How to Apply for PhD in USA?

The USA is among the leading study destinations for Indian students applying for a PhD degree abroad. As reported by the Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 1.5 million Indian students go abroad for a PhD degree. USA ranks among the most popular options for PhD programmes as it is recognized worldwide, its research facilities are well established, and the education is of a high standard. PhD holders of reputed USA institutions are some of the best-paying job seekers worldwide. Besides world-class education, students have the chance to enjoy enhanced student life, interact with world-leading industries, and learn multiple cultures by pursuing studies at an international university. So, how to apply for PhD in USA is one of the key questions among international students. The process of applying for PhD admission in the USA is very straightforward. The students can apply online directly by going through the official websites of the desired universities, filling in the form with relevant details and the necessary documents, and submitting by paying the application fees. Some of the best universities with PhD in USA are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, etc. The candidates need to thoroughly research the best PhD universities of USA and opt for them based on their professional and academic pursuits. Read the full article for more information regarding how to apply for PhD in USA 2025.

This Story also Contains

1. PhD in USA: Key Highlights
2. How to Choose the Right University in the USA?
3. You May Also Like:
4. PhD in USA for Indian Students: Eligibility Criteria
5. Admission Process for Studying PhD in USA
6. When should I apply for a PhD in the USA?
7. How to Apply for PhD in USA After Masters?
8. Documents Required to Apply for PhD in USA
9. Top Universities for PhD in USA
10. Can I Work While Doing PhD in USA?
11. PhD Scholarship In USA For Indian Students

PhD in USA: Key Highlights

How to Choose the Right University in the USA?

When choosing a university for PhD in america for Indian students, you can consider things like:

• Academic programs: Research the programs and majors that interest you

• Location: Consider the campus environment and location

• Cost: Evaluate the cost and financial aid options

• Rankings: Assess the university's accreditation and rankings

• Career opportunities: Explore career opportunities and alumni networks

• Support services: Understand the support services the university offers

• English language proficiency: Review the requirements for English language proficiency

• Reputation: Higher-ranked universities often are more highly regarded, which sometimes is an advantage in hiring or graduate school

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PhD in USA for Indian Students: Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a PhD in USA, candidates must check the eligibility requirements for PhD in USA for international students. The entry requirements might vary depending on the university, and the programme of choice. However, the general entry criteria for admission to the PhD programme in USA are mentioned below:

• Applicants wondering how to apply for PhD in USA after bachelor degree must have a minimum of 16 years of education before applying for PhD, this includes completion of 4 years of education after class 12.

• Most universities accept students who have completed their master’s degree from a recognised college or university.

• Candidates from non-English speaking countries must provide IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or other accepted scores as proof of English language proficiency.

• Students are also required to provide certain standardised scores such as GMAT or GRE as a part of PhD requirement in USA for international students.

• Meet other course-specific requirements set by the chosen university.

Note: However, not all universities require GRE or GMAT scores as part of PhD admission requirements in USA, hence, students must carefully go through the eligibility criteria of their chosen programme at the university.

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Admission Process for Studying PhD in USA

International students seeking admission to a PhD programme in USA, must submit an application form with the required documents, and information before the application deadline set by their chosen university. Below are the steps on how to apply for PhD in USA as an international student:

Step 1: Research and shortlist universities in USA that offer PhD programme in your field.

Step 2: Visit the official website of the chosen university and go through the eligibility criteria at the official portal of the college to gather all the requirements.

Step 3: Fill out the application form before the deadline. The majority of PhD applications in US are open from August to December for fall and spring admissions.

Step 4: During the time of application, ensure that you have provided correct information, and submitted your research proposals and a statement of purposes along with required documents.

Step 5: Pay the application fees

Step 6: Search if the university provides PhD scholarships and financial aid offered to international students in USA.

Step 7: Submit your scholarship application form, along with relevant letters of recommendation, SOPs, and other supporting documents.

Step 8: Wait for the offer from the university.

When should I apply for a PhD in the USA?

Check the PhD programs in USA for international students and apply in the fall semester of the year before you plan to begin you PhD. For instance, if you want to begin in the fall of 2026, then you must apply in the fall of 2025.

• August/September: The applications for PhD programs are open in August or September, with most starting in the fall semester (August/September).
  
  
• December/January: Application deadlines for PhD programs are usually in the fall.
  
  
• April: Institutions should notify you about your application status.

How to Apply for PhD in USA After Masters?

Can I do PhD in USA after masters in India? To apply for PhD in USA after Masters, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree of 3-4 years, and a master’s degree of 1-2 years from a recognised university. Students applying for PhD in USA after master’s must follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Visit the official website of the university, and choose the related field. Then apply by submitting the online application form with relevant information and required documents.

2. Provide a well written personal statement and attach related letters of documentation to enhance your application.

3. Submit English proficiency scores, and standardised test scores, if required.

4. Apply for scholarships, if you meet the eligibility requirements.

5. Lastly, pay the application fee and submit the form.

Documents Required to Apply for PhD in USA

Candidates applying for a PhD course in USA must submit the following documents as a part of their application process:

• Completed application form

• Academic transcripts

• English language proficiency test scores such as TOEFL and IELTS

• Standardies test scores (GRE or GMAT, if required)

• Statement of Purpose

• Resume

• Letter of Recommendation

• Copy of passport

• An application essay sample

• Financial documents including bank statements

• Photocopies of passport

• Work experience certificates, if applicable

• Certificates for extracurricular activities if mentioned in the application form.

• WES Evaluation documents, if required by the university.

How Many Years Does it take for a PhD Degree in the USA?

Usually, it takes around four to six years to get the PhD degree in the USA, but on average, students take even more time than this to obtain the degree.

How Much Does it Cost to do PhD in USA?

On average, the total cost for doing a PhD in the US is approximately around $40,900 per year. It includes the tuition fee and the living expenses.

Top Universities for PhD in USA

Many universities in USA offer a wide range of PhD courses to international students at affordable tuition fees. Some of the top PhD universities in USA along with their QS World University Rankings 2025 are mentioned below.

Best Universities for PhD in USA

Can I Work While Doing PhD in USA?

You are permitted to work on campus at 20 hours a week while classes are in session and full time during breaks according to your F-1 student visa conditions.

Work off campus: Your student visa strictly regulates off-campus employment, which is only available after you have been here for a year. Your job must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• OPT: Optional Practical Training This is supplementary work, closely related to studies, authorized for a period of up to 12 months.

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension: An extension of OPT offered to STEM students up to 24 months.

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) – that is, work placements and opportunities that form an integral part of your PhD program.

PhD Scholarship In USA For Indian Students

The cost of studying PhD at top universities in USA is approximately Rs 40-50 lakhs per year. To cover their educational and living expenses in USA, international students can apply for scholarships provided by various organisations, NGOs, universities, and government bodies. Scholarships in USA are provided on various conditions such as gender, residency status of students, academic merit, extracurricular activities, volunteering activities, disability, financial need, or more.

How to apply for PhD in USA with scholarship? International students can apply for both fully financed and partially funded scholarships. A fully financed PhD scholarship in the USA will cover all of your expenses, including university tuition, housing, insurance, travel, and other costs. Scholarships that are partially sponsored can only cover up to 50% of university or housing costs. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must meet all of the entry requirements.

Some of the PhD scholarships available to international candidates in USA are listed below:

• Full Bright Scholarships

• Yale University Scholarships

• AAUW International Fellowships

• Asian Cultural Council Fellowship Program

• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

• IBM PhD Fellowship Award Program

• Kala Singh Memorial Scholarship

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