PhD, an abbreviation of Doctor of Philosophy is the highest academic degree a person may like to acquire. This is possible if PhD thesis is original and contributes significant knowledge to your subject You need to pursue at least four years of study. Funds may be a great constraint as you can’t pursue a substantial source of income during this period. But, you can avail PhD scholarship if you intend to pursue your studies in the USA the UK, or Germany.
PhD Scholarship in USA.
A PhD in the US for international and native students is usually funded as teaching assistance, tuition costs, and an extra stipend. The following is a list of top scholarships offered by
US Government.
Foreign Fulbright Student Program; covering tuition fees, textbooks, a living stipend, and health insurance.
Humphrey Fellowship Program. If you are an experienced professional from any of the designated countries, you can get one year of enrichment in the US. It is a full grant covering all related expenses. You can get the fellowship if you possess the leadership potential and are committed to public service.
Colleges and Universities.
Illinois Wesleyan University offers; $10,00 to $25,000 per year which can be renewed for up to four years.
American University (AU); partial merit scholarship; $6,000 to $20,000 per year; renewable subject to condition.
Amherst College; aid package equal to your need as determined, including self-employment.
Berea College; 100% scholarship to all students for the initial year. In subsequent years, you can save up to $1,000 per year for your expenses. You can also get summer jobs.
Colby-Sawyer College; merit-based, partial funding of $20,000 to $26,000.
Columbia College; one-time cash grant of 15%-100% tuition reduction.
PhD Scholarship in the UK.
Compared to 4 years PhD in the US, it is 3 years in the UK because the first two years of US PhD are condensed to 1 year. If you have studied in the UK or EU you can apply for the full scholarship as PhD studentship; a tax-free sum covering your fees and a living standard, but not a stipend. The following are the funding bodies.
Research Councils UK acts as an umbrella for seven Ph.D. research assistant Councils; offering a scholarship of fees and a minimum stipend of £13,863 per annum (2014-15 rate); tax-free.
Academic Institutions such as colleges, universities, and research institutes fund either only fees or offer stipends.
Commercial and Charitable Organizations; CASE (Cooperative Award in Science and Engineering) studentship is 4-year PhDs; part-funded
Self-Funding; Professional and Career Development loans if you have access to a saving of £16,000 or more.
PhD Scholarship in Germany.
DAAD Scholarship: The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) offers a scholarship of €1,200 per month. Stipendium Plus, provided by a group of 13 organizations offers €1.350 per month.