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In this comprehensive PhD degree / Doctorate Degree guide, we are going to explore everything you need to know on how to get a PhD.

When it comes to getting a PhD, students often ask questions like "What is a PhD?", "How do you get a PhD?", "How much does a PhD Cost?" and "What PhD jobs are out there?".

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting a PhD - from tips on how to choose a PhD program to career options available to you after the program.

Here are some common questions students ask about PhDs, such as "What is a PhD?" or "How do you get a PhD?".

A PhD degree, also known as a doctorate degree, is the

 highest level of academic achievement in a certain field

. It is given out by universities worldwide in recognition of substantial advancements in academic disciplines.

What is the difference between a PhD and a doctorate? A PhD is an academic degree, while a doctorate tends to be a professional degree:

PhD programs vary from program to program, but generally, you can expect to go through three stages: 

: evaluate and analyze the existing research on the topic you've chosen. Your study should build on the work your peers have already done in the field, either by expanding on the knowledge, or by filling the gaps in the existing research.

on your the subject of your choice, guided by a supervisor. Usually lasts a few years. What separates a PhD from a Master's and Bachelor's is that a PhD dissertation should represent 

: a long-form document covering your PhD thesis and research outcomes, typically followed by an

before an academic panel within the respective field.

It depends on different factors, such as the country you're studying in, your field of study, research obligations, and personal progress. 

, you can expect to dedicate around 4 to 7 years to a PhD program; 3 - 4 in the UK, and around 5-7 in the US.

Many students ask themselves, "Should I Get a PhD?", or "Is a PhD worth it?". Here are some of the tangible benefits of pursuing a PhD.

Employers worldwide increasingly value advanced degrees like PhDs

, because they show your expertise, knowledge, and commitment, reinforcing your suitability for specialized roles. This is 

We cover some examples of PhD jobs you can pursue after your studies, and the average salaries of PhD graduates with those degrees, at the end of this guide, in the "Post-PhD Careers" section.

PhD provides numerous networking opportunities

, including attending conferences, collaborating with fellow researchers, and interacting with industry professionals, all of which are important for your future career advancement.

Become a central figure in research and innovation

, which covered postdoc career outlooks, an overwhelming number of 994 respondents agreed that "academia is most rewarding when you are truly passionate about scientific research and discovery" - the word "passion" being used 189 times.

By pursuing a PhD, you'll become entrenched in the world of academic research, journal publishing, and pushing the boundaries of your field

Some of the world's most groundbreaking research came from postdoc and doctoral students:

Peter Higgs, who discovered the "Higgs Boson" (God particle), began his academic research by publishing his 

thesis - "Some problems in the theory of molecular vibrations"

Rosalind Franklin, who helped discover the double helical structure of DNA by producing X-ray diffraction images of them.  

Stephen Hawking began his academic career with his 

thesis on the properties of expanding universes

Do you have the ambition to become the next Higgs or Hawking of your field? 

Universities globally are renowned for their exceptional research facilities. 

Alongside state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, many institutions offer access to specialized libraries, datasets, and other resources to bolster your research.

To select the right PhD program for you, consider the following:

Your research interests, goals and long-term career objectives: 

Whether you aspire to become a professor or work in a specific industry, you should make sure that your chosen research area aligns with your career goals.

This includes professors, supervisors and other researchers. Become familiar with their research interests, publications, and accolades - this will help you figure out whether or not their specializations align with your research interests. It will also make you stand out in your motivation letter and interviews.

Assess the program's funding options, including scholarships, grants, and assistantships. To do this, you can check the university's website, talk to university representatives and recruiters at various events, or over email.

University resources and student support:

 This may include funding for materials, equipment, or conference or research site travel. It may also involve student support in the form of access to mental health professionals.

1.  Academic transcripts and/or GPA requirements

transcript of your grades from your previous studies 

Your grades or Grade Point Average (GPA) can play a crucial role in securing admission into some PhD degree programs, especially in STEM.

Another important factor in your PhD requirements list is your personal statement (also referred to as a motivation letter).

To craft a compelling motivation letter, 

 under whom you'll be studying, and make sure to explicitly state why you're the right choice for this program and university.

Professors and admission committees actively look for clues that show how thoroughly you researched the institution you're applying for. This is to try to assess two things:

By putting in more effort into your research, you show maturity and genuine interest in the program. A lot of people drop out of PhD programs, and those that have a strong passion for the program are more likely to persevere.

Your motivation letter is the first point of contact where you can communicate directly with the university's representatives and showcase your research skills and what you can contribute to the faculty.

Some PhD programs may require you to have relevant professional or research experience. With others, it's a bonus. 

, because it shows that you've been involve in academic research before, and you know what to expect.

With students who are completely new to this world, there's always the risk that they may drop out because they realized they might not like the process after all.

You may be required to craft and submit a research proposal, unless you’re applying for a pre-defined research project - usually in STEM. Be sure to check if the program you're applying for has a research proposal requirement.

usually required to provide proof of language proficiency

Different universities may accept different certificates, so make sure to check this requirement on the official program website.

Here are some commonly accepted certificates for different languages:

Your university or program of choice may have other PhD degree requirements, such as:

ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme)

Several (strong) letters of recommendation (check out our tips on 

In this guide, we are going to explore everything you need to know on how to get a PhD abroad.

The Ultimate PhD Degree Guide for International Students (2023)

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