In today’s era, if you wish to be considered for top-level academic and non-academic positions abroad, doctoral programs are a necessity. Several top American universities offer PhD programs, but not all are cost-effective. Fortunately, some universities lower students’ financial burdens and provide fully-funded PhD programs in the USA for international students, making it an excellent option for those looking to study abroad.
Let's discuss a list of fully funded PhD programs, including their benefits, eligibility, application tips, and funding details for various fields and universities.
The Fully-funded PhD programs in the USA cover various programs such as studentships, scholarships, and grant and bursaries programs. Some American universities offer fully-funded doctoral projects as well.
These fully-funded PhD programs in the USA for international students do not cover only research council studentship. Usually, they also include:
Many prestigious institutions offer fully funded PhD programs in the USA for international students. The grants or scholarships cover tuition, stipends, and other essential costs, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their research and academic pursuits. Here is a list of fully funded PhD programs across various fields and universities:
1. PhD in Anthropology at the University of Chicago
Anthropology PhD students receive funding for up to eight years, assuming they maintain good academic standing. They also have the option to apply for external fellowships.
University: University of Chicago
Eligibility: Students must be in good standing at the university.
Intake: Fall each year for enrollment in the fall of the following year
Funding: Full-tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a living stipend of $37,000 (₹30,91,189) for the 2023-2024 academic year.
2. PhD in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard University
The PhD in Biological Sciences program at Harvard University aims to provide disease prevention and treatment expertise. It covers areas like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria, and tuberculosis.
University: Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Eligibility: Maintain satisfactory academic progress. International students receive the same benefits.
Intake: Fall each year
Funding: Full tuition, stipend, and health insurance for five years.
3. PhD in Business at Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MIT's PhD in Business program covers various fields such as organization studies, accounting, and information technology.
University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management
Eligibility: Maintain good academic standing.
Intake: Fall each year
Funding: Full-tuition scholarship, a monthly stipend of $4,497 (₹3,75,704), medical insurance, new laptops at the start of the first and fourth years, and $4,500 (₹3,75,955) for conference travel expenses over five years.
4. PhD in Business at Rice University
The PhD in Business program at Rice University prepares students to teach in fields like accounting, finance, organizational behavior, and strategic management through research or teaching assistantships.
University: Rice University, Jones Graduate School of Business
Eligibility: Maintain satisfactory academic progress and full-time student status.
Intake: Fall each year
Funding: Full financial assistance, including tuition waiver and a $40,000 (₹33,41,826) annual stipend.
5. PhD in Business at the University of Iowa
In addition to providing extra funds for research presentations, summer fellowships, and paid time off for independent study, the University of Iowa offers PhD degrees in subjects like accounting, economics, business analytics, and marketing.
University: University of Iowa, Ivy College of Business
Eligibility: Virtually all admitted students receive funding.
Intake: Fall each year
Funding: Full funding, including tuition and fees, an annual stipend of about $30,000 (₹25,06,369) with annual adjustments, and comprehensive health insurance.
6. PhD in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University
Funding for the PhD in Chemical Engineering program at Cornell University can come from teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships, with full stipends granted for nine or twelve months and additional aid likely in the summer.
Funding: Full tuition waiver and an annual stipend of $43,326 (₹36,19,898) or a nine-month stipend of $32,494 (₹27,14,881).
7. PhD in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University
Doctoral fellows in PhD in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University may serve as graduate teaching or research assistants. The program typically includes a full-year internship and is completed in five to seven years.
University: Columbia University, Teachers College
Eligibility: Maintain good academic standing.
Intake: Spring, summer, and fall
Funding: Fully funded tuition and a $25,000 (₹20,88,641) stipend annually for three years, continuing into the fourth year, if necessary.
8. PhD in Computer Science at Brown University
Students getting a PhD in Computer Science at Brown University can take classes at nearby schools without additional costs.
Funding: Full financial support, including tuition remission, stipend, health services fees, and a health insurance subsidy for five years.
9. PhD in Computer Science at Georgetown University
Students opting for a PhD in Computer Science at Georgetown University must complete the Apprenticeship in Teaching Program and write and defend a research dissertation in a public seminar.
University: Georgetown University
Eligibility: Remain in good academic standing.
Intake: Fall each year
Funding: Scholarships and assistantships covering full tuition, a stipend, and five-year health insurance.
10. PhD in Computer Science at Washington University in St. Louis
Support for the PhD in Computer Science program at Washington University is guaranteed as long as students make adequate progress towards their degree, with potential qualification for additional fellowships.
University: Washington University in St. Louis, McKelvey School of Engineering
Funding: Full tuition support, health insurance, a generous living stipend, and a high-end Apple laptop computer.
Several institutions offer fully funded research programs. Remember to check the various PhD universities intheUSA for international students and select a program that offers the best opportunities for research and learning.
These fully-funded PhD programs in the USA for international students are doctoral programs. Moreover, since these programs are also for out-of-state students, there is no restriction on the country’s eligibility.
Additionally, the range of fully-funded PhD programs in the US vary from small grants to full studentships.
Level of Scholarship
The doctoral programs are the highest academic degrees awarded to a student by a university. You will only be eligible for the fully-funded PhD program if you have completed a pre-requisite or postgraduate program.
The PhD would involve the students engaging independently in original research in a particular field or subject of their choice.
Tenure/Duration
The duration of fully-funded PhD programs in the USA can differ for various streams or students. American universities usually have some time restrictions. Generally, it is three to five years.
Subject/Fields for Fully Funded PhD Programs in USA
USA’s fully funded PhD programs for international students generally do not cover specific programs. Some scholarships provided by certain universities can be only for particular fields. For instance, the Rice University Fully Funded Doctoral program is restricted to some majors, which include:
Architecture
Business
Engineering
Humanities
Music
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences
Several scholarships, grants, and studentships are available for PhD programs in the US. Some of them are sponsored by organizations, while the universities push others.
We have listed some common ones below for your reference:
Microsoft Research Dissertation Grant for Doctoral Students
IBM Fellowship Awards Program for PhD students
Facebook Emerging Scholar Programme
Microsoft Research Scholarship for Scholars in Europe, Africa Middle East (EMEA)
Columbia University International Postdoctoral Humanities Fellowship
University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS)
PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women to Study in USA and Canada
Note for SEO- have deleted the table under this head, which is about the List of Fully Funded PhD Programs. The content in this doc is more detailed and well explained than the content in the existing live blog, hence removing the table.
Application Duration of Fully Funded PhD Programs in USA
Application deadlines and notifications will vary according to the grant or scholarship you apply to. Following are the tentative application deadlines for the above-mentioned fully-funded PhD programs.
Fully-funded PhD Program Name
Application Deadline (Tentative)
Microsoft Research Dissertation Grant for Doctoral Students
Last week of March
IBM Fellowship Awards Program for PhD students
Last week of October
Facebook Emerging Scholar Programme
Mid September
Microsoft Research Scholarship for Scholars in Europe, Africa Middle East (EMEA)
First week of June
Columbia University International Postdoctoral Humanities Fellowship
First week of October
University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars Program (UMAPS)
Mid-October
PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women to Study in USA and Canada
Mid-December
Eligibility Criteria And Additional Requirements
The eligibility criteria and additional requirements will vary according to different funding programs. To give you all an insight, here are the entry requirements for the IBM Fellowship Awards Program for PhD Students.
Applications are welcome for students from all nationalities. However, all such nominees:
Can not nominate themselves and instead must be selected by the doctoral faculty member
Have to be enrolled full-time in a PhD program over two consecutive academic years of the award/forfeit the fellowship
Must have three years remaining in the program at the nomination time so the fellowship can be used for the last two years of study
Can not be from the US-embargoed countries
Should be in the same program for the award duration. Transferring departments or schools is not allowed
Value of Scholarship
The value of scholarships will also differ according to various funding programs for PhD. On average, USD 25,000 to USD 40,000 (INR 20,63,363 to INR 33,01,380)
Selection Process
The selection process for fully-funded PhD programs in the USA is based on three factors:
Merit-based funding
Need-based funding
International funding
Requirements for Continuing Scholarships
Major fully-funded PhD programs renew automatically for the next year varies on the basis of the student program.
Tips to Apply for Scholarships in USA for PhD
Pursuing doctoral studies in the United States can be a rewarding journey, but it often comes with significant financial challenges. Securing a fully funded PhD in the USA can benefit many international students. Here are some practical tips to help you apply for scholarships for doctoral programs in the USA:
1. Start early
Start your research at least 12 to 18 months before the academic year you plan to attend. Early preparation gives you ample time to explore various scholarship opportunities and understand their requirements.
2. Research your options
Identify your priorities: Reflect on why you want to study in the USA and what your long-term goals are. This will help you find programs and scholarships aligning with your career objectives and interests.
Find the right fit: Find universities matching your academic and research interests. Don’t just focus on the school’s reputation; consider the faculty, research facilities, and the overall environment.
Accredited institutions: Ensure that the universities you apply to are certified by the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States website has a searchable list of certified schools.
3. Evaluate financial requirements
Cost of living: Understand that living costs vary across the USA. Research the cost of living in your prospective universities' areas.
Budget planning: Assess your financial situation and estimate how much you can spend on your education and living expenses. This will help you identify how much scholarship funding you need.
4. Seek special opportunities
Institutional aid: Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students. Look for programs that offer tuition waivers, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships.
External scholarships: Numerous organizations provide scholarships for international students pursuing PhD programs in the USA. Research organizations in your home country and international bodies that offer such support.
5. Prepare your application
Gather recommendations: Secure strong letters of recommendation from professional and academic references who can attest to your research abilities and academic achievements.
Write a strong statement of purpose: Your personal statement should clearly articulate your research interests, career goals, and why you are a good fit for the program and scholarship.
Standardized tests: Ensure you take any required standardized tests (such as the GRE or TOEFL) well in advance and route the results to your chosen institutions.
6. Apply for financial aid concurrently
Submit early: Scholarship application deadlines often align with admission deadlines. To ensure your applications are considered, submit them well before the deadlines.
Comprehensive applications: Each application should be meticulously prepared, highlighting your strengths and how they align with the scholarship criteria.
7. Visa and travel preparation
Student visa: Once accepted, you must apply for the appropriate student visa (F, J, or M). Information on visa applications can be found on the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States.
Pre-departure preparation: Attend a pre-departure orientation organized by EducationUSA to help you prepare for life in the USA. These sessions cover cultural differences, academic expectations, and practical tips for adjusting to a new environment.
In 2024, the United States continues to offer a wide array of fully-funded PhD programs for international students, reaffirming its commitment to fostering global academic collaboration and research excellence. These programs, available across diverse fields of study, not only cover tuition fees but also provide stipends, research funding, and health insurance, making advanced education accessible regardless of students' financial backgrounds.
American universities prioritize attracting talented scholars from around the world, understanding their crucial role in driving innovation, cultural exchange, and academic progress. For international students, these fully-funded opportunities in the USA represent not just financial support, but a gateway to working with leading experts, accessing state-of-the-art facilities, and joining a vibrant intellectual community.
In pursuing these programs, students embark on a journey of rigorous academic training and research, poised to emerge as experts and leaders in their respective fields.
Here are some detailed articles on Fully Funded Scholarships for top Study Abroad Destination:
Apply early to top programs, secure strong recommendations, and meet the eligibility criteria for scholarships and assistantships universities and external organizations offer for a fully funded PhD in the USA.
Do PhD students get paid in the USA?
Many PhD students receive stipends through scholarships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships that may also cover living expenses and health insurance.
Are all PhD students fully funded?
Not all, but many prestigious programs in the USA offer full funding, including tuition waivers and stipends, especially for high-achieving students.
What is the cost of a PhD in the USA?
Costs vary depending on your chosen field of study. For example, the PhD tuition fee at Harvard University is usually $55,656 (₹46,50,072). Most universities offer funding opportunities that may waive tuition fees.
Can I study PhD in the USA for free?
Fully funded PhD programs offer tuition waivers and stipends, effectively allowing students to study without paying tuition or other major costs.
Which PhD pays the most in the USA?
PhD in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, and Medical fields often offer the highest stipends and post-graduation salaries in the USA.
Which exam is required for a PhD in the USA?
Most PhD programs require the GRE, but some specific fields may require additional exams, such as the GMAT for Business. International students may have to submit proof of language proficiency like the IELTS or TOEFL.
Which PhD is most in demand?
PhD in Technology, Engineering, Healthcare, Data Science, and Business are highly in demand due to evolving industry needs and research advancements.
Which is better, MS or PhD, in the USA?
An MS is shorter and more career-focused, while a PhD is research-intensive and suited for academic or high-level research positions. The choice depends on your career goals.
Which PhD has the highest salary?
PhD holders in Organic Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Business, Engineering, and Computer Science tend to receive high salaries.
Which field is best for a PhD?
Fields with high demand and growth potential, such as Computer Science, Engineering, Healthcare, Data Science, and Business, are often considered the best for PhD.
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