How to Apply for a PhD: Your Step-by-Step Admissions Guide

Getting qualified with a PhD degree, or a Doctor of Philosophy degree, is the highest level of academic achievement awarded by universities. It’s an opportunity to make a significant contribution to your chosen field, by diving deeply into a subject that you are passionate about and exploring it in great depth from all angles. If you’re driven by a strong intellectual curiosity and a desire to expand your knowledge, pursuing a PhD at an international university can be a very rewarding experience for both your professional and personal growth. Moreover, for many industries, holding a PhD is often a prerequisite for securing higher-level positions, such as academic or research roles.

It’s true that the admissions process can be stringent and complex, especially for students who are unfamiliar with the application requirements and procedures at overseas institutions. To help you, we put together this guide offering a step-by-step approach to applying for a PhD at your chosen university abroad, including tips and advice for a successful application.

Step 1: Choose Your Field of Study & Research Interests

The first step is to choose your field of study and research interests. The most important factors to consider are your academic background, skills, and career goals when selecting a field of study. Think about the subjects that excite you the most; what topics do you most enjoy reading about and discussing with others? Since you’re going to dedicate some years to mastering the topic, it’s important to find something you’re truly passionate about.

Try to have a clear idea of the research question you want to pursue, as narrowing down your chosen area of expertise can help your application stand out from others and demonstrate your potential as a researcher.

Create a list of research universities and programs that offer PhD degrees in your chosen field. By reading through their program offers, you can assess their suitability for your individual academic interests and goals. It really helps to attend information sessions, whether online and/or offline, to learn more about doctoral study programs and their respective job prospects.

Student in a science lab — A PhD degree in science and research is a significant milestone for those who aspire to pursue higher-level positions. This degree provides the advanced knowledge and expertise required to advance in the field and take on roles such as leading research projects, developing new theories, and teaching the next generation of researchers.

Step 2: Find a Suitable Supervisor, Advocate or Mentor

In many PhD programs, it is common for students to work closely with a supervisor, advocate, or mentor throughout their studies. A supervisor is a member of the faculty who will assist you with your PhD study, provide guidance, and hopefully advocate on your behalf in committees where your advancement is at stake. Finding advocates who value your research input can set you up for success in your PhD pursuit.

While it may not be required to have one identified at the time of application, having an idea of who you would like to work with or a research group you would like to join can be helpful when writing your application materials.

If you can obtain one, a strong letter of recommendation from a supervisor, advocate, or mentor can be a valuable asset.

When choosing a supervisor, take into account their publications, teaching experience, and research expertise. Don’t be afraid to reach out to potential supervisors to discuss your research interests, as many faculty members are enthusiastic about being available to help students.

Step 3: Review Admission Requirements & Procedures

Before applying to an international PhD program, take careful note of the admission requirements and procedures.

Begin by reading through the information provided in the Admissions section on the Global Admissions platform and on the institution’s website.

Next, review the eligibility criteria to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements for admission. Though it depends on each university and program, the documents required for applications generally include academic transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a writing sample and a research proposal.

Take note of whether the selection process has additional requirements such as an interview or a test. You can always inquire with the admissions team about the timeline for decision-making and any questions you have about your qualification and application. To make sure you have sufficient time to prepare, it is useful to to mark the application deadlines on your calendar or set reminders on your phone.

Step 4: Prepare Your Application Materials

Once you have reviewed the admission requirements and procedures, the next step is to fill out the application. You should ensure that all the required documents are complete, accurate, and ready at hand before you submit them.

Your statement of purpose should explain your research interests and career goals, while your research proposal should outline your research question, methodology, and expected outcomes.

Follow the instructions to upload each item, making sure to label each file clearly so the admission committee can identify it. Before you submit the application, review it carefully to make sure you haven’t missed anything. When you are satisfied, hit the submit button to send your application to the program.

Check for confirmation that the admissions team has received all your materials, following up with them if you have to.

Step 5: Apply for Funding & Scholarships

While some PhDs come with their own funding, other PhDs can be expensive to pursue, especially for international students who are not eligible for government funding. Therefore, you should explore internal and external funding opportunities you may need to support your PhD studies, such as scholarships that match your research interests, academic background, and financial needs.

Start by checking the university websites for scholarships and fellowships offers. While external organizations and agencies may also provide financial support, many require that you already are enrolled in a PhD program. Read the funding requirements carefully to make sure that you are eligible to apply. You can always contact the funding agencies directly.

Step 6: Attend Interviews & Evaluations

Once you have submitted your application, you may be invited to attend an interview or evaluation. These are typically conducted by the faculty members and current doctoral students, and involve a discussion of your research interests and proposal.

You should prepare for these interviews and evaluations by familiarizing yourself with the information available on the university department’s website pages, including the research areas of faculty members you are interested in working with. This can help you articulate your interest in the program in a relatable context. Revisit your application materials, including your research proposal, personal statement and CV, to remind yourself of the strengths noted in your application, and take the time to practice your communication and presentation skills.

Each PhD program is unique, so be sure to tailor your answers to the particular program you are being considered for. Be prepared to discuss a range of prospects, including the challenges you can foresee in your research. At the same time, expect to be asked some common interview questions, such as:

What are your weaknesses, and how do you plan to address them?
Why do you want to pursue your PhD?
How does your research fit with the research being conducted by the faculty in the program?
What are your long-term career goals, and how does a PhD fit into those plans?

Finally, prepare a list of questions you can ask your interviewers to show your engagement and clarify any doubts or concerns you may have. For example:

What are the program’s expectations for students in terms of progress and milestones?
Can you describe the campus culture and what it’s like to be a PhD student at your institution?
What resources are available to PhD students to support their research, such as specialized software or laboratory equipment?
What opportunities are there to engage with the broader acade for presenting research or attending conferences?
Can you tell me more about the specific research projects I will be working on and how they fit into the broader research goals of the department?

Step 7: Accept the Offer & Prepare for Arrival

If you are successful in your application, you will receive an offer of admission from the university! You should carefully review the offer and ensure that you understand the terms and conditions. Some PhD programs require that you first complete a select number of courses before you qualify officially as a doctoral student.

Once accepting your offer, get yourself ready by researching the destination and lifestyle, arranging accommodation, and obtaining any necessary visas or permits.

Graduates in gowns raising their caps to the sky. — According to a report by the National Science Foundation, individuals with a doctoral degree earned a median annual salary of $100,000 in 2020. This is significantly higher than the median annual salary for individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Ready to Succeed?

Though it is challenging, pursuing a PhD degree from an international university can be a transformative experience that comes with many benefits, such as exposure to new cultures, career advancement, and personal self-development. Through original research, you can make a significant contribution to your field of study and society as a whole.

Browse through the Global Admissions platform to find a PhD program that’s right for you and reach out to us for help with your application. We wish you the best of luck!