Ibrahim Gardner
There are many misconceptions about how PhD students are funded. While some PhD students are self-funded, the majority of PhD programs offer some form of compensation, such as stipends, tuition remission, fellowships, or assistantships. The percentage of PhD students who pay for their studies varies depending on the discipline, with 49% of humanities students paying for their own PhDs, according to one source. Stipends are a common form of funding for PhD students, providing a fixed sum of money to cover living expenses, with the amount varying depending on the university. Some PhD students may also have additional employment during their studies, although this may depend on the rigor of their program. Fellowships are another source of financial support for PhD students, which can be offered through universities, departments, or external sources, and may cover tuition fees and other scholarly activities.
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What You'll Learn
Stipends, tuition remission, and assistantships
While it is rare, some PhD programs do not offer any form of financial compensation. However, most PhD programs offer their students some form of financial assistance in the form of stipends, tuition remission, assistantships, or fellowships.
Stipends are fixed sums of money paid as salaries to PhD students to cover living expenses such as housing, food, and other costs. The amount of money provided as a stipend depends on the university, with the average PhD stipend ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Some universities, such as Cornell University, Brown University, and the University of Pennsylvania, guarantee stipends to their PhD students.
Tuition remission is another form of financial assistance offered to PhD students, where the university covers the cost of tuition fees. This can be a significant benefit, as PhD programs can be expensive. Tuition remission is often offered in conjunction with stipends and assistantships, or as part of a fellowship. For example, the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers full-time tuition remission to its psychology PhD students, while Rice University in Texas provides a tuition waiver to its doctoral students.
Assistantships are positions that PhD students can take on to gain experience and receive financial support. There are two main types of assistantships: research assistantships and teaching assistantships. Research assistantships involve working with faculty on their research projects, while teaching assistantships involve teaching undergraduate or other classes. Assistantships can provide valuable experience and help offset the university's stipend costs. They may also be contingent on the student's performance. For instance, Stanford University offers its doctoral students in education a combination of tuition aid, fellowship stipends, and assistantship salaries.
Fellowships are another source of financial support for PhD students, often covering tuition fees and other expenses. They are usually merit-based and highly competitive. Fellowships may be offered through the university or external sources and can provide funding for scholarly extracurricular activities.
It is important to note that taxation rules may apply to stipends, assistantships, and fellowships, and these can vary based on location and specific circumstances.
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Fellowships
Some fellowships are aimed at specific groups, such as the SAE Women-in-Automotive Scholarship, which is for women pursuing specific engineering degrees, or the ACM SIGHPC/Intel Computational and Data Science Fellowship, which is aimed at women or students from racial/ethnic backgrounds that have not traditionally participated in the computing field.
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Self-funding
While it is difficult to determine the exact percentage of PhD students who self-fund their studies, it is clear that self-funding is a common occurrence, particularly in certain disciplines.
In the humanities, for example, it is estimated that 49% of students pay for their own PhDs. This is partly due to the competitive nature of funding opportunities in this field, as well as the perception that a PhD may not significantly enhance job prospects in non-academic careers. Self-funding can also be a result of poor supervision, which can cause students to lose motivation and struggle to complete their degrees.
That being said, self-funding a PhD can be a personal choice, even in fields where funding is more readily available. Some students may choose to self-fund to maintain control over their research or to pursue a particular passion. Additionally, self-funding can allow for greater flexibility in terms of work commitments outside of the PhD program.
The decision to self-fund a PhD should be carefully considered, taking into account the financial burden, the potential impact on career prospects, and the challenges of independent research. While some students may successfully navigate these challenges, others may encounter difficulties that impact their progress and overall well-being.
Overall, while self-funding a PhD can offer certain advantages, it is important for prospective students to thoroughly research their options, understand the potential risks and rewards, and make informed decisions that align with their personal and professional goals.
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Research or teaching assistantships
While it is not precisely known what percentage of PhD students pay for their studies, it is clear that PhD programs that do not offer some form of compensation are rare. One way in which PhD students receive compensation is through research or teaching assistantships.
Research Assistantships
Research assistantships (RAs) are academic appointments for research that is not directly related to a student's thesis or dissertation. RAs generally spend 15 to 20 hours per week on their duties, which may include assisting professors with their research projects, data analysis, or other tasks related to the research process. The funding for RAs often comes from faculty research grants provided by outside organizations.
Teaching Assistantships
Teaching assistantships (TAs) require students to undertake teaching work, either as a student assistant or instructor. TAs may lead study sessions or small lectures, assist with academic tasks and class preparation, and grade assignments. The eligibility requirements for TAs often include proficiency in the English language and participation in teaching assistantship workshops.
Choosing Between Research and Teaching Assistantships
The choice between a research or teaching assistantship depends on various factors. Some students may prefer research assistantships as they are already engaged in research for their PhD dissertation, and an RA position can provide additional funding for work they are already doing. Additionally, research assistantships are often seen as more prestigious. On the other hand, teaching assistantships can be beneficial for those interested in pursuing a career in academia or education, as they provide valuable teaching experience.
Ultimately, the availability of assistantships and the specific duties involved can vary depending on the university, department, and field of study.
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Employment during study
While it is possible to work while completing a PhD, it is essential to recognise that a PhD programme is a full-time commitment. Striking a balance between work and study can be challenging, and careful time management is crucial.
Most PhD programmes offer some form of compensation, such as stipends, tuition remission, or assistantships. A stipend is a fixed sum paid as a salary to cover living expenses, typically ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 per year. Assistantships can be research-based, where PhD students assist faculty members with their research, or teaching-based, where they teach undergraduate classes. These assistantships often provide additional financial support through research grants or university arrangements.
For those seeking additional funding or income during their PhD, part-time work is a more feasible option. Working no more than 16 hours per week is recommended to manage the workload of a full-time PhD programme effectively. Opportunities for part-time work can include contract work, permanent roles, teaching, research assistance, and data entry for outreach programmes.
It is important to note that working full-time while pursuing a full-time PhD is exceptionally demanding and may impact the quality of both commitments. Additionally, receiving a PhD stipend while working full-time is typically not permitted.
Some PhD students may opt for full-time employment with an employer who supports their PhD studies. In these cases, the employer pays the tuition and salary, and there is often an agreement between the university and the employer regarding the rights to the content produced. While this arrangement can provide financial stability, it is essential to consider the potential impact on the duration and demands of the PhD programme.
Ultimately, the decision to work during a PhD programme depends on individual circumstances, the chosen field of study, and the specific requirements and guidelines of the university.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the university and the discipline. Most PhD programs offer a stipend, fellowship, or assistantship to cover the costs of tuition and living expenses. However, some PhD students pay their own way, especially in the humanities, where 49% of students pay for their own PhDs.
A stipend is a fixed sum of money paid as a salary to PhD students. The amount of the stipend depends on the university, but it typically ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 per year.
Fellowships are financial awards given to PhD students, usually based on merit. Fellowships can cover the cost of tuition and other scholarly activities, such as trips or projects. They may be offered by the university or by external organizations.
An assistantship is a form of financial support where PhD students work as research or teaching assistants. Research assistantships are funded by faculty members' research grants, while teaching assistantships are usually arranged through the university and involve teaching undergraduate classes.
