships offered by the European Commission’s Erasmus Mundus programs.

The EU Commission is the executive branch of the European Union. Among other things, it funds double masters programs under the umbrella of the Erasmus Mundus funding scheme. The stipends cover tuition, as well as well as monthly stipends for living expenses and also a one-time allotment for travel costs to and from Europe.

On these programs, you will study at two different institutions within a program’s consortium; you’ll graduate with degrees from both of these universities. You may also have the opportunity for an exchange semester at third partner institutions in the EU and around the world, including places like the UK. Students from all over the world can apply. In most cases, the language of coursework and instruction is English.

You’ll apply directly to the program and consortium you’re interested in. The specific requirements differ, depending on your field and specific course of study. There are two main ways to go about finding the right master’s program. The old-fashioned way is by looking at the websites of the universities and departments you are interested in, to see if they are members of an Erasmus Mundus program that’s a good fit for your interests. Then you’ll apply via that consortium’s website. Other EU-related funding opportunities can be found here .

Fortunately, there is an easier way. The EU now has a handy, searchable database for all currently running Erasmus Mundus programs called the Erasmus Mundus Catalog . There, you can find out more and apply.

Even if you are not selected for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you may have the opportunity to attend as a paying student. Even then, you will still benefit from a world-class educational experience and get two degrees at tuition fees that are far, far lower than in the United States.

PhD and post-doc funding opportunities from the European Union.

If you’ve already graduated with your master’s (or double master’s) in your hot little hands, if you want to continue with your academic plans on the continent, the EU still has plenty of great opportunities for you.

The European Commission funding programs on the PhD and post-doc levels are now administered exclusively through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSC) . This is great. It allows you to double-dip by being able to receive the one-time grant, on the master’s and doctoral levels separately.

While you are able to propose your own research program directly to the commission under the framework of the MSC grant, this is exceedingly difficult and mostly done on the post-doctoral level.

The EU has a database of all MSC funding ‘actions,’ as they are called, at the link above. However, because this includes all types of currently-open calls for applications, including at the post-doc and departmental levels, it can prove a bit clunky. The best way of going about finding the PhD consortium ‘school’ that is right for you is to look directly on the websites of the universities you are interested in to see if they are a member of a consortium program. You will apply directly via the consortium’s website, when the call for applications is open.

As a prospective PhD candidate, you will likely apply through the specific consortium of degree-awarding institutions, or ‘PhD school,’ that fits not only your academic background and interests but also your compatibility with the research package profile that the school – and, in turn, the EU – is looking for. In simpler terms, this means that the PhD consortium authorities will evaluate your potential as a researcher to pursue a specific agenda of research and carry out various mandatory academic and outreach modules as dictated in a top-down manner.

This means that, on the PhD level, you are applying for a job; you will be paid a salary to carry out a specific research project in a pre-determined area over the course of the program, at the end of which you will receive PhD’s from two academic institutions. You can find out more information about the MSC grants and how to prepare a competitive application for an MSC fellowship in my article: How to Prepare a Strong Application for a PhD Fellowship in the Social Sciences from the European Union .

A note on the European Economic Area and Post-Brexit realities.

Let’s say that you’ve found a program that you’d love to apply for in Switzerland, Norway, or Iceland. On the other hand, maybe you have your heart set on starting your post-grad academic career in the United Kingdom. In the first two of these cases you’re in luck! Members of the European Economic Area – Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein – as EU ‘affiliates,’ actively participate in the EU’s master’s and PhD programs, as degree-awarding institutions.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, UK universities are still eligible to be affiliated with EU Erasmus Mundus consortium programs as ‘partner’ rather than ‘participating’ institutions. In short, this means while prospective candidates for an EU fellowship may still be able to study at a UK institution for a semester, the main degree-awarding institutions will both have to be from the EU/EEA.

The UK posts its own national master’s and PhD funding opportunities on the British Council Scholarships and Funding website, though, post-Brexit, the British Council has become more focused on attracting students from its Commonwealth and certain other countries with which it seeks to form deeper strategic partnerships. In general, should you choose to attend a UK master’s or PhD program as a paying student, tuition fees are easily more than twice that of many European universities, though still less than in the United States.

Final thoughts.

So there you have some starting points to search for fully funded and stipended post-grad programs in Europe. By choosing Europe for your post-grad studies, it’s possible to finish with four degrees, money in the bank and limitless possibilities for the future. Judging by my own experience, at least, the EU certainly has one more satisfied graduate.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read I Completed 4 Fully-Funded Graduate Programs in Europe (And You Can, Too) .

I Completed 4 Fully-Funded Graduate Programs in Europe (And You Can, Too)
How to Prepare a Strong Application for a PhD Fellowship in the Social Sciences from the…
How to Fund Your Graduate Studies in the UK
More Fellowships Abroad: Next Stop, Europe!
Fully Funded Master's Programs in Geography

Andrew Anžur Clement , Fully Funded Master's Programs , Fully Funded PhD Programs , Masters Fellowships , PhD Fellowships

Sustainability Fellowships for Master’s Graduates

Profellow spring 2023 university tour, find and win paid, competitive fellowships.

Be alerted about new fellowship calls for applications, get insider application tips, and learn about fully funded PhD and graduate programs

Fellowship Resources

Calls for Applications
Upcoming Fellowship Deadlines
Fellowships Database
Interviews with Fellows
International Fellows Network
Graduate Funding Directory

Fellowship Tips

What is a Fellowship?
Fully Funded Course
Graduate School Funding
Fellowship Application Tips
Fulbright Application Tips
Fellowship Application Guide
Our Mission, History & Values
ProFellow Winner Testimonials
Fully Funded Course Testimonials
Fellowship Industry Report
Advertise With Us
Terms & Privacy

ProFellow is the go-to source for information on professional and academic fellowships, created by fellows for aspiring fellows.

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

Is it true that it is easier to obtain a PhD in Europe than the US on average?

I am a physics undergrad, and plan to pursue a PhD in mathematical physics (string theory?). I have heard from a lot of people, who have personally seen the research scenario at universities both in the US and Europe, that it is much easier to get a PhD from a European university, that it takes about 3-4 years in a good university in Europe, while more than 5 years in American universities. Another thing I have been told is that in Europe you get your PhD after 4 years atmost by default, even if you have not done any original research. Is it true?

research-process
graduate-admissions
30 'Europe' is not only ill-defined but generally refer to a set of countries with radically different academic systems. – Cape Code Commented Aug 21, 2014 at 11:33
9 By far the most ill-defined question I ever read on the internet. Makes about as much sense as asking if King Kong is stronger than Godzilla. But yeah, since you care, it's Godzilla. – TMOTTM Commented Aug 21, 2014 at 21:24
4 @gnometorule [Citation required]. I, for one, have to have a minimum of four first author research papers. – Davidmh Commented Feb 5, 2015 at 22:26
6 @Davidmh; I'm being sarcastic. I find the idea, and someone believing that somehow a PhD gets awarded in Europe for no work naive, and borderline insulting. – gnometorule Commented Feb 5, 2015 at 22:32
2 @gnometorule All right, then. Poe's law strikes again! – Davidmh Commented Feb 5, 2015 at 22:52

6 Answers 6

Short answer: No. Long answer: Determining the minimum bar for which a PhD can be awarded is a bad exercise. If you are merely working towards the minimum you will not successfully complete a PhD.

One thing to note is that PhDs in the US tend to be open ended (to the extent you can continue to get funding) while in Europe they tend to have fixed durations. This means in Europe the bar comes whether you are ready or not while in the US you get to chose when you defend. Neither is easier, just different.

4 Good points. Even a minimal PhD isn't worth so much these days. – Dave Clarke Commented Sep 30, 2012 at 16:32
5 Maybe it should be noted that at least in the German universities I have been in touch with, while you are right that funding has a more or less fixed duration (read: it will not be prolonged indefinitely), the consequence of that is that you may end up with the choice between cancelling your PhD plans or continuing your PhD (indefinitely ...) without any funding, during your spare time, while having an unrelated job. – O. R. Mapper Commented Mar 3, 2015 at 12:12

The duration between US and Europe are not usually the same, mostly because in the US, you only need to have a Bachelor degree to enrol for a PhD (and you can get a Master during the PhD), while in Europe, it's usually required to have a Master degree before enrolling for a PhD. Since it can take two years to get a Master, you also need about 5 years after your Bachelor to get your PhD.

I don't know if you always get your PhD after a number of years, no matter what, but the point in Europe is that a PhD is not necessarily an advantage on the market, with respect to a Master (at least, that's true in France), and is mostly required for working in Academia. In Academia, nobody cares that you have a PhD (because, well, almost everybody got one), so your publications, references, contacts, your CV in general will make a difference, not your degree. Hence, it might be possible that you can get the degree after a while, knowing that it's useless anyway if you haven't done any original research (although in many places, it's now required to have a given number of publications before being able to submit a PhD thesis). But I wouldn't claim in any way that it's a common practice, and I know several persons who have dropped (or been suggested to drop ...) their PhD program.

As for your main question, I don't know if one can tell whether it's easier to get a PhD in Europe than in the US, because it's hard to define what is "easier". If your question is whether you can come to Europe, enrol to any PhD, just wait 4 years and get your PhD, the answer is no.

1 @EnergyNumbers: fixed, but I'm not sure there are many academic positions in Europe where you can apply without a PhD. – user102 Commented Sep 30, 2012 at 15:55
7 These days you wouldn't get far without a PhD. Those in high positions without a PhD are only there for historical reasons. – Dave Clarke Commented Sep 30, 2012 at 16:31
@EnergyNumbers: I reckon it changed over 10 years ago. Things are so much more competitive these days. Without a PhD, you will not make it far. That said, some people can get into the system purely as a teacher, but their prospects are limited, as the do no research. (Whether or not this is right is another matter.) – Dave Clarke Commented Sep 30, 2012 at 16:45
2 @EnergyNumbers: I certainly would not encourage potential researchers to try to get into research without doing a PhD. (And the fact that you obtained an appointment without a PhD leaves out many facts: what kind of appointment, degree of experience, ...) – Dave Clarke Commented Sep 30, 2012 at 19:49
1 @wonea: At least in France, a Master is mandatory for "regular" students (i.e., for students who come straight from university, it can be different for professionals who want to validate research experience acquired by experience). AFAIK, I thought it was pretty much the same in Europe, but I don't know in details all regulations :) – user102 Commented Oct 1, 2012 at 8:41

Remember that Europe is a big place, comprised of lots of different countries. It doesn't make sense to talk about a European "PhD". The mechanism and typical PhD lengths between countries can be completely different.

The next few comments relate to the UK PhD system.

You don't get a PhD automatically after 4 years. I can introduce you to a few people who will testify to this!

In the UK, a PhD doesn't involve a "taught" aspect. I believe that in the US, the first two(?) years typically involve examinations.

In most Universities I'm familiar with, PhD students do not have a heavy teaching load. In my department, PhD students are allowed to take some tutorials/marking for additional money, but this is on top of there usual PhD working week. The number of hours a PhD student can work is closely monitored. In particular, it's incredibly rare for a PhD student to take undergraduate lectures.

I believe it is common in the US for PhD student to run a lecture course.

2 I will testify to 2. with regards to German doctorates. – crsh Commented Oct 1, 2012 at 15:25
@crash Any details on that? – TMOTTM Commented Aug 21, 2014 at 21:26

There are tough (read respectable) and relatively easy (read weaker) schools and PhD programs in both sides. You could find a comparatively easy US university v.s. top school in Europe, and vice versa.

I suggest to set your goals a bit higher than you think you can reach rather than wasting time (read life) shooting for an "easy" PhD track.

I have had the pleasure of both systems, US and European. The simple fact is that the average PhD takes less time in Europe than in the US. This does not directly correlate to quality (Although I have a somewhat informed opinion about that which I'll offer later), merely time to completion. Most of this has to due with the differences in Bachelor degrees from the 2 regions, commonly only 3 years in Europe, 4 in the US. Masters are also treated differently in both locations.

The real issue in my opinion is the lack of options for EU students. Both the US and Europe are experiencing a "watering-down" of the PhD, since they are all but required in so many places where they add no value other than haughty title. This is markedly worse in Europe, but the US is doing everything it can to "catch-up." In the US, the better job market allows multiple paths to success if you'd like to forego the PhD, while avoiding an advanced degree in Europe condemns one to worse underemployment than is already seen there (read that a Masters(Europe) is a Bachelors(US)).

Frankly, people want to believe their PhDs were exceptional and that by extension they endow their holders with exceptionality, but this is not true. A prerequisite PhD is a symptom of a sluggish, un-dynamic labor market, that sentences you to underpay for 3-5 years. If you really think you need one, the best advice is to find an advisor you can work with (a lot of them are amoral tyrants) finish it as quickly as possible, and move on. Contrary to statements above, what you get out is not linked exclusively to what you put in, and there are some very easy ones available.

1 It is good to see sober people in the Academia who don't fall to the "we need more PhDs!" chants... – Greg Commented Aug 21, 2014 at 14:47

Which country in the EU is that one supposed to be? In Portugal to enter a PhD program you either need to have a Masters or an exceptional Bachelors with high marks and letters of recommendation from senior researchers (only accepted in cases where applicants already have a publication record). A PhD usually takes around 5 years to complete. Exceptional people may do it in 4 years and quite a lot of students take 6 years or more to get one.

You do not get a PhD without a solid publication record. The requirements vary by institution and may include the number of publications and the impact factor of the publications.

If you are not motivated to spend a considerable amount of time studying that subject you should not bother getting the PhD. Also like others have said the career prospects and financial gains are not worth it either during the PhD or for the first 5 years after the PhD. Even then your position is not ensured. A leading academic researcher with that kind of income will be someone who is good at bringing research funding. Those kinds of people would manage just as well or better financially in the private sector.

You must log in to answer this question.

Featured on Meta
Bringing clarity to status tag usage on meta sites
We've made changes to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy - July 2024
Announcing a change to the data-dump process

Hot Network Questions

Is it normal to be able to tear off PCB components with bare hands?
Is there any point "clean-installing" on a brand-new MacBook?
How are USB-C cables so thin?
Vim macro to mapping
Why do individuals with revoked master’s/PhD degrees due to plagiarism or misconduct not return to retake them?
Can a Statute of Limitations claim be rejected by the court?
In "Take [action]. When you do, [effect]", is the action a cost or an instruction?
"Undefined" when attempting analytical expression for a RegionIntersection and its Area in V14.0
In log-rank testing how could the CI cross 1 with a p-value < .05?
Short story in which in which "aliens" from the future appear at a man's door
What mode of transport is ideal for the cold post-apocalypse?
Argument of Complex Numbers with unknown values
Unstable output C++: running the same thing twice gives different output
Ai-Voice cloning Scam?
Justification for the Moral Ought
Density of perfect numbers
Cutting a 27×27 square into incomparable rectangles
Rock paper scissor game in Javascript
Package 'gettext' has no installation candidate, but package exists
Why are these simple equations so slow to `Solve`?
To what extent do value sets determine polynomials mod p?
How do I loosen this nut of my toilet lid?
Why do instructions for various goods sold in EU nowadays lack pages in English?
Someone wants to pay me to be his texting buddy. How am I being scammed?

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Study in Europe /

Find the best PhD in Europe to study

Updated on
Dec 7, 2023

The globally acclaimed educational institutions of Europe are founded on the principle of research and innovation and the continent is also home to the headquarters of several renowned multinational enterprises as well as state-of-the-art centres of scientific exploration. Geneva, Berlin and Paris are amongst the top preferred study destinations in Europe. Moreover, offering international-level exposure and knowledge into a varied range of fields and specialisations, the continent attracts an immense number of students from all nooks and corners of the world every year who enrol across an array of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes . Particularly, a PhD in Europe is a highly specialized degree program provided in a multitude of specialised disciplines. If you are planning to pursue a doctoral degree in the continent, here is a detailed guide on the key essentials you should know before applying for a PhD in Europe .

This Blog Includes:

Phd in europe: eligibility requirements, research proposal, phd in europe: how to apply, phd in europe: top study destinations.

A doctoral degree like a PhD is undertaken as research in a particular topic within a subject, such as a PhD in English on ‘Shakespearean Literature’ or a PhD in Economics on ‘Market Volatility’. European institutions offer flexibility as to the constituents of a PhD degree in terms of duration, thesis, the language of instruction, coursework, and teaching requirements, amongst others. Usually, a PhD in Europe lasts for a minimum of 3 years extending to 5-6 years and the application requirements mandate submission of a research proposal to the professor, department or at the application portal. Prospective students are advised to visit course websites for the latest information.

Applicants need to fulfil some minimum eligibility conditions in order to pursue a PhD in Europe. Many universities generally require candidates to have a master’s degree in their chosen field of study. However, in some cases, institutions may also admit students on the basis of a high-ranking bachelor’s degree. Further, a minimum score is required throughout all postsecondary qualifications, for instance, in the UK, a first or upper-second-class UK honours degree or its international equivalent.

A considerable number of European institutions require prospective applicants to submit a research proposal which details the intended topic of research that the applicant wishes to pursue at the institution. Further, it also delineates the professors under which the applicant wishes to work and how it will help him in developing his interest. The university strives for a balance between the expectations of the applicant and the facilities it is providing so as to promote student development.

In comparison to institutions in USA , Canada and Australia , a PhD in Europe is affordable in terms of tuition fees, living costs and other expenses. Further, besides university-based funding in the form of scholarships, assistantships etc, the country of study also offers diverse funding opportunities like monthly stipends, research assistantships, tuition fee waivers and country-based scholarships.

GRE Scholarships
Education Loan without Collateral

The process of application for a PhD in Europe can be undertaken in two ways. One, through direct professor approach and recommendation (only a few students get admission through this way) and the other through the traditional application process. The former method requires you to approach a professor at the university from your field and ask for an admission recommendation. If the professor is impressed by your academic qualifications and experience, you will be offered a PhD admission to the university. On the other hand, the conventional application process is similar to the regular application procedure and requires you to upload all the necessary documents such as LOR , SOP and resume amongst others along with submitting the application fee. After a month or two encompassing the evaluation process, the university will provide the list of selected students on their admission portal.

There are a plethora of study destinations in Europe that offer quality educational programs in an array of fields and specializations. The continent is home to some of the best academic institutions in the world and is home to an immense number of research centres and universities. Here is a list of major study destinations in Europe and their renowned institutions along with other specific details about PhD programs offered.

Home to one of the top universities in the world, the United Kingdom (UK) provide a huge number of PhD and research opportunities spanning a multitude of specialisations from Business Administration to disciplines of Liberal Arts. Most UK universities will essentially need a master’s degree as well as English language proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL as key eligibility prerequisites for a PhD program.

Duration: Minimum 3 years; full-time

Institutions: University of Bristol , University of Manchester , University of Sussex etc.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students

German universities are internationally renowned for their offered range of Science and Engineering programs. Providing courses with low or almost no tuition fees, Germany also has an array of government grants for international students aspiring to pursue a PhD. These grants are availed by DAAD and Excellence Initiative with an aim to equip meritorious students with financial assistance for PhD programs.

Duration: 3-4 years

Institutions: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen ; TU Munchen, Humboldt University Berlin etc.

Also Read: Study in Germany Without IELTS

France is another prominent European study destination for those aspiring to pursue PhD programs in technical fields such as Engineering, Information Technology, amongst others. The tuition fees for PhD courses in French universities are typically low and students are allowed to pursue independent research programmes at the elitist institutions of the country. Further, you can also go for dual-degree courses that are an exceptional combination of a master’s degree and a PhD.

Institutions: Université PSL , Ecole Polytechnique, etc

With the perks of affordable education and living costs, Finland is home to two of the world’s renowned research universities, i.e. the University of Helsinki and the Aalto University. Further, major PhD courses are offered in English and you don’t necessarily need to learn Finnish to pursue a course in the country.

Institutions: University of Helsinki , Aalto University, University of Eastern Finland etc.

Team Leverage Edu

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

September 2024

January 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

How to Find Fully-Funded PhD Positions in Europe

October 31, 2022
Admission Guidance , Post graduate , Scholarships & Financial Aid , Student Admission , Study Abroad

Finding a fully-funded PhD abroad is not a straightforward process. In fact, for Indian applicants, the process is even tougher due to a variety of reasons. In this post, Ankita Murmu, who has written popular posts earlier on Stoodnt, writes about her PhD admission journey.

Fully-Funded PhD in Bioinformatics Admission Journey

By Ankita Murmu

A PhD was not something I wanted to step into initially. But here I am, a first-year PhD student at the Department of Bioinformatics , Semmelweis University .

Initial Struggles with Finding Internships Abroad

My decision to apply for a PhD admission started while I was still pursuing my master’s degree. I became interested in bioinformatics while working on my master’s thesis and decided to continue my research passion in this field.

Since the beginning, I had a clear idea about which research areas interested me. At that time, I had zero knowledge about how to get a PhD abroad.

I always wanted to go abroad to gain research experience. I did try for a few research internships during my bachelor’s as well as during my master’s. However, I wasn’t lucky enough to get into one!

Competition for PhD Admissions in India

My first option was definitely to pursue my PhD in India. Moving abroad was my plan B. I talked to a lot of people; my professors, friends, and family members regarding whether India or abroad would be better to pursue my PhD.

To be honest, the more I talked to people the more I got confused. But that didn’t let me lose my passion to pursue my PhD. I started applying to the PhD admission calls from all the premier institutions in India such as IITs and IISC during the last semester of my master’s.

I had the perception that because I have a valid GATE score, it would be easy for me to get admission. But things turned out to be quite the opposite. The competition to secure a few seats was extremely high. I got selected for a few interviews but couldn’t qualify for any of them. Although that was demotivating, I didn’t lose hope. I turned to my plan B!

Turning on to Plan B: Fully-Funded PhD Abroad

It did feel fuzzy at the beginning on how to go ahead with my PhD hunting abroad. So, I did a lot of research regarding this.

I had my mind fixed on going to universities within Europe majorly because of the less time duration to complete the PhD and research facilities.

I wanted to work on complex diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease using bioinformatics and wet-lab approaches. Accordingly, I started targeting those professors whose research interests matched mine.

So, I started cold-emailing professors in well-known institutes like the Center for Gene Regulation (CRG), European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), and many more based on my research interests and the research profile of the professors.

Recommended Reading: Ph.D. in Biomedical / Biological / Life Sciences – Tips For Application and Admission

Centralized PhD Applications

However, I realized that some of these institutes’ PhD recruitment process is not in the hands of the supervisor but a completely different committee. They have their open PhD calls once or twice a year where the potential candidates have to apply and the hiring committee decides whom to select.

This kind of application is quite competitive and they look into many aspects of the candidate’s application such as previous research experience, previous grades, universities, publications, etc. Also, if the professor knows you it gives you an edge!

To be honest, Google was the first source in helping me get an idea about how to write cold emails to professors, or prepare a CV or a cover letter. I used to modify my emails each time I sent them. I believe this was important to make the professor who reads the email not think that I just copy pasted!

The objective was to make them think that I genuinely put my efforts into writing that email and I am very much interested in their research.

Important things I kept in mind while cold emailing professors to get a fully-funded PhD Abroad:

I kept my emails concise and to the point. Nobody has time to read long emails!
I highlighted the important words in “bold”. Eye-catching!
I emphasized how I can fit into their research team by using my skill sets. Basically, convincing them to take me!
I read their recent research papers and highlighted something that I liked or that I can further contribute to. Researchers or Professors love when someone praises their work!

Recommended Reading: How to Email Potential Supervisors: Tips by Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship Recipient

My Experience of Finding a Fully-Funded PhD in Europe

The first few months of my PhD hunt were quite frustrating. I used to email 10-20 professors from different institutes or departments every day. Sometimes I used to get polite responses from most of the supervisors only when they are not taking PhD students other times it was just silent.

Then I tried a different approach. I started applying for open positions advertised on websites like findAPhd , Euraxess , and academic positions. Naturecareers and also on LinkedIn and the websites of the universities.

These open positions just ask for a CV and a cover letter and I felt it was an easy way to apply. But soon I realized this is the narrow and the harder way as the position requirements are mostly for one PhD student and the professors get hundreds of applications for that one position.

Luckily, I was invited for my first interview when I applied for one of the open PhD positions at the University of Warsaw. Similarly, I attended 10 more interviews from different universities but couldn’t make it to anyone of them.

I realized that my rejections were mostly due to my lack of bioinformatics skills. So, to upgrade my skills in bioinformatics, I attended workshops, took some online courses, participated in a Hackathon, and underwent internships as well.

I didn’t look for any Research Assistant or Junior Research Fellow positions because I wanted to focus entirely on my PhD hunting. Although, I would suggest anyone who wants to pursue a PhD abroad ( mostly if it’s within Europe ) gain at least one year of research experience before starting their PhD.

Networking and Family Support Always Help

I started my PhD hunting in the month of February 2021 and it was until October 2021 that I had no positive responses. It was discouraging and demotivating for me and I started losing hope.

My family was my biggest support during those times. I didn’t give up.

I came to know about the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship from one of my friends. The application opens in mid of November so I started contacting professors in August 2021.

Connecting with the Right Supervisor for a Fully-Funded PhD Abroad

It was at the beginning of November 2021 that my current supervisor invited me for an interview and voila! He was so impressed with my resume and bioinformatics skills that he wanted to hire me as a PhD student.

Again, the challenge was that I could only join his research group if I was successful in getting the scholarship.

Some Good News

In February 2022, my joy knew no bounds when I was nominated for the scholarship by the University Grants Commission, India. Finally, some hope and confidence started to build up in me in making my dream come true. But, I still had to wait for the final results until June 2022.

In between those months, I also received another PhD offer from Bar Ilan University, Israel. One of the professors I was working with on a remote project from Technische Universität Braunschweig, Germany also decided to offer me a PhD position. But due to a delay in funding, I decided not to consider that (as I didn’t want to lose another year).

Finally, after receiving 40 rejections and waiting for almost a year, I was offered the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship and a PhD position at the Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University under Prof. Balázs Győrffy .

Not only I got it in my country of choice (within Europe) but also in the research area I was interested in. My PhD work revolves around analyzing multi-omics data for different cancer types and focusing on their diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic applications.

Recommended Reading: Fully-Funded PhD in Cancer Biology in Australia for Indian Applicant with Pharma Background

Tips for Finding Fully-Funded PhD Abroad

I would like to end this article by giving a few tips on PhD hunting based on my experience:

You need a strong motivation to engage in PhD research. As simple as this sounds, it is important for students to know if having a PhD degree is the right step to take in the first place.
Have a clear picture of what you want to do. Start planning early. A good PhD research takes a lot of time to conceive.
Start building your skills and research profile based on your research interests.
When you are applying for a PhD program and you are allowed to choose your own supervisor, try to look for a supervisor who would have your interest at heart. Ask the current graduate students (I personally did that)and check the supervisor’s profile thoroughly!
I believe that the institution doesn’t matter much but if you have an excellent lab group and a supportive supervisor your PhD journey will be more fruitful.
Surround yourself with people who can motivate you while you go through your PhD hunting process. This will help you a lot to not lose focus.
Finally, have faith in yourself and be confident. Hard work always pays off!

If you have any questions or need any help in your PhD hunting you can always connect with me on LinkedIn .

About Ankita Murmu:

Ankita - Biotech Graduate with Expertise in R Programming and Bioinformatics

Ankita worked as a Data Curation Intern at NuGenomics. She completed her Bachelors & Masters in Biotechnology and interned at CSIR, Pine Biotech, and Guwahati Biotech Park.

Ankita comes from a land of the highest tea production in India and a place known for its red rivers and blue hills – Assam. Writing articles is her passion, traveling is her hobby and, she is a huge lover of food.

You might also like to read Ankita’s Previous Articles:

B.Tech. Biotechnology Career Path in India: A Student’s Point of View

Common Problems Faced by Biotechnology Students in India – A Student’s Perspective

Why Learn Programming to Make it Big in Biotechnology & Bioinformatics

Find your Ph.D opportunity in Europe

Find your Ph.D opportunity in Europe - Seminar

Apparently, Europe is the world best place to build your research career and gain experiences. The major 7 European countries will provide you with various opportunities to conduct your study in Europe, and during the seminar, other European countries will also join us to answer your individual questions how to study and live in the respective European countries. Please come and meet us!

15:30-15:35 Event Introduction / Mr. Nicholas Burge (EU Delegation to Korea)

15:35-15:45 Introduction of EURAXESS / Dr. Mattieu Py & Dr. Tomasz Wierzbowski

15:45-16:05 Presentation 1. Belgium / Ms. Eva Morre (Embassy of Belgium)

16:05-16:25 Presentation 2. France / Ms. Elodie Franco-Ritz (Embassy of France)

16:25-16:45 Presentation 3. Germany/ Mr. Alexander Renner (Embassy of Germany)

16:45-17:05 Presentation 4. Netherlands / Mr. Peter Wijlhuizen (Embassy of the Netherlands)

17:05-17:25 Presentation 5. Spain / Dr. Jordi Espluga Bach ((Embassy of Spain)

17:25-17:45 Presentation 6. Sweden / Mr. Anders Hektor (Embassy of Sweden)

17:45-18:05 Presentation 7. UK / Mr. Gareth Davies (Embassy of the UK)

18:05-18:30 Open Q&A and Networking

IMAGES

How to find PHD positions in EUROPE| Websites |
How To Get Into A PhD Program In Europe: Tips And Tricks
PhD Positions In Europe
PhD Opportunities for International Students in Europe
How to apply for PhD in Europe || Part 2 || Best time to start applications, Deadlines
How to do a funded PhD in Europe

COMMENTS

PhD Study in Europe
PhD study within the European Higher Education Area. The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is a network of 49 countries that share a common system for university degrees. It is made up of all 27 EU members, plus the UK, as well as other countries from elsewhere in Europe and Eurasia.
How to apply for doctoral studies in Europe
Getting started. In Europe, every university sets its own application criteria for doctoral studies. To successfully enter the world of research, it´s very important to be proactive and start your preparation early. The enrollment procedures take time. Prepare early, check entry requirements and collect your documents.
11 Secrets of a PhD in Europe vs USA that Matter
In comparison, in the US, some students can fly through their PhD in 3 years with tremendous amounts of research, while others can take as long as 8 to 10 years to complete their PhD. There are different systems within Europe. In Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, a PhD takes 4 to 5 years and includes additional teaching duties.
How to Apply for A PhD Abroad
For UK universities, there are generally two ways of applying. You can either apply directly through the university's website or you can make an application through the UCAS Postgraduate system. In Spain, Italy and Germany, before applying to a PhD you will first need to pass a pre-application process.
How to Find a PhD in Europe?
Use PhDportal. You are always welcome to use our website, PhDportal, which offers more than 2,700 PhDs in Europe. You can click on the website, and then select the discipline you want to study and search. You will be directed to a list of PhD programmes within your selected field. You can click on a programme and read more detailed information.
Find your PhD position
Finding a PhD position. PhDGermany publishes PhD openings in Germany that specifically target international applicants. Accordingly, in most cases the working language is English. Fluent knowledge of German is only required for certain special positions. PhDGermany helps you find the right PhD opening or supervisor for your doctoral thesis and ...
Applying for a PhD in the UK| FindAPhD.com
There are over 150 universities in the UK. The vast majority are public universities, meaning that they receive funding (including budgets for PhD studentships) from the UK Government.All British universities are free to pursue their own research objectives, but the amount of funding each institution receives is partly based on regular assessments of its performance as part of the Research ...
How to apply for a PhD
Generally, however, as a first step you will need to submit a curriculum vitae, a copy of your degree certificate, a brief description of your doctoral research proposal and a letter outlining the reasons for your application. The second step, usually on request, involves a detailed application with a comprehensive exposé of the research project.
How to Find Your PhD Position in Germany
"Research in Germany" also helps you to find the best PhD position in Germany. Not only with information on the Website, but "Research in Germany" will keep you informed about open PhD positions and funding opportunities in Germany on Facebook and Twitter. www.research-in-germany.org > find a PhD position "Research in Germany" on Facebook
PhD Study Abroad
You'll have plenty of options to choose between for an international PhD, from historic universities in Europe and America to ambitious and high-tech institutions in Asia or Australasia. Our guides will help get you started with clear and up-to-date information on universities, fees, funding options, student visas, and information on how to ...
Research opportunities in Europe
Research opportunities in Europe. Europe offers considerable opportunities for existing and young researchers from around the world to study a PhD, a post-doctorate degree and to work as a researcher. Some points to keep in mind when applying for PhD and postdoctoral studies in Europe. You should have a Master's or equivalent degree to apply.
Doing a PhD in Europe vs. the US
Across Europe, a three to four year PhD in common. In comparison, six years is the average time to degree in the US with many PhDs in the humanities taking seven or eight years to earn their degree. Thesis Topic. PhD candidates in Europe must choose their thesis topic and supervisor during the application process. Students apply for specific ...
Planning To Do A PhD In Europe?
In most European countries, you must have the suitability of your foreign bachelors and masters degrees checked by a national organisation before you can apply for a PhD programme. You may need to submit a record of your module marks and information about course structure as well as your degree certificates. A small fee will be charged, and you ...
How to obtain funding in Europe as an international PhD student?
MSCA ITNs are a great opportunity for European and international researchers to obtain world-class PhD training! There are three types of Innovative Training Networks: 1. European Training Networks (ETN) Researchers gain experience of different working environments while developing transferable skills. 2. European Industrial Doctorates (EID)
Study in Europe 2022 "How to do a funded PhD in Europe"
Europe boasts a huge diversity of opportunities for doctoral training. European PhD programmes enjoy international recognition for excellence thus providing an exceptional career launch pad for young researchers. Many European countries charge very little or no fees for PhD studies while also offering scholarships for international applicants.
How to Find Fully Funded PhD and Master's Programs in Europe
The best way of going about finding the PhD consortium 'school' that is right for you is to look directly on the websites of the universities you are interested in to see if they are a member of a consortium program. You will apply directly via the consortium's website, when the call for applications is open.
Europe: 20+ fully-funded PhD positions
Apply now for doctoral (PhD) positions at these esteemed institutions: PhD Student in Characterization and Recovery of Bionanoparticles for Vaccine Delivery and Gene Therapy, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) PhD Student in the Huppa Lab at the Medical University of Vienna, Medical University of Vienna (Austria)
Is it true that it is easier to obtain a PhD in Europe than the US on
The duration between US and Europe are not usually the same, mostly because in the US, you only need to have a Bachelor degree to enrol for a PhD (and you can get a Master during the PhD), while in Europe, it's usually required to have a Master degree before enrolling for a PhD. Since it can take two years to get a Master, you also need about 5 ...
4 Phd Scholarships in Europe
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships offers graduates from about 180 nations the chance to pursue PhD and postdoctoral research in desired academic field at a recognised/public-funded Swiss institution. The scholarship awards cover tuition fees, lodging allowance, monthly allowance amongst other things.
List of Universities for PHD Studies in Europe
We recommend modifying the filters to get the best results. Find the list of all universities for PHD Studies in Europe with our interactive university search tool. Use the filter to list universities by subject, location, program type or study level.
How to start applying for PHD positions in EUROPE || GERMANY
In this video I talk about the very initial phase of the application procedure of higher education in European countries especially in Germany.Key points dis...
PhD in Europe: A Complete 2023 Guide
PhD in Europe: How To Apply. The process of application for a PhD in Europe can be undertaken in two ways. One, through direct professor approach and recommendation (only a few students get admission through this way) and the other through the traditional application process. The former method requires you to approach a professor at the ...
How to Find Fully-Funded PhD Positions in Europe
Finding a fully-funded PhD abroad is not a straightforward process. In fact, for Indian applicants, the process is even tougher due to a variety of reasons. In this post, Ankita Murmu, who has written popular posts earlier on Stoodnt, writes about her PhD admission journey. Fully-Funded PhD in Bioinformatics Admission Journey By Ankita Murmu A.
Fully-Funded PhD Opportunities at Renowned European Universities
Exciting Prospects Across Diverse Academic Disciplines for Applicants of All Nationalities. We are thrilled to announce a range of fully funded PhD positions available at prestigious universities throughout Europe. These exceptional opportunities span an array of cutting-edge fields, including: Physics. Biology.
Find your Ph.D opportunity in Europe
Find your Ph.D opportunity in Europe - Seminar. Apparently, Europe is the world best place to build your research career and gain experiences. The major 7 European countries will provide you with various opportunities to conduct your study in Europe, and during the seminar, other European countries will also join us to answer your individual questions how to study and live in the respective ...