phd student status

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

PhD Candidate vs Student: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms “PhD student” and “PhD candidate” interchangeably. However, these terms actually mean something quite different, including a different status level at universities.

We’re here to define the differences between a PhD candidate vs student, as well as other essential information, before you continue your educational journey.

Table of Contents

What I s a PhD student?

A doctoral student is anyone who is enrolled in a doctorate degree, also referred to as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. PhD students are typically required to complete a certain number of course credits and sit qualifying exams. Next, they can move on to conduct research and present it in the form of a dissertation.

A PhD is centered around self-directed research and possibly teaching/running tutorials, but they typically also involve a substantial amount of coursework and require attending classes, either online or in person.

Unlike candidates, PhD students are in the process of completing the required coursework for the degree. They haven’t passed the relevant qualifying exams yet.

What Is a PhD Candidate?

A PhD candidate has completed the required coursework and passed the qualifying exams for their doctorate program. They are currently working on their dissertation.

Most PhD students need to go through an application process  and show they meet certain requirements such as a relevant master’s degree . To become a PhD candidate, doctoral students need to pass an internal application process, typically involving a set of exams.

This stage involves significant research usually in innovative areas and incorporating this into a dissertation (this stage is sometimes referred to as “all but dissertation” [ABD]), as they’ve completed all other aspects of the program and satisfied these requirements. To complete their doctoral journey, a PhD candidate must defend their dissertation. Once they’ve successfully done this, they will be awarded their degree and move from PhD candidate to doctor of their chosen field.

PhD Candidate vs Student: 6 Key Differences

There are a number of key differences between a PhD student vs PhD candidate, from their status to the structure and nature of study.

Note: Some universities have recently started adopting hybrid approaches (where there is no clear difference between PhD students and PhD candidates). These programs don’t involve any qualifying exams and students typically begin the dissertation as part of their coursework. Most schools, however, continue with the traditional distinction between a PhD candidate and PhD student.

1. Program Stage

A PhD student could be at any stage of the doctoral program . Coursework still needs to be completed and qualifying exams must be passed. Students may be in the initial stage of the program or about to complete the coursework (before beginning their research).

On the other hand, a PhD candidate has completed all coursework and has at least started their research. They may have completed their dissertation and are preparing to defend it.

2. Research Progress

A PhD student may not have selected their research topic or settled on a particular research question. A candidate’s research is in progress and they should already have a clear research question.

3. Relationship with Advisors

A PhD student may not yet have an advisor. A candidate has an established working relationship with their advisor and works closely with them to complete their research and dissertation.

4. Level of Support

Although they work closely with an advisor, a PhD candidate is generally expected to work more independently than a student enrolled in a doctoral student. Once candidates reach this stage of their doctorate, they typically won’t receive as much direction or supervision.

5. Flexibility and Structure

Understandably, PhD candidates have more freedom and flexibility in their work. Most candidates choose their area of research, as well as the methods used to conduct their work. As part of their coursework, PhD students usually have to work within a set structure (e.g., completing core subjects, meeting deadlines).

Being a PhD candidate comes with a certain degree of status. If they’ve demonstrated a degree of expertise through completing qualifying exams, candidates can put the letters PhD(c) after their name.

Tips for PhD Candidates

A PhD is an advanced degree designed to demonstrate expertise in a given field, as well as high-level skills and abilities in various areas (including research and writing). As such, earning a doctorate can be a challenging process.

The following tips for doctoral candidates will help you put your best foot forward and set yourself up for success.

Stay Organized

Because PhD candidates have to balance many competing priorities, organization is essential. Using organizational tools such as calendars,  note-taking apps , and project management software can help you keep track of deadlines and meet your targets.

Focus on Your Research

PhD candidates likely have busy schedules with plenty of demands (such as teaching commitments and crafting a dissertation). As it’s the backbone of any doctoral program, be sure to prioritize this part of your work and monitor progress to stay on track.

Actively Seek Out Feedback

Because PhD candidates often work independently, there’s a risk of feeling isolated. Ask your advisors, mentors, and fellow candidates for feedback and advice. This will help ensure that you’re considering all aspects of your research question and multiple solutions, rather than focusing too intensely on a single area.

Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities

Networking is one of the biggest benefits for PhD candidates, so take full advantage of these events. Use this time to build a strong network of professors, advisors, fellow candidates, and other professionals you meet at conferences and events.

Take Care of Yourself

A PhD program can be taxing, and it’s easy for your mental and physical health to take a backseat. Make sure you exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep . Remember: Resting and recharging is crucial for working on your dissertation.

How Long Is a Typical PhD Candidacy?

Most PhD students require 1-2 years to complete their coursework and pass their qualifying exams. However, the length of a PhD candidacy is much more open. In most cases, programs take between two and five years, depending on:

• the complexity of the field of research
• the candidate’s other commitments, such as teaching load
• other abilities, such as a candidate’s level of organization.

Once a PhD candidate has completed their dissertation, they have to defend it successfully before a panel of faculty members before they can earn their doctorate degree. This process of defending a PhD dissertation can take several months.

Some universities specify a maximum length for PhD candidacy duration. For example, Carnegie Mellon University limits this to six years .

Benefits of Being a PhD Candidate

Being a PhD candidate can be rewarding for several reasons:

1. Research Opportunities

You’ll be exposed to vast research opportunities in your field. You may contribute to valuable discoveries while developing advanced knowledge and skills.

2. Networking

Through your PhD candidacy, you’ll also be in a great position to build gain a stronger network of fellow professionals.

3. Critical Thinking

A PhD candidacy can help you develop high intellectual independence and critical thinking skills.

4. Career Opportunitie s

A PhD is an advanced degree that allows you to build a rewarding career in the academic, government, and private sectors. PhD-holders can also expect to earn more than other graduates and are most likely to find a job.

5. Salaries

According to Northeastern University , professionals with a doctorate degree earn an average annual salary of $99,290 on average (and much more for the highest-paid PhDs ) and have a 1.5% unemployment rate. For master’s degree holders, the average annual salary is $81,867 average annual salary and a 2.6% unemployment rate.

6. Personal Fulfillment

Being a PhD candidate can help you pursue your passions. This advanced qualification will allow you to become a specialist in your chosen field, allowing you to hone in on the exact subject thatl fulfills you the most.

Qualifying Exams to Become a PhD Candidate

While requirements vary by program, to become a PhD candidate, most students will need to pass a set of exams. These will test students’ knowledge in the field, measure their research skills, and ensure they’re ready to start their dissertation research.

Traditionally, qualifying exams for PhD candidates involved a written test and an oral exam. These will cover a range of topics related to your field of study, with the oral component designed to demonstrate your level of understanding.

Some universities have recently started to issue doctoral students with a set of questions and have them submit the answers within a set timeframe (usually around two weeks). Other schools ask prospective doctoral candidates to submit a dissertation proposal instead of an exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a phd candidate be called a doctor.

In most cases, a doctoral candidate cannot be called a doctor until after they successfully defend their dissertation and receive their doctorate.

Can I Put ‘PhD Candidate’ after My Name?

Once you’ve passed qualifying exams and embarked on dissertation research, you’re technically entitled to put “PhD candidate” or “PhD (c)” after your name. However, this is uncommon and not always recommended. It is generally more acceptable to mention that you are pursuing a doctorate (along with the field of research and university) or that you expect to complete your PhD in a certain year (on your CV and online profiles).

How Long Can You Be a PhD Candidate?

There isn’t a set length of time that a person can be a PhD candidate. The length of candidacy depends on a range of factors, including the subject of research and program requirements. Most PhD candidates complete this phase in around 3-5 years (where some university programs have set limits).

Do PhD Students Take Classes?

Yes, most PhD students must take classes and complete coursework as part of the first 1-2 years of their doctorate program. Once they’ve completed this coursework and passed qualifying exams, they move on to work on their research dissertation. At this stage, they’ll be considered a PhD candidate.

Key Takeaways

Now that you know the differences between PhD candidates vs. students, you’ve got a deeper understanding of how to obtain a doctorate. However you slice it, both will help you build your knowledge and skills to become an expert in your field.

However the program is structured, a PhD is a highly valuable degree that allows you to become a high-level professional and build a successful career.

If you know a PhD candidate who’s celebrating their accomplishments soon? Take a look at this guide to the best PhD graduation gifts .

• 10 Best PhD Programs in Pennsylvania
• Top 10 Best PhD in Cybersecurity Online Programs
• 10 Top PhD Programs in Chemistry
• The Top 10 Easiest PhDs: Tuition, Duration, and Financial Aid
• Top 10 Fully Funded PhD Programs and Universities
• Top 10 Best PhD in Medicine Programs

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ ACBSP Vs AACSB: Which Business Program Accreditations is Better?
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

14 Cheap Spring Break Destinations for College Students in 2024

How to get a master’s without a bachelor’s: the complete guide, related posts.

• The Sassy Digital Assistant Revolutionizing Student Budgeting

• Computer Science Graduate Admission Trends: Annual Results

• The Best Academic Planners for 2024/2025

Breaking Records: Yale Sees Most Selective Grad Admissions Season Yet

12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students

Is a Master’s Degree Worth It? [2024 Guide]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

• How New Grads Research Companies to Find Jobs
• Experience Paradox: Entry-Level Jobs Demand Years in Field

© 2024 TheGradCafe.com All rights reserved

• Partner With Us
• Results Search
• Submit Your Results
• Write For Us

• Current Students

Full Time Status of Ph.D. Students

For academic purposes, at least nine credits (not counting any audit credits) of course registration in the Fall and Spring semesters are required to maintain full-time (FT) status. However, students may be certified FT with less than nine credits of registration in the following cases ( note : the minimum number of credits is shown in each case since the academic program may have additional requirements) :

• Students who enrolled for the first time in the Ph.D. program after August 2015 :      → May be certified FT with three credits of pre-doctoral research if they have completed all required courses and have passed the qualifying exam.      → May be certified FT with 3 credits in the second, third, or fourth semester if they have not passed the qualifying exam but have successfully completed the required courses with a CGPA greater than or equal to 3.5.      → May be certified FT with six credits (including three credits of pre-doctoral research with GSO approval) if they have successfully completed all required courses, have not passed the qualifying exam, and have a CGPA below 3.5.      → May be certified FT with one credit of dissertation research if they have completed all required courses, have passed the qualifying exam and have defended successfully the dissertation proposal.

PhD students registered for less than 9 credits who are either domestic students receiving financial support or are international students (F1/J1) must apply online for full-time certification for that semester here  

A course registration hold is automatically placed after approval.

Any further course registration changes will require permission from the Graduate Studies Office.   

For Ph.D. credit requirements for students entering a Ph.D. program after August 2015, go here

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

PhD candidate vs PhD student

I see researchers working on their PhD calling themselves PhD Candidates, other call themselves PhD students. What's the difference between a PhD Candidate and a PhD Student?

According to two posters on the WordReferences forums :

This terms vary from university to university, usually a PhD student is granted the candidate status after completion of a “comprehensive examination”, which occurs sometime after the first year.

Here in the U.S., a “Ph.D. Candidate” is a student who has completed all of the academic requirements for their degree, except their dissertation.

So this works in the USA and Canada I presume, because they have structured PhD programs where you attend courses as part of your PhD. Unlike most of the universities in Europe where a PhD student starts off directly with his/her PhD thesis. (Europe does have structured programs as well, but they are not as widely spread yet).

• terminology

• 37 Every department is different. –  JeffE Commented Jul 5, 2013 at 14:56

10 Answers 10

In some countries (e.g. The Netherlands where I obtained my PhD degree) you are not considered a student but a paid employee (staff) with the university. To discern between these, people sometimes translate their status to English using term "PhD candidate". Btw, this has nothing to do with the length of the program or your progress.

• 4 It is also good to note that the salary a Dutch PhD receives is competitive with entry level jobs at say a consultancy or programming company, assuming of course there is funding to begin with. –  Paul Hiemstra Commented Jul 10, 2013 at 12:05
• 5 @PaulHiemstra broadly speaking :) I would say there is at least a 500 euro gap. Especially after four years, the PhD salary is considerably below what a programmer or consultant with 4 years experience could expect. It's the same general range, but I wouldn't call it competitive. –  Peter Bloem Commented May 1, 2014 at 14:54
• 12 @Peter The pay and working conditions are certainly near the top of the scale when you compare it to what PhD students in other countries get. –  Moriarty Commented May 1, 2014 at 16:20
• @Peter, here in Brazil this gap varies a lot. A trainee in a small company usually makes less than a PhD student\candidate. So small companies rarely get the brightest people. OTOH, big companies easily pay entry salaries equivalent to the double of what a PhD candidate makes (triple if the applicant is a good interviewer). And excluding the IT field, the extra income from 4 years of experience is negligible. So it all depends of vacancies on the big companies of your city. –  Lucas Soares Commented Oct 30, 2014 at 15:10
• 1 There is also a political component to it, because there are some politicians who want to change the status of PhD candidates from being an employee to being a receiver of a grant. Therefore, when I was still doing my PhD, I was emphasizing a lot that I was not a student, and I tell that to the current PhD candidates as well. –  damian Commented Aug 31, 2015 at 15:14

To expand on what JeffE said – "Every department is different.", here's an example from my university (a top UC school):

The math department is pretty rigorous and the "candidacy exam" is mostly a blackboard and chalk routine. They throw a bunch of stuff at you, poke holes in your proposal, make you sweat epsilons and deltas from all your pores before declaring you a "candidate".

The life/physical sciences departments require you to have a 20-30 page written proposal + a presentation on it + preliminary results (usually at least 1 journal paper) and your committee members grill you on the proposal.

In ECE/CS (applied, not theoretical), the labs/PIs are generally quite rigorous themselves and by the time a student is ready to take the candidacy exam, they've had at least 2 first author publications and 3-4 conference publications. At this point, their course is pretty set and the committee members don't generally feel like they need to say/do much (unless if there are serious flaws hitherto unnoticed). As such, the candidacy exam is more of a formality — no 30 page proposals (who reads them anyway?); just a presentation on the papers already published + future work remaining.

The bottom line from all this is — there are no standard rules/definitions/process involved in becoming a "PhD candidate". All it usually means is that "This person has shown an understanding of the fundamental concepts (on the day of testing), their proposal/work done is original and has potential and they've completed all course work/other requirements except for their thesis".

In Australia, (at least at my university), you start off as a 'Provisional Candidate'.

Then you complete a Dissertation Proposal - where you present a 20 or so page preliminary report and present it as a seminar to a group of peers - once passed, you receive a 'Confirmation of Candidature' then you proceed to complete the thesis as a 'Confirmed Candidate'.

This is usually done within the first 1-2 years of the PhD course.

• 14 "Provisonal candidate"? I'd have preferred "Candidate candidate" –  Federico Poloni Commented Jul 5, 2013 at 16:00
• 2 @FedericoPoloni well, that is what we're called before the Dissertation Proposal. –  user7130 Commented Jul 5, 2013 at 21:16
• This is very similar to my experience in Switzerland. –  DarioP Commented Jun 22, 2015 at 8:33

What's the difference between a PhD Candidate and a PhD Student?

To someone outside your department, there is very little difference since people (i.e., prospective employers) just don't care about the terms. they want to know what you have accomplished so far.

To someone in a finite duration PhD (e.g., a "typical" 3-year UK PhD program), there is very little difference. It is simpler to just list your year.

To someone in a indeterminate length PhD (e.g., a "typical" US PhD program), it provides a nice milestone.

As other have said, the requirements to achieve candidacy vary widely between countries, universities, and even departments. That said, I think it is nearly universal (and that is going out on a huge limb in academia) that candidacy implies that the next "evaluation" will be on your thesis and apart from time limits or extraordinary circumstances that as long as you are willing to pay your tuition and fees the department will let you be a PhD Candidate.

At my institution (in the U.S.A.), you are considered a PhD student until you pass your qualifying exams. After passing, you are considered a PhD candidate.

The qualifying exam is usually taken around 2 years in the program, or after you have completed any required or recommended coursework. It consists of a written exam, which can be one or more questions from each of your committee members. The written exam at my institution is left up to the committee members discretion (the major adviser in reality), it can be open or closed book, very detailed, or more theoretical, 24 hour time period or maybe 1 month, even proctored by the committee member. The oral examination can also be anything. Committee members can ask very detailed questions or more theoretical questions. Preparing for the oral exam can be difficult, especially if you have members from other departments and backgrounds. For example, I have a Soil Scientist, Biologist, Fire Ecologist, Landscape Modeler, and Remote Sensing Specialist on my committee. They all asked very different question specific to their fields.

Three of my written exams consisted of about 8 questions and I was given 8 hours to complete. It was open book and not proctored. I took the exam from home. One exam was 12 questions and I was given a month (yes I sweated for a month!). They all asked very broad questions for the written exam to figure out which areas I had a solid understanding in, and which areas I needed improvement. The oral exam was basically 4 PhD's questioning (read interrogating!) me. They started with a few easy questions, but then asked more difficult questions from the areas I was not as knowledgeable in.

I think Jaap's reply is pretty much spot on, i.e. paid staff (as in the Netherlands, Germany...) vs. student status (as in the UK, for example).

Personally, I prefer "PhD candidate" because people here are massively prejudiced against "students" (young, irresponsible, constantly partying...) despite the fact that I'm officially registered as a student rather than staff.

Just to make it clear that people are not obliged to use one thing or the other.

• Do you have qualifying exams? –  derelict Commented May 1, 2014 at 17:14

It can be different depend on region, country, university or even department.

In my department in a university in Taiwan, we need to finish all required credit course and submit one international journal as milestone to be qualified as PhD Candidate.

At the university I attended in the UK, one was considered to be on provisional status until passing the viva, which was not only an oral "interview" but also included a thorough review of all research completed at that point, a 20,000 word critical paper, and a detailed thesis plan. After that point, the successful student was advanced to candidacy, while the unsuccessful student was awarded an M.Phil.and dismissed from the program. This procedure was standardized throughout the university graduate school regardless of department. For candidates, the only obstacle left was the defense of the thesis.

PhD students should complete all the coursework before becoming PhD Candidate. After completing all the coursework, PhD students have to pass the comprehensive written exam (and comprehensive oral exam) to become PhD Candidate. The amount of rigor of comprehensive exam depends on department to department. Some department requires that you pass the comprehensive exam on all the four (or five) seminar areas plus the methods that you have taken. Others require that you declare your major area and pass the comprehensive area on only that major area plus the methods. Department may also require you to come up with a framework for your dissertation topic before they grant you the candidacy status. Again, the variation exists between department in how they grant the candidacy. Once your status change from PhD Student to PhD Candidate, you are no longer required to take courseworks. However, you should be enrolled in the pre-dissertation and dissertation hours (normally 24 hrs; 6 hours per semester to maintain full-time status) to continue your dissertation. You work with your dissertation chair and committee after comprehensive exam. PhD candidate are also called Doctoral candidate, and ABD - All But Dissertation.

• 4 PhD students should complete all the coursework before becoming PhD Candidate - this is not generally true (i.e., not in all fields/all departments). –  ff524 Commented Aug 18, 2014 at 13:36
• 3 I downvoted this for being specific to a very limited area without specifying that area or even mentioning this fact. –  Tobias Kildetoft Commented Aug 18, 2014 at 15:19

When you see PhD CANDIDATE think he/she is a CANDIDATE for a job in their field.

Versus PhD student they are still a student learning their field of study.

In Texas public University you are a candidate when you pass all of your doctoral exams. Usually at this point you have already completed all of your course work. You are wrapping up your research projects, writing papers to be published, writing dissertation and looking for a job.

-Nick, Chemistry PhD candidate

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged phd titles terminology ..

• Featured on Meta
• Announcing a change to the data-dump process
• Upcoming initiatives on Stack Overflow and across the Stack Exchange network...
• We spent a sprint addressing your requests — here’s how it went

Hot Network Questions

• What are the ways compilers recognize complex patterns?
• What exactly is the computational or standard basis?
• A question about I2C resistor locations and bus capacitance
• How do cables and cooling lines transverse the pressure hull of the International Space Station?
• Okay to travel to places where the locals are unwelcoming?
• Is the set of software and hardware of modern attitude control systems exhaustive?
• Sandwich variance estimator or bootstrap-based variance for stabilized inverse probability weighting (IPW)
• Do programs within which a computable function runs a random number of times always halt, as in the halting problem?
• Edna Andrade's Black Dragon: Winding Around Control Points
• Why are smooth irreducible representations of the Weil group finite dimensional?
• Could today's flash memory be used instead of RAM in 1980s 8 bit machines?
• From what equations is magnetic field uniquely determined for a given current distribution?
• How artificial is the lack of 450%+/50t+ gearing on lesser 1x groups?
• Photon propagator
• Concentration bounds for a mixture of a fixed value and a uniform distribution
• Wikipedia states that the relativistic Doppler effect is the same whether it is the source or the receiver that is stationary. Can this be true?
• Does surviving an assassination attempt increase your chance of getting elected?
• What is the difference between "Donald Trump just got shot at!" and "Donald Trump just got shot!"?
• How can a hazard function be negative?
• How to disable trackbacks and pings on Images?
• Does a green card holder need a visa for a layover in Athens airport?
• Signature doughnut from a city
• Can DHCP Server detect Windows version?
• Flawed reasoning somewhere when calculating the radius of convergence for a power series

Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Full-time status.

A graduate (nondoctoral) student is considered a full-time student if they are enrolled in 9 quarter hours of graduate credit for the quarter. An exception is made for students matriculated in master’s degree programs that only require 4 credit courses, in which case full-time student status is attained with enrollment in 8 quarter hours of graduate credit for the quarter.

A doctoral student’s full-time status is determined by the structure of the program.

Note that full-time status may be defined differently for federal loan purposes. International students have other considerations/requirements to maintain their visa eligibility.

Course Load

Federal financial aid recipients must be enrolled in and successfully complete a minimum number of credits each term to maintain eligibility. For more information, contact your financial aid counselor.

Course Overload

A maximum course load (different from full-time status) for a graduate (nondoctoral) student is 16 credits taken across a 12-week term, with no more than 8 credits per 6-week session.

To be eligible for a course overload (greater than 16 credits per 12-week term or greater than 8 credits per 6-week session), a graduate (nondoctoral) student must:

• Have a record of successful study with 12 or more credits a term at Northeastern University
• Have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.500
• Provide a rationale to support the request

Students need to complete the appropriate form and return it to their career and academic advisor. Course overload is approved per term.

Each doctoral program has its own enrollment and course load requirements. Doctoral students who wish to seek a course overload must consult with the program director or designee.

International Student Enrollment Requirements

Importance of maintaining f-1 status.

International students studying at Northeastern are responsible for maintaining compliance with U.S. federal regulations. Failure to maintain full-time enrollment, in accordance with these regulations, can result in consequences.  Regular consultation with college academic advisors, as well as Office of Global Services international student advisors, is required before taking any action that may impact immigration status and educational endeavors in the United States.

Achieving Full-Time Enrollment Status

Full-time enrollment status must be maintained by F-1 students throughout the academic year. To achieve full-time status, graduate students must be enrolled in 8–9 credits throughout each academic term. Students can consult with their college academic advisor prior to each term to develop a course schedule to maintain full-time status. F-1 students are expected to study on-ground and cannot enroll in an online course without first speaking to a college academic advisor to confirm eligibility .  If approved , F-1 students who need to withdraw/drop from a course must withdraw/drop from the additional online course first and not from any of the on-ground core courses in order to maintain full-time status.

College of Professional Studies Academic Term

In CPS, each academic term in fall, winter, and spring is defined as a quarter term consisting of 12 weeks. Some courses are scheduled for the entire 12 weeks, while others are scheduled for either the first 6 weeks or the last 6 weeks (parts of a term). A full summer term consists of 8 weeks. Some courses are scheduled for the entire 8 weeks of a term, while others are scheduled for parts of a term.

F-1 students are required to maintain full-time enrollment status, except in the final academic term of degree completion. If the course requirements for degree completion are less than 8–9 credits, they must be completed on-ground throughout the entire final term.

Eligibility for Summer Term Off

All students, regardless of the term in which they begin studies, (e.g., CPS winter or spring quarter terms) are eligible to take the summer term off as their standard vacation term, as long as they confirm enrollment in the following fall term and they are not starting or ending their program of study in that same summer term.

Directed Study

Directed studies are offered when a course is required for a student’s program of study but said course is not available in a given academic term and there is immediacy for a student to complete said course. Academic deans/directors will make the decision if there is a compelling need to run a course as a directed study.

Independent Study

Independent study is an opportunity for a degree student to work independently under the supervision of an instructor to undertake special research, literature review, or experimental study projects in areas related to their program of study that they cannot accomplish as part of a standard course in the curriculum. A degree student may take up to two independent studies. The work to be done for an independent study is usually crafted by the student, with faculty input. Independent studies are entirely optional and not needed to graduate. A completed Request for Independent Study form, signed by both the student and the faculty member, must be submitted to the academic program for review and approval.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-24 Undergraduate Day PDF

2023-24 CPS Undergraduate PDF

2023-24 Graduate/Law PDF

2023-24 Course Descriptions PDF

University Policies

Doctoral student status .

Policy Statement

The university has a policy that covers: time limits on doctoral student status, a definition of All But Dissertation status, a definition of In Residence and In Absentia status for doctoral students and the tuition and fees charged for students In Residence and students In Absentia . These rules apply to all doctoral students. Students who began their doctoral studies prior to the date of this policy’s revision may follow time-to-degree requirements from the previous policy, but all other rules set forth in this policy will apply immediately to all doctoral students.

Time to Degree

Students will complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree within a maximum of ten years from original matriculation as a doctoral student, or less if required by a more restrictive department or college policy. Once this time-to-degree limit has lapsed, the person may resume work towards a doctoral degree only if newly admitted to a currently offered doctoral degree program under criteria determined by that program. Under extraordinary circumstances, such as leave of absence, military or public service, family or parental leave, or temporary disability, a school or college may, upon the relevant department's recommendation and with the written approval of the dean, defer the lapse of All But Dissertation status for a period commensurate with the duration of that interruption. Students, who are pursuing the Ph.D. degree as part-time students for all semesters of their program, as approved by their program, may also appeal to their program or department for extension of the time to degree limit.

All But Dissertation Status

All But Dissertation, ABD, status is intended for students whose only remaining requirements are the completion and defense of their dissertation. Once a student meets the departmental criteria [1] , All But Dissertation status must be approved by the department by submitting the appropriate form to [email protected] . 

In Residence Versus In Absentia

Once students achieve All But Dissertation status, they must choose whether to complete their dissertation In Residence or In Absentia . A doctoral student In Residence maintains student status and all consequent student privileges and continues to be actively engaged with the university. A doctoral student In Absentia status  is one who has left the university with the intent of completing their dissertation but is not actively engaged with the university and does not require university resources. When a student decides whether to pursue All But Dissertation In Residence or In Absentia, they must complete a Doctoral Student Status Agreement form, which is available through their academic department or on the HUB website. Once the agreement has been approved by the student’s department, the student may change their status between  In Residence  and  In Absentia multiple times with approval. A student In Residence or In Absentia must meet the specific criteria noted later in this policy. Students  In Absentia will not be verified by the university as an enrolled "student" for immigration or loan purposes. All But Dissertation students in J1 or F1 immigration status must continue to follow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations [2] .

All But Dissertation Students In Residence

All But Dissertation students In Residence receiving any financial support (such as tuition, stipend, fees or health insurance, whether full or partial), tied to activities that are integral to their doctoral program that is  paid by or administered by the university must be enrolled for at least thirty-six units to maintain full time student status and all subsequent student privileges. Exceptions to the thirty-six unit enrollment requirement may be granted by the Provost [3] . All But Dissertation students In Residence who are not receiving any financial support (such as tuition, stipend, fees or health insurance, whether full or partial), from the university tied to activities that are integral to their doctoral program should consult their college policy to determine the number of units for which they must be registered in order to maintain full-time student status and all subsequent privileges. All But Dissertation students In Residence who are pursuing their doctoral degree on a part time basis and are not receiving any financial support (such as tuition, stipend, fees or health insurance, whether full or partial), from the university tied to activities that are integral to their doctoral program should consult their college policy to determine the number of units they must be registered for in order to maintain part time student status and all subsequent privileges. Note that doctoral students must be a full time graduate student for at least one academic year or more if required by the student’s home college. All But Dissertation students who are employed by the university in a capacity independent of their educational program and are pursuing a doctoral degree part time, may register for the number of units required by their department in order to remain in part time status so long as they are not receiving any financial support (such as tuition, stipend, fees or health insurance, whether full or partial), tied to activities that are integral to their doctoral program by their college, school or department. Questions about eligibility for tuition benefits should be referred to the Benefits Department.

Final Semester Tuition for All But Dissertation Students In Residence

Students who are supported by the university must be registered for thirty-six units for the entirety of their final semester and will be assessed their college’s full-time tuition.

Full-Time Students

If a student completes all Ph.D. degree requirements and is certified by:

• September 30th (in the fall), or February 28th (in the spring), tuition will be adjusted to $0; however, they will remain enrolled for thirty-six units for the semester.
• October 31st (in the fall), or March 31st (in the spring), tuition will be adjusted to 50% of the full-time tuition; however, they will remain enrolled for thirty-six units for the semester.
• After October 31st (in the fall), or after March 31st (in the spring), but BEFORE the first day of the next semester, tuition will not be adjusted, and they will remain enrolled for thirty-six units for the semester.
• Fees will not be adjusted after the semester course add deadline.
• Tuition will not be assessed in the summer, except for students who return from All But Dissertation In Absentia status and who are registered for thirty-six units. For those students who are certified by June 15th tuition will be adjusted to $0; for those who are certified by July 15th tuition will be adjusted to 50% of the full-time tuition. For those who are certified after July 15th but BEFORE the first day of the next semester, tuition will not be adjusted, and they will remain enrolled for thirty-six units for the semester.

Part-time Students

Students registered for fewer than thirty-six units are not eligible for a tuition adjustment, regardless of their certification date. Fees will not be adjusted.

All But Dissertation Students In Absentia

An All But Dissertation doctoral student may, upon departmental approval, be regarded as In Absentia when, and so long as, the following three conditions apply:

• The student has been enrolled as a full-time graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University for at least one academic year or more if required by the student's home college. Part-time graduate enrollment may, at the department's discretion, be counted pro-rata toward this requirement.
• The student does not receive any financial support (such as tuition, stipend, fees or health insurance) tied to activities that are integral to their doctoral program that is paid by or administered by the university.
• The student does not require substantial use of university resources. Departmental approval of this condition shall be subject to guidelines established by the school or college.

According to university guidelines, students In Absentia may [4] :

• Use University Libraries
• Use the university stores.
• Use computing facilities only for department communications and for dissertation text preparation.
• Enter university buildings for faculty/student consultations.
• Be eligible for student health insurance as determined on a case by case basis [5] .
• Use the Career and Professional Development Center.
• Become university employees.
• Be employed with a graduate student stipend [6] .
• Maintain legal F1 or J1 student status.
• Use University Health Services [5] .
• Buy parking permits [7] .
• Use athletic facilities [7] .
• Reside in university housing.

Employment of All But Dissertation Students In Absentia

As noted above, All But Dissertation students In Absentia are extended only minimum access to university resources. The student does not receive any financial support (such as tuition, stipend, fees, or health insurance, whether full or partial), tied to activities that are integral to their doctoral program paid by or administered by the university. An All But Dissertation student In Absentia cannot be hired for work by Carnegie Mellon University directly related to completing their dissertation and/or make substantial use of resources for work toward the doctorate as noted above [4] . In order to be in compliance with these policies, the university's employment policies and the Internal Revenue Service, an All But Dissertation student In Absentia may only be hired for university employment through the appropriate employment process. Questions should be referred to Human Resources.

Tuition and Fee Effects of In Absentia Student Status Including the Final Semester

While an All But Dissertation student is In Absentia , no tuition will be assessed. The student will, however, be responsible for all applicable fees.

An All But Dissertation student who is In Absentia , who returns to defend their dissertation has several options:

• A student who receives support (such as tuition, stipend, fees or health insurance, whether full or partial) paid for or administered by the university, must follow the policy for Final Semester Tuition for All But Dissertation Students  In Residence  (see above) and is eligible for the tuition to be pro-rated as identified in the schedule.
• A student returns to the university solely for the purpose of the defense and is In Residence for 10 or fewer days would pay the technology fee in addition to the tuition.
• A student returns to the university solely for the purpose of the defense and is In Residence for more than 10 days would pay the technology, transportation, and student activities fee in addition to the tuition.
• A student who is  In Absentia  may petition their program to complete and defend their dissertation without a return to campus. Such a student will be not be charged tuition but would be charged a Dissertation Completion Fee and technology fee. 

[1] General examples of having met All But Dissertation requirements may include completing all courses and passing qualifying exams; completing all courses and acceptance of dissertation proposal; etc. as defined by program, department or school. [2] The intent of the DHS regulations is that the student continues to pursue completion of the degree on a full-time basis under the jurisdiction of the university that will award the degree. International students who enter All But Dissertation status must remain In Residence and be registered full-time as defined in this policy to preserve F1 or J1 immigration status while they complete their degree. Questions about All But Dissertation status and immigration requirements should be addressed to the Office of International Education. [3] If granted exception results in the student’s enrollment being reduced to less than half time, tax consequences may apply. [4] An All But Dissertation student In Absentia may be hired as an university employee without switching to active student status so long as the hiring department certifies that the student is not hired at Carnegie Mellon for work directly related to his/her dissertation and that the student does not inappropriately make substantial use of resources for work towards the doctorate as noted above.  As an employee, an individual would be eligible for benefits that apply to his/her status as an employee, not as a graduate student. [5] University Health Services is not available to students in In Absentia status, except in an emergency, or on a case by case basis. All inquiries may be directed to the Manager of Business Operations, University Health Services. [6] Graduate students are not considered employees of the university as their primary affiliation with the university is as a student. [7] An individual whose primary relationship with the university is as an employee and who as Ph.D. student moves to the status of ABD In Absentia will be eligible for benefits that apply to his/her status as an employee.

• Articles of Incorporation
• Bylaws of the University

• PhD FAQS - Common Questions About Postgraduate Study

Written by Mark Bennett

PhD research is about answering new questions, but what about the questions you have about researching a PhD? Whether you want to know how a PhD works, how long the degree (or thesis) is, or simply what ‘PhD’ actually stands for, this page can help.

Below you can find some of the most frequently asked questions about studying a PhD. We’ve divided them into sections, introducing PhD study and the types of doctoral degree, explaining how to choose, apply for and fund your PhD as well as career prospects for people with a doctorate.

How to do a PhD

Not sure what studying a PhD involves? The questions in this section will help explain how PhDs work, what they involve and how you actually get one.

For a more detailed description, see our guide: What is a PhD?

What is a PhD?

A PhD is a postgraduate doctoral degree, usually completed after an undergraduate Bachelors and / or a Masters degree. PhD students carry out independent research towards an original thesis in their subject and receive the title ‘Doctor’ upon successful completion of their degree.

What does PhD stand for?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. The term PhD come from the Latin: Ph ilosophiae D octor. It may also be written as Ph.D or DPhil.

What level is a PhD?

A PhD degree is a third-cycle postgraduate qualification, above both Bachelors and Masters degrees. It’s normally the highest level of academic degree someone can earn. In the UK education system, a PhD is known as a level 8 qualification (a Masters is level 7, unsurprisingly).

How long is a PhD?

In the UK, full-time PhDs last for three to four years depending on your programme / funding. This is typical for most countries, but there are exceptions. For example, PhD programmes in the USA are rather longer, lasting for six or seven years full-time, including a significant taught component.

How hard is a PhD?

A PhD is the highest academic qualification you can get, so you shouldn’t expect it to be a walk in the park. Involving at least three years of concentrated research, you’ll need to produce a genuinely original contribution to your academic field.

Additionally, a PhD requires a great deal of motivation, grit and psychological fortitude. It’s not just about your intellect – it’s about your ability and determination to use that intellect to good use over the course of several years.

The difficulty of a PhD doesn’t result from the complexity or technicality of the material you study, so much as the need to commit to and manage such a substantial project. PhDs also require a different approach to learning. Unlike undergraduate study where you learn what is already known, a doctorate challenges you to find solutions that are not yet known – if there is a solution to be found, that is.

How many hours do you need to work?

Doing a full-time PhD is a comparable commitment to a full-time job (funded projects even come with a sort of salary, usually referred to as a stipend or studentship). You should assume a minimum of 35 hours per week, which will often increase (particularly when you are writing up your thesis).

How long is a PhD thesis?

A PhD thesis (or dissertation) is usually around 70,000-100,000 words. They are generally divided into multiple chapters, including the introduction, literature review , results, discussion and bibliography.

Do PhDs have exams?

Yes, but not the sort of exams that you are used to. Instead of a traditional ‘written’ test, a PhD ends with an oral examination called a viva voce (Latin for ‘living voice’).

This requires you to answer questions face-to-face with academics who are experts in your subject and have read your thesis. They will explore the direction you have taken with your research, query your results and ask you to justify your conclusions. The aim is to prove that your work is your own and that your thesis is up to the standard of a PhD. The viva voce is sometimes known as a ‘PhD defence’.

Many PhDs also include a miniature version of this process as part of the process of upgrading or confirming students at the end of their first year.

Can you work during a PhD?

It’s not a good idea to work full-time while studying for a PhD on a full-time basis, and you can’t normally do so if you are receiving full funding (such as Research Council funding from UKRI). You are allowed to work part-time, but you should get your supervisor’s advice before you commit to an additional workload.

Can you study part-time?

Yes. Many students choose to study part-time , particularly when they are self-funded. A part-time PhD usually takes between five and six years in the UK (you’ll have half the workload of a full-time one). However, it is likely that the majority of funded PhD positions will require a full-time commitment. Some study abroad destinations may only award visas to full-time international students, for example.

Why is PhD research important?

Completing a PhD is about creating new knowledge and discovering new things as well as developing skillsets. As such, doctoral research is a key part of the wider research and investigation work undertaken by universities and PhD students alongside academic faculty on projects of equivalent complexity and significance. By doing a PhD you are gaining the research skills needed to advance human understanding of life, the universe and everything.

What's it like to do a PhD?

The million-dollar question! No two PhD experiences are exactly the same, but you can read a wide range of real student stories on our blog . In general, you can expect to work much more independently than you have in previous degrees (or in many jobs) with the need to manage your own progress and deadlines. At the same time, tackling a completely new research topic and developing genuinely new knowledge can be an exhilarating experience that few other occupations offer. For a little more detail, check out our guide to the daily life of a PhD student .

Are PhDs graded?

Not in the way you’re used to. Instead your result comes down to your performance in the viva voce exam. At the end of this your examiners will recommend one of the following outcomes:

• Pass – you are awarded the PhD degree with no further work required
• Minor corrections – you will be awarded your PhD once you have made relatively small edits to your thesis (usually to fix small bibliographical or presentation issues)
• Major corrections – you will need to make more significant additions or alterations to your thesis, such as revising or replacing a chapter and will receive your PhD once the examiners are happy with this work
• Revise and resubmit – you must substantially revise large sections of your work and submit the new thesis for another viva voce exam
• Receive MPhil – your work is not judged to be at PhD standard, but you can be awarded the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) degree instead
• Fail – your work is not of sufficient standard to award a degree

In practice, the majority of PhDs either pass or pass with minor corrections and it is exceptionally rare for a student to get as far as the viva voce exam and fail outright.

When do you graduate from a PhD?

In the UK, you usually graduate during the winter graduation ceremony after you have submitted your thesis and successfully passed your viva voce.

Types of doctorate

The PhD is the most common type of doctoral degree, but there are several other kinds of research degree, some of which you may never have heard of. This section will help clarify some of the terms you may come across during your search.

Find out more information on the types of PhD .

What is an MPhil?

An MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a shorter research degree that usually takes two years rather than three to four and produces a less ambitious thesis.

Most UK universities require PhD students to start their studies by registering for an MPhil . The student is usually required to produce a report at the end of the first year and undertake an upgrade exam to convert to full PhD status.

Some students also register for an MPhil as a standalone degree.

What is a professional doctorate?

A professional doctorate is a programme that aims to find novel approaches to integrating professional and academic knowledge. Like a PhD, you will complete an original piece of research, however, this research usually relates to a particular area of professional practice, including reflecting on real world case studies and workplace projects.

What is a postdoc?

A postdoc (or postdoctoral fellowship to use the full name) is a paid fixed-term research position (usually 1-3 years) that follows the completion of a PhD. Postdocs allow PhD graduates to gain experience as early career researchers.

Can you do a PhD after an MBA?

Yes, you can do a PhD after an MBA . It isn’t the most popular route to take but if you are interested in research then doing a PhD is for you.

Some universities also offer a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) . This is a professional doctorate that involves more extensive research than an MBA. Students usually choose one or their other, however, rather than going from an MBA to a DBA.

What is a 1+3 PhD?

A 1+3 PhD is a scheme that provides you with funding for one-year research training at Masters level, followed by three years of funding for a PhD. By studying a 1+3 PhD, it’s possible to apply for a PhD without already having a Masters – this pathway is most common in the STEM subjects.

Choosing a PhD

Wondering where to study your PhD, or whether university rankings matter for a doctorate? These might answer your questions.

Find more information on choosing a PhD .

What are the most popular subjects?

The most popular PhD subjects in the UK are: Biological Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Physical Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry, and Social Studies.* Of course, a PhD isn’t necessarily constrained to a single subject area – many are multidisciplinary. The nature of a PhD – the fact that it must form an original contribution to academic knowledge – also means that your research may focus on an incredibly niche sub-topic, so don’t worry if you can’t see a subject that fits your aims exactly.

*Based on data published by the UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) .

Do rankings matter for a PhD?

Overall rankings are based on broad university-wide criteria and don’t necessarily say how good the research expertise and infrastructure will be for your project. One option is to use specific subject rankings to look more closely at the department you will be based within. Generally speaking, if you find a supervisor who is a renowned expert in your research area but who works at a university which is lower down the rankings, your PhD will benefit from working with them rather than at a higher-ranked university that doesn’t have the same staff expertise.

Once you have your PhD, the quality of your research will matter as much as (if not more than) the ranking of the university you completed it at.

Should you do your PhD at a different university?

Studying at a new university can provide the opportunity to increase your academic network by working with other academics than those you studied your Bachelors / Masters with.

However, you should ultimately do your PhD at the university with the best resources for your project, or at the university that is advertising the project you find the most interesting. These factors may be easiest to gauge at a university you are currently studying at, but it’s always worth browsing a wider range of PhD projects and programmes.

Is it worth going to a postgraduate study fair?

If you aren’t sure whether you want to study a PhD, are confused about funding, or want to meet a wider range of universities to discuss their research, then a postgraduate study fair or an open day can be a great way to get more information. These events happen all year round and are free to attend.

How do you approach prospective supervisors?

Identifying and choosing the best supervisor is an essential part of the search for your future PhD. The best way to contact a potential supervisor is via the email address on their university staff page. Keep initial messages brief, saying what you are interested in researching and why you are interested in working with them in particular. It’s not usually a good idea to attach your research proposal or other materials at this point.

Applying for a PhD

PhD applications work a little differently to Bachelors and Masters degrees. Here are the answers to common questions you may have about applying, from entry requirements and eligibility to deadlines and research proposals.

For more detailed guides, see our PhD application section

What qualifications do you need for a PhD?

The minimum admissions requirement for a PhD is normally a good undergraduate degree, usually a UK upper second-class honours degree (2.1) or equivalent in a relevant subject. A Masters is often – but not always – a requirement, depending on the subject. You’ll usually need a Merit or a Distinction in your Masters (the two highest grades). Find out more in our guide to PhD entry requirements .

Do you need a Masters to do a PhD?

If you’re applying for a PhD in the Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences, a Masters is usually part of the entry requirements for a doctorate. In STEM subjects, however, things work slightly differently. It’s more common in these subject areas for students to complete an integrated 1+3 PhD , which includes a Masters. If you’re doing an integrated Masters / PhD, the main entry requirement is a good undergraduate degree. In some instances you may be able to apply for a PhD without a Masters . You can read one student's experience on our blog.

What qualifications are equivalent to a 2.1 degree?

A British 2.1 degree (referred to as an 'upper second-class honours degree' or a 'Two-One') is the second highest mark available for an undergraduate Bachelors degree (the highest being a 1.1 or a ‘first’). Find out about qualification equivalencies .

Can you do a PhD without a Masters?

It depends on your subject area. Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) will often have received enough research training at undergraduate level to be able to move straight to a PhD. Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences students will normally need to have gained additional research experience through a Masters. A well-graded Masters can also help compensate for a lower undergraduate degree in application.

Do you need a TOEFL / IELTS score for a PhD?

If English isn’t your first language and you haven’t already studied at a university in an English-language country, you may need to provide proof of your language proficiency in the form of a TOEFL or IELTS exam . Your prospective university will be able to advise you on whether or not you need to take an English language test.

What should you put in your application?

Applications for advertised projects should typically include:

• An up-to-date CV
• A personal statement (providing information on your relevant experiences and research interests)
• A covering letter (demonstrating your interest in the project). You may also be asked to include a sample of your written academic work.

If you are putting forward your own PhD project you will need to submit a detailed research proposal along with your CV and other materials.

How many PhD programmes should you apply to?

Technically there’s no limit to the number of PhD programmes you can apply for. That said, PhD applications take time and you should make sure you tailor each application to the specific project you are interested in.

When should you apply?

Application deadlines for PhD study depend on the type of project you are interested in.

• Most advertised projects are listed between September and March (though some application windows may be much shorter than this) ready for students to begin in the following autumn.
• You can propose your own PhD at any time, though universities will generally prefer to enrol students at the start of the academic year.

PhD study is generally much more flexible than other levels of study though, so it’s worth keeping an eye on advertised projects all year round. Similarly, you can contact a university or supervisor to discuss your idea at any point.

Do you need to write your own research proposal?

It depends on your subject area. If you are interested in studying a STEM project it is very unlikely that you will have to write a research proposal, since funded projects in these areas have already been thought up by a supervisor and peer reviewed.

However, in Arts, Humanities and Social Science areas you will likely find yourself producing your own research proposal . In this case you'll benefit from the support and input of a prospective supervisor (if you’ve established one) or another leading academic in your field of interest.

Who should you ask to provide reference for your application?

At least one of your referees for a PhD application should be an academic tutor who has good experience of your work at Bachelors or Masters level (a dissertation supervisor is ideal). You can also include references from employers or others who can speak to your general character and achievements.

What happens at a PhD interview?

Interviews are required for almost all PhD applications (the exception would be if you were staying at the same university with a supervisor and department who are already very familiar with your work).

You will be invited to discuss the project in question with prospective supervisors and other staff at the university. They will ask questions to assess your understanding of the work in question and confirm that this is the right PhD and university for you. Some interviews also ask candidates to give a short presentation on their project idea or on the direction they would like to take for an advertised project.

When do PhDs start?

Most PhDs start at the beginning of the autumn semester (usually around the start of October). However, some PhD projects have the flexibility to start at any time of the year.

Funding a PhD

There are many ways to fund a PhD, including full university studentships and other grant schemes as well as student loan systems. We’ve covered a selection of the most frequently asked questions about how PhD funding works below.

For more information, see our funding guide .

Can you self-fund a PhD?

It is possible to self-fund a PhD, either by applying for several smaller grants to create your own package of funding, using personal funds or a combination of both. Self-funding is not always easy and will require careful financial planning. Having your own funding is also no guarantee of a PhD place. You will still need to fulfil entry requirements and to find a supervisor willing to take you on.

How much does a PhD cost?

PhD fees in the UK are typically between £4-5,000 per year. However, some subjects also include additional ‘bench fees’ for consumables and other research expenses. For indicative fees and other costs, search our database and then consult individual institutions’ websites.

Remember that projects that are advertised as fully funded don’t charge fees to the student.

Are PhD students exempt from council tax?

In the UK, yes. You will need to be fully enrolled and provide evidence of this to your local council. You can get this evidence from your university students advice office.

What are the types of funding available?

There are multiple ways in which you can fund your PhD, including support from one of the UK's Whether that be from Research Council , a University Scholarship , from Charities and Trusts , or with a PhD loan .

Are PhD studentships tax free?

In the UK, yes – student stipends provided by Research Councils and universities are not normally taxed as income.

What is a PhD stipend?

A PhD (or doctoral) stipend is a regular sum of money paid to students for living costs during a PhD. This money forms part of a full Research Council studentship in the UK. Depending on university, stipends may be paid monthly or quarterly.

What is a PhD studentship?

A PhD studentship is a package of funding linked to specific research project. Most provide full funding (covering the cost of tuition, material and a maintenance allowance) but some are fees-only (covering the cost of the tuition fees only). Applications for studentships, or projects with studentships attached, are generally very competitive.

Are PhD researchers university employees?

PhD researchers in the UK carry out some similar work to academics in their department, including teaching undergraduate students (and being paid for it). However, they are not normally classed as university employees.

The situation is different in some European countries where PhD researchers are staff, rather than students, with entitlement to sick pay and benefits in return for fulfilling additional responsibilities alongside their project.

Do PhD students take classes?

Most PhD students will have the opportunity to teach undergraduates during their doctorate, but this isn’t usually a requirement of the programme. Instead, it’s seen as a good chance for them to gain a new skillset and increase their confidence. It can also be a source of funding – particularly in the case of graduate teaching assistantships.

What is a Graduate Teaching Assistantship?

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) are a combination of PhD study and formal teaching responsibilities within your university. You will be paid a regular salary for this work, essentially being a form of funding for your PhD. GTAs are most common in Canada and the USA but can be found across the world (including the UK).

Career prospects

There are many reasons for considering PhD study, but you may be wondering what you can do after you receive your doctorate. You don’t necessarily have to stay in academia! This section will help answer any questions you have about post-PhD careers.

Find more information about PhD careers .

Will a PhD help your career?

If you want a career in research (in academia or in industry), then a doctorate will almost certainly help your career . After all, a PhD demonstrates that you are a highly capable researcher. Other employers may not specifically seek out PhD graduates, but they will often recognise the transferable skills you gain from a PhD.

Will you earn more with a PhD?

Having a doctorate can allow you to access some potentially high-paying jobs, particularly in industrial research, but a PhD doesn’t automatically guarantee a higher salary. Government statistics do suggest that PhD holders go on to earn higher salaries than their Bachelors or Masters counterparts. You can find out more in our guide to PhD employability and earnings .

Does the time you spend on a PhD affect its worth?

Not particularly. In the end you will have the same level of education and a longer PhD may provide more time to attend training courses and undertake career development opportunities. Some employers (particularly universities) may want to know why a PhD was longer than average and what you did during the extra time, which is a good way for you to talk about any possible extenuating circumstances.

Can a PhD leave you overqualified?

Technically, it shouldn’t do. If you apply for a job that doesn’t require a PhD, then they will pay you the salary for the job, not for your qualification. But PhDs come with a lot of transferable skills; you can apply the skillset you acquired during your PhD into any job.

What can you do if your PhD goes wrong?

Research rarely goes completely smoothly and part of succeeding on a PhD involves managing the difficulties you encounter. The important thing to remember is that there is always someone to talk about your problems. The first port of call should be your supervisor (unless they are the problem – in which case you can talk to the PhD programme director or manager of graduate school). Our guide to PhD problems has more detail on some of the potential hurdles you may have to tackle during a PhD.

Looking for more information?

Hopefully we’ve managed to answer the main questions you might have about PhD study. You can check our advice , funding and study abroad sections for more detailed guides.

Ready to do a PhD?

Search our project listings to find out what you could be studying.

Want More Updates & Advice?

If you’re wondering whether you should do a PhD, this page will walk you through a selection of the most common reasons for pursuing one, along with some of the benefits that a PhD can give you.

Understand what a successful PhD research proposal needs to include and how to go about writing one for your project application.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

Will a PhD help you get a job or earn a better salary? And what are your career prospects in and outside of academia?

Not sure how to fund your PhD? This guide answers some of the most common questions about PhD funding in the UK.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .