Universities Paying Phd Students: Who, What, And Why?

Do universities pay PhD students? This is a question that many prospective PhD students ask when considering their options. While it is true that most PhD students do not earn a traditional salary, there are various ways they can financially support themselves during their studies. This includes paid fellowships, research opportunities, and part-time or freelance work. Additionally, many PhD programs offer full funding, which typically includes waived tuition and fees, an annual stipend, and sometimes health insurance and other benefits. However, the value of stipends and funding packages can vary greatly depending on the university and its location, and may not always be sufficient to cover living expenses.

PhD students can get paid through teaching assistantships

The responsibilities of a graduate teaching assistant typically include holding tutorials and seminars, supervising practical work, providing feedback and assessments, and supporting the department with administrative duties. While the specific requirements may vary, graduate teaching assistants can generally expect to work between 180 and 240 hours over the academic year.

The application process for a graduate teaching assistantship often involves submitting a cover letter and CV, and may include an interview. It is important to tailor your application to the position, highlighting any relevant teaching or supervisory experience.

Teaching assistantships can provide valuable teaching experience and help develop assessment skills, making them a great source of funding and career development during your PhD.

PhD students can get paid through research assistantships

Research assistantships are one of two types of PhD assistantships, the other being teaching assistantships. Assistantships are usually contingent upon a stipend—a fixed sum of money paid as a salary. The amount of the stipend depends on the university, but it usually falls between $20,000 and $30,000 per year.

PhD students are also often offered tuition waivers, meaning they don't have to pay tuition fees. This is true for both domestic and international students.

PhD students can get paid through fellowships

Fellowships are similar to scholarships in that they are awards based on merit and do not need to be repaid. However, fellowships typically pay part or all of a PhD student's stipend or salary and may also include money for tuition and fees. As a fellow, you are responsible for making progress in your research, and your fellowship is unlikely to be renewed if you do not. PhD-level fellows can focus their attention solely on their research, in addition to classes in the early stages of their training.

Fellowships can come from a variety of sources, including universities, governments, and private companies. They can also vary in terms of the stage of the doctorate process they cover, their purpose, and the type of compensation they offer. Some fellowships cover tuition, fees, and living expenses, while others may only cover tuition and fees or provide tuition waivers for non-residents. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of a fellowship before applying.

Applying for fellowships can be a competitive process, and it is essential to meet all the eligibility requirements and demonstrate how you fit with the organisation's goals. It is also beneficial to get recommendations from the right people, such as professors and mentors who can speak to your qualifications and strengths.

PhD students can get paid through part-time or freelance work

While PhD students are often paid through stipends, tuition waivers, and funding for living expenses, some may want or need to seek additional income through part-time or freelance work. This can be especially true for international students or those with families to support.

Part-time Work

Part-time work outside of academia can be a way for PhD students to supplement their income. However, it can also be demanding and leave little time for rest or social activities. Some PhD students take on part-time jobs in fields related to their studies, such as teaching or research assistantships, which can provide additional income while also building relevant skills and experience. Others may opt for unrelated part-time work, such as working in a shop or restaurant, to earn extra money. It is important for PhD students to carefully consider their priorities and time management before taking on additional work, as it can be challenging to balance the demands of a PhD program with a part-time job.

Freelance Work

Freelancing is another option for PhD students to earn income while pursuing their degree. Freelance work can offer more flexibility than a part-time job, as freelancers can often set their own hours and work remotely. Additionally, freelancing can provide the opportunity to develop valuable skills and build a portfolio of work. There are various online platforms that connect freelancers with clients, such as Kolabtree, which specifically caters to connecting PhD-qualified experts with clients seeking their expertise. Freelancing can be a great way for PhD students to utilise their knowledge and skills to earn additional income while maintaining a more flexible schedule.

Considerations

Whether through part-time or freelance work, it is important for PhD students to carefully consider their commitments and priorities before taking on additional work. It is crucial to strike a balance between financial needs and the demands of their PhD program to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, international students should be aware of any visa restrictions that may impact their ability to work part-time or freelance. Overall, while PhD students can benefit from the additional income that part-time or freelance work provides, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons to ensure a healthy and fulfilling graduate school experience.

PhD students can get paid through grants and scholarships

PhD scholarships are financial awards that support doctoral candidates in their academic and research pursuits. They are highly sought-after because, unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid. Scholarships are often career-specific and may include teaching requirements. Some examples of scholarships for PhD students include:

• The Fulbright U.S. Student Program: For U.S. citizens or nationals with a bachelor's degree who meet the language requirements of the application country. This scholarship funds a year of study, research, and culture-sharing abroad.
• The Beinecke Scholarship Program: This scholarship provides $4,000 immediately and $30,000 while attending graduate school for college juniors planning to pursue graduate studies in the arts, humanities, or social sciences.
• The Mariam K Chamberlain Award: A partnership scholarship worth $8,500 for the graduate student and $1,500 for their advisor. It is awarded to first-generation doctoral students, including immigrant scholars, whose dissertations relate to Re:Gender's mission of social justice, women's rights, and/or gender studies.

Grants are financial aid packages that help professionals deepen their involvement and impact within their fields. They are often awarded to recipients whose work benefits the broader community, especially underserved populations. PhD students can seek external grants from government agencies, non-profits, or industry partners. Some examples of grants for PhD students include:

• The Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant: A post-doctoral research grant worth up to $50,000 for psychologists and scholars working with gifted and talented children.
• The Guggenheim Fellowships: Fellowships worth up to $50,000 for citizens of North, Central, and South American countries in artistic fields.
• The American Association of University Women Fellowship: An annual doctoral fellowship offered by the American Association of University Women for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are women scholars in any field of study.

In addition to grants and scholarships, PhD students can also receive funding through stipends, assistantships, and fellowships.

Frequently asked questions