Logo for The Wharton School

  • Youth Program
  • Wharton Online

International Students

Wharton is an international community, with students, faculty, and alumni representing 153 countries worldwide. as an international doctoral student, you will find the intellectual and cultural diversity of the wharton community to be a welcoming environment for your doctoral studies. wharton’s faculty research touches upon an extremely broad range of global business topics, providing you exceptional opportunities to explore your areas of interest., applying as an international student.

International candidates must have a college-level education equivalent to a four-year United States baccalaureate degree. There are a number of universities around the world that offer three-year undergraduate programs. If you received a bachelor’s degree upon completion of one of these undergraduate programs, you are eligible to apply to Wharton’s doctoral programs. Many candidates from three-year programs have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required.

Application Requirements for International Students

When applying, you need to carefully review the requirements for submitting all of your transcripts and student records. These include all post-secondary educational institutions you have attended, including technical and professional schools.

There is not a limit on the number of international students who will be accepted into the Doctoral Programs each year. Acceptance is based on academic history, test results, recommendations, and personal statement.

Financial Aid

International students who are accepted into the Wharton Doctoral Programs receive the same financial package as domestic students. Please see the Expenses & Financial Aid section of this site for additional information

Language Proficiency

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required if you are an international applicant whose native language is not English. Please carefully review all the requirements for the exam explained in Standardized Test Scores .

International students who are accepted into the program and whose first language is not English may be required to take the SPEAK test offered through the English Language Programs office.

This test is used to determine/confirm a student’s fluency in English. If test results indicate a student would benefit from additional language instruction, arrangements will be made for summer class work and tutoring. Students will be expected to complete this additional work to ensure their proficiency in written and spoken English in professional settings.

Immigration and Taxes

For detailed information regarding immigration and taxes, please visit Penn’s Penn Global . In order to maintain legal student status in the United States, international PhD students must be enrolled for a full-time course load, which means a minimum of three courses per semester. Full-time enrollment does not include audits or incompletes. Once you have completed your coursework and are working on your thesis or dissertation, you must maintain your full-time status by registering for doctoral dissertation tuition or registration.

For detailed information regarding immigration and taxes, please visit Penn’s Penn Global .

  • Penn Graduate Catalog
  • International Student & Scholar Services
  • Penn English Language Programs

Insider's guide: PhD requirements in USA for international students

Insider's guide: PhD requirements in USA for international students

Pursuing a PhD in the United States can be a life-changing experience for international students looking to enhance their academic qualifications, advance their careers, and expand their horizons. However, before embarking on this journey, it's important to understand the requirements and expectations of the US doctoral education system.

In this article, we'll delve into the essential PhD requirements in the USA for international students, covering academic qualifications, English language proficiency, standardised tests, funding, and visa procedures.

Table of Contents

Academic qualifications, english language proficiency, standardised tests, visa procedures, frequently asked questions.

Academic qualifications are an important requirement for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. Students are typically required to hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university, with a strong academic record and relevant coursework.

The specific academic qualifications required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Some programs may require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, while others may accept students with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Some programs may also require a master's degree, while others may allow students to earn a master's degree as part of the PhD program.

In addition to the degree requirements, international students may be required to provide official transcripts and diplomas from all institutions attended, as well as a course-by-course evaluation of their academic credentials from a recognised credential evaluation service.

It is also important for international students to have relevant coursework and research experience in their field of study. PhD programs in the USA typically require students to conduct independent research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field. Therefore, having a strong academic background and relevant research experience can increase a student's chances of being admitted to a PhD program.

International students should carefully review the academic qualifications required for each program they are interested in and ensure that they meet the requirements. If their qualifications do not meet the requirements, they may need to take additional coursework or earn a higher degree before applying to PhD programs.

Also read: Ultimate guide PhD in the UK

English language proficiency is also one of the essential PhD requirements in USA for international students. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial to succeed in academic and professional settings in the US.

Most universities require international students to demonstrate their proficiency in English by taking an English language proficiency exam. The most commonly accepted exams are the TOEFL, IELTS.

The minimum scores required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Typically, a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS is required, but some programs may require higher scores.

In addition to the TOEFL or IELTS, some universities may accept other English language proficiency exams, such as the PTE Academic or the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exam.

Also read: PhD Scholarship for Pakistani Students

Standardised tests are an important requirement for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. Standardised tests are used to assess an applicant's academic abilities and potential for success in a PhD program. The most commonly required standardised tests for PhD programs in the USA include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

The GRE is a standardised test that assesses a student's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The test is typically required for admission to graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.

The GMAT is a standardised test that assesses a student's analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. The test is typically required for admission to graduate programs in business and management.

The minimum scores required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Typically, a minimum score in the 50th percentile or higher is required for the GRE, while a minimum score of 600 or higher is required for the GMAT.

The specific standardised tests required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Some programs may require the GRE or GMAT, while others may require a different test, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for programs in the health sciences.

Funding can be a critical consideration for international students pursuing a PhD in the USA. Pursuing a PhD in the USA can be quite expensive, with tuition and living expenses often exceeding $50,000 per year. While federal financial aid is not available to international students, there are a variety of funding options that may be available to help cover the cost of tuition, living expenses , and research-related expenses.

One common source of funding for PhD students is through teaching or research assistantships. These positions typically provide a stipend or salary in exchange for work done in support of the department or faculty member providing the funding. Assistantship opportunities can be competitive, but they can provide valuable experience and financial support for students throughout their program.

Scholarships and fellowships can also be a valuable source of funding for international students pursuing a PhD in the USA. These awards may be offered by the university, private foundations, or other organisations, and can cover some or all of the cost of tuition and living expenses.

International students may also be eligible for funding from their home country or through external sources such as grants or fellowships. It's important for students to research these opportunities and understand any restrictions or requirements that may apply.

Finally, some students may choose to fund their PhD program through personal savings or by taking out student loans. While these options can provide flexibility in terms of funding, it's important for students to carefully consider the long-term financial implications of taking on debt to fund their education.

Also read: PhD in USA without GRE

The visa application process is an important step for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. International students who are accepted into a PhD program in the USA will typically need to obtain an F-1 student visa.

To begin the visa application process, students will need to provide proof of acceptance into a program, typically in the form of an acceptance letter from the university. In addition, students will need to demonstrate proof of financial support to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses in the USA. This can be done by providing bank statements or other documentation showing that the student or their sponsor has sufficient funds to cover these costs.

Once the initial documentation has been submitted, students will need to complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa application fee, and schedule an appointment at a US embassy or consulate in their home country. During the appointment, students will need to provide biometric data (such as fingerprints) and participate in an interview with a consular officer. The interview is an important part of the visa application process and can be a deciding factor in whether the student is approved for the visa.

It's important for international students to begin the visa application process well in advance of the start of their PhD program, as it can take several weeks or even months to complete all of the necessary steps. Students should also consult with the international student office at their university for guidance and support throughout the process.

Also read: PhD in abroad with scholarships (for Indian students)

Pursuing a PhD in the USA as an international student can be a challenging and rewarding experience. While the requirements for admission can be rigorous, they are designed to ensure that students have the academic qualifications, language proficiency, and aptitude needed to succeed in a doctoral program. With careful planning and research, international students can find funding opportunities and navigate the visa application process to achieve their academic and professional goals.

What is the typical academic qualification required for international students to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

International students are typically required to hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university, with a strong academic record and relevant coursework.

Do international students need to take the GRE or GMAT to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

Yes, in many cases international students are required to take the GRE or GMAT as part of the application process for PhD programs in the USA. The specific requirements can vary depending on the university and program.

Are there any language proficiency tests required for international students to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

Yes, international students whose native language is not English may be required to take an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, as part of the application process for PhD programs in the USA.

author avatar

Study Abroad Expert

Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this site solely belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily represent t ...Read More

Most affordable cities in USA for Indian students

Most affordable cities in USA for Indian students

Top 12 highest paying US majors 2024

Top 12 highest paying US majors 2024

Go Greek - Your guide to Greek life in the USA

Go Greek - Your guide to Greek life in the USA

University welcome week around the world: USA

University welcome week around the world: USA

Why are college sports so popular in the USA?

Why are college sports so popular in the USA?

5 things you should know about applying to study in the USA

5 things you should know about applying to study in the USA

This website uses cookies to ensure the best user experience. Privacy & Cookies Notice Accept Cookies

Manage My Cookies

Manage Cookie Preferences

Confirm My Selections

  • Dissertation Areas and Joint PhD Programs
  • PhD Career Outcomes
  • PhD Proposals and Defenses
  • PhD Job Market Candidates
  • PhD Research Community
  • 100 Years of Pioneering Research
  • Rising Scholars Conference
  • Yiran Fan Memorial Conference
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Financial Aid
  • How to Apply

International PhD Applicants

  • Attend a PhD Admissions Event

The Stevens Doctoral Program welcomes applicants from across the world. In our global community, you’ll collaborate with world-class researchers and build lifelong connections.

An international applicant is anyone who is not a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States at the time of application to Chicago Booth. Here’s what you need to know about Chicago Booth PhD requirements for international applicants.

When to Apply

The application deadline for Fall 2024 admission has now passed. You will be notified of your admissions decision by email no later than early March. For more information about applying, see Application Process . Please note that all international applicants must determine if they meet the University of Chicago’s English-language requirements by either taking the TOEFL or IELTS exam and receiving the minimum accepted scores, or if eligible, receiving a language requirement waiver. Please find more information related to fluency determination here.

Academic Requirements

To be considered for admission, you must have the equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (or expect to receive one by the time you enter the program).

Booth reserves the right to review the academic records of all international applicants to determine whether their academic credentials from a non-US institution are comparable to a US bachelor’s degree.

Applicants holding only professional diplomas or higher certificates or members of professional associations such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants are not qualified to apply for admission unless they also hold recognized university degrees.

Academic Records

You must submit academic records (transcripts or mark sheets) with grading scales for each year of college or university education completed or in progress, as well as copies of degrees awarded. Records must provide information on the content and quality of your performance, courses taken each year, and grades received. Class rank should be noted whenever possible.

You must submit both original language records and official English translations . All translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records, and must be prepared or verified by someone whose position requires a knowledge of both English and the original language. All supporting materials must also be in English.

Please upload all required academic records to the online application system. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official academic records and official copies of degrees awarded (and official English translations where applicable). Photocopies and facsimiles of the documents are not acceptable.

Fluency in English

If English is not your native language, you will need to meet the University of Chicago’s English-language requirements by taking either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Sending Your Scores

Please have your TOEFL scores sent directly from the testing agency to the Stevens Program. The Chicago Booth Stevens Program TOEFL code is 1819.

Please contact the Booth PhD office with your IELTS TRF number.

TOEFL or IELTS score reports are valid for two years, and scores will be considered expired if a test was taken more than two years prior to Chicago Booth Stevens Program’s application deadline. For admission for Autumn 2022, scores from tests taken prior to December 15, 2019, are considered expired. If your score has expired, you must retake the examination and submit the official scores before the application deadline. We will not accept photocopies of expired scores while awaiting the official results of a recent examination. Scores must be sent directly from TOEFL or IELTS.

Minimum Test Score Requirement

TOEFL Internet-based (iBT): 100 overall score, no subsection requirements

IELTS Overall score of at least 7, with sub scores of at least 7 each

TOEFL/IELTS Waivers

The English-language requirement may be waived if: English has been a primary language of communication and schooling for you since childhood; or you completed a degree or were enrolled for at least one academic year (two semesters or three quarters) in full-time status in a degree-seeking program within the last ten years prior to the deadline for this application at an accredited, English-medium, post-secondary institution in one of the following countries or territories: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, or the United States.*

*Note: This applies only to English-medium universities in these countries or territories. Study in English-medium universities in any other countries or territories not listed here does not qualify you for a waiver.

Waivers only apply to those who have studied full-time for at least one academic year in a degree-seeking program in one of the countries/territories listed above. Employment in an English-speaking country alone does not make you eligible for a waiver.

NOTE: The above-listed circumstances are the ONLY circumstances that qualify you for a waiver. Students who have only taken an ESL course, been an exchange or visiting student at a qualifying institution, studied less than full-time (or have not completed a degree or at least one year of full-time study at a qualifying institution), and/or students who have worked in the United States or other English-speaking countries only are NOT eligible for a waiver. 

If you meet the above criteria, the TOEFL/IELTS requirement will be automatically waived upon review of the relevant transcripts.We cannot assist in determining your eligibility for the waiver based on the primary language criteria described above. Falsifying this information, as with any information on the application, may lead to revocation of an offer of admission.

Student Visas

Visa eligibility forms are issued upon admittance to the program. Depending on your nationality and particular circumstances, you will receive either the I-20 or the DS-2019 form. These forms enable you to obtain an F-1 or a J-1 visa, respectively, when presented to a US consul. You will need to verify financial support before a visa eligibility form can be issued. A financial resource statement will be sent upon admittance.

If you still have questions after reviewing our doctorate in business FAQ , please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Phone: 773.702.7298 Email Us

phd program for international students

ISO Home

International Applicants

The application and admission process for international applicants is the same as for domestic applicants, except for a language requirement..

All departments at MIT require a comprehensive knowledge of the English language. However, each department has its own language requirements and policies. 

The immigration process itself is addressed by MIT’s International Students Office (ISO) after a formal offer of admission is provided by the admitting department.

English Language Proficiency

Test requirements for applicants.

English is the language of instruction in all subjects within the Institute, and all papers and theses must be written in English. All applicants whose first language is not English, including international students currently enrolled in US institutions, must present evidence of their ability to continue their studies in English.

Qualifying applicants must submit official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic), or the Cambridge English Qualification (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency exams only). The IELTS exam is preferred at MIT. 

A minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 (577 paper-based) is required by the Institute; however, some departments require higher scores. The minimum IELTS Academic score required is determined by the department. Refer to department information for testing requirements. Scores below the required minimum may result in the withholding of the visa documentation for a candidate otherwise considered admissible.

For more information on meeting this requirement, and the criteria required to be eligible for a waiver, please review the Standardized Tests page.

Evaluation Requirement for Incoming Students

Even students who met the requirements to waive the standardized English proficiency exam test for purposes of admission may have gaps in their English language abilities to hinder their success at MIT. For this reason, all students whose education was not in English from the ages of six through high school––including students who received a waiver during the application period––are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) at MIT in the week before the fall semester begins. 

The EET is a diagnostic test intended to help students identify weaknesses in written and oral English that will inhibit their ability to meet academic, research, and work requirements, so they may successfully perform the tasks required of them from the moment they arrive on campus. English classes may be recommended as a result of the applicant’s EET score, with the goal of strengthening these abilities.

Financial Aid Limitations

International students must show that they can meet MIT’s minimum budget projection for a new graduate student before the International Students Office may issue a certificate of eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa. However, financial aid for international students may be limited, as financial support can vary by graduate program.  Funding awards that accompany MIT’s research and teaching assistantships may not meet total living expenses as a student in the Cambridge/Boston area. For this reason, we encourage applicants to secure additional funds outside MIT.

Many countries place limitations on the purchase of U.S. dollars. Prospective students should consult the proper authorities in their countries about foreign exchange regulations to make certain that the academic levels and fields of study to be pursued permit the exchange of the local currency for dollars. Students should also be familiar with the procedures established for sending money to the United States.

For more information on tuition costs, living expenses, and financial support, please see the Costs & Funding page.

Passports and Entry Requirements

To enter the United States, each international student admitted to the Institute needs a passport issued by his or her government. Students must also visit US embassies or consulates in their home countries to be issued student visas, which will enable them to enter the United States. Students must present a certificate of eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) with the supporting financial documentation when they apply for their visas. The International Students Office at MIT will send the required document to all admitted students who provide evidence of sufficient funds to meet the estimated costs and of adequate English language proficiency. It is important to note that the validity of the visa does not indicate how long a student may remain in the United States; this determination will be made by the Immigration Service at the port of entry. Canadians do not need student visas; instead, they may obtain the appropriate immigration status at the port of entry to the United States by showing proof of citizenship and the Certificate of Eligibility.

Visa Options

Students admitted to MIT may choose between two visas: the F-1 (student visa) and J-1 (exchange visitor visa). Individuals on any other non-immigrant visa will be unable to register in a program of studies at MIT.

The F-1 Visa

This option is normally used by those who enroll as full-time students at an approved educational institution. It is obtained by presenting the Form I-20 to a US consulate or embassy and submitting an application for an F-1 visa. F-1 students are expected to attend the school that issued the Form I-20 and to maintain a full course of study while in the United States. Students whose studies are funded by their families or other private sponsors are normally issued the Form I-20. Upon arrival in the United States, students will be granted permission to remain in this country for the period of time required to complete their programs of study.

Some students hold fellowships or assistantships. Students with full assistantships, however, are not allowed to hold any additional employment on or off campus.

Spouses and children of F-1 students may hold the F-2 visa. The F-1 student may apply for Form I-20 for each of their dependents who wish to join them in the United States in F-2 status. Those dependents will then need to apply for F-2 visas at the US embassy or consulate.

Health and hospitalization insurance is a requirement for all F-1 students and their dependents.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

This visa may be used by those who come to study or conduct research as participants in an Exchange Visitor program. Students must be substantially (more than 51 percent) funded by their home government, educational institutions, international or national organizations, private companies, etc., in order to be eligible for a J-1 visa. Students on personal/family funds are not eligible for J-1 status; they must apply for F-1 status. The J-1 visa is obtained by presenting to the American Consul form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility). When students accept funding from the Fulbright or any other agency of the US government or their own governments (even though it may be only a travel grant), this status carries with it a “two-year home country residency requirement,” which obliges students to return to their home countries for two years before they can apply for permanent residency or change to an H or L visa. In addition, this restriction applies to students from certain countries that have registered a list of needed skills with the United States government. Students intending to use the J-1 visa to enter the United States should ask the US Consul in their home country whether or not they will be subject to the two-year home residency requirement.

J-1 students will be allowed to remain in the country for the period of time indicated on their DS-2019. This time may be extended, so long as they are pursuing a full course of study on authorized academic training.

Health and hospitalization insurance is a requirement for all J-1 students and their dependents.

This site uses cookies to give you the best possible experience. By browsing our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

If you require further information, please visit the Privacy Policy page.

International Applicants

The Harvard International Office and the HGSE  Office of Student Affairs provide extensive support for international students before they depart and once they arrive in Cambridge.

How to Apply

International applicants must submit all standard application materials outlined in the How to Apply section. Please see below for additional information regarding transcripts and standardized tests for Ed.L.D. and Ed.M. applicants.

Note: applications for the Ph.D. in Education must be submitted through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, (GSAS). If you are applying for the Ph.D. in Education, please review the GSAS Application Information and Instructions for information about the Ph.D. application process.

Transcripts

Ed.L.D. and Ed.M. applicants are required to upload transcripts from each postsecondary institution attended in the Academics section of the application. If the institutions you attended do not provide official transcripts in English, you will need to obtain a certified English translation; students cannot translate their own transcripts.

All translations must be literal (i.e., word for word) and complete versions of the original records. You will upload your transcripts with their accompanying certified English translation as part of your application. All transcripts should show courses completed, grades received, duration of study, and degree or diploma received, if applicable.

Should you be offered admission to the Ed.L.D. or Ed.M. program, you will need to submit your official transcripts and supporting documents for verification through World Education Services  (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators  (ECE), or SpanTran . These providers will send your verified transcripts and accompanying evaluation to HGSE directly; we do not accept evaluations sent by the student. Transcripts submitted for verification must include any additional coursework you have taken or degrees you have earned since submitting your application.

HGSE reserves the right to withdraw an admissions offer if there is a discrepancy between the uploaded version and the official original transcript and/or the official translation.

For more information about transcript submission, visit Ed.M. and Ed.L.D. Application Requirements .

Standardized Tests

If your native language is not English, you are required to submit official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for Academic Purposes. However, y ou are exempt from this requirement if you have earned a bachelor's degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction. Additionally, you must have completed at least 3 years of full-time enrollment at the institution, otherwise, TOEFL/IELTS scores are required.

We are currently accepting the academic TOEFL and IELTS tests, including the at-home or online versions of the TOEFL iBT.

Official TOEFL and IELT S scores are valid for a limited period of time. If you are applying for enrollment in the 2024-2025 academic year, the test must have been taken on or after January 1, 2022 . Please have the testing service send your official scores directly to HGSE. HGSE’s institution code is 3428 ; there is no department code. For the IELTS exam, an electronic score report must come from the test center where you took the exam directly to HGSE. IELTS does not prompt you for an institution or department code specific to HGSE.

  • For TOEFL , HGSE prefers applicants with scores of 104 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL, with individual section scores (e.g., reading, writing, listening, and speaking) of at least 26.  
  • For IELTS , HGSE prefers applicants with scores of 7.5 or higher on the IELTS for Academic Purposes exam, with individual section scores (e.g., reading, writing, listening, and speaking) of at least 7.5.

Note: a major or concentration in English is not sufficient to waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. Additionally, completion of graduate-level degrees at an institution where the instruction is conducted in English does not exempt an applicant from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.

Once students have been admitted as degree candidates, Harvard University requires international students who need a Harvard-sponsored student visa to submit financial certification documentation that demonstrates adequate funding for one year of study. Detailed instructions regarding this process will be available upon admission to HGSE, and additional information regarding funding requirements for visa financial certification can be found on the HGSE Financial Aid website . Note: admitted international students requesting J-1 or F-1 visas are required to enroll on a full-time basis.

STEM-eligible Programs

The Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology (LDIT), Human Development and Education (HDE), and Education Policy and Analysis (EPA) Master’s in Education programs are all assigned STEM-eligible Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) codes. These are the only STEM-eligible programs at HGSE . All other HGSE programs have the general education designation CIP code.

For more information, including questions about what this means for visa and Optional Practical Training (OPT) purposes, please refer to the information available from the Harvard International Office .

Prospective students should apply to the program that aligns most closely with their academic and career objectives; the STEM-eligible CIP code should not be the deciding factor. Program changes after an offer of admissions are rare.

UCLA Graduate Division

  • Recommendations
  • Notifications
  • My Favorites

Favorites, recommendations, and notifications are only available for UCLA Graduate Students at this time.

Access features exclusively for UCLA students and staff.

As a student, you can:

  • Add funding awards to your favorites list
  • Get notified of upcoming deadlines and events
  • Receive personalized recommendations for funding awards

 We're Sorry

You've signed in with a UCLA undergraduate student account.

UCLA Graduate Programs

People gather down Bruin Walk on a crowded day

International Applicants to Graduate School

Students arriving from around the world can look forward to an extraordinary graduate experience at UCLA. Here are a few of the requirements to consider while applying here.

Submitting your international transcripts

When applying to a UCLA graduate program, international applicants should upload unofficial transcripts from all academic institutions she or he attended into the Application for Graduate Admission.

If admitted to UCLA, applicants must submit official, final academic records. These are defined as original documents issued by the institution— not photocopies—which bear the actual signature of the Registrar and the seal of the issuing institution. Instructions and deadlines for submission are included with official offers of admission. New graduate students should submit official records in the original language with a complete, authorized English translation.

If you have attended more than one institution, separate official records should be submitted by each institution.

If your academic record cannot be replaced, obtain a properly certified copy. Keep the original for yourself! Never send a document to UCLA that cannot be replaced; submitted records become the property of the University, and we cannot return them to you.

Resources for International Applicants

Students from around the world apply to UCLA’s graduate programs.  You will find more specific information about our requirements for applicants from a variety of educational systems in Required Academic Records .

Here are more helpful links:

English Language Requirements

Visa Procedures

Test of Oral Proficiency

Special Services for International Students

Ineligible degrees

To save you time and trouble, we must inform you that the following degree holders are not eligible to apply for graduate admission:

Persons holding three-year ordinary pass degrees, professional diplomas in accounting, business, librarianship, social work, physical education, health education and so on, or four-year degrees, diplomas or higher certificates from technical, vocational or postsecondary specialized schools.

Persons holding membership in professional associations such as Institutes of Chartered Accountants or Institutes of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators are not qualified for graduate standing unless they also hold recognized university-level degrees or titles.

phd program for international students

  • How to Apply for A PhD Abroad – International Study
  • Applying to a PhD

So you’ve decided to enrol onto a doctoral degree and study abroad at the same time. This is a great opportunity to develop yourself both personally and academically. However, do you actually go about securing a PhD as an international student? To help answer this for you, we’ve created this guide to explain how to apply for a PhD in foreign universities.

Why Do Your PhD Abroad?​​​​​​​

There are many benefits to studying abroad.

Some PhD students do so as a way to develop a new language, discover more about a different culture, and to meet new people.

Besides personal reasons, undertaking a doctorate degree abroad can also for academic purposes. For example, in some countries, a particular research field may not be very popular and so there may not be many doctorate options available. In these cases, undertaking a PhD abroad will open up many more opportunities. It could also offer greater funding, lower tuition fees, better laboratory equipment and more experienced supervisors. Not only would these factors result in a more enjoyable PhD, but they could also contribute to greater career prospects. For example, you will likely have more opportunities to write publications, attend conferences and collaborate with other researchers. All of these will help you establish yourself as a respectable researcher within your field.

Is It Difficult to Apply to PhDs Abroad?​​​​​​​

It’s not as difficult as you would imagine when it comes to applying to a PhD in a foreign country. Regardless of whether you’re applying to a university within the EU, such as the UK, Finland or Spain, or to universities within the US or Asia, the processes are relatively similar.

The differences in the application process can be categorised into three areas.

  • the documents you need to provide,
  • the prerequisite tests you need to sit,
  • how much you need to communicate with the potential supervisors before applying.

We’ve provided a basic outline of the application processes below. Although this will provide you with a good starting point, we highly recommend you look at the university websites for specific instructions and guidance before applying.

Will I Need a Student Visa?​​​​​​​

This will depend on what country you are applying to. For example:

  • In the UK, applicants from outside the EU will need a Visa Tier 4 (Student). This will allow them to undertake a full-time PhD. However, due to UK visa restrictions, international students are unlikely to be able to enrol onto a part-time degree.
  • In Germany, most students will not require a student visa but will require a residence permit.
  • In the US, applicants will need to hold an F-1 Student Visa.
  • In Asia, the requirements differ depending on the specific country. For example, in China, you will require an X1 Student Visa whereas in Singapore you will require a Student Pass.

Because of the significant differences between countries, we highly recommend it is highly that you check the requirements on an individual case-by-case basis. This is best done by checking the government website of the country you wish to apply to.

General Process for Applying to PhDs Abroad​​​​​​​

When applying to a PhD position, most universities regardless of where they’re located will require:

  • Online Application – An electronic form to provide your details and attach all supporting documents. You will also need to make any application fees during this process if required.
  • Academic Transcripts – Most universities need a scanned copy of your transcripts when applying. You will only have to submit official hard copies once they have accepted your admission.
  • CV – This should include details of your previous education, undergraduate degree and any experiences revenant to the field you’re applying to.
  • Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement – A letter which outlines why you’re applying to the PhD and why you believe you’re suitable for the project.
  • Letters of Recommendation – this should preferably be provided by your undergraduate degree course tutor or a professor who knows you well.

Language Tests

If your PhD is to be undertaken in English and English isn’t your first language, most universities will require you to sit an English language proficiency test. The most common tests, in order of popularity, are:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems)
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English)

The minimum test scores will change from university to university. They will also vary depending on the research field. For example, research projects related to English Literature or Law will require relatively high scores whilst projects in Science and Engineering will require slightly lower scores. To provide an example, the University of Leicester in the UK requires a minimum overall IELTS score of 7 for Law PhDs but has a lower overall score requirement of 6 for Engineering PhDs.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How to Apply for PhDs in EU Countries​​​​​​​

For UK universities, there are generally two ways of applying. You can either apply directly through the university’s website or you can make an application through the UCAS Postgraduate system .

In Spain, Italy and Germany, before applying to a PhD you will first need to pass a pre-application process. This involves checking that your qualifications meet their eligibility requirements. Before undergoing this pre-screening process, it would be beneficial to first speak to your government. They may offer advice on how your countries qualification system corresponds to the qualification system in the country hosting the PhD.

Once you’ve made your application, the university will review it and get in contact with you. For most EU institutions, they will invite you for a Skype or telephone interview with them if they believe you may be a suitable candidate.

If you require a student visa to study in an EU country, it’s recommended that you submit your application at least 3-4 months before the proposed PhD start date.

How to Apply for PhDs in USA

In addition to the English language exams mentioned previously, international applicants will also need to sit additional exams to be eligible for PhDs in the USA. These are the GRE General Exam and GRE Subject Exam(s). The GRE Subject Exam(s) you will need to undertake will be specific to your field and will be specified by the university as part of their edibility requirements.

Securing a PhD position in the United States is considered relatively difficult compared to other countries. As a result, it is commonly recommended that you apply to at least 9 different universities to increase your chances of securing a position.

How to Apply for PhDs in Asia

As Asia covers a wide range of countries such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, UAE and India, their application processes naturally differ from one another. Therefore, check the specific application process for each university you’re interested to get the most accurate information.

To summarise:

  • China – uses two centralised application services, CUAC and CUCAS. Both these services help international students find and apply to a PhD project in China. Students can also apply directly to a University if they wish to.
  • Singapore – rather than applying to a specific research project, you will have to apply to a faculty or department within a University. Only once you have been accepted into the university department will their research projects become available to you. Like US universities, most universities in Singapore will have required you to have sat a GRE Exams prior to applying to them.
  • UAE – you must apply directly to your chosen university. To be eligible for a PhD in UAE, you must hold a Master’s degree and it must be from a university recognised by their government. You will also be required to undertake GRE Exams before making your application.

How to Apply for PhDs in Australia

To apply to a PhD in Australia, you will first be expected to find and email a potential supervisor. If you’re an international student and you make an application directly to the university without doing this first, it’s highly likely that you won’t be considered for the position.

Upon discussing the project with the supervisor, they will instruct you to put in a formal application. This formal application will require the information previously outlined above.

Similar to EU institutions, if an Australian university believes you’re a strong candidate, they will likely invite you to a Skype or telephone interview.

Unlike EU universities, PhDs in Australian universities can start at any time of the year. Therefore, unless a specific funding requirement is attached to the project, there are usually no deadlines associated with applying to their PhDs. However, try to apply 3 to 4 months before you intend to start your studies.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

  • Public Lectures
  • Faculty & Staff Site >>

International Applicants

Financial ability requirement.

After an international applicant planning to study in F-1 or J-1 immigration status has been admitted and pays the enrollment confirmation deposit, they will receive an invitation to MyISSS to access the UW I-20 or DS-2019 request form.

Per U.S. immigration law, the admitted student must demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the first year of study.

  • See the estimated total expenses below for the amount to demonstrate on the UW I-20 request form (this includes tuition, living expenses, and other campus fees).
  • Please note that the I-20 documentation will contain the estimated University of Washington’s average cost of graduate tuition rates, so that the average tuition used for these calculations may not accurately reflect the true tuition rate of your specific program. Refer to the Office of Planning and Budgeting (OPB) for current tuition and fee rate information. You can also contact your program directly if you have questions about your tuition.
  • Students who will attend in J-1 exchange visitor status must also demonstrate financial resources, but have additional requirements. Please contact the Graduate School at [email protected] if you have questions about eligibility.

Average Estimated Total Expenses

ISS provides an estimate of annual expenses for UW international students and their dependents, as well as additional financial information on their  Money Matters webpage

Acceptable Financial Resources

  • your own personal funds
  • funds from a family sponsor
  • funds from a government or agency sponsor awarding a scholarship
  • funds from a UW department awarding a fellowship, grant, or graduate assistantship (RA/TA/GSA)

Acceptable Documentation

  • letter from a bank or a bank statement (issued within the last six months) to include the name of the account holder, name of the bank and the amount of readily available funds (converted into U.S. dollars)
  • letter from a U.S. employer to include name of employer, name of employee, length of employment and employee’s annual salary
  • letter from a government or agency sponsor to include your name, name of government or agency, terms and amount of scholarship
  • letter from a UW department to include your name, name of UW department, terms and amount of fellowship, grant, or assistantship (RA/TA/GSA)

Tuition Expenses

Academic year 2024–2025.

Tuition rates are maintained by the Office of Planning and Budgeting and may vary based on your residency status, tuition tier, the total number of credit hours for which you are registered, etc. Rates may also differ depending on which campus you attend, due to slight variations in Services & Activities fees.

The Office of Planning and Budgeting website makes current tuition and fee rates available. If you cannot locate the tuition rate for your specific program, contact the program in which you plan to enroll.

For questions regarding tuition and fee distribution, please visit the  Office of Planning and Budgeting (OPB)  website for contact information.

Important notes:  F-1 and J-1 student visa documentation will contain the estimated University of Washington’s average cost of graduate tuition rates. Please be aware that the average tuition used for these calculations may not accurately reflect the true tuition rate of your specific program. Refer to the web site above to obtain the accurate tuition rate for your program, or ask your program.

Students who are required to enroll in  UW Academic English Program (AEP)  will pay additional fees for AEP courses.

Last Revision: January 24, 2023

After You’re Admitted

Accepting your offer of admissions.

  • UW graduate programs send offers of admission via email. If you have received an offer, we hope you will accept and join our Husky Community!
  • If you have not yet created your UW NetID, you will need to create it before you can accept the offer. In your graduate school application , you will have a PAC code, student ID number, and a link to  Identity.UW . You will select “UW student” on the Identity.UW site.
  • After you have your UW NetID, to accept the offer and confirm enrollment (reserving your seat in the program), please return to your graduate school application and select the “Accept Offer” button.
  • For assistance with accepting the offer, please review Enrollment Confirmation System Help .
  • If you need additional information about the Enrollment Confirmation Deposit, please visit the UW Registrar’s Enrollment Confirmation System .
  • After you have, you will have access to your graduate application’s Pre-Registration Page.

Submit Final Degree Transcript

  • After you have accepted your offer, you will have access to your graduate application’s Pre-Registration Page.
  • The “Submit Final Degree Transcript” section will list one or more of the colleges or universities you attended. Your admitting graduate program has requested that you send the listed degree[s] to the Graduate School for degree verification.
  • Visit Official Transcripts Requirements for more instructions.

Seattle Campus I-20 Request

If you will be studying in F-1 student status during your graduate program, you must request and be issued a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

  • After you have accepted your offer, you will have access to your graduate application’s Pre-Registration Page. You will see an “ I-20 or DS-2019 Request ” section that explains: “You will receive an invitation to the UW’s MyISSS portal …. Follow the online instructions to complete the I-20 or DS-2019 request process.”
  • The MyISSS invitation will be sent from [email protected] to your UW e-mail address within three UW business days.
  • If you do not see the I-20 or DS-2019 Request section on your Pre-Registration page, please contact the Graduate School so your student record can be corrected to F-1 student.
  • Refer to the ISS Money Matters page for detailed financial instructions. We recommend you prepare your financial documents early, so you are able to request your I-20 as soon as possible.
  • Processing time: after you submit your completed I-20 request in MyISSS, expect 2-4 weeks processing time before the I-20 is issued to you.

Seattle Campus DS-2019 Request (J-1)

A small number of UW graduate students attend in J-1 exchange visitor status . If you have been invited by a program sponsor* to participate in an educational and cultural exchange as a UW graduate student, you are eligible to receive a Form DS-2019 “ Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” to apply for your J-1 visa.

  • If you do not see the I-20 or DS-2019 Request section on your Pre-Registration page, please contact the Graduate School so your student record can be corrected to J-1 student.
  • You will have additional funding requirements beyond the I-20 (F-1 visa) Financial Ability Requirement because you are required to receive the majority of your funding from your sponsor, rather than personal or family funding. You must also demonstrate funding for the entire duration of the program.
  • *”Program sponsor” does not typically include students who are sponsored by their admitting UW department as an  Academic Student Employee (Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant). Academic Student employees attend the UW on F-1 student visas.
  • Processing time: after you submit your completed DS-2019 request in MyISSS, expect 2-4 weeks processing time before the DS-2019 is issued to you.

I-20 Instructions

  • After the Graduate School has approved and issued your UW I-20, you will be notified to return to your MyISSS portal to receive the electronically signed I-20.
  • Electronic signature & delivery of I-20s is allowed by the US government and an original ink signature from the UW is not required.
  • If you have not yet received your I-20, but would like to prepare for a visa interview and next steps in advance, you are welcome to preview the University of Washington I-20 Instructions .

Planning your Entry Date into the United States (New F-1 & J-1 Students)

Before making any travel arrangements such as purchasing plane tickets, plan your arrival date into the United States carefully. You will need to consider the following: the start of class for your entry quarter; arrival window per visa requirements; and mandatory orientations.

  • Confirm Academic Entry Quarter: The UW has four academic quarters in a calendar year. When you accepted your offer from your UW department, you agreed to begin studies in either Autumn, Winter, Spring, or Summer Quarter. You can also confirm your entry quarter by checking the “Enrollment Confirmation Received” email receipt sent by the University of Washington Office of the Registrar. If your entry quarter is incorrect, or if you need to request that your application’s entry quarter be moved into a different quarter, contact your graduate program immediately before taking any additional steps.
  • Confirm Academic Class Start Date:  Once you have confirmed your academic entry quarter, you can then review the UW Registrar’s Academic Calendar for each quarter’s Dates of Instruction . For example, if your entry quarter is Autumn 2023, the first day of classes is September 27, 2023.
  • Earliest arrival date : You may not enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before the “Program Start Date” on your I-20 form (on the DS-2019 form, see the start date in #3). This will be the same date as the “Start of Classes” (the first day of classes for your quarter).
  • Latest arrival date: Plan to arrive in the US no later than the “Program Start Date” as listed on your I-20 form.
  • Mandatory ISS Check-in: The U.S. government requires both F-1 and J-1 new students to officially “check in” after they have arrived in the U.S.; you must complete the International Student Services’ online Post-Arrival check-in no later than the first day of your classes.
  • Pre-Arrival ISS Checklist : You are also encouraged to complete the ISS Online Information session as soon as you have confirmed your enrollment. You will learn valuable information related to your F-1 or J-1 visa. You are also required to complete this session before you can register for your classes.
  • Mandatory Orientations: You are required by the UW to attend a welcome program hosted by CIRCLE . Many graduate programs also have mandatory orientations. Please check with your program advisor to ask if you need to attend an orientation or other programming before the first day of classes.

F-1 Students Transferring from Another U.S. School

This I-20 category is only for students already in the U.S. who will transfer their SEVIS immigration record to the UW Graduate School, Seattle Campus from UW Tacoma, UW Bothell, UW International & English Language Programs, or another U.S. school. There are benefits to a “SEVIS transfer,” so you are strongly encouraged to transfer if you are eligible.

  • Review UW Seattle Campus I-20 Request (F-1)section for instructions about the MyISSS portal.
  • Questions about transferring your SEVIS record?  You may find these  frequently asked questions useful.
  • Mandatory ISS Check-in:  The UW expects you to officially “check in” by completing the International Student Services’ online Post-Arrival check-in no later than the first day of your classes.

Current UW Students Starting a New Graduate Program

This I-20 category is only for students currently holding F-1 status at the University of Washington Seattle Campus (including those on OPT) who are admitted to a new graduate program at UW Seattle. If you are continuing your studies at UW, congratulations, and we are glad you are staying with us!

  • Confirm Eligibility: Review the International Student Services Office’s Change of Level Eligibility information carefully.
  • Prepare your new financial ability documents (personal or family bank statement, departmental offer letter, sponsor letter) per Financial Ability Requirement.
  • Current UW students should already have access to the MyISSS platform. Log in and go to your Requests & Documents section. Then select the Change of Level/Program icon to submit your Change of Level Request.
  • ISS and the Graduate School will review and process your request.

English Language Proficiency

If you selected “no” to the question Are you a native English speaker? in your graduate school application, you will be asked to demonstrate English language proficiency for graduate study at the University of Washington, per Policy 3.2 requirements.

If you have received a Teaching Assistant (TA) Offer, you have additional requirements per Policy 5.2 . Please contact your graduate program with questions related to your appointment.

The Graduate School recommends you confirm that your UW student record has been updated correctly with your level of English proficiency before you register for your first quarter. Your confirmation will ensure that you are either marked “satisfied” for completing the English Language Proficiency requirement, or that you are placed into the correct  Academic English Proficiency (AEP) class if your score is below the “recommended score.”

English Language Proficiency Test Options

For more information, please see Policy 3.2: Graduate School English Language Proficiency Requirements .

F-1 Employment Options

Although your primary purpose for attending the University of Washington is to study, prospective international students may also be interested in learning about employment opportunities that are allowed under F-1 student status. While the International Student Services (ISS) office can only set up appointments or consult with students who are currently enrolled at the University of Washington, you are encouraged to review employment options on the  ISS website .

24-Month STEM OPT Extension

If you intend to study in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) degree program at the University of Washington on your F-1 student visa, you may be eligible to apply to extend your Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization after graduation. Please review the STEM OPT information on the  ISS website .

To determine which UW degree programs are in STEM fields that may qualify an F-1 student for a STEM OPT extension, please reference the most current  STEM Designated Program List  on the US Department of Homeland Security website. You can compare the STEM Designated Program List’s cip codes to the cip codes on the  UW graduate program list (the list also has a “STEM programs” filter).

You may also contact the UW degree programs directly with your STEM-related questions.

Skip to content

Our Culture

Diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Learn about our commitment to social justice and health equality and anti-racism.

Academic Programs

Admissions at a glance.

Learn more about Admissions at Columbia Nursing, including important dates and deadlines, and how to apply to all of our programs. 

Research Centers and Programs

Research areas of focus.

Explore the research areas of focus conducted by our faculty, postdocs, and students.

Patient Care

Primary care services.

The ColumbiaDoctors Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Group, combines evidence-based practice with a personalized approach to provide quality care.

Global Health

Global opportunities for students.

Global opportunities for clinical practicum and research may be available for MDE and doctoral students at Columbia Nursing.

Doctor of Philosophy

Phd international students.

Columbia University School of Nursing welcomes international students to apply to the PhD program .

International students need to prepare some additional admissions materials along with the rest of their applications:

  • TOEFL : Required if you have not graduated from a college or university in which all instruction is conducted in English. Please send scores to school code 9828. Your official score report must be received by the application deadline.
  • Transcript Evaluation : International transcripts must be evaluated by the  World Education Services (WES) . Evaluations should include a course-by-course analysis indicating the type of degree received, the U.S. equivalency of the degree, the graduation date, and a cumulative grade point average. Please be sure to upload all evaluations to your online application. The transcript evaluation must be received by the application deadline, as original transcripts from your international university cannot be used in place of the transcript evaluation.
  • Nursing Credential Evaluation : If you have a nursing credential from outside the United States, you will need to have your credentials evaluated. Please visit CGFNS International, Inc.  to obtain an evaluation.

Financial Aid

Beginning in Fall 2021, Columbia Nursing will fund international PhD students. Funding includes tuition and fees, Student Health Services health insurance, and a stipend. International applicants are encouraged to visit the Columbia University  International Students & Scholars Office  for information about housing, Visas, and other topics.

Student housing is not guaranteed to any Columbia Nursing student and is lottery-based. However, first priority is given to international students. International students interested in on-campus housing should complete a housing application by the deadlines posted on the On-Campus Housing website.

Additional Resources

CUIMC's International Students and Scholars Office-CUIMC (ISSO-CUIMC) provides advice and counseling to international students on housing, financial issues, Visas, extensions of stay, work permission, temporary departure from the United States, transfer from Columbia University to another school, and termination of study. Learn more on the CUIMC  International Students and Scholars Office  website.

Top Streams

  • Data Science Courses in USA
  • Business Analytics Courses in USA
  • Engineering Courses in USA
  • Tax Courses in USA
  • Healthcare Courses in USA
  • Language Courses in USA
  • Insurance Courses in USA
  • Digital Marketing Courses in USA

Top Specialization

  • Masters in Data Analytics in USA
  • Masters in Mechanical Engineering in USA
  • Masters in Supply Chain Management in USA
  • Masters in Computer Science in USA
  • MBA in Finance in USA
  • Masters in Architecture in USA

Top Universities

  • Cornell University
  • Yale University
  • Princeton University
  • University of California Los Angeles
  • University of Harvard
  • Stanford University
  • Arizona State University
  • Northeastern University
  • Scholarships to Study in USA
  • Project Management Courses in Australia
  • Accounting Courses in Australia
  • Medical Courses in Australia
  • Psychology Courses in Australia
  • Interior Designing Courses in Australia
  • Pharmacy Courses in Australia
  • Social Work Courses in Australia
  • MBA in Australia
  • Masters in Education in Australia
  • Masters in Pharmacy in Australia
  • Masters in Information Technology in Australia
  • BBA in Australia
  • Masters in Teaching in Australia
  • Masters in Psychology in Australia
  • University of Melbourne
  • Deakin University
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Monash University
  • University of Sydney
  • University of Queensland
  • RMIT University
  • Macquarie University
  • PR Courses in Australia
  • SOP for Australia Student Visa
  • Data Science Courses in Canada
  • Business Management Courses in Canada
  • Supply Chain Management Courses in Canada
  • Project Management Courses in Canada
  • Business Analytics Courses in Canada
  • Hotel Management Courses in Canada
  • MBA in Canada
  • MS in Canada
  • Masters in Computer Science in Canada
  • Masters in Management in Canada
  • Masters in Psychology in Canada
  • Masters in Education in Canada
  • MBA in Finance in Canada
  • Masters in Business Analytics in Canada
  • University of Toronto
  • University of British Columbia
  • McGill University
  • University of Alberta
  • York University
  • University of Calgary
  • Algoma University
  • University Canada West
  • IELTS requirement for Canada Student Visa
  • Canada Visa Interview
  • Top cities in Canada for International Students
  • Project Management Courses in UK
  • Data Science Courses in UK
  • Public Health Courses in UK
  • Digital Marketing Courses in UK
  • Hotel Management Courses in UK
  • Nursing Courses in UK
  • Medicine Courses in UK
  • Interior Designing Courses in UK
  • Masters in Computer Science in UK
  • Masters in Psychology in UK
  • MBA in Finance in UK
  • MBA in Healthcare Management in UK
  • Masters in Education in UK
  • Masters in Marketing in UK
  • MBA in HR in UK
  • University of Oxford
  • University of Cambridge
  • Coventry University
  • University of East London
  • University of Hertfordshire
  • University of Birmingham
  • Imperial College London
  • University of Glasgow

Top Resources

  • Universities in Germany
  • Study in Germany
  • Masters in Germany
  • Courses in Germany
  • Bachelors in Germany
  • Germany Job Seeker Visa
  • Cost of Living in Germany
  • Best Universities in Germany

Top Courses

  • Masters in Data Science in Germany
  • MS in Computer Science in Germany
  • Marine Engineering in Germany
  • MS Courses in Germany
  • Masters in Psychology in Germany
  • Hotel Management Courses in Germany
  • Masters in Economics in Germany
  • Paramedical Courses in Germany
  • Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • University of Bonn
  • University of Freiburg
  • University of Hamburg
  • University of Stuttgart
  • Saarland University
  • Mannheim University
  • MBA in Ireland
  • Phd in Ireland
  • Masters in Computer Science Ireland
  • Cyber Security in Ireland
  • Masters in Data Analytics Ireland
  • Ms in Data Science in Ireland
  • Pharmacy courses in ireland
  • Business Analytics Course in Ireland
  • Universities in Ireland
  • Study in Ireland
  • Masters in Ireland
  • Courses in Ireland
  • Bachelors in Ireland
  • Cost of Living in Ireland
  • Ireland Student Visa
  • Part Time Jobs in Ireland
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • University College Dublin
  • Dublin City University
  • University of Limerick
  • Dublin Business School
  • Maynooth University
  • University College Cork
  • National College of Ireland

Colleges & Courses

  • Masters in France
  • Phd in France
  • Study Medicine in France
  • Best Universities in Frankfurt
  • Best Architecture Colleges in France
  • ESIGELEC France
  • Study in France for Indian Students
  • Intakes in France
  • SOP for France Visa
  • Study in France from India
  • Reasons to Study in France
  • How to Settle in France

More About France

  • Cost of Living in France
  • France Study Visa
  • Cost of Living in Frankfurt
  • France Scholarship for Indian Students
  • Part Time Jobs in France
  • Stay Back in France After Masters

About Finland

  • Universities in Finland
  • Study in Finland
  • Courses in Finland
  • Bachelor Courses in Finland
  • Masters Courses in Finland
  • Cost of Living in Finland
  • MS in Finland
  • Average Fees in Finland Universities
  • PhD in Finland
  • Jobs in Finland
  • Bachelor Degree in Medicine & Surgery
  • MBBS Courses in Georgia
  • MBBS Courses in Russia
  • Alte University
  • Caucasus University
  • Georgian National University SEU
  • David Tvildiani Medical University
  • Caspian International School Of Medicine
  • Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University
  • Kyrgyz State Medical Academy
  • Cremeia Federal University
  • Bashkir State Medical University
  • Kursk State Medical University
  • Andijan State Medical Institute
  • IELTS Syllabus
  • IELTS Prepration
  • IELTS Eligibility
  • IELTS Test Format
  • IELTS Band Descriptors
  • IELTS Speaking test
  • IELTS Writing Task 1
  • IELTS score validity
  • IELTS Cue Card

IELTS Reading Answers Sample

  • Animal Camouflage
  • Types Of Societies
  • Australia Convict Colonies
  • A Spark A Flint
  • Emigration To The Us
  • The History Of Salt
  • Zoo Conservation Programmes
  • The Robots Are Coming
  • The Development Of Plastic

IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample

  • Describe A Puzzle You Have Played
  • Describe A Long Walk You Ever Had
  • Describe Your Favourite Movie
  • Describe A Difficult Thing You did
  • Describe A Businessman You Admire
  • Memorable Day in My Life
  • Describe Your Dream House
  • Describe A Bag You Want to Own
  • Describe a Famous Athlete You Know
  • Aquatic Animal

IELTS Essay Sample Sample

  • Best Education System
  • IELTS Opinion Essay
  • Agree or Disagree Essay
  • Problem Solution Essays
  • Essay on Space Exploration
  • Essay On Historical Places
  • Essay Writing Samples
  • Tourism Essay
  • Global Warming Essay
  • GRE Exam Fees
  • GRE Exam Syllabus
  • GRE Exam Eligibility
  • Sections in GRE Exam
  • GRE Exam Benefits
  • GRE Exam Results
  • GRE Cutoff for US Universities
  • GRE Preparation
  • Send GRE scores to Universities

GRE Exam Study Material

  • GRE Verbal Preparation
  • GRE Study Material
  • GRE AWA Essays
  • GRE Sample Issue Essays
  • Stanford University GRE Cutoff
  • Harvard University GRE Cutoff
  • GRE Quantitative Reasoning
  • GRE Verbal Reasoning
  • GRE Reading Comprehension
  • Prepare for GRE in 2 months

Other Resources

  • Documents Required For Gre Exam
  • GRE Exam Duration
  • GRE at Home
  • GRE vs GMAT
  • Improve GRE Verbal Scores

Free GRE Ebooks

  • GRE Preparation Guide (Free PDF)
  • GRE Syllabus (Free PDF)
  • GMAT Eligibility
  • GMAT Syllabus
  • GMAT Exam Dates
  • GMAT Registration
  • GMAT Exam Fees
  • GMAT Sections
  • GMAT Purpose

GMAT Exam Study Material

  • How to prepare for GMAT?
  • GMAT Score Validity
  • GMAT Preparation Books
  • GMAT Preparation
  • GMAT Exam Duration
  • GMAT Score for Harvard
  • GMAT Reading Comprehension
  • GMAT Retake Strategy

Free GMAT Ebooks

  • GMAT Guide PDF
  • Download GMAT Syllabus PDF
  • TOEFL Exam Registration
  • TOEFL Exam Eligibility
  • TOEFL Exam Pattern
  • TOEFL Exam Preparation
  • TOEFL Exam Tips
  • TOEFL Exam Dates
  • Documents for TOEFL Exam
  • TOEFL Exam Fee

TOEFL Exam Study Material

  • TOEFL Preparation Books
  • TOEFL Speaking Section
  • TOEFL Score and Results
  • TOEFL Writing Section
  • TOEFL Reading Section
  • TOEFL Listening Section
  • TOEFL Vocabulary
  • Types of Essays in TOEFL

Free TOEFL Ebooks

  • TOEFL Exam Guide (Free PDF)
  • PTE Exam Dates
  • PTE Exam Syllabus
  • PTE Exam Eligibility Criteria
  • PTE Test Centers in India
  • PTE Exam Pattern
  • PTE Exam Fees
  • PTE Exam Duration
  • PTE Exam Registration

PTE Exam Study Material

  • PTE Exam Preparation
  • PTE Speaking Test
  • PTE Reading Test
  • PTE Listening Test
  • PTE Writing Test
  • PTE Essay Writing
  • PTE exam for Australia

Free PTE Ebooks

  • PTE Syllabus (Free PDF)
  • Duolingo Exam
  • Duolingo Test Eligibility
  • Duolingo Exam Pattern
  • Duolingo Exam Fees
  • Duolingo Test Validity
  • Duolingo Syllabus
  • Duolingo Preparation

Duolingo Exam Study Material

  • Duolingo Exam Dates
  • Duolingo Test Score
  • Duolingo Test Results
  • Duolingo Test Booking

Free Duolingo Ebooks

  • Duolingo Guide (Free PDF)
  • Duolingo Test Pattern (Free PDF)

NEET & MCAT Exam

  • NEET Study Material
  • NEET Preparation
  • MCAT Eligibility
  • MCAT Preparation

SAT & ACT Exam

  • ACT Eligibility
  • ACT Exam Dates
  • SAT Syllabus
  • SAT Exam Pattern
  • SAT Exam Eligibility

USMLE & OET Exam

  • USMLE Syllabus
  • USMLE Preparation
  • USMLE Step 1
  • OET Syllabus
  • OET Eligibility
  • OET Prepration

PLAB & LSAT Exam

  • PLAB Exam Syllabus
  • PLAB Exam Fees
  • LSAT Eligibility
  • LSAT Registration
  • PLAB Accepted Countries
  • TOEIC Result
  • Study Guide

Application Process

  • LOR for Masters
  • SOP Samples for MS
  • LOR for Phd
  • SOP for Internship
  • SOP for Phd
  • Check Visa Status
  • Motivation Letter Format
  • Motivation Letter for Internship
  • F1 Visa Documents Checklist

Career Prospects

  • Popular Courses after Bcom in Abroad
  • Part Time Jobs in Australia
  • Part Time Jobs in USA
  • Salary after MS in Germany
  • Salary after MBA in Canada
  • Average Salary in Singapore
  • Higher Studies after MBA in Abroad
  • Study in Canada after 12th
  • Most Demanding Engineering Fields

Trending Topics

  • Best Education System in World
  • Best Flying Schools in World
  • Top Free Education Countries
  • Best Countries to Migrate from India
  • 1 Year PG Diploma Courses in Canada
  • Germany Post Study Work Visa
  • Post Study Visa in USA
  • Packing List for Indian Students
  • Data Science Vs Data Analytics
  • Public Vs Private Universities in Germany
  • Universities Vs Colleges
  • Difference Between GPA and CGPA
  • Undergraduate Vs Graduate
  • MBA in UK Vs MBA in USA
  • Degree Vs Diploma in Canada
  • IELTS vs TOEFL
  • Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS
  • Canada Vs India
  • Why Study in Canada
  • Cost of Living in Canada
  • Education System in Canada
  • SOP for Canada
  • Summer Intake in Canada
  • Spring Intake in Canada
  • Winter Intake in Canada
  • Accommodation in Canada for Students
  • Average Salary in Canada
  • Fully Funded Scholarships in Canada
  • Why Study in USA
  • Cost of Studying in USA
  • Spring Intake in USA
  • Winter Intake in USA
  • Summer Intake in USA
  • STEM Courses in USA
  • Scholarships for MS in USA
  • Acceptable Study Gap in USA
  • Interesting Facts about USA
  • Free USA course
  • Why Study in UK
  • Cost of Living in UK
  • Cost of Studying in UK
  • Education System in UK
  • Summer Intake in UK
  • Spring Intake in UK
  • Student Visa for UK
  • Accommodation in UK for Students
  • Scholarships in UK
  • Why Study in Germany
  • Cost of Studying in Germany
  • Education System in Germany
  • SOP for Germany
  • Summer Intake in Germany
  • Winter Intake in Germany
  • Study Visa for Germany
  • Accommodation in Germany for Students
  • Free Education in Germany

Country Guides

  • Study in UK
  • Study in Canada
  • Study in USA
  • Study in Australia
  • SOP Samples for Canada Student Visa
  • US F1 Visa Guide for Aspirants

Exams Guides

  • Duolingo Test Pattern

Recommended Reads

  • Fully Funded Masters Guide
  • SOP Samples For Australia
  • Scholarships for Canada
  • Data Science Guide
  • SOP for MS in Computer Science
  • Study Abroad Exams
  • Alumni Connect
  • Booster Program
  • Scholarship

GPA CALCULATOR Convert percentage marks to GPA effortlessly with our calculator!

Expense calculator plan your study abroad expenses with our comprehensive calculator, ielts band calculator estimate your ielts band score with our accurate calculator, education loan calculator discover your eligible loan amount limit with our education calculator, university partner explore growth and opportunities with our university partnership, accommodation discover your perfect study abroad accommodation here, experience-center discover our offline centers for a personalized experience, our offices visit us for expert study abroad counseling..

  • 18002102030
  • Study Abroad

Fully-Funded PhD. Programs In The USA For International Students for 2024

  • Universities in USA

Updated on 18 April, 2024

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal

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 Ph.D. programs, but not all of them are cost-effective.

Fortunately, some universities lower students’ financial burdens and provide fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students.

Scholarships for PhD. Programs In The USA

The Fully-funded Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students do not cover only research council studentship. Usually, they also include:

  • Travel grants and conference funding
  • Resource grants 
  • Writing-up funding 
  • Hardship funding

Eligibility for Country/Course 

These fully-funded Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. programs in the US varies 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 Ph.D. program if you have completed a pre-requisite or postgraduate program. 

The Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. 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 The USA

The USA’s fully funded Ph.D. 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
  • Engineering 
  • Humanities 
  • Natural Sciences 
  • Social Sciences

Several scholarships, grants, and studentships are available for Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. 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

Some of the US universities that provide fully-funded PhD programs are listed in the table mentioned below:

(Source: usnews.com)

Application Duration of Fully Funded PhD. Programs In The 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 Ph.D. programs.

Mode of Application 

The mode of application for all these fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students is online.

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 Ph.D. Students.

Applications are welcome for students from all nationalities. However, all such nominees:

  • cannot nominate themselves and instead must be selected by the doctoral faculty member 
  • have to be enrolled full-time in a Ph.D. 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
  • cannot 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 Ph.D. On average,  USD 25,000 to USD 40,000 (INR 20,63,363 to INR 33,01,380)

Selection Process 

The selection process of fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA is based on three factors:

  • Merit-based funding
  • Need-based funding
  • International funding

Requirements for Continuing Scholarships

Major fully-funded Ph.D. programs renew automatically for the next year varies on the basis of the student program.

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.

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

Important Links

Top masters programs, top bachelors programs, learn more about study in usa.

referral

Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000

Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.

referral

Similar Articles

phd program for international students

  • International Students
  • Graduate School
  • Prospective Students

Canadian Immigration Updates

Applicants to Master’s and Doctoral degrees are not affected by the recently announced cap on study permits. Review more details

UBC values diversity and strongly encourages dedicated international students to apply to our graduate programs.

About 30% of master’s students, and 44% of doctoral students at UBC Vancouver are international students. We have close to 3600 doctoral students and 6200 master’s students, the fourth largest graduate student population among Canadian universities, and our 85 academic units offer over 250 research-based programs and 85 course-based master’s programs .

Why come to UBC?

Academic excellence.

UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top public universities in the world.

Study-Life Balance

Vancouver is one of the most attractive cities in the world, according to rankings by The Economist (world’s most livable city), Mercer Consulting (best city in the world) and by Condé Nast Traveler magazine (best city in the Americas).

Mild Climate

Vancouver has one of the mildest climates in Canada.

Canada is a safe country and study destination according to Global Piece Index and Global Law and Order Report.

UBC is a catalyst for innovation with more than 2,500 collaborative research partnerships, 200+ spin-off companies, and 450+ licensing agreements for its technologies across the world.

Fantastic Location

Vancouver has it all: sea, parks, mountains, beaches and four seasons per year, including beautiful summers and mild, wet winters with snow in the mountains.

Sustainable

UBC is recognized globally as one of the most sustainable campuses in the world and a model for sustainable cities.

International

Times Higher Education ranked UBC as the most international university in North America in its "World University Rankings 2024.”

Economic Strength

Canada was ranked 2nd in the 2018 Best Countries Ranking by US News, which measures global performance on a variety of metrics.

UBC focuses on your success and offers dozens of professional development events and career sessions over the course of your program.

Program Options

Course-based programs.

Course-based pograms, sometimes referred to as professional programs, require a student to complete a set number of courses to obtain a degree. Submission of an individual research thesis is usually not required, but programs may include major projects, capstone courses, internships or other work placements. Course-based programs tend to be shorter in duration and more flexible in program delivery, usually with higher tuition costs. These are often targeted at professionals with some work experience to attain the next career promotion or a change into another field.

View Course-based Programs

Research-based programs

Research-based programs usually include some coursework at the beginning of the degree and then focus on individual independent research under the supervision of a faculty member that culminates in the formulation of a thesis or dissertation. Most master programs require 2 years of study and PhD programs usually require between 5-7 years of study. Research degrees provide the possibility to become an expert in a chosen field of study with the possibility to pursue an academic career as professor as well as exciting careers in non-academic environments. Many UBC programs expect applicants to have obtained a master's level qualification before entering a PhD, although direct entry into PhD progams is possible at UBC.

View thesis optional Master's programs

View thesis required Master's programs

View Doctoral programs

Scholarships, Awards and Funding

UBC is a research powerhouse and invests heavily into attracting the best young scientists into its programs. Compared to other institutions of similar reputation UBC offers very high quality education at a significantly subsidized low tuition cost. Apart from the low base tuition excellent candidates for research-programs will benefit from scholarships and awards.

View awards database

Selected Awards

Guaranteed phd funding.

All new PhD students will receive a minimum funding guarantee of $24,000 for each of the first four years of the PhD. Strong applicants can expect higher funding packages. The average funding package at UBC is $28,000 per year.

International Tuition Award

All eligible international students in research-based programs automatically qualify for a tuition award of up to $3,200.

Graduate Support Initiative

The Graduate Support Initiative is a program for funding graduate students through entrance scholarships, multi-year funding packages, tuition awards and scholarship top-ups.

President's Academic Excellence Initiative PhD Award

These awards recognize the significant contributions of PhD students to the research activities of the university. All eligible PhD students automatically receive the award.

application process

1. Determine which program you would like to apply to and visit their web site to learn more.

2. Review minimum academic requirements, English language requirements and other tests you might need.

3. Gather your required documents, such as transcripts and reference letters, and other application components.

4. If you are applying to a research-based program, investigate faculty members in the graduate program you are interested in. Many graduate programs (especially those that require a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation) recommend that before applying, you make contact with a faculty member in your chosen area of study. This person may be able to support your application in the selection process.

5. Apply online by visiting the application portal.

Common Questions

Do i require an english language test.

Applicants from a university outside Canada in which English is not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at the time of submission of your application.

The value of strong English skills

English is one of the two official languages of Canada, and the primary language of instruction at UBC. Strong English skills mean new students can settle quickly into their academic environment, and get to know their fellow students and faculty members who will be their colleagues during their time at UBC. Students with good English skills are far more likely to succeed; they experience far less stress and get greater enjoyment and fulfillment from their studies.

Applicants are advised to focus on learning how to speak, listen, read, and write in English, independent of studying for the TOEFL (or other tests), as this will best prepare them for communicating in all types of situations. Students with strong English skills are more likely to do well on the TOEFL.

Students from eligible countries planning to apply for a study permit via the Student Direct Stream (SDS) pathway are advised to carefully review the language test eligibility requirements .

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores, and may require minimum scores on individual components of any of the tests. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

Acceptable Tests

English language tests.

The minimum TOEFL score required for all applicants to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies is

  • 90 for the internet-based exam (with minimum component scores of 22 [reading, listening] and 21 [writing, speaking]) or
  • 55 each for reading, listening, and writing in the paper-based test, with 4.0 on the Test of Written English (TWE).

Some programs require a higher score .

  • TOEFL ibT Home is accepted for admission to UBC-Vancouver.
  • TOEFL ITP and TOEFL Essentials are  not  accepted for admission.
  • TOEFL MyBest composite scores are not accepted for applications to UBC-Vancouver.
  • Minimum scores must be achieved in a single sitting of the test (i.e. scores from multiple test-taking instances may not be used to satisfy minimum component requirements.)

Score submission

UBC requires an official score to be sent to us electronically directly from the test centre/ETS.

On the TOEFL score request form you will be asked to specify the receiving institutions where you would like the results being sent to. To ensure UBC receives your results correctly, you have to use the following details:

  • In the electronic score request form in your ETS manager, use institution code 0965 and pick " Graduate Organization " in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
  • If you use a paper request form, use institution code 0965 and institution name " University of British Columbia ".
  • Both electronic and paper form ask for a department name/code. Either pick the value of an appropriate fit to your study area or 99 for other.
  • If you are asked to give a reason for taking the TOEFL test then select/enter: "to enter a college or university as a graduate student"

A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required with a minimum score of 6.0 in each component of the academic (NOT general) IELTS test.*

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores, and may require minimum scores on individual components of the test. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

IELTS Online is accepted for Applications to UBC-Vancouver

IELTS Indicator is not accepted for Applications to UBC-Vancouver.

UBC requires an official score to be sent to us electronically from the test centre.

On the IELTS application form you will be asked to specify institutions where you would like the results being sent to. To ensure UBC receives your results correctly, you have to use the following details on the application:

  • Name and address of college / institution / university: University of British Columbia - Graduate School Admissions
  • Address: 170-6371 Crescent Road, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2, Canada

A minimum overall score of 70 is required with 60 on the speaking sub-test.

Individual graduate programs may require higher English language proficiency scores. Please check individual program websites to verify English language score requirements.

UBC requires an official paper record of this test score.

English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Applicant must achieve a 75% in each component of the 600 level.

More information

A minimum overall score of 65 on the academic (NOT general) test is required with minimums of 60 reading, 60 writing, 60 listening, and 60 speaking.

PTE Home / Online are not accepted for application to UBC-Vancouver

Please email [email protected] when you have a test score ready for download.

Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)

A minimum overall MELAB final score of 85 (with 3 in the speaking test) is required by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Alternative English Language Proficiency Test

CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): B

CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): C

Submission of Test Results

TOEFL and IELTS test takers can request electronic submission of scores to universities. We accept electronic delivery directly from the test centre to UBC only. For all other tests an official paper test score report ordered from the testing agency is required. Photocopies of test scores are not acceptable.

What are the academic minimum requirements by country?

Applicants should have academic backgrounds within the general requirements listed by country below.

Given that the number of applicants exceeds the number of positions available, a record that satisfies basic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission to graduate studies.

Important note to students with three-year bachelor's degrees from European institutions (except UK): Most three-year, Bologna-compliant degrees from research-intensive universities are acceptable as a basis for admission to master's programs at UBC. Contact the UBC program of interest and see individual country listings below for further information.

  • Afghanistan
  • Aland Islands
  • American Samoa
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • British Indian Ocean Territory
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cayman Islands
  • Central African Republic
  • Christmas Island
  • Cocos (Keeling) Islands
  • Congo, Democratic Republic of the
  • Cook Islands
  • Côte d'Ivoire
  • Dominican Republic
  • El Salvador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Holy See (Vatican City State)
  • Isle of Man
  • Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
  • Korea, Republic of
  • Liechtenstein
  • Marshall Islands
  • Micronesia, Federated States of
  • Netherlands
  • Netherlands Antilles
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Norfolk Island
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Philippines
  • Puerto Rico
  • Russian Federation
  • Saint Barthelemy
  • Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Pierre and Miquelon
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sao Tome and Principe
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Sint Maarten
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Svalbard and Jan Mayen
  • Switzerland
  • Timor-Leste
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkmenistan
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States Minor Outlying Islands
  • United States of America
  • Wallis and Futuna
  • Western Sahara

Other Resources

Other sites that might come in handy as you prepare to apply:

  • UBC Calendar
  • Faculty Policies Governing Admissions

How do I submit transcripts and degree parchments?

  • For your INITIAL APPLICATION we only accept scanned copies of original documents or self-uploaded digital copies.
  • If you receive an ADMISSION OFFER , you will have to provide hard copies or secure electronic delivery of academic documents.

Initial Application

Each entry under the Academic History section of the application must include pdf copies of official, up-to-date, transcripts for all current and previous post-secondary study (see exception for current and former UBC students below). 

Note : Grade sheets/records are not transcripts and will not be accepted in lieu of copies of official transcripts.

Uploading transcripts in the application system

The application to graduate school must be made under the current/former  CWL (Campus-wide Login) . Applying with the correct CWL will automatically transfer the UBC record into the application.

Official academic documentation for all other post-secondary institutions that have been attended (e.g., exchange year, transfer year, etc.) will need to be uploaded as part of the application.

Applicants with Canadian transcripts (other than UBC) must obtain an official transcript for every post-secondary institution they have attended.

  • Each transcript should be scanned as an individual .pdf file and then uploaded to the application system as indicated.
  • Users of the MyCreds | MesCertif digital service have to download the documents as PDF (see video “How to download my document as a PDF”) and self-upload to the application system. Documents sent via secure electronic delivery to UBC as receiving organization directly will not be accepted for initial application purposes!
  • Please refer to any directions provided by the selected graduate program on naming scanned document files. Otherwise, files should be named: "Applicant Full Name-Document Description.extension"

Examples: Peng Zhang-University of Waterloo Transcript.pdf Peng Zhang-CV.pdf Peng Zhang-Journal of Neurosciences Paper.pdf

  • Transcripts must be scanned front and back.
  • All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single file (rather than a separate file for each page).
  • The online application system provides additional, detailed directions on scanning and uploading of documentation.

Applicants must obtain an official transcript for every post-secondary institution they have attended (other than UBC).

  • Each transcript must be scanned as an individual .pdf file and uploaded to the application system as indicated.
  • Scan both sides of the transcript and/or degree certificate where there is information, notations, or stamps from the issuing institution.
  • Please refer to any directions provided by the selected graduate program on naming scanned document files. Otherwise, files should be named: "Applicant Full Name-Document Description.extension"

Examples: Peng Zhang-Peking University Transcript.pdf Peng Zhang-Peking University Transcript English Translation.pdf Peng Zhang-CV.pdf Peng Zhang-Journal of Neurosciences Paper.pdf

  • Each transcript must be uploaded as a single file (rather than a separate file for each page).
  • If you have documents that are issued in a language other than English, then, in addition to uploading digital copies of the documents in their original language, you must also upload a certified literal English translation of your transcripts from your home university's translation service or a certified English translator.
  • The online application system provides additional, detailed directions on scanning and uploading of academic documentation.

After Being offered Admission

Conditional admission offers are made based on documents uploaded to the application system. Once an offer of admission is received: 

  • A list of required transcripts will be posted in the applicant's online portal.
  • Note: UBC reserves the right to also require any individual applicant to provide official transcripts for study of less than one year duration.
  • Do not send official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission unless special instructions were received from the selected graduate program.
  • Applicants will not be allowed to register in a graduate program until the initial transcript requirements are met.

How to Submit Official Academic Documents

To be considered official, academic records must either be received in official university envelopes, sealed and endorsed by the issuing institution, or be received via secure electronic delivery from the issuing institution.

If you applied with your CWL account, your transcript will have been received electronically. No hard copies of UBC transcripts are required. Please ensure to submit official documents of any other institutions.

Documents being provided to meet conditions of admission should be sent directly to:

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies The University of British Columbia 170 - 6371 Crescent Rd Vancouver, BC CANADA  V6T 1Z2

Applicants from Canadian institutions that participate in the MyCreds | MesCertif service for secure electronic delivery should follow the instructions below under "secure electronic delivery."

If your university issues only one original set of academic documents (transcripts/degree certificates):

Make photocopies of your original academic documents and send them to your home university. Ask your home university to:

  • Verify that the photocopies are consistent with their records.
  • Attest that the copies are true photocopies and stamp them with an official university stamp.
  • Put the attested, stamped photocopies in sealed envelopes endorsed by the Registrar.
  • Mail the sealed, endorsed envelopes directly to Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

If your academic documents are issued in a language other than English:

  • Order a set of academic documents in the original language along with certified literal English translations from your home university's translation service.

If your home university does not provide English translation:

  • Photocopy a set of your documents. 
  • Take the copy to a certified English translator and order a complete, word-by-word, literal English translation.
  • Direct the translator to put both the original language photocopy and the English translation into a sealed envelope, and endorse the envelope by signing across the seal.
  • Send the sealed, endorsed envelopes from the translator to UBC Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.
  • Important : Remember that UBC will still require a set of official academic documents received directly from your home institution.

Note: Academic records must be translated in their entirety, including any information that appears on the reverse side of any document.

UBC does not accept the following:

  • Photocopies that have not been stamped, attested and endorsed by the Registrar at your home university
  • Documents in envelopes that have been opened
  • Documents that do not arrive in sealed envelopes endorsed by the issuing institution or certified translator
  • Documents that arrive without the official seal of the university
  • Photocopies notarized by a notary public
  • Photocopies endorsed by a lawyer, professor, judge etc.
  • Unofficial translations
  • Non-literal translations

Do not order academic records that are not in sealed and endorsed envelopes, or not sent by secure electronic delivery. It will only delay the processing of your application.

Documents being provided by post/courier to meet conditions of admission must be sent directly to:

See below for information on meeting the condition of admission with secure electronic documents. 

Document Ownership

Documents submitted in support of applications become the property of the University and are not returned to the applicant or student. Refer to the UBC Academic Calendar statement on ownership of application documents . 

Applicants are strongly discouraged from sending irreplaceable documents and are advised to follow the instructions for verified copies found under  Official Academic Documents , above.

Secure Electronic Delivery

UBC works with the following digital document providers:

Applicants from Canadian institutions that participate in the MyCreds | MesCertif service for secure electronic delivery of transcripts/parchments should log in to the Learner Portal and share their documents to this registered organization:

University of British Columbia (UBC) - Graduate Admissions | Vancouver Campus

Ensure that:

  • You either don’t set an expiry date or provide at least 6 months of duration for documents to be available
  • You provide the UBC student number (required) as part of your submission. You receive your student number with confirmation of your application submission to a UBC graduate program.
  • You can review videos explaining the process in the How-To Videos .

Access myCreds

Applicants from Australian and New Zealand institutions that participate in the My eQuals service for secure electronic delivery of transcripts/parchments should log in to the Learner Portal and share their documents to this registered organization:

Access My eQuals

Applicants from Chinese institutions that participate in CSSD (formerly CHESICC) service for secure electronic delivery of transcripts/parchments can share their documents via [email protected]

Applicants from institutions that participate in the Digitary platform for secure electronic delivery of transcripts/parchments should log in to the Learner Portal and share their documents to this registered organization:

Access Digitary

The issuing institution must send a link to a secure site to Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (G+PS) at [email protected] . G+PS will download the transcript from the secure site. Important: an e-transcript is downloaded via a link to a secure site. It is NOT an email attachment of any kind, even if sent from an authority at the issuing institution.

Do I have to take the GRE?

Graduate record examination (gre).

The Graduate Record Examination has two components: a General Test measuring verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills, and a Subject Test measuring achievement in particular  fields of study. The table GRE Requirements by Program lists which graduate program at UBC requires a GRE test.

The UBC institution code is 0965 .

GRE Requirements by Program

Graduate management test (gmat).

Applicants to the MBA and MScB programs in the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration are required to submit GMAT results (applicants to the MScB in Transportation may submit the GRE or the GMAT). Applicants to the PhD program in the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration must submit either GMAT or GRE results.

Where is UBC and what is the campus like?

The University of British Columbia's Vancouver campus is located at the western tip of the Point Grey Peninsula, close to the city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. UBC's second campus - Okanagan campus - is located in Kelowna, about 5 hours north-east of Vancouver.

The University Endowment Lands community (also known as University Hill) is situated adjacent to the campus to the east, while 763 hectares of forested parkland known as Pacific Spirit Regional Park serves as a "green belt" between Vancouver and the campus.

The main campus is bounded by Chancellor Boulevard to the northwest, Marine Drive to the southwest, Wesbrook Mall to the northeast, and West 16th Avenue to the southeast. This represents the administrative and educational core of UBC.

The South Campus is bounded by Southwest Marine Drive to the south, West 16th Avenue to the northwest, and Pacific Spirit Park to the northeast. The South Campus houses many research facilities.

The East Campus is bounded by West 16th Avenue on the south, Wesbrook Mall on the west, Acadia Road on the east, and on the north its border zigzags from Toronto Road to Agronomy Road to Fairview Avenue. A large part of the East Campus is made up of student, faculty and staff housing, along with child care buildings and the local police and fire department. UBC's first market housing development, known as Hampton Place, is also located here.

Although many buildings on campus are quite new, the University's history actually dates back to 1877.

Campus locations

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies is responsible for the majority of graduate students at the Vancouver campus, including those who study at many of the affiliated facilities in the city of Vancouver and BC. The majority of graduate programs are offered at the Point Grey campus or the affiliated facilities , one program (Digital Media) is offered at the Great Northern Way Campus (Vancouver) and few programs such as the Master of Health Administration and business programs are offered at UBC Robson Square (Downtown Vancouver). If you are interested in the Okanagan campus (Kelowna, BC), please visit the website of the College of Graduate Studies .

phd program for international students

Campus Videos

Campus Tours

Due to the diversity of our many research facilities, we do not offer campus tours specifically for graduate students. However, individual departments or research groups may offer open houses or other outreach events that may allow you to visit their facilities. Please check on the websites of individual departments or programs for such opportunities.

You can enjoy one of our many self-guided campus walking tours, such as from the Sustainability Initiative or the Art Outdoor Tour . Or you may decide to walk in Pacific Spirit Regional Park .

Or try out one of these five 30 minute walking maps:

  • Main Mall Trail
  • Sword Fern Trail
  • Thunderbird Trail
  • Tower Beach Trail
  • Wreck Beach Trail

Once you're here, there are several options for getting around campus—you can walk, bike and for longer distances there are  convenient and accessible shuttle buses  to get you where you need to go. Find more information on how to get around campus .

If you have a temporary or permanent condition that limits your mobility, the  Accessibility Shuttle  can help you get around areas of campus that can only be reached on foot. The shuttle is a free, shared-ride service; you can book up to three trips a day. Each building in the service area is within 100 meters of a shuttle stop.

Campus Gallery

Martha Piper Place

You may view more images on Flickr .

Attractions on Campus

phd program for international students

Chan Centre for the Performing Arts

Since opening in the spring of 1997, this world class venue has earned high praise for its striking design and stellar acoustics. Inside there are three unique performance spaces: the 1200-seat Chan Shun Concert Hall, the flexible Telus Studio Theatre, and the intimate Royal Bank Cinema. The Chan Centre offers a variety of performances and events year-round, from classical recitals and jazz concerts, to avant-garde theatre and opera productions.

phd program for international students

Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery

Internationally recognized for its exhibitions, programs, and online projects, the Belkin Art Gallery is one of Canada’s premier showcases for contemporary art. We specialize in Canadian avant-garde art of the 1960s and 1970s. Download the UBC Outdoor Art Tour and discover UBC in a new way. Free admission and tours.

phd program for international students

UBC Botanical Garden

There are 44 hectares of garden and 10,000 different plants located close to our research facilities and student housing.

phd program for international students

Rose Garden

This spot offers stunning views over the Strait of Georgia.

phd program for international students

Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden

A traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll garden. A place of reflection, where each step reveals a new harmony, the garden is designed to suggest a span of time – a day, a week or a lifetime – with a beginning, choice of paths, and ending.

phd program for international students

Beaty Biodiversity Museum

Explore UBC’s spectacular biological collections through exhibits and public programs. More than five hundred exhibits of plants, marine invertebrates, insects, fish, vertebrates, fungi, and fossils showcase the stunning natural history of British Columbia and beyond.

phd program for international students

Museum of Anthropology

The museum is a place of extraordinary architectural beauty, provocative programming, and exciting exhibitions. From towering totem poles in its spectacular Great Hall, to more than 10,000 objects from around the world housed in the Multiversity Galleries, the museum offers endless opportunities for visitors to discover and learn about their own and other cultures.

phd program for international students

Pacific Museum of Earth

Explore the Pacific Museum of Earth and discover the wonders of our dynamic Earth. Tour 4.5 billion years through the evolution of Earth, touch a real dinosaur bone, be informed about the hazards of natural disasters, gaze at dazzling mineral and gem displays, and learn about the mineralogical guts of your smartphone.

phd program for international students

Frederic Wood Theatre

This historic theatre showcases the leading edge of new theatre practice. Discover everything from premieres to classics of the world stage and free talks by visiting scholars.

phd program for international students

The UBC Farm is a 24-ha teaching and learning space, and integrated production farm. Situated within a 90-year-old coastal hemlock forest, the UBC Farm comprises a mosaic of cultivated annual crop fields, perennial hedgerows and orchards, pasture, teaching gardens, and forest stands.

phd program for international students

TRIUMF is Canada’s particle accelerator centre. From the hunt for the smallest particles in the universe to the development of new technologies, including next-generation batteries and medical isotopes, TRIUMF is pushing the frontiers in research to advance science, medicine, and business.

phd program for international students

Sports Facilities

Multiple sports facilities are located on the UBC campus: Aquatic Centre, Tennis Centre, Baseball Indoor Training Centre, Thunderbird Stadium and Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre amond others.

How much will it cost?

UBC is located in one of the most livable cities in the world which affects living costs - a challenge that many major metropolitan centres face. Your perception of costs may depend on from where you will be joining UBC. If you are relocating from a similarly popular metropolis, costs may be comparable. For others, the costs may come as a surprise. G+PS provides this calculator as a starting point to create a financial plan and budget. Please note that this kind of calculator can only provide estimates and projections. We cannot guarantee availability of listed rates. We link to relevant sources for you to verify data and account for market changes since we last updated our data.

UBC expects you to assume primary responsibility for covering the cost of your education and supporting any family members who might accompany you. It is especially important to plan your finances for the entire duration of the degree. G+PS provides average completion times for most graduate programs in the degree listing under the heading "Enrolment, Duration & Other Stats". Financial awards may be restricted in their duration and in many cases end after four years. With help of the completion data and this annual cost calculator, you can plan a multi-year budget and account for a possible funding drop which usually occurs in upper years.

Are you a domestic or international student? Domestic student (incl. Permanent Resident/Landed Immigrant, Refugee, Diplomat) International student

Are you single or will you be accompanied by a partner? I will live in Vancouver on my own I will bring a partner

Do you have children? Yes No

Where do you plan to live? UBC Student Residence Market rental (off-campus or on-campus)

Do you plan to own a car? Yes No

Immigration Documents

Study permits.

Students who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents require a Study Permit if they will study in Canada for more than 6 months. For information about study permits or visa, please read the information in the International Student Guide.

Working while Studying

If you are an international student and you want to work in Canada, you need to follow certain regulations and may require a work permit. Find out what rules to follow and, if needed, how to get a work permit.

Permits for Partners

If you are an international student studying full-time with a valid study permit, your spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit

Post-graduation Work Permit

You may be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90 days of completing your program requirements, allowing you to live and work in Canada.

Key Contacts

phd program for international students

Program Administrator

The program administrator is the first point of contact regarding administrative procedures such as graduate student admissions, eligibility, deadlines, foreign credentials, financial support, etc. You can find the contact details for each program in the program listing.

phd program for international students

Graduate Advisor

Each program has a designated faculty member who provides academic advising regarding their graduate program.

phd program for international students

International Student Advising

UBC has a team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) or Regulated International Student Immigration Advisors (RISIAs) who can help with your questions.

phd program for international students

Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

G+PS sets the minimum admission standards for entry to any graduate program at UBC and works in collaboration with programs in graduate student administration.

phd program for international students

Research Supervisor

Students in research-based programs will have a faculty member as supervisor who mentors them and guides their research. Some programs require applicants to get in touch with supervisors before or as part of the application. Review the program website to learn what is expected.

phd program for international students

Support and Services

International students have access to a wide range of support services, from academic to health & wellbeing support, family support, financial support, professional development and much more.

  • Why Grad School at UBC?
  • Graduate Degree Programs
  • Application & Admission
  • Info Sessions
  • Research Supervisors
  • Research Projects
  • Indigenous Students
  • Tuition, Fees & Cost of Living
  • Newly Admitted
  • Student Status & Classification
  • Student Responsibilities
  • Supervision & Advising
  • Managing your Program
  • Health, Wellbeing and Safety
  • Professional Development
  • Dissertation & Thesis Preparation
  • Final Doctoral Exam
  • Final Dissertation & Thesis Submission
  • Life in Vancouver
  • Vancouver Campus
  • Graduate Student Spaces
  • Graduate Life Centre
  • Life as a Grad Student
  • Graduate Student Ambassadors
  • Meet our Students
  • Award Opportunities
  • Award Guidelines
  • Minimum Funding Policy for PhD Students
  • Killam Awards & Fellowships
  • Policies & Procedures
  • Information for Supervisors
  • Dean's Message
  • Leadership Team
  • Strategic Plan & Priorities
  • Vision & Mission
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
  • Initiatives, Plans & Reports
  • Graduate Education Analysis & Research
  • Media Enquiries
  • Newsletters
  • Giving to Graduate Studies

Strategic Priorities

  • Strategic Plan 2019-2024
  • Improving Student Funding
  • Promoting Excellence in Graduate Programs
  • Enhancing Graduate Supervision
  • Advancing Indigenous Inclusion
  • Supporting Student Development and Success
  • Reimagining Graduate Education
  • Enriching the Student Experience

Initiatives

  • Public Scholars Initiative
  • 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)
  • PhD Career Outcomes

International Students

The MD-PhD program at the Geisel School welcomes applications from all individuals interested in physician-scientist training, regardless of citizenship status. We offer full funding to international students who hold appropriate visas, reflected in the high number of international students in our program. In addition to being outstanding scholars, international students greatly enrich the diversity of the training environment, and bring different perspectives to the MD-PhD community.

Admissions requirements for international students are identical to those of US citizens and permanent residents. As a reminder, applicants need to have had at least three years of full-time study at an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.

International students receive the same financial package as US citizens and permanent residents.

This page may link to PDF files. Use this link to download Adobe Reader if needed.

EMBL International PhD Programme

Unique in the world and waiting for you!

The EMBL International PhD Programme (EIPP), originally established in 1983, provides PhD students with an excellent starting platform for a successful career in science by  fostering early independence and interdisciplinary research .

EMBL is dedicated to  promoting excellence  in the molecular life sciences throughout Europe. To achieve this goal, we inspire and train talented young scientists to become skilled and creative future leaders in academia, industry and other sectors.

The EIPP provides comprehensive interdisciplinary training, maintaining a careful balance between theory and practice, close mentoring and creative freedom, collaborative teamwork and independence. These key characteristics make the EIPP a  role model , which has inspired similar programmes at research institutions throughout Europe and the world.

The  enriching  encounter of different nationalities, the  friendly and collaborative atmosphere , and the  passion for science  is what unites EMBL’s diverse staff and provides the ideal setting to forge long-lasting connections and make studying at EMBL a unique formative experience.

phd program for international students

Acceptance rate of applicants                                                      

phd program for international students

New PhD students admitted each year

phd program for international students

Nationalities represented among PhD students

phd program for international students

Average time to submission of thesis                                          

phd program for international students

First-author papers  per  PhD student                      

phd program for international students

Completion rate of thesis among PhD students                            

Application

Two recruitment rounds are organised each year across all EMBL sites. The application deadlines and all relevant information are published well in advance.

Registration for the 2024 PhD Summer Recruitment is now closed.

The next call for applications will open in September 2024.

Programme Overview

Explore the structure and content of the EMBL International PhD Programme.

Research at EMBL

Find out more about the cutting-edge Research Topics investigated across our different Research Units .

The complexity of current biological research questions increasingly calls for interdisciplinary approaches . To prepare our students for this challenge, the EIPP puts great emphasis on bringing together different fields of expertise: we actively encourage candidates with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, mathematics, molecular medicine, computer science or engineering to apply and work closely with biologists to answer fundamental questions in life sciences.

PHD Symposium

Since its first edition in 2000, the annual EMBL International PhD Symposium in Heidelberg developed into a well-recognized and highly appreciated scientific event.

It is always EMBL’s first year PhD students who take on the responsibility for the conceptual development and organization of the meeting. The symposia provide a great platform for networking and scientific exchange, featuring lectures by top-level scientists as well as plenty of opportunities for young researchers to present their work. 

See the full list of past symposia

Biology out of the box symposium logo

Upcoming symposium

Biology Outside The Box

2-4 December 2024 EMBL Heidelberg

image of Monika Lachner

Monika Lachner

Interim Head of EICAT

image of Fulvio Grigolato

Fulvio Grigolato

Project and Programme Manager

Postdoctoral Programme

ORCID: 0000-0001-5989-7260

image of Anna-Kreetta Alasalmi

Anna-Kreetta Alasalmi

Programme Officer / Training & Events

ORCID: 0000-0002-9375-5407

image of Vira Beck

Programme Officer / Graduate Recruitment

EMBL Graduate Office

EMBL Heidelberg Meyerhofstraße 1 69117 Heidelberg Germany

Tel: +49 6221 387-8612/8896 Fax: +49 6221 387-8400 Email:   [email protected]

International graduate student apply

International graduate admission

On this page: -->, international students.

Select Section

ASU has a rich and vibrant education environment due in large part to our diverse international student community.

The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English proficiency. After admission, international students are also required to obtain a U.S. visa, which includes submitting a graduate financial guarantee.

All international transcripts must be submitted in their original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals and must be translated by a university or government official or an official translation service. You may not complete your own translation.

While not required for admission, submitting required visa forms when you apply expedites the process of obtaining a visa if admission is granted.

Admission requirements

Comparable degree requirements in different countries and territories.

Arizona State University recognizes that education systems are different across the world. To help you determine if your degree is comparable to a U.S. bachelor's degree and to understand the documents that need to be submitted for admission, please review the requirements for the country from which your credential was earned.

How to complete the graduate application 

In the graduate admission video series below, learn how to apply to Arizona State University using the graduate admission application. An ASU admission representative guides you through each section of the application, answering frequently asked questions about the steps to apply.

Personal information

The first step in completing the ASU graduate application is the personal information section. We walk you through each of these fields and address questions you might have about this section of the application.

Academic history

The second section of the application focuses on your prior academic history, including any colleges or universities you previously attended. Watch as we guide you through these scenarios and explain how to fill out each part based on your situation.

The information in the residency portion of the graduate application helps the admission office determine if you are an in-state, out-of-state or international student. In this video, we cover these terms in detail and explain how to accurately fill out this part of your application.

Degree selection

One of the final sections of the graduate application is the degree section. If you’re unsure of which major is best for you, we offer resources that might help you decide.

Supplemental information

The information that is requested in the supplemental information session will differ by degree. In this guide, the admission representative will walk you through how to submit common supplemental material.

Additional information

Finally, in the additional info section, you are able to submit unofficial transcripts for the admission process. In this video, you will learn some tips to help you upload the documents successfully.

The ASU international graduate student admission process

Follow these steps to apply to Arizona State University as an international graduate student.

Ensure you meet admission requirements.

If you are a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident student, see the graduate admission steps and requirements .

The university maintains minimum standards for consideration for admission to graduate degree programs. Applicants should review these university standards as well as application materials and timelines for submitting your application for the degree program of your interest.

View degree requirements

Complete the graduate admission application and submit the nonrefundable application fee.

Complete the application for graduate admission , which is for degree, certificate and nondegree-seeking prospective students. If you are interested in a program in the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, visit the college's admission site for the application and instructions. When you complete your application for admission, you will be asked to submit your payment for the application. ASU accepts Visa or Mastercard. The application fee is dedicated to the administrative cost of processing all applications received and is not refundable under any circumstance, regardless of the admission decision, the date of filing, time of review, or if for whatever the reason the application is withdrawn or you are unable to enroll in class.

Application fee: International: $115

Have official transcripts sent to Graduate Admission Services.

Official transcripts are certified copies of official documents from each secondary school, college, university or technical school attended. Records must include courses completed, grades or marks earned, and certificates or degrees awarded. Include a certified English translation of all documents not written in English.

Transcript requirements

You must have one set of official transcripts from every college and university from which you earned a bachelor's degree or higher sent to ASU. If your school(s) cannot send them directly to ASU, you may send them yourself, making sure they meet one of the following requirements:

  • Original academic credentials issued by the registrar of the institution attended, bearing the original raised or colored seal of the institution and the signature of the institution’s registrar, academic official or recognized international organization.
  • Photocopies of original academic credentials that have been verified as true copies of the original by a responsible official of the institution attended or by an education representative of the country’s government or embassy. Each page must bear the verifying official’s signature and stamp. Verifying officials include the U.S. consulate/embassy in your home country (e.g., U.S. consulate in India) or country-specific embassy/consulate if you are in the U.S. (e.g., Indian Consulate/Embassy in U.S.).
  • Photocopies of original academic credentials that have been certified by a recognized international educational organization, such as Education USA   .

For more information about sending transcripts, please visit admission.asu.edu/transcripts

Note: Any document ASU receives becomes property of ASU and will not be returned to you.

Note: Photocopies certified by a notary public are not official. Scanned copies are also not accepted in lieu of original official academic documents. Exception: Scanned copies of the front and back of the degree certificates are acceptable to be emailed to [email protected] . Transcripts must follow the guidelines above to be deemed as official.

Transcript translation

All international transcripts must be submitted in their original language accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals and must be translated by one of the following:

  • Issuing university or college.
  • Official translation service. Need assistance locating a translation service? Visit the American Translators Association to search for a translator for your target language. atanet.org
  • Ministry of Education, consulate or embassy.
  • Education USA (EdUSA). 

The translation does not take the place of submitting official academic records in the original language. The translation is in addition to the official academic record. Translations may not be completed by the student. Translations certified by a notary public are not acceptable.

Note: Current ASU students and alumni do not need to request official transcripts from ASU.

Mailing information To expedite the processing of your application, please write your application reference number on all documents and envelopes submitted to ASU. Materials submitted without your application reference number will delay the processing of your application.

If sending by U.S. Mail: Arizona State University Graduate Admission Services PO Box 870112 Tempe AZ 85287-0112

If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS: Graduate Admission Services Arizona State University 1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226 Tempe, AZ 85281

Provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Have your TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score sent directly to ASU, or provide proof of completion from Global Launch.

The official TOEFL score report can be sent directly to ASU from the Educational Testing Service. ASU's TOEFL institutional code is 4007. For information about this test and registration procedures, contact ETS at PO Box 6151, Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, USA or visit www.toefl.org .

For information about this test and registration procedures, contact the IELTS Office, University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate, 1 Hills Road, Cambridge/CB1 2EU, UK or visit www.ielts.org .

For information about the Pearson Test of English, visit www.pearsonpte.com .

Global Launch

ASU accepts completion of the Global Launch the Online or Campus Immersion English Language program , the English for Graduate Admission and Achievement online self-paced course, or the English Proficiency for Graduate Studies + CEFR Certificate online course. Learn more about Global Launch .

Duolingo English test

Learn more about the Duolingo test .

Submit your official test scores and any additional materials.

Please make sure all additional materials required by your department have been submitted. Even though you have submitted the application online, your application may be considered incomplete until all additional materials are received. Please note that any document ASU receives becomes property of ASU and will not be returned to you.

Official test scores Your program may require you to have official test scores (such as GRE, GMAT, etc.) sent directly to ASU. Test scores must be received directly from the agency administering the test. Photocopies and faxes are not acceptable. Please note that ASU does not accept the GRE General Test at home.

Additional materials See your program of interest in Degree Search or check with the department offering the degree regarding required support materials. These may include a statement of purpose or writing sample, portfolio, curriculum vitae , biographical sketch or resume, etc. Many support materials are uploaded as part of the online application for admission. Depending on your graduate program, letters of recommendation may also be requested.

Prepare visa and immigration documentation.

All international students planning to attend ASU first need to apply for an I-20 in order to apply for an F-1 or J-1 student visa.

Additional factors by program

Factors that may also be considered include test scores (such as the GRE or GMAT), the type of coursework completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents you may be asked to submit for your application.

See your program of interest in Graduate Degree Search to learn more about factors considered for admission.

What you need to apply to graduate school

All documents must be an original or an attested copy with an original institutional seal and/or signature. Photocopies, notarized copies, faxes or scans are not considered original documents. All documents must be translated into English if not done so already. Documents certified by a notary public are not accepted. Official transcripts are certified copies of official documents from each secondary school, college, university or technical school attended. Original academic credentials are issued by the registrar of the institution attended, bearing the original raised or colored seal of the institution and the signature of the institution’s registrar, academic official or recognized international organization.

Transcripts

You must have one set of  transcripts  from every college and university from which you earned a bachelor’s degree or higher sent to ASU. Official transcripts must be sent directly to ASU Admission Services from the issuing institution's records office either by mail or through a secured electronic transcript service. For transcripts sent through a secured transcript service, please select Arizona State University from the vendor's dropdown list to ensure the transcript is routed to the correct place. If an email address is requested, you can route to [email protected]. ASU accepts unofficial transcripts as part of the application. This is the only way we will accept unofficial transcripts. Emailed transcripts are not acceptable. If you submit unofficial transcripts and are admitted to the university, you will be required to send official transcripts to the university. Official transcripts are original academic credentials issued by the registrar of the institution attended, bearing the original raised or colored seal of the institution and the signature of your institution's registrar, academic official or recognized international organization. If you attended ASU, you do not need to request ASU transcripts to be sent.

More about transcripts

Official test scores

Your program may require you to have official test scores (such as GRE, GMAT, etc.) sent directly to ASU. Test scores must be received directly from the agency administering the test. Photocopies and faxes are not acceptable.

Please note that ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home. Please refer to  https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate/english-proficiency  for acceptable exams for English proficiency requirements.

Additional support materials

See your program of interest in  Degree Search  or check with the department offering the degree regarding required support materials. These may include a statement of purpose or writing sample, portfolio, curriculum vitae or biographical sketch or resume, etc. Many support materials may be uploaded as part of the online application for admission. Depending on your graduate program,  letters of recommendation  may also be requested.

International applicants

English proficiency International students must submit proof of  English proficiency Visa and immigration If you are residing in the U.S. on a valid visa, you will need to provide proof of your current visa. Please enlarge the image if you fax the copy to 480-965-5158.

Mailing information

To expedite the processing of your application, please write your application reference number on all documents and envelopes submitted to ASU. Materials submitted without your application reference number will delay the processing of your application. If sending by stamped mail: Arizona State University Graduate Admission Services PO Box 871004 Tempe, AZ 85287-1004 If sending by FedEx, DHL or UPS: Arizona State University Graduate Admission Services 1150 East University Drive Building C, Room 226 Tempe, AZ 85281

Professional third-party evaluations

ASU provides in-house credential evaluations of your academic coursework at no extra cost. However, if you have already had your academic credentials evaluated, ASU will accept course-by-course evaluations from  these four agencies:

  • Educational Credential Evaluators .
  • Foreign Credentials Service of America .
  • Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute .

Note: Official evaluations do not take the place of submitting official academic records. The evaluation is in addition to the official academic record. If the evaluation agency includes academic records they used to complete their evaluation and indicates that the evaluation was based on official or authenticated records, we may accept those documents as official.

Important admission dates

The university maintains minimum standards for consideration of admission to graduate degree programs. Applicants should review these standards and also review standards, application materials and timelines for submitting your application for the  degree program of interest .

Application deadlines are set and enforced by academic program offices. Specific deadline information can be found in the program descriptions on Degree Search . Please contact the academic program office offering the program for exceptions.

Sept. 1, 2023 Application opens

Feb. 1, 2024 First day to issue I-20/DS-2019.

July 22, 2024 Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 outside the U.S.

July 23 – Aug. 22, 2024 Mandatory SEVIS check-in with the International Students and Scholars Center.

Aug. 22, 2024 Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 for SEVIS transfer students within the U.S.

Aug. 22, 2024 First day of classes and deadline to check in with ISSC.

Spring 2025

Feb. 1, 2024 Application opens

Sept. 1, 2024 First day to issue I-20/DS-2019.

Dec. 6, 2024 Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 outside the U.S.

Dec. 6, 2024–Jan. 6, 2025 Mandatory SEVIS check-in with the International Students and Scholars Center.

Jan. 13, 2025 Final day to issue I-20/DS-2019 for SEVIS transfer students within the U.S.

Jan. 13, 2025 First day of classes and deadline to check in with ISSC.

Frequently asked questions about international graduate admissions

How do I apply to ASU as an international graduate student?

To apply to ASU as an international graduate student you must meet certain university and program requirements, as well as demonstrate proof of English proficiency. Review this page for admission and English proficiency requirements, application procedures and deadlines for graduate students.

What is a financial guarantee?

A financial guarantee provides evidence that you have sufficient funds available to pay for your studies. All international applicants on an F-1 or J-1 student visa must provide a Financial Guarantee form dated within the past six months and signed by an authorized bank representative of a recognized sponsoring agency in the U.S. ASU will not process the SEVIS Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 before we receive your financial guarantee.

Can international students apply for financial aid?

International freshman and transfer F-1 students may be considered for ASU’s New American University Scholarship . Award amounts range from $3,000 to $8,000. You will be automatically considered for this award if you have all your application materials submitted to ASU by April 1. You may also apply for scholarships and other financial aid in your home country, however, international students are not eligible to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

View more FAQs

Florida State University

FSU | The Graduate School

Main navigation Pulldown

The graduate school.

  • Prospective Students
  • Graduate Admissions

International Admissions

We are now accepting Graduate applications for Fall 2024, and Spring 2025.* *Please contact your department for application open terms and deadlines.

phd program for international students

Our community welcomes you

Each year, the university enrolls approximately 1,700 international students. We are proud to offer extensive support and services to our international population. International applicants should plan to apply early so they have ample time to obtain their immigration documents and make living arrangements in the U.S. Any F-1/J-1 students planning to obtain their I-20/DS-2019 should contact the Center for Global Engagement at [email protected] . Please check with your department regarding deadlines. 

International Admissions Requirements

In addition to meeting graduate university admissions requirements, international applicants must also meet the following University requirements to be considered for admission. 

English Language Proficiency Requirement

Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. The following are the minimum scores required for admission to the University, although some departments require higher scores at the graduate level: 

Internet based TOEFL ( IBTOEFL ): 80 

Paper based TOEFL ( TOEFL ): 550 

International English Language Testing System ( Academic IELTS ): 6.5 

Pearson Test of English ( PTE ): 55 

Duolingo : 120 (Summer 2022 and Forward)

Cambridge C1 Advanced Level : 180  (Fall 2022 and Forward)

Michigan Language Assessment : 55  (Fall 2022 and Forward)

Although official scores are required, most departments will begin to review your application with self-reported scores, while they are waiting for the official scores to arrive. You can self-report your scores on your Online Status Page, after you submit your application. 

The English Language Proficiency requirement can be waived, at the University-level, for applicants who have earned a minimum of a BA or higher in the US or in an English-Speaking Country. Please note, your department may still require proof of English-Language proficiency. *A variety of countries are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.

Transcript and Credential Evaluation Requirements

All transcripts/academic records that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations. 

To be considered "certified," documents should be true copies that are signed and dated by an educational official familiar with academic records. Any translated record should be literal and not an interpretive translation. Documents signed by a notary or other public official with no educational affiliation will not be accepted. 

If the transcript/academic record does not indicate the degree earned and date the degree was awarded, separate proof of degree is required. 

International applicants or degrees earned from international institutions must submit their official transcripts through the SpanTran pathway portal, or from another NACES approved evaluator. SpanTran has created a custom application for Florida State University that will make sure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. Florida State University recommends SpanTran as our preferred credential evaluation because it offers an easy way to streamline the application process.

Please read more about our general transcript requirements on our  Graduate Admissions page. 

International Transfer Credit

International transfer credit is awarded for coursework completed at an accredited (recognized) institution of higher learning. No credit is awarded for technical, vocational, or below-college-level coursework, or courses completed with grades below "D-." An official course-by-course evaluation is required for all academic records from non-U.S. institutions. We recommend the evaluation be done by a member of the  National Association of Credential Evaluation Services . 

Link to Center for Global Engagement Website

SUPPORT TO HELP YOU THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.

The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) and its staff are here to serve international students and their families. They may advise you about:

  • F and J visa requirements
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Employment matters
  • Housing assistance
  • Assistance with personal concerns
  • Maintaining your visa status

Many academic programs only accept applications for a specific admit term. Contact your academic department to determine which admit term to apply. It is recommended that you submit your application as soon as the admit term opens. CGE also assists students throughout the New International Student Checklist and Process . You may learn more about what CGE has to offer by emailing [email protected]

Link to Center for Intensive English Studies Website

Center for Intensive English Studies

Need to improve your English skills? FSU’s Center for Intensive English Studies can help! At CIES, you will be given personalized instruction by highly qualified teachers in a safe, friendly environment.

Please note that admission to and completion of the CIES program does not necessarily guarantee admission to the University as a degree-seeking student.

CIES also offers:

  • TEFL certification  opportunities
  • Credit-bearing courses and workshops  to enhance your English speaking ability

Learn more about how the Center for Intensive English Studies can help you.  

Florida State University is required by U.S. federal regulations to verify the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing the Form I-20. If granted admission to the University, an email with instructions on how to complete the I-20 will be sent from the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). You will provide information verifying your financial support (bank statements, award letters, scholarships, etc.) through the I-20 application. FSU requires proof of financial support for the first year of study and demonstrated availability of funds for the length of your academic program

Estimated International Student Costs:

For more information on estimated costs of living and the I-20 process, please visit  CGE’s website .  

I-20 Application

Shortly after admission, students will receive an email with instructions for completing the online I-20 application to demonstrate proof of adequate funding. Florida State University is required by U.S. federal regulations to verify the financial resources of each applicant prior to issuing the Form I-20. Applicants must show proof of financial support for the first year of study and confirm availability of funds for the length of the academic program.

For more information, contact the Center for Global Engagement at [email protected] .

US Federal Grants and Loans are not Awarded to International Students

Graduate students may apply to their respective departments for assistantships or fellowships, although funds are very limited. For further information, please contact your academic department directly. 

SPEAK (Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit) is a test for evaluating the English speaking ability of non-native speakers of English. At FSU, the SPEAK test is administered by the Center for Intensive English Studies to international students who have been appointed or will be appointed as teaching assistants in an academic department at Florida State University.

For more information, click here .

  Explore Funding Opportunities 

May the TOEFL be waived?

The TOEFL may only be waived as a test requirement if the student has received a bachelor's or master's degree from a U.S. institution.

Can you review my documents prior to applying?

Students must submit the application, application fee, and any required departmental materials for application materials to be reviewed.

Can the application fee be waived?

Unfortunately, the Office of Admissions is unable to waive the application fee payment for graduate applicants.  In order to complete your application for review, you must submit the application fee payment by logging in to your Application Status Check ,  along with any other documents required by the department. 

When will I receive a decision?

Applications are reviewed holistically by each graduate department. Please contact your department for information about decision timelines. Please note that the application must first be completed before it can be reviewed. Contact your department for more information.

Can the GRE be waived?

FSU is currently waiving the GRE requirement for most master’s and specialist programs through Fall 2026*. For more information on whether the requirement can be waived, please contact your graduate department. 

* Excludes the College of Business

What if I don’t meet the English Language Proficiency score requirements?

​​​​​​ The FSU Center of Intensive English Studies (CIES) offers comprehensive courses to help students improve their English skills. Students who complete the top-level of the CIES program will not have to take an English Language Proficiency test.

What is the F-1 visa/I-20 process?

  • Students can learn more about the I-20 process here .
  • Students can learn about the visa here .

Do you have funding available for International students?

  • The Graduate School offers fellowship and grant opportunities for graduate students. For current FSU students, the  Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards  assists in identifying and applying for external funding opportunities. In addition,  here is some more information  about additional funding opportunities for international students. 
  • There may also be additional funding opportunities through your department. Please contact your graduate representative for assistance. If you do not know who to contact, please email us at [email protected] for assistance.

Are there on-campus housing opportunities?

University housing costs are not included in the tuition and fees at Florida State University. If you want the option of living on campus, you can apply for housing online as soon as you are officially admitted to FSU. Housing at university-owned residence halls and apartments fill quickly. You can also find off-campus housing options by clicking here .

Cookie Consent

To improve the website, the DAAD and third parties set cookies and process usage data . In doing so, the DAAD and third parties transfer usage data to third countries in which there is no level of data protection comparable to that under EU law. By clicking the "Accept all" button, you consent to this processing. You can also find selection options and explanations of these cookies and processing at the end of this page under "Cookies". There you can withdraw consent at any time with effect for the future.

  • Privacy Policy

Jump to content

PhD Studies & Research

Research in Germany

Science and research in Germany are characterised by a distinguished infrastructure, a wide variety of disciplines, well-equipped research facilities and competent staff. Germany offers various career opportunities for international PhD students and researchers.

Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V. Kennedyallee 50 53175 Bonn

All addresses in the DAAD Network

DAAD Newsletters

Receive regular up-to-date information about our work and organisation.

Newsletter - DAAD

Useful Links

  • Find Scholarships
  • DAAD offices worldwide

Jump to top of page

Asian student sitting on the quad.

International Students

Illinois State is a destination for students and scholars from around the world.

Quick Facts

20,784 students.

18,330 undergraduate 2,454 graduate

69 countries

Students from all over the world, including India, China, Brazil, and Germany.

Top 100 Public University

Illinois State is one of the Top 100 national public universities , according to U.S. News & World Report .

Close to Everything

Our hometown, Normal, is in Central Illinois , less than 300 kilometers from big cities like Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.

How to Apply

Illinois State University is an American university with global reach, attracting students and faculty from all over the world. You can choose from 165+ undergraduate majors , 90+ master's degree sequences , and 10 doctoral programs , Pathway programs , and Academic English preparation.

  • Start Application
  • Types of Admission or Entry
  • International Admission Requirements
  • Immigration Information
  • Visa Information
  • After You're Admitted

Scholarships

Undergraduate international admissions scholarships.

Undergraduate students with a minimum of 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) are automatically considered for this award. The scholarship is valued up to $5,000 and is renewable for up to four years.

Graduate International Admissions Scholarships

Graduate students with a minimum of 3.5 GPA (4.0 scale) are automatically considered for this award. The scholarship is valued up to $5,000 and is renewable for up to two years.

students on campus

Training Opportunities

The Office of International Engagement offers several academic, management, and language training programs to meet the needs of groups seeking additional training or experience. These programs can be customized to fit specific academic criteria and learning objectives, or to coincide with larger educational initiatives.

  • Custom Programs
  • Management Development International

Financial Assistance and Costs

International students are generally not eligible for the same kinds of financial aid as American students. However, there are some scholarships and other assistance available.

  • Tuition and Costs
  • Admissions Scholarships
  • Other Illinois State Scholarships
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Working on Campus

Housing and Dining

Students at Watterson

Living On-Campus

On-campus housing is a great way to get a feel for the American student experience. Many international students who live on campus choose to live in International House , or "I-House," a Themed Living-Learning Community inside Manchester Hall.

student at residence hall

Off-Campus Housing Database

Graduate students and junior and senior undergraduate students may choose to live off-campus.

students at dining hall

Students living on campus must purchase a meal plan. Students living in off-campus housing may also choose to purchase a meal plan.

Internationalization

Illinois State's comprehensive internationalization effort includes expansion of internationally-oriented courses, campuswide programs, student organizations, student services, civic engagement opportunities, and other activities at Illinois State and affiliated locations.

  • International Education Week
  • International Seminar Series
  • Study Abroad

Get connected to Admissions counselors and our Office of International Engagement team.

At the New York Fed, our mission is to make the U.S. economy stronger and the financial system more stable for all segments of society. We do this by executing monetary policy, providing financial services, supervising banks and conducting research and providing expertise on issues that impact the nation and communities we serve.

phd program for international students

Introducing the New York Innovation Center: Delivering a central bank innovation execution

phd program for international students

Do you have a Freedom of Information request? Learn how to submit it.

phd program for international students

Learn about the history of the New York Fed and central banking in the United States through articles, speeches, photos and video.

Markets & Policy Implementation

  • Effective Federal Funds Rate
  • Overnight Bank Funding Rate
  • Secured Overnight Financing Rate
  • SOFR Averages & Index
  • Broad General Collateral Rate
  • Tri-Party General Collateral Rate
  • Treasury Securities
  • Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
  • Repos & Reverse Repos
  • Securities Lending
  • Central Bank Liquidity Swaps
  • System Open Market Account Holdings
  • Primary Dealer Statistics
  • Historical Transaction Data
  • Agency Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities
  • Agency Debt Securities
  • Discount Window
  • Treasury Debt Auctions & Buybacks as Fiscal Agent
  • Foreign Exchange
  • Foreign Reserves Management
  • Central Bank Swap Arrangements
  • ACROSS MARKETS
  • Actions Related to COVID-19
  • Statements & Operating Policies
  • Survey of Primary Dealers
  • Survey of Market Participants
  • Annual Reports
  • Primary Dealers
  • Reverse Repo Counterparties
  • Foreign Exchange Counterparties
  • Foreign Reserves Management Counterparties
  • Operational Readiness
  • Central Bank & International Account Services
  • Programs Archive

As part of our core mission, we supervise and regulate financial institutions in the Second District. Our primary objective is to maintain a safe and competitive U.S. and global banking system.

phd program for international students

The Governance & Culture Reform hub is designed to foster discussion about corporate governance and the reform of culture and behavior in the financial services industry.

phd program for international students

Need to file a report with the New York Fed? Here are all of the forms, instructions and other information related to regulatory and statistical reporting in one spot.

phd program for international students

The New York Fed works to protect consumers as well as provides information and resources on how to avoid and report specific scams.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York works to promote sound and well-functioning financial systems and markets through its provision of industry and payment services, advancement of infrastructure reform in key markets and training and educational support to international institutions.

phd program for international students

The New York Fed provides a wide range of payment services for financial institutions and the U.S. government.

phd program for international students

The New York Fed offers several specialized courses designed for central bankers and financial supervisors.

phd program for international students

The New York Fed has been working with tri-party repo market participants to make changes to improve the resiliency of the market to financial stress.

  • High School Fed Challenge
  • College Fed Challenge
  • Teacher Professional Development
  • Classroom Visits
  • Museum & Learning Center Visits
  • Educational Comic Books
  • Lesson Plans and Resources
  • Economic Education Calendar

phd program for international students

We are connecting emerging solutions with funding in three areas—health, household financial stability, and climate—to improve life for underserved communities. Learn more by reading our strategy.

phd program for international students

The Economic Inequality & Equitable Growth hub is a collection of research, analysis and convenings to help better understand economic inequality.

phd program for international students

This Economist Spotlight Series is created for middle school and high school students to spark curiosity and interest in economics as an area of study and a future career.

Liberty Street Economics

« Taking Stock: Dollar Assets, Gold, and Official Foreign Exchange Reserves | Main | Can Discount Window Stigma Be Cured?  »

Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond

Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner

Photo of three young students writing a formula on a green blackboard with white chalk.

Becoming a PhD economist can provide a fulfilling and financially secure career path. However, getting started in the field can be daunting if you don’t know much about the preparation you’ll need and the available job opportunities. If you’re wondering what it means to be an economics researcher or how to become one, please read on. We’ll review how to prepare for a career in economics research, what an economics PhD program entails, and what types of opportunities it might bring. Economic education is a core component of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s mission to serve the community. To empower would-be economists, this post provides information for students who seek a career in economics research. We hope this information will be helpful to students interested in economics, regardless of their background and economic situation.  This information is most applicable to students applying to programs in the United States.  

The Breadth of Economics Research  

Academic disciplines conduct research in different ways, so it’s important to have a basic understanding of the types of questions economists ask and how they approach answering them. There are many definitions of economics, but a broadly useful one is the study of how people, organizations, and governments make decisions under different constraints, and how those decisions may affect their outcomes. 

When answering these questions, economists seek to ground their analyses in models and to be quantitatively precise about the effects they assign to any given cause. The range of topics economists can study is wide, but the accepted approaches to answering questions are stricter. Some examples of what economists might ask: 

  • How do different public housing programs affect the children who live there? 
  • Does a certain type of law encourage businesses to innovate? 
  • How will a change in the interest rate affect inflation and unemployment rates? 
  • How much does affordable health insurance improve people’s health? 
  • How can poor countries eradicate poverty? 

There are many different subfields within economics, including, but not limited to behavioral, econometrics, energy/environmental, development, financial, international, monetary, public, and urban economics. You can familiarize yourself with the latest work in economics by subscribing to working paper series, such as NBER’s New This Week or the New York Fed’s Staff Reports . To get an idea of the breadth of questions economists can answer, you could listen to Stephen Dubner’s “ Freakonomics Radio ” podcast. You may also want to explore the Journal of Economic Perspectives , the New York Fed’s Liberty Street Economics blog, VoxDev , or VoxEU .  

What Is a PhD Program Like?    

Economics PhD programs typically last five to seven years. Unlike masters programs, they are often fully funded with a stipend, though most require students to complete teaching assistant and/or research assistant (RA) work as part of their funding package. In the first two years, students take classes, many of which are mathematically demanding. The rest of the program can include additional classes but is primarily devoted to original research with the aim of producing publishable papers that will constitute the dissertation.  

Faculty advisors are a central part of PhD programs, as students look to them for guidance during the research process. Economics PhD programs are offered within university economics departments, but there are similar programs in public policy and business schools. You can look at their websites to understand any differences in coursework and subsequent job placements. 

What Can You Do with an Economics PhD?  

Upon graduation, students can obtain jobs in a variety of industries. Many PhD students hope to become university professors. Governments and public policy-related institutions such as the Federal Reserve System, the U.S. federal government, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also hire economists to work on policy, lead programs, and conduct research. Finally, economics PhD graduates can also find employment at a variety of private sector companies, including banks, economic consulting firms, and big tech companies. The pay for these different positions can vary. According to the American Economics Association (AEA), the average starting salary for economics assistant professors in 2022-23 was approximately $140,000 at PhD granting institutions and $98,000 at BA granting institutions. 

Programs often publish the placements of their PhD graduates, so you can look online to see specific employment outcomes. See, for example, the University of Maryland’s placements . Ultimately, economists are highly regarded as authorities on a variety of topics. Governments, nonprofits, philanthropic foundations, financial institutions, and non-financial businesses all look to economists to answer important questions about how to best achieve their goals. Thus, earning an economics Ph.D. can potentially help you to influence issues that are important to you. 

Preparing for an Economics PhD Program  

There are several components to an economics PhD program application: college transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Please download the Appendix linked below to learn more about transcripts and letters of recommendation. The Appendix details ways in which you can select coursework, obtain research experience, and develop relationships to position yourself for success as a PhD applicant.  

If you feel that you are too far along in your academic career to take enough of the classes described in the Appendix, this does not necessarily preclude you from pursuing an economics PhD. For example, it’s possible to take some of these classes through a master’s program, or through a pre-doctoral RA job. Some pre-doctoral RA jobs, such as the one here at the New York Fed , may enable you to take classes in preparation for graduate school. If you are concerned about your transcript, reach out to an economist at your university for advice; program standards for coursework and grades vary, and it’s a good idea to get more personalized advice. 

Research Experience   

If you’re interested in becoming an economics researcher and applying to PhD programs, it’s best to get research experience as soon as possible. Working as an RA is a great way to learn how to conduct research and get a better idea of whether it’s the right career path for you. Additionally, it can help you obtain a letter of recommendation for graduate school applications and improve your qualifications.  

All types of academic research can be enriching, but it’s beneficial to gain experience working directly with an economist. To find a position, you can reach out to professors whose work you find interesting or find an RA program at your school. Typical RA tasks may involve data collection and cleaning, as well as running analyses and creating charts to represent results. This is where coding skills become crucial; having taken math, statistics, and econometrics courses will also enable you to take on more responsibilities. 

You may also have the opportunity to conduct your own research, possibly under the supervision of a professor at your university. This research could be self-initiated or part of a course such as a thesis workshop. Self-directed research is a great opportunity to learn about all stages of the research process. It’s also an excellent opportunity to create a writing sample for graduate school applications. Ultimately, though, your motivation for conducting your own research project should be that you want to answer a question.  One thing economists have in common is a love of answering questions using data and theory. 

Research experience is also often obtained after completing an undergraduate or master’s degree. Taking on a full-time RA position before applying to PhD programs is very common and can make you a more competitive applicant. You may either get an RA job working for a professor or participate in a pre-doctoral RA program.  

Research assistant programs are more structured than positions with individual professors or projects, which could be helpful. Universities, parts of the government, think tanks, research organizations, and the Federal Reserve System are all good places to look for research assistant programs. To help you decide which opportunities are most desirable, you may want to ask potential employers : Where do people in this program tend to go afterward? Will I be working directly with an economist? How much of my time will be spent on academic research work? Will I be able to take classes as part of this program? Considering whether an economist will be able to evaluate your performance is an important factor for recommendation letters. The ability to take classes, either through tuition reimbursement or waivers, can also be an important benefit. 

The Research Analyst program here at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York is one example of these programs and you should check it out here . The Federal Reserve Board of Governors also has a large program, and many other regional Federal Reserve Banks have similar programs. In addition, the PREDOC website and the  NBER post listings of RA opportunities. J-PAL and IPA also tend to recruit RAs for economic development projects. Another source of RA opportunities is the @econ_ra account on X. 

Who Should Get a PhD in Economics?  

A PhD may not be for everyone, but it is for anyone—people of all genders, religions, ethnicities, races, and national origins have PhDs in economics. Many economists majored in economics, but others majored in math, physics, or chemistry. Because economics is such an integral part of policymaking, it is important that economists come from a wide range of backgrounds so policy can be stronger and more effective. The inclusion of differing perspectives helps ensure that the contribution of economists to work in public policy, academia, and beyond effectively serves the broadest range of society. 

  • Coursework Appendix

phd program for international students

Kasey Chatterji-Len is a research analyst in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Research and Statistics Group.

phd program for international students

Anna Kovner  is the director of Financial Stability Policy Research in the Bank’s Research and Statistics Group.

How to cite this post: Kasey Chatterji-Len and Anna Kovner, “Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and Beyond,” Federal Reserve Bank of New York Liberty Street Economics , May 31, 2024, https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2024/05/thinking-of-pursuing-a-phd-in-economics-info-on-graduate-school-and-beyond/.

You may also be interested in: AEA: Resources for Students

PREDOC: Guidance for Undergraduates

RA Positions-Not at the NBER

Disclaimer The views expressed in this post are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or the Federal Reserve System. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the author(s).

Share this:

Feed

Post a comment

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

(Name is required. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.)

RSS

Liberty Street Economics features insight and analysis from New York Fed economists working at the intersection of research and policy. Launched in 2011, the blog takes its name from the Bank’s headquarters at 33 Liberty Street in Manhattan’s Financial District.

The editors are Michael Fleming, Andrew Haughwout, Thomas Klitgaard, and Asani Sarkar, all economists in the Bank’s Research Group.

Liberty Street Economics does not publish new posts during the blackout periods surrounding Federal Open Market Committee meetings.

The views expressed are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the position of the New York Fed or the Federal Reserve System.

Image of NYFED Economic Research Tracker Icon

Economic Inequality

image of inequality icons for the Economic Inequality: A Research Series

Most Read this Year

  • Credit Card Delinquencies Continue to Rise—Who Is Missing Payments?
  • The Post-Pandemic r*
  • Spending Down Pandemic Savings Is an “Only-in-the-U.S.” Phenomenon
  • The Evolution of Short-Run r* after the Pandemic
  • Auto Loan Delinquency Revs Up as Car Prices Stress Budgets
  • Economic Indicators Calendar
  • FRED (Federal Reserve Economic Data)
  • Economic Roundtable
  • OECD Insights
  • World Bank/All about Finance

We encourage your comments and queries on our posts and will publish them (below the post) subject to the following guidelines:

Please be brief : Comments are limited to 1,500 characters.

Please be aware: Comments submitted shortly before or during the FOMC blackout may not be published until after the blackout.

Please be relevant: Comments are moderated and will not appear until they have been reviewed to ensure that they are substantive and clearly related to the topic of the post.

Please be respectful: We reserve the right not to post any comment, and will not post comments that are abusive, harassing, obscene, or commercial in nature. No notice will be given regarding whether a submission will or will not be posted.‎

Comments with links: Please do not include any links in your comment, even if you feel the links will contribute to the discussion. Comments with links will not be posted.

Send Us Feedback

The LSE editors ask authors submitting a post to the blog to confirm that they have no conflicts of interest as defined by the American Economic Association in its Disclosure Policy. If an author has sources of financial support or other interests that could be perceived as influencing the research presented in the post, we disclose that fact in a statement prepared by the author and appended to the author information at the end of the post. If the author has no such interests to disclose, no statement is provided. Note, however, that we do indicate in all cases if a data vendor or other party has a right to review a post.

  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • Request a Speaker
  • International, Seminars & Training
  • Governance & Culture Reform
  • Data Visualization
  • Economic Research Tracker
  • Markets Data APIs
  • Terms of Use

phd program for international students

  • People of Pacific
  • Digital Swag
  • Schools & Colleges
  • Undergraduate Programs
  • Graduate Programs
  • Dual-Degree Programs
  • Online Graduate Programs
  • Honors Programs
  • Professional Development & Continuing Education
  • Centers, Clinics & Institutes
  • Student Outcomes
  • Academic Support
  • Research & Scholarship
  • Undergraduate
  • Four-Year Guarantee
  • International Student
  • Financial Aid & Cost
  • Community Involvement Program
  • Our Campuses
  • History & Mission
  • Community Impact
  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
  • Sustainability
  • President Callahan
  • Administrative Offices
  • University Leadership
  • Activities & Programs
  • Housing & Dining
  • Student Services
  • Career Services
  • Equity & Inclusion
  • Safety & Wellness

How to apply to college in the USA for international students 

  • May 29, 2024 May 29, 2024
  • by People of Pacific

International students at University of the Pacific

Are you hoping to earn your degree from a university in the United States? As an international student, applying to colleges in the U.S. can be an exciting and daunting experience. In addition to the regular application materials that domestic students submit, you may also have to consider things like language proficiency, transcript evaluations, which legal documents you need, what the campus culture will be like and how to pay for an international education.    At Pacific, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant and diverse community where international students make up 8% of the student body. 

To help you get started, we’ve put together this guide to break down the application process so you can study abroad in the United States.  

Decide on a degree program

Your academic journey will depend on the type of degree program you pursue.  

  • Where do you want to live? Are you drawn to calm suburban settings or the hustle and bustle of city life? Do you want to be close to a beach or have easy access to mountains—or both? Take a close look at a map and explore each university’s surroundings. And if you can, take a virtual tour of the campus so you can really visualize what life will be like.   
  • Do you want to attend a big or small school? Will you thrive in a smaller, more personalized environment or do you want to experience the energy of a large university? Knowing this can make a world of difference.  
  • What extracurricular activities would you like to be able to do? Look at the student clubs and recreational activities offered at each school. Whether you like rugby, rock climbing, archery or cricket , you may be pleasantly surprised to see what familiar pastimes U.S. universities offer.  

Participating in extracurricular activities is also a great way to connect with other students.    “Join the clubs and try to attend as many activities as you can. At Pacific, there are trips like Tiger Escapes that take you to different places like San Francisco and national parks,” says Sushmith Naik Banoth, an international student from India studying business analytics. “Just come out of your comfort zone and greet people with a smile.”   

  • What hands-on experience would you like to gain? Research the types of internships or CO-OP programs that are available to help you gain real-world skills that you can apply to your future career.  

Experience a day in the life of finance intern Sahil Radadiya  

  • Do you want to work while you’re in school? International students with F-1 visas are limited to on-campus jobs during their first academic year. After that, students may engage in practical training opportunities. 

  Banoth recommends having reserve funds in your account to relieve initial financial stress. “Know the fee structure and try to have three to six months of backup funds in savings. That way you can concentrate on academics when you arrive.”    See how these international students made the most of their Curricular Practical Training experiences 

Decide where to apply

Now that you’ve considered these key aspects of the university experience, it’s time to decide on the program you’d like to pursue or what career path you’re interested in. If you have a specific field in mind, start by narrowing down universities that excel in that area.   

There are several organizations that allow you to filter universities for different criteria like subject, cost, region and enrollment numbers. The following tools also let you see how universities rank in certain areas and help you narrow down your search:   

  •   College Navigator  
  •   Big Future  
  •   U.S. News & World Report   

  If you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree, you may want to prioritize the overall reputation of a university and its culture when you begin your search. If you’re applying for graduate studies, you may be more concerned with the reputation of the specific program you’re looking for. It’s also wise to get in touch with the chair of the department to begin building a rapport.  

Once you have identified potential universities, take the initiative to gather more information. Tap into your network of friends or acquaintances who have studied abroad. They will be able to give you first-hand accounts of their experiences and offer important advice.  

This is also a great time to contact a college adviser for additional guidance. EducationUSA , a U.S. Department of State network, has over 430 international student advising centers across more than 175 countries. These centers provide in-person and virtual services to students and their families covering topics including the admissions process, testing requirements and how to secure a student visa. Additionally, you can look for opportunities to attend a college fair near your city or reach out to admissions counselors at your preferred universities for more information. 

Begin the application process

Start getting your application materials ready, schedule any tests and get your finances in order. 

  • Take your English language proficiency tests . Most universities will require an English language proficiency test like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) . Determine which test your schools require and figure out what their minimum score requirements are.     If you need to improve your English language skills, some universities also offer intensive English programs that help students become more proficient in reading, writing and speaking English. At University of the Pacific, English overview courses are available to international students at the undergraduate and graduate level. 
  • Take any standardized tests required by your schools . Test requirements depend on the program and whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. Undergraduate applicants may need to take the SAT, ACT or SAT subject tests while graduate students may be required to complete the GRE or GMAT. Professional programs like law or medicine may require the LSAT or MCAT. 
  • Determine if you need to have your transcripts evaluated. Some international students are required to provide an evaluation of their academic records which must be derived from official transcripts. This evaluation ensures that subjects studied in another country align with those recognized by universities in the United States. There are several third-party agencies like World Education Services and Educational Credential Evaluators that offer credential evaluation services. 
  • Ask for recommendation letters . Some universities may ask you to submit letters of recommendation. These documents help round out your application and speak to your skills, academic performance and unique personal qualities. These letters are typically written by someone who has worked closely with you during your academic journey, like teachers, mentors, coaches or someone from your community. 
  • Work on application essays . Most college applications will have an essay section asking you to write a response to one of several prompts. This is known as your personal statement. Before you begin writing, consider your life experiences and how they relate to the essay topic. Ask yourself what you would want others to know about you. Be authentic, talk about your interests and values and why you are a great fit for the school. This is your chance to let your personality shine. And if you’re struggling to get started, we’ve put together some helpful tips on how to write a personal statement that stands out . 

Figure out how to finance your education

While international students aren’t eligible to receive federal or state aid, there are still other options available:  

  • Apply for scholarships for international students through your school or outside organizations. Some schools, like University of the Pacific, offer merit scholarships for international first-year students . 
  • Some schools may require you to submit the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or create a CSS Profile to determine eligibility for scholarships and other benefits. 
  • Apply for international student loans as needed. 

Submit your application

Now that you’ve prepared all your application materials, it’s time to apply. Some schools will ask you to apply directly through their website, or through a standardized application like the Common App that allows you to apply to multiple colleges at once. At Pacific, students looking for extra English proficiency resources should apply through UOP International .    

Get your student visa

Once you’ve been accepted to the university of your choice, you will need to provide documentation that you have the finances to live and study in the United States. This can include bank statements, financial sponsor letters or other forms. Requirements vary from school to school, so be sure to contact the university to verify which documents you need to provide. 

Upon providing the proper documentation, you will receive an I-20 form to verify your eligibility for an F-1 student visa. Having a student visa is like having a key to enter the country. While the F-1 visa is the most common for students studying in the United States, you can determine which type of visa you should apply for on the Department of State website .  

The next step is to schedule a visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to determine your visa eligibility. Once your visa is approved and you’ve paid the issuance fee, it’s time to celebrate and plan for your arrival in the United States as an international student.  

Ready to get started? Apply today .  

Share this:

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.

Office of Graduate & Professional Studies

Contact graduate admissions.

phd program for international students

True Blue Summer Hours

Our office will be closed on fridays from may 17th through august 9th, nau office of graduate and professional studies, grad school, elevated.

A better world is waiting. If you’re ready to pursue your next opportunity—whether intellectual, professional, or personal—then Northern Arizona University’s flexible, challenging graduate programs will help you get to your next level. Study in Flagstaff, online or statewide.

Launch Northern Arizona University – Office of Graduate & Professional Studies Welcome

Graduate degrees and programs with a unique vantage point

Already an NAU student? Climb higher with an accelerated program that allows you to start earning your master’s while completing your bachelor’s degree.

Explore by degree level

phd program for international students

Ready to take your next step? Learn about Office of Graduate & Professional Studies admissions.

An NAU visit day

Admissions requirements

Wondering if you’re eligible, or how to apply? Get more information.

International admissions

Want to join our community of international scholars? Discover how.  

Paying for graduate school

NAU Bioscience Student working on assignment

Scholarships

international student celebrates

Financial aid

a professor and student high five in the NAU MARS lab

Mailing Address

Social media.

California State University, Long Beach

  • Colleges & Degrees
  • Academic Calendar
  • International Education
  • Graduate Studies
  • Accreditation
  • Tuition and Fees
  • Parking & Maps
  • Careers with CSULB
  • Alumni Home
  • Alumni Volunteering
  • Alumni Giving

Campus Life

  • Centers & Organizations
  • Commencement
  • Student Life
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Provost
  • Administration & Finance
  • Student Affairs
  • University Relations & Development
  • Information Technology
  • Beach Shops
  • Campus Directory
  • Enrollment Services
  • Financial Aid
  • Schedule of Classes
  • Student Records
  • 49er Foundation
  • Research Foundation

California State University Long Beach

1250 BELLFLOWER BOULEVARD LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90840 562.985.4111

picture of students at site visit

Hiring International Students

With our international student talent spanning across all concentrations of our MBA and MS programs you’ll find our international students ready and willing to contribute to your company’s success.  

There are clear pathways within U.S. law that enable employers to easily hire international students granting them the opportunity to secure work authorization, either while they're still studying or after they graduate. Read below to learn more.  

International Students at CSULB  

  • International students come from over 30 different countries and are enrolled in every school of the University, pursuing full-time studies from the undergraduate to the graduate level.   
  • Most international students at CSULB are students who already have a degree and/or significant work experience before enrolling at the University.  
  • International students enter the United States using one of two student visas. Most students are classified as F-1 students at CSULB.   
  • International students can qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the US during and after graduation without the need for corporate sponsorship.  

Advantages of Hiring International Students  

  • Increased global diversity for your organizations  
  • Large pool of qualified candidates open to opportunities   
  • Availability for internships and full-time opportunities through CPT and OPT CSULB international students are highly skilled, multilingual, and have diverse, global backgrounds.  
  • Minimal paperwork is required to hire international students.   
  • Employment authorization is possible without applying for permanent residency (green card).  
  • Employment eligibility is easily verifiable.  

For a Hiring International Students downloadable guide, visit this page .

How can our organization make it easier for international students to apply for jobs?

Many times, outstanding international candidates are disqualified early in the application process due to confusion around standard questions like “Do you have legal authorization to work?” or “Will You Now or in the Future Require Sponsorship to Work in the US?”  

Here’s what you can do to make the process better:   

  • Change the wording or allow additional context for students to indicate or explain their OPT or CPT status. Allow them the opportunity or space to explain whether they are currently utilizing OPT or CPT, along with any relevant details such as the duration and specific terms of their employment authorizations.  
  • Being flexible with the start date of a job as international students cannot apply for OPT earlier than 90 days in advance.   

What is CPT - Internship Employment?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization that allows international students to accept practical training in their academic field after one year of full-time study. Internship programs are some of the most common types of CPT opportunities for international students.  

Details and Duration: 

  • For part- or full-time internships (20 hours a week during the school year and 40 hours a week during the summer).
  • Work must be related to the major/field of study, count toward degree requirements, and occur before a student completes their academic program. 
  • Students are eligible after they complete two semesters or one full academic year of their program. In some cases, graduate students may not need to fulfill a full academic year before becoming eligible for internships if their academic program mandates internship participation in the first year.  
  • 12 months of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for OPT. Part-time CPT employment does not affect eligibility for OPT.  

Employer Requirements: 

Provide an offer letter that is on the company letterhead that includes the mandatory information: 

  • Specific start and end dates  
  • Specific number of work hours per week  
  • Detailed description of the work student will perform  
  • Employer’s company’s EIN#  
  • Employer’s U.S. street address  
  • Employer’s signature and date  

Students cannot begin working until receiving CPT authorization.  

Cost:   

For employers: None  

As an employer, what do I ask for as proof of CPT authorization?  

Along with any regular I-9 documentation collected at the time of hire, you should also ask for a copy of the student’s Form I-20. On the second page, (if properly authorized for CPT) you will see an “Employment Authorizations” section with your organization’s information and the CPT approval dates reflected. This endorsement constitutes the student’s authorization to work for the stated period.  

What is OPT - Post-Completion Employment?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of international students to apply for and be granted employment authorization for 12 months (or longer for STEM degrees, typically up to 3 years). OPT is a work authorization that allows international students to accept practical training.  

How is this different from CPT?  

  • Work does not have to count toward degree requirements.  
  • Students can work up to 12 months at 20+ hours per week. Students may be eligible to extend OPT for an additional 24 months if they are a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) major.  
  • Students are eligible if they’ve completed two semesters or one full academic year and have completed their academic program.  
  • 12 months of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for OPT. Part-time CPT employment does not affect eligibility for OPT  

Employer Requirements:

None for OPT.   

There are reporting requirements for employers using the OPT STEM extension. Employers will need to assist students with completing the Form I-983 . The student should complete page 1 of the form. The remainder of the form should be completed by the student and employer together. The US government has provided specific instructions for employers on completing this form.  

What is H-1B - Long Term Employment?

Applications for H-1Bs are submitted to the USCIS by the sponsoring company on behalf of the international employee. Each fiscal year, for-profit companies are allowed only 65,000 H-1Bs for candidates who have completed undergraduate degrees, and an additional 20,000 are available for those who have completed graduate degrees in the U.S. Certain non-profit employers are not subject to the H-1B cap numbers.  

Details and Duration:  

  • Valid for three years and can be extended for an additional three years for a total of 6 years.   
  • Work must be related to major/field of study.  

Student Requirements:  

Students cannot apply on their own or sponsor themselves. They must work with an employer to provide documents required for visa sponsorship.  

Employer Requirements:  

Must follow easy steps toward H1-B sponsorship. Visit the US Citizenship & Immigration Services website to learn more  

Cost:  

For employers: Varies between $3K -$7k (not including attorney fees)  

California State University, Long Beach

Statistics and Actuarial Science

Information for new graduate students in actuarial science, data science and statistics at the university of iowa..

Welcome New Graduate Students!

Information for NEW graduate students in Actuarial Science, Data Science and Statistics at the University of Iowa. 

Last Updated, May 31, 2024.                                   Additional  updates will be sent this summer!

Important Information for International Students

The Office of International Students and Scholars does an incredible job helping you settle into Iowa City and the University of Iowa.  They have webinars to help with:  

1. Getting Started and Making Travel Arrangements

2. Achieving Success: On-campus Involvement and Cultural Adjustment (undergraduate students)

3. Graduate Student Professionalization and Support

4. Understanding Orientation Expectations, Responsibilities, and Placement Tests (graduate students)

5. On-campus Housing Assignments and Move-in Tips (undergraduate students)

6. Student Employment

7. Money Matters - University Billing

Do you need to take the SPEC (Spoken Proficiency of English for the Classroom)?

All students for whom English is not a first language (as self-reported on their admissions application) and who have first-time appointments as graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are required to go through a testing process to assess their effectiveness in speaking English before they are assigned assistantship responsibilities. Beginning in Fall 2024, there will be a new test to assess communication in English in a classroom context called SPEC (Spoken Proficiency of English in the Classroom).  This is replacing ESPA and ELPT.  Details will be coming soon.

Any graduate student who is included in the following categories needs to have their oral English proficiency tested by the TAPE Program:

  • Students whose first language is not English (i.e., learned another language first) as self-reported on their admissions application, and
  • Have been appointed as a Teaching Assistant

Exemptions (may change):

  • Students with an official valid (within the last two years) iBT Listening score of 25 and an iBT Speaking score of 26.
  • Undergraduate degrees and/or     
  • Continuous attendance of English-language schools since the age of 12 (or younger)
  • Students who served as teaching assistants at other institutions of higher learning in which the language of instruction is English, if they were listed as the instructor of record for a course or led a discussion section in English for at least one year, with a year defined as either two academic semesters or three academic quarters.
  • Requests for exceptions regarding the SPEC  can be submitted for evaluation to a committee consisting of the Director of ESL Programs, the Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs in the Graduate College, and a representative from University Human Resources.

Requests for exemption and exceptions must come from the department by the deadline, not the student.   Deadlines to register students for the SPEC are:

  • March 1  

NOT Exemptions:

  • Students who come from a country where English is one of the official languages.
  • Students who are U.S. permanent residents or U.S. citizens whose first language is not English.

Testing Procedures & Results

 To be announced soon!

Graduate/Professional International Students Important Dates

July 12, 2024:  Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status. August 11, 2024:  Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City August 12 - 16, 2024: International Student Orientation August 26, 2024:  Classes begin.

Housing Information for All Students

The department has a housing webpage, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. If you are looking for a roommate, please let us know and we can update this web page!

Looking for housing options ?

All US citizens that are financially supported (TA, RA) need to be here on August 21.

All students will register for classes the week before classes start.  International students must complete the required Orientation Program before  they can register for classes.    

____________________

Fall Classes Advising will be August 19-23

All NEW UI students must meet with their advisor prior to registration.  There is no worry about getting into any of the classes we teach.  

  • IF you are an Actuarial Science MS or PhD student you will need to meet with Professor Shyamalkumar.  Email him after August 12 at [email protected] to set a time to meet to discuss what classes to take, it may be on Zoom or in his office (233 Schaeffer Hall).
  • IF you are a Data Science MS, Statistics MS, or PhD student you will need to meet with Professor Boxiang Wang.  Email him after August 12 at [email protected]  to set a time to meet to discuss what classes to take, it may be on Zoom or in his office (261 Schaeffer Hall).

New Graduate College Welcome and Orientation, August 21

The Graduate College Fall 2024 Graduate Student Orientation event will take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.  A registration form will be sent to your UI email sometime this early summer from the Graduate College. All new doctoral and master’s students are invited to attend.  

New Teaching Assistant Orientation, August 22- required for all new supported students

Sponsored by the Center for Teaching

This event will introduce participants to the role of teaching assistant at the University of Iowa and prepare them for the first week of classes and beyond. 

Participants will discuss evidence-based teaching strategies for lesson planning, inclusive teaching, and more with Center for Teaching staff. Participants will also choose two workshops of interest to them out of several options; these will be facilitated synchronously by experienced TAs.  This is a virtual event for 9-noon.

  • Sign up before August 21!

New Student Department Orientation, August 23 at 9 a.m., Room to be determined.

  • All New Student Orientation —Group Introductions and General Policy Procedures.

New Supported Graduate Assistants Orientation, August 23 at 1 p.m., Room to be determined.

  • Our Director of Graduate Studies will have a department review of expectations and your specific roles in our department. Teaching and grading assignments will be explained, as well as preparation, teaching tips, problems and questions, quizzes and exams, weekly meetings, grading, appropriate office use and the Sexual Harassment Prevention Education

Mailbox in 241 Schaeffer Hall 

All graduate students will have a mailbox in our main office.  The faculty do as well.  Please check your mailbox at least once a week!

Office Desk Assignment

Nearly all supported students will have a desk in one of our offices.  The assignment priority (in this order) includes Ph.D. and Fellowship candidates, research assistants, half-time teaching assistants, quarter-time teaching assistants and lastly graders.  Having a desk is a privilege and should be used only for university business.  Office assignments will be given to students on, August 23.  Keys are checked out ONLY after that time.  Please remember to keep the rooms clean and take out all trash to the large bins in the main hallways.

Set-up your University of Iowa Email

All University of Iowa students are required to activate their assigned uiowa.edu email address, as all official communication from university offices are now sent via email, rather than hard copy. This address usually follows the pattern [email protected]   (However, often a number is also attached.) 

To activate the account:

  • Log on to  MyUI
  • Click on My UIowa / My Email / Request Email Account
  • Complete the specified steps.

Students who prefer to maintain only their work or home email addresses can do so by routing the uiowa.edu email to a work or home account. To do so, follow these steps:

  • Click on My UIowa / My Email / Update Email Routing Address

Important Notes:

  • If your uiowa.edu email address is routed to a different account, you will  not  need to change your address in ICON, as your messages will already forward to your routed address.
  • Log on to MYUI.
  • Click on My UIowa / My Email / Email Account Filter bulk mail.
  • Make sure that none of the categories are checked.

Required Graduate Assistants Teaching Courses:

  • ONLINE CLASS Requirement: Sexual Harassment Prevention Edu.  Use your HawkID and password to log into Employee Self Service. Click the Personal tab, next (under Learning and Development) click on Sexual Harassment Prevention Edu., follow instructions.
  • ONLINE CLASS Requirement:  Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Use your HawkID and password to log into Employee Self Service. Click the Personal tab, next (under Learning and Development) next click on Available Online Icon Courses, next FERPA Training, then click on View Details twice and the last click will be to Enroll in this ICON Course Session.
  • A six-hour orientation program will be required of all students who are certified at level A or B and are teaching for the first time.  This orientation helps new teaching assistants understand the culture of the U.S. classroom and treats topics such as student expectations, teacher-student relationships, and understanding and answering student questions. Discussion focuses on suggestions for maximizing comprehensibility in spoken English. This course meets twice for 3 hours early in the semester. Both meetings are held in the evening.

Administrative Department Staff:

Professor aixin tan (until july 1, 2024).

Director of Graduate Studies, Statistics and Data Science Graduate Advisor: [email protected]   (319) 335-0821.

Professor Boxiang Wang (beginning July 1, 2024)

Director of Graduate Studies, Statistics and Data Science Graduate Advisor: [email protected] (319) 335-2294.

Professor N.D. Shyamalkumar

Actuarial Science Graduate Advisor:  [email protected]    (319) 335-1980

Margie Ebert

Academic Services Coordinator ,  [email protected]  (319) 335-2082

Heather Roth

Administrative Services Coordinator  [email protected]   (319) 335-0712

Tammy Siegel

Department Administrator ,  [email protected] , (319) 335-0706

IMAGES

  1. Free PhD Programs For International Students

    phd program for international students

  2. Fully Funded PhD Programs in Canada I Leverage Edu

    phd program for international students

  3. phd scholarship for international students

    phd program for international students

  4. Scholarships in Germany for International Students 2024

    phd program for international students

  5. PhD Program for International Students----Computer Network Information

    phd program for international students

  6. Google PhD Fellowship Program for International Student 2023

    phd program for international students

VIDEO

  1. Study Masters or PHD in Canada

  2. Full MSc & PhD Scholarships in Australia I $34,000 Stipend I No Agent I Relocation Allowance

  3. PhD Aerospace UC3M

  4. PhD at IIMU

  5. PhD Program Information Session

  6. PhD Research Supervision Training Course: Student Supervisor Expectations and HEC Requirements

COMMENTS

  1. International Students

    International Students. Wharton is an international community, with students, faculty, and alumni representing 153 countries worldwide. As an international doctoral student, you will find the intellectual and cultural diversity of the Wharton community to be a welcoming environment for your doctoral studies. Wharton's faculty research touches ...

  2. PhD Study Abroad

    A culture of innovation and creativity makes Sweden a popular choice for international PhD students. Our guide covers universities, doctoral programmes, fees, funding and visas. Holland and the Netherlands are a welcoming destination for international PhD study with historic and globally-renowned research universities.

  3. Insider's guide: PhD requirements in USA for international students

    International students who are accepted into a PhD program in the USA will typically need to obtain an F-1 student visa. To begin the visa application process, students will need to provide proof of acceptance into a program, typically in the form of an acceptance letter from the university. In addition, students will need to demonstrate proof ...

  4. Graduate Study in the US: Guide for International Students

    International students will need to obtain an F-1 non-immigrant visa. You can only apply for this after securing a place at an SEVP-approved university, and you'll need to provide proof of sufficient funds for the course duration and a confirmation of your intention to leave the US after completing your studies.

  5. PhD Study in the USA

    PhD Study in the USA - 2024. Over one million international students choose the USA as their study abroad destination, making it the most popular international study destination in the world! America is known for its comprehensive approach to postgraduate education, combining enhanced subject knowledge and research opportunities with the ...

  6. PhD Admissions for International Applicants

    If you still have questions after reviewing our doctorate in business FAQ, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you! Phone: 773.702.7298. Email Us. We welcome international students from around the world. Here's how to apply if you're not a US citizen or permanent resident.

  7. International Applicants

    International students must show that they can meet MIT's minimum budget projection for a new graduate student before the International Students Office may issue a certificate of eligibility for an F-1 or J-1 visa. However, financial aid for international students may be limited, as financial support can vary by graduate program.

  8. International Applicants

    Note: admitted international students requesting J-1 or F-1 visas are required to enroll on a full-time basis. STEM-eligible Programs The Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology (LDIT), Human Development and Education (HDE), and Education Policy and Analysis (EPA) Master's in Education programs are all assigned STEM-eligible ...

  9. Graduate Programs for International Students

    As an international student, you'll need a visa to study in-person at Johns Hopkins' Baltimore or Washington, D.C. locations. It is important to review the requirements and time involved to initiate and maintain your visa throughout your studies. JHU offers multiple options for international students to further their education.

  10. International Applicants to Graduate School

    When applying to a UCLA graduate program, international applicants should upload unofficial transcripts from all academic institutions she or he attended into the Application for Graduate Admission. If admitted to UCLA, applicants must submit official, final academic records. These are defined as original documents issued by the institution ...

  11. How to Apply for A PhD Abroad

    In the UK, applicants from outside the EU will need a Visa Tier 4 (Student). This will allow them to undertake a full-time PhD. However, due to UK visa restrictions, international students are unlikely to be able to enrol onto a part-time degree. In Germany, most students will not require a student visa but will require a residence permit.

  12. International Applicants

    A small number of UW graduate students attend in J-1 exchange visitor status. If you have been invited by a program sponsor* to participate in an educational and cultural exchange as a UW graduate student, you are eligible to receive a Form DS-2019 " Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" to apply for your J-1 visa.

  13. fully funded PhD for international students PhD Projects ...

    A fully funded PhD position for 3 years open to all international and home students to apply for with start date no later than 01 September. Read more. Supervisors: Dr M Yazdani-Asrami, Dr W Song. 16 June 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide) More Details.

  14. PhD International Students

    Financial Aid. Beginning in Fall 2021, Columbia Nursing will fund international PhD students. Funding includes tuition and fees, Student Health Services health insurance, and a stipend. International applicants are encouraged to visit the Columbia University International Students & Scholars Office for information about housing, Visas, and ...

  15. Fully-Funded PhD. Programs In The USA For International Students for 2024

    These fully-funded Ph.D. programs in the USA for international students do not cover only research council studentship. Usually, they also include: Travel grants and conference funding. Resource grants. Writing-up funding. Hardship funding. Study in the USA. MS in Project Management in USA. MS in Data Analytics in USA.

  16. International Students

    Funding for international graduate students in most programs is similar to that offered to domestic students. Doctoral students in a given program, for example, are typically all eligible for the same funding package regardless of citizenship status. In many cases, your government or other agencies or corporations in your home country may offer ...

  17. International Students

    UBC values diversity and strongly encourages dedicated international students to apply to our graduate programs. About 30% of master's students, and 44% of doctoral students at UBC Vancouver are international students. We have close to 3600 doctoral students and 6200 master's students, the fourth largest graduate student population among ...

  18. International Students

    International Students. The MD-PhD program at the Geisel School welcomes applications from all individuals interested in physician-scientist training, regardless of citizenship status. We offer full funding to international students who hold appropriate visas, reflected in the high number of international students in our program. In addition to ...

  19. EMBL International PhD Programme

    The EMBL International PhD Programme (EIPP), originally established in 1983, provides PhD students with an excellent starting platform for a successful career in science by fostering early independence and interdisciplinary research.. EMBL is dedicated to promoting excellence in the molecular life sciences throughout Europe.To achieve this goal, we inspire and train talented young scientists ...

  20. International Students

    The International Student and Scholar Services team serves as a key resource to the U-M community in the following ways: Advises international students, scholars, their dependents, and university departments on compliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations related to F and J visa categories. Recommends and approves immigration benefits.

  21. International graduate student

    The application process for international students is the same as for domestic students, with the exception of submitting proof of English proficiency. After admission, international students are also required to obtain a U.S. visa, which includes submitting a graduate financial guarantee. All international transcripts must be submitted in ...

  22. International Admissions

    International applicants should plan to apply early so they have ample time to obtain their immigration documents and make living arrangements in the U.S. Any F-1/J-1 students planning to obtain their I-20/DS-2019 should contact the Center for Global Engagement at [email protected]. Please check with your department regarding deadlines.

  23. For International Students

    Princeton welcomes applications from students around the world. Information for international students applying for undergraduate degrees are available on the Office of Undergraduate Admission website. International students considering applying to a master's or Ph.D. degree program can learn more on the Graduate School website.

  24. PhD Studies & Research

    PhD Studies & Research. Science and research in Germany are characterised by a distinguished infrastructure, a wide variety of disciplines, well-equipped research facilities and competent staff. Germany offers various career opportunities for international PhD students and researchers. Discover Germany's top-tier PhD programs and research scene ...

  25. International Students

    Illinois State's comprehensive internationalization effort includes expansion of internationally-oriented courses, campuswide programs, student organizations, student services, civic engagement opportunities, and other activities at Illinois State and affiliated locations. International Education Week. International Seminar Series.

  26. Thinking of Pursuing a PhD in Economics? Info on Graduate School and

    What Is a PhD Program Like? Economics PhD programs typically last five to seven years. Unlike masters programs, they are often fully funded with a stipend, though most require students to complete teaching assistant and/or research assistant (RA) work as part of their funding package. In the first two years, students take classes, many of which ...

  27. How to apply to college in the USA for international students

    The next step is to schedule a visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country to determine your visa eligibility. Once your visa is approved and you've paid the issuance fee, it's time to celebrate and plan for your arrival in the United States as an international student.

  28. Graduate College Resources And Information

    624 S Knoles Drive. Flagstaff, AZ 86011. Mailing Address. P.O. Box 4125. Flagstaff, AZ 86011. NAU students can pursue graduate degrees in Flagstaff, online, and at several statewide campuses. Whatever your path, grad school at NAU will take you further. Explore our diverse selection of programs, meet our expert faculty, and learn how to take ...

  29. Hiring International Students

    With our international student talent spanning across all concentrations of our MBA and MS programs you'll find our international students ready and willing to contribute to your company's success. There are clear pathways within U.S. law that enable employers to easily hire international students granting them the opportunity to secure work authorization, either while they're still ...

  30. Information for NEW graduate students in Actuarial Science, Data

    Welcome New Graduate Students!Information for NEW graduate students in Actuarial Science, Data Science and Statistics at the University of Iowa. Last Updated, May 31, 2024. Additional updates will be sent this summer!_____Important Information for International