With more than 4500+ universities especially for PhD studies, USA has proven to be the ideal choice for doctorate students globally. The benefits of doing PhD in USA are multiple. From studying in institutes that are QS ranked to sharing a classroom experience with the best minds in the industry, a PhD In USA offers more in academic value.
USA has always been a study abroad destination due to the high academic standards, recognised USA education system and above all being the hub for innovative research which is exactly what PhD graduates aim to grasp. Thus if you’re looking to study PhD in USA, this blog covers all the essential information related to PhD in USA for international students.
Overview Of PhD In USA
Before you can proceed towards learning about PhD requirements in USA for international students, here is a quick overview of what to expect from a PhD in USA:
Course Duration |
4-7 years (varies based on the course) |
No. of PhD universities |
4500+ |
No. of Nobel Prizes |
383 |
No. of Doctorate Granting Institution |
431 |
Popular PhD Specializations |
Stem education, Public health, Psychology, etc |
Popular PhD Courses |
Economics, History, Biological Sciences, Religion, etc |
Top PhD Institutes |
Princeton University, Columbia University, Harvard University, Stanford University, etc |
Degree Type |
Full-time |
PhD Fees |
3,531- 57,590 USD/ year (fees differ based on the years) |
Admission Intake |
August-May (most admission intake is December, January, September) |
PhD Structure |
Subject based, Thesis and Dissertation |
Benefits of Doing PhD In USA?
To help you understand better about PhD in America for Indian students, you first need to analyse why the perks of this investment. Thus here are four such benefits of doing PhD in USA:
- Subject Focused- The best part of catering to PhD admission requirements in USA is the fact that students will be able to study their core subjects in the initial stage. After they grasp good knowledge their research skills to complete the thesis and dissertations will come in the end for them. This gives them better knowledge on how to get started.
- Advanced Facilities- USA is the hub for any new innovations. The country has a good economy which leads them to invest in the right sectors, one of which is education. For PhD students, conducting innovative research with the right resources matters and that is exactly why the support of such USA investments make sense.
- Scholarship Opportunities- For students looking to study PhD in USA, there is a range of scholarship opportunities to apply from. Most of these scholarships are provided by the university who offer either full or partial funding that covers most of the tuition fees and living expenses.
- Widely Recognized Institutes- Doing a PhD in America for Indian students gives them the opportunity to study in universities that are listed on the QS World University Rankings of 2023. Top PhD universities in USA include Stanford University (Ranked 3), Harvard University (Ranked 5), University of Chicago (Ranked 10), etc.
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Top Universities In USA For PhD
USA is home to well-established and prestigious universities that offer a range of courses and programs catered to every international student's needs. The country has become a popular preference especially for PhD studies. Thus to help you choose better from the list, we have shared five such universities in USA for PhD that you should consider right away.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
- Columbia University
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MIT is the number one college preference when it comes to pursuing PhD programs in USA. Close to 7,000 students are currently enrolled in their diverse degree programs. The university is a preferred choice amongst international students due to the rich educational experience they offer.
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
1 |
Course Duration |
5 years |
Academic Reputation |
100 |
Employee Reputation |
100 |
Average Tuition Fees |
57,590 USD/year |
Courses Offered |
PhD in Finance, Accounting, Management Science, Economic Sociology, etc |
Degree Type |
Full-time |
Location |
Massachusetts |
2. Stanford University
Stanford university is another popular choice when it comes to studying PhD in USA. The reason why Stanford is chosen by multiple PhD students is that advantage they offer by offering a five year funding opportunity. They offer tuition fees assistance, assistantship salaries, etc.
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
3 |
Course Duration |
4-5 years |
Academic Reputation |
100 |
Employee Reputation |
100 |
Average Tuition Fees |
Quarter basis payments
Year 1- 11-18 units - 18,105 USD/year Year 2- 4 - 8-10 units - 11,770 USD/year Year 5- 3,531 USD/year (health related fees) |
Courses Offered |
PhD in Education, History, Economics, Health Policy, Bioengineering, etc |
Degree Type |
Full-time |
Location |
Stanford, California |
3. Harvard University
Harvard University is a well known and recognised name when it comes to studying in USA. This university also offers a five year funding opportunity for international students. They have a range of PhD courses in USA to choose from such as Business economics, comparative literature, etc.
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
5 |
Course Duration |
6-7 years |
Academic Reputation |
100 |
Employee Reputation |
100 |
Average Tuition Fees |
Year 1 and 2- 52,456 USD/year Year 3 and 4- 13,638 USD/year Year 4+ - 3,470 USD/year (facilities fees) |
Courses Offered |
PhD in Political science, Psychology, Public policy, Health sciences, etc |
Degree Type |
Full-time |
Location |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
4. Princeton University
Princeton University is another popular choice to study PhD in USA. Their PhD courses are designed to cater to multiple aspects such as increase engagement between the faculty and students, provide adequate financial support and design courses that will help students learn all the skills required to function in any field of their choice.
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
16 |
Course Duration |
5 years |
Academic Reputation |
99.9 |
Employee Reputation |
98.9 |
Average Tuition Fees |
57,410 USD + 3000 USD/year (health plan fee) |
Courses Offered |
PhD in Music, Finance, Religion, Engineering, Philosophy, etc |
Degree Type |
Full-time |
Location |
Princeton, New Jersey |
5. Columbia University
Lastly, Columbia university also makes it to the list of top universities to consider when pursuing PhD studies in USA. Columbia University has been a great pick amongst international students for the warm environment they create for the former. Apart from this, there is a range of PhD programs to choose from.
QS World University Rankings 2023 |
22 |
Course Duration |
4-6 years |
Academic Reputation |
99.7 |
Employee Reputation |
98.1 |
Average Tuition Fees |
Residence Unit - 25,248 USD/ per semester Extended Residence- 12,624 USD/per semester |
Courses Offered |
PhD in History, Environment Sciences, Architecture, Economics, Italian, etc |
Degree Type |
Full-time |
Location |
New York |
Eligibility Criteria For PhD Admission In USA
To pursue PhD in USA for Indian students, there are a set of eligibility criterias that needs to be followed. These criterias can differ based on the university choice, however there is a standard requirement that is followed by all.
Here is an overview of the eligibility for PhD in USA:
1. GRE
GRE (Graduate Record Examination) helps universities analyse a students skills in multiple factors. Most USA universities require the GRE score as part of their admission process.
2. ELP
ELP (English Language Proficiency) test is an exam that helps universities judge the English language skills of the students. Most USA universities accept TOEFL and IELTS scores. It is better to score the minimum score or higher for these exams (IELTS- 7, TOEFL- 100 ibt).
3. Bachelors and Masters Degree
To study PhD in USA , students should have completed their previous academic studies. A degree in Bachelors and Masters is mandatory when applying for PhD admission in USA.
4. Work Experience
While this isn’t a mandatory requirement, it is better if students submit their work experience as it can enhance the application process.
Admission Process For PhD Courses In USA
You are now able to tick the checklist related to eligibility for PhD in USA. It’s now time to apply for the same. Here is a simple process that answers the most common question of how to apply for PhD in USA?
- Identify which PhD course you wish to study for
- Choose a university that offers the same course in USA. Also identify which faculty you wish to conduct your PhD research with
- Check all the PhD requirements in USA by visiting the universities official website
- Pay the application fee which costs around 75-125 USD
- Submit the PhD application along with all related documents before the submission deadline
- Attend the interview well
- Once accepted, apply for scholarship, arrange for funding and get started with your student visa
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Documents Required For PhD Admission In USA
To successfully meet the PhD requirements in USA for international students, there are a few supporting documents that needs to be attached. Ensure the below are checked:
- PhD Application form
- ELP score proof
- GRE score proof
- All educational transcripts
- 3 letters of recommendation
- CV/Resume
- Work Experience
- Sample writing (in the form of essays, thesis, etc)
- Payment of application fee
- Statement of Purpose
- Scholarship proof if applied
Cost Of PhD In USA
Now that you’re aware of the PhD admission in USA, it’s time to move ahead towards the cost factor. To calculate the cost of PhD in USA, there are two factors to consider, tuition fees and cost of living in USA.
Let’s learn about them in detail:
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees to pursue PhD in USA for Indian students is 3,531- 57,590 USD/ year. These fees differ based on the year you’re studying in. Most of the tuition fees will have the health fee either included or to be added when making this payment.
Cost of Living
The next cost factor you need to keep in mind is the living expenses during your PhD study period. On average, international students require 10,000- 20,000 USD/ year. These expenses include accommodation, food, groceries, area you choose to live in, etc. The living expenses figure can also vary based on a student's lifestyle choices.
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Scholarship For PhD In USA
While you cater to other PhD requirements in USA, most international students struggle to cater to the obvious requirement, cost of PhD in USA. However, students can now relax since there are opportunities for scholarships for PhD in USA. These scholarships offer a good amount that can help students enjoy a hassle free learning experience.
Here is an overview of the top scholarships for PhD in USA:
Scholarship Name |
Amount/Value/Benefit |
Yale University Scholarships USA |
50,000 USD |
IBM PhD. Fellowship Awards Program |
60,000- 25,000 USD |
Franklin Mosher Baldwin Memorial Fellowship |
15,000 USD |
Josephine De Karman Fellowship Trust |
25,000 USD |
NCITD International Trade Scholarships |
1000 USD |
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Career Opportunities After PhD In USA
After completing PhD in education in USA, international students have a range of job profiles to choose from. On average, a doctorate student can earn up to 101,000 USD a year. However this salary figure can differ based on the job profile chosen.
Here is an overview of the popular job profiles and average salaries after completing PhD in USA for Indian students:
Job Profile |
Average Annual Salary |
College Professor |
79,628 USD |
Legal Officer |
89,046 USD |
Research Scientist |
97,507 USD |
Manager |
80,343 USD |
Senior Data Analyst |
96,809 USD |
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PR Opportunities After PhD In USA
Many students, especially international students, prefer to extend their stay in USA after they complete their education. The top reasons being the country can offer a better career path, the opportunity to work with the best brands in the market, etc.
Thus multiple students apply for a green card in order to avail for a PR (Permanent Residence) in USA. The process is simple:
- Check whether your eligible for a green card by visiting the official website
- If yes, fill the form I-485 with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration services) and submit all payments and documents accordingly.
- If accepted, your green card will be valid for 10 years.
As per recent rules, USA has introduced a new post study work visa called the Graduate Route visa. In this type of visa, in this case PhD students can stay up to 3 years to find a job in the country. There is no limitation of any salary figures or a confirmed job offer.
So if a PhD student has received a job offer in that three year stay back period, they can apply for a green card through employment.
Wrapping Up….
When you pursue a field such as a doctorate program, it is wise to invest in a place where you receive twice the value from this investment. PhD in education in USA proves to be one such fruitful investment. Students will be able to not just enhance their skills and knowledge on their favourite subject, but they will also be able to put these skills to use with the best brands in the market. If you’re still seeking answers to your queries about PhD in USA, speak to our Yocket counsellors who will help you better.
Frequently Asked Questions About PhD In USA
Ques: Is a PhD in USA worth it?
Ans: Yes a PhD degree from USA is valuable as you hold impressionable academics that can open better opportunities in your career.
Ques: Do we need GRE for PhD admission in USA?
Ans: Yes, for a few PhD courses in USA, students are required to undertake and submit GRE scores.
Ques: How many years are PhD courses in USA?
Ans: The standard PhD in USA program is 4-7 years. However this can vary based on the PhD program chosen.
Ques: Do PhD students get F1 visas?
Ans: Yes, PhD students should apply for F1-visa if they wish to pursue their former education in USA.
Ques: Can international PhD students apply for a green card?
Ans: Yes, international students are eligible to apply for a green card upon completion of their PhD studies.