International Phd Applicants: Can Non-Us Students Apply?

International students can apply for a PhD in the US, but the process is extensive and competitive. There are many English-taught PhD programmes in the US, and they are a popular choice for international students. The application process for a US PhD involves submitting a list of documents, including academic qualifications, English language proficiency test scores, standardised test scores, and research statements. International students must also apply for an F-1 student visa, which allows them to study at accredited US institutions. While international students are not eligible for US government grants, there are still many funding opportunities available, including scholarships and fellowships.

Can international students apply for a PhD in the US?

Application process and requirements

Applying for a PhD in the US can be a competitive and extensive process. Universities in the US have their own admissions processes, and international students should be prepared to manage multiple applications. However, there is a general pattern that involves an online application and submission of documents.

Step 1: Research and Shortlist Universities

Firstly, you should research and shortlist universities in the US that offer PhD programmes in your field. You can do this by visiting the official websites of universities and checking their eligibility criteria.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

You will need to prepare several documents for your application, including:

• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) if English is not your first language
• Standardised test scores (e.g. GRE, GMAT)
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Letters of recommendation (usually at least two)
• Statement of purpose (SOP)
• Research proposals
• Personal statement
• Financial documents (proof of sponsorship or financial aid application)
• Proof of visa status and other immigration documentation

Step 3: Complete and Submit Application

Most PhD applications in the US are open from August to December for admissions in the following year. You will need to fill out the application form, ensuring all information is correct, and submit it before the deadline. Applications are typically made directly to graduate schools and may require an application fee.

Step 4: Wait for a Response

The timeline for admission decisions varies between universities, and the process can take several months or even up to a year. You may be successful, waitlisted, or unsuccessful. If you are successful, you can start applying for your student visa.

Step 5: Apply for Scholarships

Many PhD students receive funding through scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships. It is recommended to apply for as many scholarships as possible and to research all available funding options.

Additional Considerations:

• You will need to satisfy visa requirements, including proof of good character, financial means, and intention to leave the US after completing your studies.
• The majority of programmes require a master's degree, but some also accept a bachelor's degree.
• US universities usually require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, but competitive programmes may require a higher GPA.
• You may need to submit a video essay, depending on the university and programme.
• It is beneficial to contact professors at your chosen universities before applying.

English language proficiency

As an international student, you will need to prove your English proficiency to be accepted onto a US PhD programme. Most US universities require either a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score to demonstrate your English proficiency.

The minimum IELTS score requirements vary across universities. For example, the University of Sussex requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each of the four components for a high level of English proficiency, and an IELTS score of 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 in each of the four components for an advanced level of English proficiency. Meanwhile, UC San Diego does not provide a minimum IELTS score requirement but notes that scores are valid for two years from the test date. A score of 7.5 on the IELTS is typically above the minimum requirement for most universities and indicates strong English proficiency.

In addition to IELTS, many universities also accept TOEFL scores. UC San Diego, for instance, only accepts TOEFL scores for some departments. TOEFL scores are sent to the university four to six weeks after the test is administered, and the university will not accept scores that are older than two years from the test date.

Other English proficiency tests that may be accepted by universities include the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), LanguageCert Academic SELT, LanguageCert International ESOL, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic.

Visa procedures

As an international student, you will need to obtain an F-1 student visa to pursue a PhD in the US. This is the most common type of student visa and is issued to international students admitted to a full-time academic program at a US institution. The F-1 visa allows you to study at accredited US institutions and, additionally, F-1 visa holders may seek on-campus work for up to 20 hours a week. After the first year, they may apply for certain off-campus work with the authorization of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

To begin the application process for an F-1 visa, you must fill out the DS-160 visa application form online. It is important to be as accurate as possible when filling out this form. Once you have completed the form, print the confirmation page with the barcode at the end of the application. The next step is to schedule a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Please note that you may need to apply for a new visa through your home nation to demonstrate that you still maintain a home there. Check the website of the US embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information regarding the interview process.

Before you can apply for an F-1 visa, you must first be accepted by a US institution of higher education that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified and able to issue an I-20 form for use in your visa application. The I-20 form is an official three-page document issued by your university and endorsed by a school official. It serves as proof of your admission to the university and your ability to pay school fees and living expenses in the US. Your I-20 form will also include your SEVIS identification number.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the two US government agencies involved with international student arrival and status while studying in the country. The State Department is responsible for the visa application process and issuing the visa. Once a visa holder arrives in the US, the US Department of Homeland Security takes over as the responsible agency for entry into the country and enforcing international student regulations.

After completing your PhD, if you wish to stay and work in the US, you should apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) through your school's international student services office. This will allow you to remain in the country and work. The average time required to obtain an OPT is 1-2 months. With OPT, you will need to find full-time employment within 90 days of the start date printed on your OPT card. If you secure a job, your employer will need to sponsor your application for an H1B visa to the USCIS.

Funding and scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships available for international PhD students in the US. These include:

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program: This scholarship is administered by the US Department of State and offers up to 1,800 doctoral scholarships for international students each year. It covers full tuition fees, a living stipend, accommodation, airfare, and health insurance. Fulbright fellows must return to their home country for at least two years after completing their funding period.
• Stanford University Scholarship: This scholarship is available for international students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees. It covers full tuition fees, travel and living allowances, and academic expenses.
• Yale University Scholarship: Yale offers a range of PhD scholarships for both domestic and international students. The scholarship amount ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year, and students with parents earning under $65,000 annually pay no tuition, room, or board fees.
• Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program: This scholarship provides up to $42,750 net per fellow for an 8-month fellowship.
• IMU Breakout Graduate Fellowship Program: This scholarship is available for international students pursuing a PhD in mathematics. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, travel expenses, and living expenses, with a maximum value of USD 10,000 per year.
• ACI Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship provides a $10,000–$15,000 US educational stipend for tuition, residence, books, and materials for undergraduate, master's, PhD, and postdoctoral studies.
• Knight-Hennessy Scholarships: These scholarships cover full tuition fees, travel and living allowances, and academic expenses for master's and PhD studies.
• Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research: This scholarship is available for female international PhD students enrolled in a US graduate school.
• East-West Center's Graduate Degree Fellowship: This fellowship provides 24 months of full tuition funding for advanced students from Asia and the Pacific, including Russia, pursuing a master's or PhD degree at the University of Hawaii.
• Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowship: This fellowship is sponsored by the Leakey Foundation and awards $15,000 each year to students from developing countries who have been accepted into accredited PhD programs in the US.

In addition to these scholarships, international students can also explore funding opportunities provided by their home governments, especially if they are from developing countries. Governments often offer scholarships to encourage students to pursue fields with labour shortages or to become future leaders.

Life as an international PhD student

Managing finances and budgeting is essential. The US does not offer free education to international students, and fees can vary widely depending on the university and the state. In general, the North East is the most expensive region, with New York City, in particular, being very costly. Parts of the South and the Midwest are more affordable. It is a good idea to open an American bank account as soon as possible upon your arrival in the US. Most major banks offer student accounts with perks and waived fees for those attending university.

You will need to obtain an F-1 student visa, which allows you to study at accredited US institutions. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a compulsory part of many PhD programmes and includes work placements and opportunities. In terms of working hours, you can only engage in off-campus employment for 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during the vacation.

It is difficult to obtain permanent residency while studying, but after graduation, it is often possible to remain in the US for practical training or to secure a job that can sponsor a visa. Many companies are willing to employ foreign workers in special occupations, such as STEM. However, the process of completing all the immigration steps can take a long time, and you may need to seek dedicated professional counsel. The transition out of academia and into a good industry job is hard enough, and additional obstacles created by immigration rules make it even more challenging.

Frequently asked questions