Us Phd Programs: Free For International Students?

The United States is a popular destination for international students pursuing PhDs, owing to its high academic standards and diverse subjects. While some fully-funded PhD programs in the US cover tuition and stipends for international students, it's important to note that this varies across institutions and fields of study. Some programs may require additional work, such as teaching or research, to secure funding. International students should also be aware of application deadlines, which typically fall between December and February, and the requirement for a TOEFL score of about 90. The US offers unique benefits, including direct contact with professors and flexibility in choosing research topics, but it also demands a significant amount of teaching and marking from PhD students.

Fully-funded PhD programs for international students

While PhD programs in the US can be challenging to secure funding for, there are numerous fully-funded PhD programs for international students. Many universities offer full-ride PhD scholarships that cover tuition fees and living expenses. Here are some examples of fully-funded PhD programs and scholarships for international students:

University Scholarships and Programs:

• Columbia University offers a fully-funded PhD program in clinical psychology at the Teachers College in New York. The program includes fully funded tuition and a $25,000 stipend annually for three years, which also carries into the fourth year.
• Brown University guarantees five years of financial support for doctoral students in any program, which includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees, and a health insurance subsidy.
• The University of California, Los Angeles, offers a fully-funded PhD program in English. The funding package includes a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support, and up to four years of teaching assistantships. Tuition, fees, and health insurance are also covered.
• American University in Washington, DC, offers a fully-funded PhD program in international relations. The program includes a renewable four-year Dean's Fellowship that covers tuition, fees, and a stipend earned through a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant.
• Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York offers a fully-funded interdisciplinary management PhD program. The program includes a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for up to four years.
• Michigan State University offers a fully-funded PhD in Education with various specializations.
• The University of California, San Diego, has a fully-funded PhD program in Education with a concentration on Transforming Education in a Diverse Society.
• The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia provides a fully-funded PhD in Nursing program, which includes a living stipend, tuition, fees, and health insurance for the first four years.
• The University of Rochester in New York offers a fully-funded PhD in Nursing and Health Science program.
• The University of Cincinnati in Ohio provides a fully-funded PhD in Business Administration. Lindner PhD students are entitled to four years of financial support through assistantships and scholarships, plus additional funds for conference travel and research.
• The University of South Carolina offers a fully-funded PhD in Business Administration with eight concentrations.
• Fordham University in New York provides a fully-funded PhD in Clinical Psychology, with 100% financial aid including tuition remission and a stipend.
• Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, Arizona, has a fully-funded PhD in Clinical Psychology, following a research-oriented training approach.

External Scholarships:

• Fulbright Scholarships: The Fulbright Foreign Student Program covers full tuition fees, a living stipend, accommodation, airfare, and health insurance for international students pursuing masters or PhD studies.
• Stanford University Scholarship: This scholarship is for international students pursuing masters or PhD studies and covers full tuition fees, a travel allowance, a living allowance, and academic expenses.
• IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program: This scholarship is for international students pursuing PhD studies and covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and living expenses up to USD 10,000 per year.
• AAUW Fellowship Program: Offered by the American Association of University Women, this scholarship is for international students pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in any subject. It provides $18,000 to $30,000 per year, based on meeting academic standards for renewal.
• Yale University Scholarship: This scholarship is for undergraduate, masters, or PhD studies and can vary from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year, with an average need-based scholarship of over $50,000.
• Facebook Fellowship Program: This scholarship is for international students pursuing doctoral research studies and covers two years of study fees, an annual stipend, and conference travel aid.
• Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program: This scholarship provides up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship for international students pursuing PhD studies.
• ACI Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is for undergraduate, masters, PhD, or postdoctoral studies and provides a $10,000–$15,000 US educational stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials.
• Knight Hennessy Scholarships: These scholarships are for masters or PhD studies and cover full tuition fees, a travel allowance, a living allowance, and academic expenses.
• Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowships: These fellowships are for international students pursuing doctoral or postdoctoral degrees in the US.
• Turkey Government Scholarship: This scholarship is for undergraduate, masters, or PhD studies and covers a monthly stipend of up to 1600 TL, tuition fees, return flight tickets, health insurance, and accommodation.
• Chinese Government Scholarship: This scholarship is for masters or PhD programs at over 280 Chinese universities and covers accommodation, basic health insurance, and a monthly allowance of up to 3500 Yuan.
• DAAD Scholarship: This scholarship is for masters or PhD studies at top German universities and is fully funded.
• Leo Baeck Fellowship Program: This research grant opportunity for international students provides a monthly stipend of EUR 1,550 plus a monthly research cost allowance of EUR 100.
• King Fahd University Scholarship: This scholarship is for masters or PhD studies and provides full tuition support, a monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support.
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship: This scholarship is for masters or PhD studies and provides full tuition support, an annual living allowance of up to $30,000, on-campus housing, and medical and dental coverage.

These are just a few examples of the many fully-funded PhD programs and scholarships available for international students in the US. It is worth noting that public universities in the US typically charge the same fees for international students as they do for domestic students from out-of-state

Scholarships, grants, and studentships

Fully-funded PhD programs in the US for international students can vary from small grants to full studentships. Doctoral programs are the highest academic degrees awarded to students by universities. To be eligible for a fully-funded PhD program, you typically need to have completed a prerequisite or postgraduate program. The duration of these programs can differ, but they generally last between three to five years.

There are numerous scholarships, grants, and studentships available for international PhD students in the US. Here are some examples:

• Fulbright Scholarships: These are fully funded and cover tuition, living stipend, accommodation, airfare, and health insurance.
• Stanford University Scholarship: This scholarship offers full tuition fees, a travel allowance, a living allowance, and academic expense coverage.
• Yale University Scholarship: Yale offers a range of scholarships, from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year, with an average need-based scholarship of over $50,000.
• Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program: This fellowship provides up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship.
• IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program: This scholarship is worth up to USD 10,000 per year and covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
• ACI Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship provides a $10,000–$15,000 US educational stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials.
• Knight Hennessy Scholarships: These scholarships cover full tuition fees, travel allowance, living allowance, and academic expenses.
• King Fahd University Scholarship: This scholarship provides full tuition support, a monthly living allowance, on-campus housing, medical coverage, and relocation support.
• King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Scholarship: This scholarship offers full tuition support, an annual living allowance up to $30,000, on-campus housing, and medical and dental coverage.
• Leo Baeck Fellowship: This program provides a monthly stipend of EUR 1,550, plus a monthly research cost allowance of EUR 100.
• Turkey Government Scholarship: This scholarship includes a monthly stipend of up to 1600 TL, tuition fee coverage, return flight tickets, health insurance, and accommodation.
• Chinese Government Scholarship: This scholarship covers accommodation, basic health insurance, and a monthly allowance of up to 3500 Yuan.

These are just a few examples of the many funding opportunities available for international PhD students in the US. It is important to research the specific requirements and application processes for each scholarship, grant, or studentship, as they can vary. Additionally, some PhD programs in the US may require students to teach or assist with research or administrative tasks as part of their funding package.

Teaching and research requirements

The requirements for PhD programs in the US vary depending on the university, the field of study, and the availability of funding. While some programs may offer full funding, others may require students to work as teaching or research assistants to receive a stipend and tuition waiver.

For international students, it is essential to have a strong academic record, including a bachelor's or master's degree, and to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Additionally, relevant research experience and letters of recommendation from academic or professional references are highly valued. A detailed statement of purpose explaining research interests, career goals, and how they align with the faculty's research expertise is also required.

Some universities may require GRE or GMAT scores, depending on the chosen program. International students may also need to obtain an F-1 visa. It is beneficial to start the application process early and ensure all documents are complete and error-free.

Fully-funded PhD programs in the US for international students typically cover tuition, stipends, and other essential costs. These programs can vary in duration, usually lasting between three to five years. They may include studentships, scholarships, grants, and bursaries. However, it is important to note that funding may be restricted to specific fields or majors.

Teaching assistantships involve supporting faculty members, preparing materials, and sometimes teaching classes. On the other hand, research assistantships allow students to engage independently in original research in their chosen field or subject.

Overall, while there are no standard teaching and research requirements for PhD programs in the US, international students should carefully research the specific requirements and opportunities offered by their desired universities and programs.

Application deadlines

Deadlines for applications to PhD programs in the USA tend to be between December and February. Institutions should notify applicants of their application status by April. Most US institutions recommend applying as far in advance as possible to allow plenty of time for applicants and institutions to make arrangements.

US graduate programs will have specific application deadlines. Application windows commonly open between August and December for admission to a PhD program the following autumn.

Deadlines for funding applications can be as early as December before starting your studies in the autumn. Scholarship application deadlines often align with admission deadlines, so it is recommended to submit applications well before the deadlines to ensure they are considered.

• ACI Foundation Scholarships: January 2, 2025
• Kellogg Institute Visiting Fellowships: August 1, 2025
• Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowship: November 8, 2025
• Texas A&M University PhD Scholarships: November 2025
• Cornell University PhD Scholarships: January 2, 2025
• Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program: Deadline not provided
• IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program: Deadline not provided
• AAUW Fellowship Program: Deadline not provided
• Fulbright Scholarships: Deadline not provided
• Stanford University Scholarship: Deadline not provided
• Yale University Scholarship: Deadline not provided

Eligibility requirements

The eligibility requirements for PhD programs for international students in the US vary depending on the university and the program of choice. Here are the common eligibility requirements:

Academic Qualifications

A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field is typically required for admission to a PhD program in the US. Some universities may require a minimum CGPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, while competitive programs may have higher requirements. It is important to note that some universities may accept students who have completed their master's degrees from recognized institutions, and may offer credit for previous coursework.

Academic Performance and Records

Exceptional academic performance and a strong academic record are generally expected for eligibility to a PhD program. This includes letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose or research statement, and in some cases, research experience.

Standardized Test Scores

Many PhD programs in the US require standardized test scores such as GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) scores. However, it is important to note that not all universities or programs require these scores, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements of your chosen program.

English Language Proficiency

For international students whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency is typically required. This can be demonstrated through IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores. Some universities may accept other recognized tests as well.

Visa Requirements

International students seeking to pursue a PhD in the US will need to obtain an F-1 student visa, which allows them to study at accredited US institutions. The visa application process involves obtaining a Form I-20 from the chosen university.

Funding and Scholarships

While not always a requirement, securing funding through scholarships, assistantships, or other financial aid is an important aspect of the application process. Fully-funded PhD programs in the US are available, and they cover tuition, stipends, and other essential costs. However, competition for these positions can be intense, and early applications are often encouraged.

It is important to note that the eligibility requirements may vary across universities and programs, so prospective students should carefully review the specific requirements of their chosen institution and program before applying.

Frequently asked questions