phd after bachelor europe

Doing a PhD in Europe vs. the US

Are you thinking of doing a PhD abroad? There are some considerable differences between European and American PhD programs that you should know about before applying. Read on to determine which program is right for you.

Qualifications

It is often not possible to do a PhD in Europe without first earning a Master’s degree. In the US, many PhD programs accept applicants who only have a Bachelor's degree. Students usually earn a Master’s as part of the PhD program after they have completed a few years of coursework and passed certain exams. This doesn't mean that all doctoral candidates in American PhD programs have entered the program straight from undergrad. Several still choose to do a Master’s first before applying for a PhD. In some programs students who already have a Master's might not be required to take as many courses as students with just a Bachelor’s, but this isn't always the case.

Time to Degree

European PhD programs are shorter than those in the US. For example, it takes three years to complete a PhD in France, Norway, the UK, and Germany. Across Europe, a three to four year PhD in common. In comparison, six years is the average time to degree in the US with many PhDs in the humanities taking seven or eight years to earn their degree.

Thesis Topic

PhD candidates in Europe must choose their thesis topic and supervisor during the application process. Students apply for specific vacant doctoral projects that are usually tied to a professor’s research. As part of their application, they must create a research proposal for this project. It is also possible (in the UK for example) to apply to a department rather than a specific position, but applicants must still include a research proposal and are advised to contact potential supervisors before applying. In the US, candidates apply to a department’s PhD program, rather than a specific PhD project. While they have to discuss their research interests and identify potential supervisors in their applications, students do not decide on their thesis topic until their second or third year. In fact, many science and engineering programs have students rotate between different labs in their first year before deciding on their supervisor and dissertation project.

Teaching Requirement

PhD candidates occasionally have the opportunity to teach in Europe, although teaching is not a requirement in many countries. In the US, PhD candidates are often required to teach undergraduates, often as teaching assistants for a large lecture class. A teaching assistant leads smaller tutorials for 20-30 students and grades their exams and papers. Most PhD students will TA one class each semester for two to three years. Several American PhD programs also have mandatory pedagogy courses for graduate students.

Many European PhD programs require students to do little to no coursework. Candidates start working on their dissertation projects right away. American PhD programs, regardless of the field, require students to take two to three years of courses and seminars about topics across the discipline before they being working on their dissertation.

Funding and Salary

In several European countries, PhD students are seen as employees and have work contracts. As employees, PhD students pay into health insurance, pension, and unemployment insurance. In countries where PhD students are not employees (such as the UK and Italy) students apply for university scholarships, external fellowships, or research grants for funding. Tuition fees are drastically lower in many European countries compared to the United States. Funding at American universities varies widely, as do tuition fees. Private universities have higher tuition than public state schools (though international students usually higher tuition at state schools). The top schools offer five-year funding packages which cover tuition and fees and provide a monthly stipend. They also often include health insurance and conference travel. At other schools, students must compete for fellowships at the university, state, or national level to fund their PhDs. In some departmnets students will be paid and receive partial tuition credit for take teaching assistantship or research assistantship positions.

Comprehensive Exams

Most European PhD programs do not require students to pass qualifying exams to progress through their PhDs. There are some notable exceptions, like Sweden, where PhD candidates do an oral and written exam at the halfway point of their PhD. In the US, students usually have to pass a series of comprehensive exams before they can start working on their dissertation. The exams test the student’s knowledge of the major fields within their discipline. While every university will have a slightly different exam structure, there is usually an oral and a written component. Sometimes students also have to orally defend their dissertation proposal. After the candidate has completed their coursework and passed all the required exams they are considered ABD (all but dissertation).

Discover related jobs

Discover similar employers

Accelerate your academic career

Manhattan Has Two Genetically Distinct Groups of Rats

Brown rats are nearly entirely dependent on humans for resources, which ...

PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in Denmark in 2024

Interested in working in Denmark? Learn how much PhD students, postdocs,...

Preparing for Your PhD Defence

Here are some tips to help you beat the nerves and rock your defence.

10 Dissertation Writing Tips

The thesis is the capstone of your Master’s or PhD. It’s also an intimid...

Norwegian Academic Job Titles Explained

What's the difference between a professor and and førsteamanuensis? Here...

How to Apply for a PhD

Applying for a PhD can be overwhelming, but there are several things you...

Jobs by field

Machine Learning 163
Electrical Engineering 150
Molecular Biology 137
Programming Languages 136
Artificial Intelligence 128
Materials Engineering 119
Materials Chemistry 118
Electronics 109
Cell Biology 105
Biochemistry 100

Jobs by type

Postdoc 322
Assistant / Associate Professor 204
Professor 120
Researcher 104
Tenure Track 95
Lecturer / Senior Lecturer 83
Research assistant 49
Engineer 45
Management / Leadership 43

Jobs by country

Belgium 218
The Netherlands 144
Morocco 138
Switzerland 101
Luxembourg 68

Jobs by employer

Mohammed VI Polytechnic Unive... 138
KU Leuven 66
University of Luxembourg 65
Eindhoven University of Techn... 63
Ghent University 57
KTH Royal Institute of Techno... 55
ETH Zürich 48
Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) 41
University of Oulu 33

Plan Your Studies
Study Programs
Universities
Health Insurance for International Students
German Blocked Account
Germany Student Visa
Accommodation in Germany
Learn German
Living in Germany
Statistics & News

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding, & FAQs

Germany is an excellent destination for both young and experienced researchers.

The European country is third behind the U.S. and China for research & development expenditure . Plus, it is home to some of the most prestigious (and affordable!) research universities in the world.

If you’re considering doing a PhD in Germany, you will need to follow these steps:

The main steps to doing a PhD in Germany:

Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor
Decide Between Individual and Structured PhD Programs
Meet All Requirements & Prepare Your Application
Apply for Doctoral Studies
Secure Funding
Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit
Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program

[Infographic Below]

Why Pursue a PhD in Germany?

If you’re not yet sure if you should choose Germany for your PhD studies, here are some compelling reasons why you should consider it:

Study at GISMA University of Applied Sciences

Be one step ahead with a globally recognised college in Germany!

Top-tier universities. Four German universities are ranked in the top 100 global universities, and many more are in the top 200.
Large international student community. Germany welcomes a diverse and thriving international student community. Over 458,210 international students are currently studying in the country.
Quality research institutions. There are over a thousand publicly funded research institutions (universities, universities of applied sciences, research institutes, businesses, and government bodies) that you can choose from in Germany.
High investment in research and development. Germany’s public expenditure in the research and development sector reached a record high of 112.6 billion euros in 2021.
Strong economy. Germany is known for its strong and stable economy. After completing your PhD, there are plenty of employment opportunities in the academic, business, and research sectors.

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany

From finding the perfect program for you to submitting your application and starting your PhD, here are all the steps you need to take:

1. Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor

After all the years of studying leading up to this step, you most likely have a few areas of interest you want to do your research in.

This is the first important step: define your research focus by considering your interests and academic background. If you need more help, you can consult online resources from research universities. Or, even better, you can discuss your decision to pursue a PhD with academic communities online or offline and seek advice from current PhD students in Germany who can tell you more about their individual experiences.

If you already know what your research direction is, you can begin searching for suitable programs right ahead.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has an extensive list of current opportunities, which you can look up at the DAAD PhD Database .
Another option is to research universities in Germany individually to find the newest opportunities and offerings at each institution.

You will also have to find a supervisor. The best way to do this is to go to university websites and find faculty directories with profiles of professors and their research fields/current projects. Contact professors whose work aligns with your interests via email to inquire about supervision opportunities.

> Search PhD programs from 31,000 research institutions listed on the GERiT database .

Types of PhD Programs in Germany

There are two different paths you can take when pursuing a PhD: individual PhD programs and structured PhD programs. Each comes with its own set of advantages and requirements.

Individual doctorates are the most common and what is considered the more ‘traditional’ PhD route in Germany, especially in humanities and social sciences.

They are flexible and you’re expected to take charge of your work. You are responsible for finding your supervisor (“Doktorvater” or “Doktormutter”) and proposing your research topic.

These programs don’t have a fixed curriculum, so you’ll have plenty of freedom to design your research timeline and choose the coursework you like.

To succeed, you need a lot of self-discipline and to actively network, be it in doctoral candidate meetings or events related to your research.

Structured PhD programs are ideal for people who want a clear path to completing this degree, although they’re not as common in Germany.

It usually takes three to five years to complete a structured PhD path.

They are called such because they include a curriculum and research proposal that has to fit an existing project, within a set timeline for coursework and research.

Candidates work under the supervision of an advisor and collaborate with peers from different disciplines to get the best possible results.

2. Verify That You Meet All Requirements & Prepare the Application

Requirements and application documents to apply for a PhD in Germany are specific to the institution and research area you’re applying to. But, as a general guideline, you should prepare the following:

Academic degree recognized in Germany. You need a master’s degree or a German state examination (Staatsexamen) in a field relevant to the PhD program to qualify.
Copy of master’s thesis. Submit a copy of your master’s thesis. The work should demonstrate your research skills and the depth of your academic work.
Research proposal. Craft a clear and detailed research proposal that includes your intended research topic, objectives, methodology, and significance.
Statement of purpose. Write a statement of purpose why you want to do a PhD in your chosen field, your academic and career goals, and how this program aligns with them.
Curriculum Vitae (CV). Prepare a detailed CV highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, relevant coursework, publications, and any other qualifications.
Proof of language proficiency. Depending on the language of instruction, you may have to provide proof of language proficiency in English and/or German. You can do this with certificates like TestDaF and DSH for German or TOEFL and IELTS for English. Proof of previous studies in the language is also sufficient.
Academic references. Provide contact information or recommendation letters from professors/ academic advisors who can attest to your academic abilities and potential.
Predoctoral examination. Some programs ask that you pass a predoctoral examination as part of the application process.

3. Apply for Doctoral Studies

After finding a suitable PhD program and mentor, and making sure your academic qualifications are recognized, you can send in your application.

You can send in your application online or by post, depending on the hosting institution’s preferences. To make sure, check their guidelines and specifications. Admission committees are selective, so you may also have to attend an interview soon in the application process.

4. Secure Funding

You must demonstrate access to a minimum of €992 per month (€11,908 per year) to meet visa requirements and live comfortably while you’re in Germany. You can prove this through an admission agreement or relevant PhD contract, or you can open a blocked account with individual funds.

There are many ways to support yourself financially while pursuing a PhD in Germany:

PhD scholarships. DAAD offers the highest number of doctoral scholarships. PhD students get an average monthly stipend of €1,139.
Paid PhD positions. Many universities and research institutions offer paid PhD positions in Germany. You will work on specific research projects on a contract and receive a salary.
Research associate positions. You can also work as a research associate in a university, research institution, or company and receive a salary as compensation.
Part-time jobs. Some PhD students/researchers work part-time jobs that are not related to their studies for extra income.

> Read more about the costs of studying in Germany.

> Discover PhD scholarships in Germany.

5. Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit

If the institution confirms your place in the PhD program, next in line is applying for a student visa or residence permit. The requirements for a German PhD visa or permit can vary depending on your nationality and circumstances:

Visa Requirements

If you’re a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you don’t need a special permit or visa for a PhD in Germany. You can enter the country for research and work purposes with a valid passport or ID card.

Otherwise, you will need a visa and/or a residence permit to do your PhD in Germany. Nationals of some countries, including the United States, Australia, Israel, Japan, and Korea, don’t need a visa but must apply for a residence permit.

Depending on the circumstances, you need one of the following visas:

Study visa. If you’re pursuing a full-time doctoral program.
Research visa. If your focus is on research and you have a formal affiliation with a research institution in Germany.
EU Blue Card. If your PhD contract pays a gross annual salary of at least €45,300 (or €41,041.80 in certain professions), you can apply for an EU Blue Card . This is a special residence title for international academics and other professionals.

Residence Permit Requirements

If you come to Germany on a visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit within three months of arrival. This also applies to nationals of countries outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland who are exempt from the visa requirement.

You can apply for one of the following residence permits:

Study permit. If you’re accepted into a PhD program at a German university, apply for a study-based residence permit. It lasts up to two years, extendable.
Research permit. If you’re a researcher with the right qualifications for doctoral programs, apply for a research permit. This requires a contract with a research institution for your project.
EU Blue Card. With a PhD offer that has a minimum salary of €45,300 per year, or €41,041.80 for some bottleneck professions , you may be eligible for the EU Blue Card. Apply for this permit if you meet the criteria.

> For more specific information tailored to your situation, we recommend contacting the German embassy or consulate in your home country. You can also use this visa navigator.

6. Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program

The most exciting step of all is near—time to unpack your bags and begin your life as a PhD student or researcher in Germany. Once you’re settled in, there are some formalities you need to take care of.

The international office at the university or another representative can guide you best on this. However, here are some of the main things you need to do once you arrive in Germany:

Register Your Residence

Shortly after your arrival, you must register your residence at the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). This is mandatory, and you typically have a window of two weeks to complete this process.

Get Health Insurance

Everyone in Germany is required by law to have health insurance coverage. This includes international PhD students. Depending on the source of your funding, you are eligible for one of the following health insurance coverages:

Doctoral candidates with an employment contract are automatically insured with a state-regulated health insurance provider (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung-GKV) in most cases.
Doctoral candidates without an employment contract (with a fellowship or private funding) can choose between:
Voluntary health insurance coverage with a state-regulated provider.
Coverage with a private health insurance company.

There are some exceptions in which you can use your insurance from your home country. These apply to students from a European Union (EU) country or other countries with social security agreements with Germany.

Open a Bank Account

You should open a German bank account as soon as possible. Most financial transactions in Germany, including receiving your stipend or salary, are done through a German bank account.

Enroll at the University

If your PhD program is part of a university degree, you need to enroll as a student at the university. Follow your university’s instructions to submit the necessary documents to the enrollment office. These usually include your admission letter, passport, proof of health insurance, and semester fee.

After you complete this process, you will receive an Enrollment Certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung). This is a very important document that you most likely need in the future.

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany [Infographic]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s a lot of planning involved if you’re considering doing a PhD, especially if it’s in a foreign country. We’re sure you’ve got more questions, and we’re here to help.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Germany?

A PhD in Germany usually takes between three to six years to complete. Just like in other countries, it can take longer or shorter than expected, depending on several factors. The type of PhD you choose (structured programs can be more rigid), your subject area, and individual progress can all make a difference in the time it takes to get a PhD in Germany.

Are PhD Programs in Germany Tuition-Free?

The majority of PhD programs in Germany are tuition-free, at least for the first six semesters. However, if need to enroll at a university for your PhD, there is a small semester fee you need to cover. The fee can be higher or lower depending on the university, but it usually falls within the range of €100 to €350.

Is German Mandatory to Pursue a PhD in Germany?

You don’t necessarily have to know German to do a PhD in Germany. In fact, most PhD programs in Germany are in English, especially in fields such as science, engineering, and humanities. In these programs, you can both write your thesis and communicate with your advisor and peers in English.

There is of course the chance that the program you’ve chosen is in German or requires knowledge of German (in most cases, in addition to English). In this case, you have to prove your proficiency through a recognized language certificate or proof of previous studies in German.

Even if German isn’t mandatory, we strongly encourage you to learn the basics. They will be super helpful in daily interactions and getting accustomed to life in Germany.

How Much Does a PhD Student Earn in Germany?

Most PhD candidates in Germany receive financial support in the form of a salary or grant. This includes candidates affiliated with universities, research institutes, or company collaborations.

The majority of doctoral positions are structured under either the Collective Agreement for Civil Service TVöD (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst or the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of Individual Federal States TV-L (Tarifvertrag der Länder). Since universities are funded by their respective federal government, if your PhD is affiliated with one, your salary will be structured under the TV-L.

Doctoral positions fall within the TV-L 13 category, with a salary range spanning from €4,188 (Tier 1) to €6,037 (Tier 6). The difference between the tiers (Stufe) depends on prior experience in the field. If you don’t have any research experience, you will fall under Tier 1 and progress to the other tiers throughout your PhD.

Your salary will ultimately be determined based on a wage agreement that specifies the contract tier (Stufe) and working hours (percentage-based). Many entry-level PhD students start with tier 1 contracts that are not full-time. For example, if your contract places you in Pay Group E-13 Tier 1 of the TV-L and you work at 75% capacity, your monthly gross salary will be €3,141.

> Learn more about pay ranges for PhD students using this convenient calculator .

Can I Work While Pursuing a PhD in Germany?

Part-time work is an option in most cases unless it’s strictly stated otherwise in your contract. Whether or not you are allowed to work on the side as a PhD in Germany depends on the working hours stated in your PhD contract, supervisor, and other specific circumstances.

However, since the PhD is considered a job in itself, it’s usually frowned upon to have a side hustle. Even if you have a 50% contract, a PhD is demanding and requires long hours of work and research. If you choose to work on the side, make sure to find the right balance between work and your PhD commitments. To be on the safe side, it’s best to talk to your supervisor and go over all the legal and contractual obligations related to your PhD.

What Is the Process for Defending a PhD Thesis in Germany?

Here are the main steps to defending your PhD thesis in Germany:

Submit your thesis. The first step is submitting submit your thesis and supporting documents in adherence to all the formal requirements. A commission will be formed, and in some cases, you can suggest reviewers.
Oral defense. The next step is preparing and undergoing an oral defense, which can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours. During this time, you will present your research and discuss it with the committee. The defense can be either public or private.
Receive the title and publish your work. The outcome of the discussion determines your final grade, to be received after the defense. If everything goes well, you’re granted the Ph.D. title and have about two years to publish your dissertation.

What Are the Career Prospects Like After Doing a PhD in Germany?

Career prospects after a PhD in Germany are quite promising.

The most common paths for PhD holders in Germany are either in academia as professors or post-doctorate researchers or in industry positions.

Technology, healthcare, and finance, in particular, are some of the most in-demand industries in Germany. The country’s strong economy and research-oriented environment make it an attractive place to develop your career.

Join 262,114 students interested in studying in Germany

Download a free copy of our "Essential Guide to Studying in Germany for Free" , get regular emails sent to your inbox with helpful articles about studying in Germany, latest news, scholarships, study abroad opportunities and offers...

Download The Guide

Studying-in-Germany.org is the largest information portal about studying in Germany for foreign students.

We publish news about the latest German higher education system changes and education policy updates, as well as a vast amount of informational content, articles, and research about studying in Germany for international students.

Learn more about us

Latest News and Statistics

Must-know changes for students in germany in 2025, german universities receive €220 million to improve international mobility for students & staff, german universities registered 9% increase in guest students in winter semester 2023/24, bachelor students in germany more likely to drop out within first academic year, higher education in germany: key trends & statistics.

Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy

Press Enter to activate screen reader mode.

Academic Applications

Direct doctorate programme.

The ETH Zurich direct doctorate programme makes it possible for candidates with outstanding Bachelor’s degrees to progress directly to doctoral studies.

The application for the direct doctorate programme is always linked to the associated Master’s degree programme. It proceeds online via the application portal when the respective programme is selected.

The direct doctorate programme is only offered by certain degree programmes at ETH Zurich ( Chemistry , Chemical and Bioengineering , Computer Science , Mathematics , Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and Physics ). Detailed information can be found on the linked pages or can be requested directly from the Study Administration. If one of the above-mentioned degree programmes is selected in the application portal eApply, then there will be two buttons in the tab “Programme”: “Direct doctorate” and “Master's degree programme” (Figure 1).

Application portal eApply. The programme “Chemistry” is selected in the dropdown. At the bottom right are two clickable buttons “Direct doctorate” and “Master's degree programme”.

An application for the direct doctorate programme is only possible during the first application window (autumn) .

The following additional documents are required for the application for the direct doctorate.

Direct Doctorate in Computer Science

Motivation letter which concisely explains the motivation and suitability to do doctoral studies in computer science at ETH Zurich. It should describe any past research, and teaching experience, identify general areas of research and reflect on two preferred research groups’ work you are interested in to complete the doctoral programme as well as future career plans. No word limit.

Direct Doctorate in Chemistry, Chemical and Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Mathematics and Physics)

Motivation letter: The requirements listed for the respective degree programme must be observed.
Financial support: For a successful application, a written confirmation of the future supervisor (ETH professor) is required. This letter has to state that they will provide the funding for the merit-based scholarship during the MSc studies and the salary for the subsequent doctoral studies. This PDF can be uploaded in the 2nd field and labelled “Financial support”.

The direct doctorate programme consists of two parts. The first part involves a full Master’s degree programme, and the second the actual doctorate. For this reason, the direct doctorate programme is always linked to a Master’s degree programme in the respective discipline. The details regarding the direct doctorate can be found in the appendix to the programme regulations of the Master's degree programme. The current study regulations of the degree programmes offering a direct doctorate can be found in the ETH Zurich Legal Collection .

MSc Chemistry
MSc Chemical and Bioengineering
MSc Computer Science
MSc Mathematics
MSc Physics
MSc Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

Students in direct doctorate programmes receive a scholarship during their Master’s degree studies. It is therefore not possible to apply for an Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP) at the same time.

Doctoral programmes

{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=0; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('main-nav-link-list')?.children[0]?.children[1]?.focus()) }"> Research landscape
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=1; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('main-nav-link-list')?.children[1]?.children[1]?.focus()) }"> Your goal
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=2; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('main-nav-link-list')?.children[2]?.children[1]?.focus()) }"> Plan your stay
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=3; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('main-nav-link-list')?.children[3]?.children[1]?.focus()) }"> Success stories
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=4; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('main-nav-link-list')?.children[4]?.children[1]?.focus()) }"> Our service
R&D policy framework
Research infrastructure
Research funding system
Universities
Universities of applied sciences
Technical universities
Top universities
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
Helmholtz Association
Leibniz Association
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
Academies of sciences and humanities
Federal research institutions
State research institutions
What is R&D in German business?
Why is collaboration important?
Which sectors carry out R&D?
Which are the leading companies?
How do German businesses compare internationally?
How is the start-up scene set up?
How do I start a career?
Good reasons

Two ways to get your PhD

Find your PhD position
How to apply for a PhD
Funding programmes
Funding organisations
Funding databases
Job portals
Career options & dual careers
Funding & awards
Potential employers
Research fields
Entry and residence
German money-saving tips
Cost of living
Social insurance and health
Bringing your family
Information for your partner
Support for families
Finding a place to live
Funding opportunities
Recognition of professional qualifications
Counselling
Latest Thinking
First-hand experiences from international researchers
"Meet Your Future You" - series
On-site consultation
Our publications
Research news
Online talks
Topics in focus
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=0; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('mobile-nav-0')?.children[0]?.children[0]?.focus()) }"> Research landscape
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=1; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('mobile-nav-1')?.children[0]?.children[0]?.focus()) }"> Your goal
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=2; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('mobile-nav-2')?.children[0]?.children[0]?.focus()) }"> Plan your stay
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=3; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('mobile-nav-3')?.children[0]?.children[0]?.focus()) }"> Success stories
{ expandedNavigation=true; activeIndex=4; setTimeout(() => document.getElementById('mobile-nav-4')?.children[0]?.children[0]?.focus()) }"> Our service

Support making RiG more international!

Support making "Research in Germany" more international! Your expertise and commitment are the key to the further development of promoting the German research landscape. We invite you to take part in our online survey and share your valuable experiences and opinions. Duration: 7-10 min.

Please start the survey at the end of your visit.

A doctorate is the highest academic degree that a university can award. In Germany, studying for a doctorate primarily means working intensely on a specific subject or research project for a long period of time. It typically takes five to six years to obtain a doctorate, though the length of time can vary.

How to obtain a PhD in Germany

If you decide to do a doctorate, you can choose between different forms of study. Depending on your discipline, research area, personal circumstances and formal qualifications, there are two different paths:

Individual doctorate The individual doctorate is based on independent research carried out alone under the supervision of one professor. This is the traditional path followed by over three quarters of all doctoral students in Germany.
Structured PhD programmes These programmes offer a form of study similar to that found in English-speaking countries. You will be supervised by a team and will attend courses, lectures and seminars together with other doctoral students. Normally, such programmes are publicly advertised and often feature grants or paid doctoral positions.

Individual doctorate

Two researchers are sitting in comfortable chairs and are discussing a book.

DAAD/Jan Zappner

The "traditional" or "individual" path to a PhD remains the most common in Germany. An individual doctorate involves a thesis or dissertation that is produced under the supervision of one professor .

This form of PhD study offers a great deal of flexibility , but also demands a high degree of personal initiative and responsibility . A professor supervises a PhD student, who works on his or her subject in consultation with the professor, but largely independently .

How long a traditional individual doctorate takes depends on your own time schedule – or on the duration of your work contract. On average, you can expect it to take five to six years . Although a university is normally responsible for the doctoral process, you can also carry out your research at other institutions.

Depending on your subject, research area and interests, you can choose whether to work on a research project and your PhD at a university or non-university research institute – or indeed in industry. However, no matter where you conduct your research, a professor will always supervise your PhD.

You can obtain a doctorate by pursuing research:

at a university
at a non-university research institute or
in a German company

PhD at a university

The "typical" PhD student in Germany works – usually part-time – as a research associate at his or her university. Although research is generally part of the job description, most of the associate’s own doctoral research usually has to be carried out outside working hours. How closely teaching, research and/or administrative duties are actually tied into the doctoral student’s own research depends very much on the individual situation.

PhD at a non-university research institute

Non-university research establishments – such as the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft , Helmholtz Association , Leibniz Association and Max Planck Society – offer an excellent research environment in which to conduct your research. These institutions do not have the right to award doctorates themselves, but collaborate with universities for that purpose. They offer PhD students scholarships and/or (usually fixed-term) contracts of employment – or a combination of the two. However, support is also possible in the form of regular research posts, which are especially typical of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and the Max Planck Society.

PhD in industry

Graduates who decide to work in industry and study for a doctorate part-time – often with funding and support from their employer – also need a university professor to supervise their research. In some cases, the employer will already be collaborating with a university or research institute and can help the PhD student find the right supervisor.

People who have PhD research posts within a company usually have part-time temporary contracts and work on a research project that allows them to pursue their doctoral research under the supervision of a professor. When a university and an industrial company collaborate in specially established institutes, doctoral researchers usually work on their projects with their professor and a supervisor from the company.

More information:

Find your individual doctorate

The traditional individual path to a doctorate remains the most common in Germany. In this case, the doctoral student works for the most part independently on their thesis, though in consultation with their supervising professor.

Structured PhD programmes

Three researchers are standing at a whiteboard and are looking towards the camera laughing. The one in the middle holds a pen in her hand holding it near the whiteboard as if she was interrupted in writing something on it.

DAAD/Volker Lannert

Structured doctoral programmes often have a strong international orientation with English as the team language. Unlike the individual doctorate model that can be freely structured to suit the individual research project, here doctoral students and their research proposals have to fit in with an existing PhD programme.

The doctorate frequently entails a clearly structured doctoral study programme with compulsory attendance at lectures or seminars and interim assessment (credit points). The programme frequently also covers academic and scientific methods or soft skills , such as presentation techniques.

As a rule, PhD Students work steadily at realising their research project within the team and with intensive support from a group of academic staff (often referred to as the “thesis committee”).

The duration of your studies is generally limited to three to five years, and there is usually a fixed curriculum within which you work toward your doctorate and write your thesis.

Find your structured PhD programme

Though no database containing all structured PhD programmes in Germany is available yet, we can point you in the direction of databases that will help you find what you are looking for nonetheless, where to obtain information about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Check out our brochure:

Doing a phd in germany (2019, 40 pages).

This booklet for (prospective) international doctoral students presents the different options for doing a doctorate in Germany. It explains the formal requirements and gives some practical advice on finding the right supervisor or doctoral programme. It also outlines different sponsorship and funding options.

European Education Area

Quality education and training for all

Research opportunities in Europe

Europe offers considerable opportunities for existing and young researchers from around the world to study a PhD, a post-doctorate degree and to work as a researcher.

Some points to keep in mind when applying for PhD and postdoctoral studies in Europe

You should have a Master’s or equivalent degree to apply. In some cases, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient.
Make sure you have a unique research proposal or know how your work can contribute to existing research in a field.
Generally, it takes a minimum of 4 years to complete a PhD in Europe, although there are 3- and 5-year programmes available, as well as part-time options.
Fees are typically low or non-existing and good grant possibilities are often offered by host countries, the European Union (EU) and other organisations. You may also be able to gain employment as a researcher during your doctoral studies.
The diversity of opportunities is matched by a system of qualification recognition and credit transfer, meaning that your degree will be internationally recognised and accepted by all countries with an ENIC-NARIC network .
After a PhD, you can pursue postdoctoral work. These positons are somewhat more difficult to obtain and in many cases the researcher will have to provide the funding for his or her research.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Candidates who are actively seeking a paid postdoc position may seek funding via the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).

MSCA is the EU’s reference programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training under Horizon Europe.

The MSCA foster inter-sectoral and international research. Funding is open to organisations, consortia and individual applicants.

To learn more about the different types of funding available and to apply for a relevant job, follow the link to visit the page About Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions .

Search EURAXESS

EURAXESS is a European Commission portal providing information on research positions and funding to help researchers come to Europe to work, work in another European country or beyond. People use it to find a position or funding.

To take advantage of this information and search for your job in research, just follow the link EURAXESS .

Thanks for sending your response.

Your input will help us improve your experience. You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.

Already have an account? Sign in

University and Program Search

Universities
Recommended

Reset Filters

More Filters

Tuition Fee
MBA Program Type
Qualifying Exam
Apply via QS
Delivery Mode

Tuition Fees in USD/year

Study Level
1001 - 5000
5,001 - 10,000
More than 20,000
Executive MBA
GRE Enter Score Optional
GMAT Enter Score Optional
IELTS Enter Score Optional
TOEFL Enter Score Optional
Rankings High to Low
Tuition Fee Low to High
Tuition Fee High to Low
Alphabetical Order A to Z
Alphabetical Order Z to A

No Results Found!

Explore other recommended programs.

Results per page:

1-10 of 1000

We use Necessary cookies to make our website work. We’d also like to set optional Functional cookies to gather anonymous site visitation data and Advertising cookies to help us understand which content our visitors value the most. By enabling these cookies, you can help us provide a better website for you. These will be set only if you accept.More information about the cookies we use can be found here Cookies Policy

Browse by subject:

Popular countries to study abroad in europe:.

570 programmes at 30 universities

1,400 programmes at 127 universities

898 programmes at 31 universities

Browser other countries in Europe

Featured universities

University of Helsinki

The University of Helsinki is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary research universities, and ranks amongst the top 20 universities in Europe and top 100 universities worldwide.

Luiss University

Luiss University is a prestigious institution in Rome, Italy, renowned for its excellence in management and social sciences, offering innovative degrees and fostering global perspectives.

US students: Scholarships to study in Europe (2024)

Enquire Now
About SI-UK
Meet the Team
New Delhi - Connaught Place
New Delhi - Nehru Place
New Delhi - Rajouri Garden
Bengaluru - Church Street
Bengaluru - J.P. Nagar
Calicut (Kozhikode)
Bhubaneswar
Mumbai - Bandra
Mumbai - Andheri
All Global Offices
Find Your UK University Course
Free Service
Premium Service
Oxbridge Service
Visa Service
Boarding School Service
Career Assessment
MBA Service
View all Services
UCAS and Applying
UK University Rankings 2025
University Subject Guide
Scholarships and Funding
All UK Study Information
Undergraduate
Postgraduate and Masters
All Study Options
UK University Profiles
UK University Study Guide
Pearson Academic Test
PTE Coaching
LanguageCert Exam Testing
Language Centre Home
Practice Test
What is IELTS?
University News
Corporate News
Open Days and Events
Work with us

SI-UK has learnt that a few entities are falsely claiming to be Agents of SI-UK in the State of Punjab or the Union Territory of Chandigarh. These entities are frivolous and do not have any association with SI-UK, as SI-UK does not have any Agent in the State of Punjab or the Union Territory of Chandigarh. Be advised that SI-UK is not an immigration focused agency and customers should be alert regarding such frivolous acts. SI-UK is a trusted UK University partner, specialising in Foundation, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Oxbridge and Medicine admissions offering absolutely free application and visa services with University trained counsellors. SI-UK has an office in the Union Territory of Chandigarh and students from Punjab must place their applications for the UK Universities directly with this office only. Please contact SI-UK Chandigarh, SCO 310, First Floor, Sector 35B, Chandigarh 160022. Alternatively, students can call at +91- 8287256724 or email at [email protected] Close

United States
United Kingdom
Saudi Arabia
Philippines

Integrated PhD

Studying an Integrated PhD in the UK

Last updated: 20 February 2024

An integrated PhD is a 4-year study programme that is designed for graduates to acquire the necessary research skills in subject-specific interdisciplinary topics. This is an integrated PhD for graduate-level students to pursue PhD studies straight after an honours undergraduate degree. The integrated PhD programme includes taught modules, unlike the traditional research degrees, which encourage students to take responsibility for their own research and PhD thesis.

Research degrees in the UK traditionally last for a duration of 3 years full-time and six years part-time. Universities in the UK offer three types of other research degrees, including:

MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme that may be transferred to a PhD programme later.
MRes (Master of Research) is an advanced postgraduate degree acquired in areas of arts, humanities and social sciences before beginning a proper PhD.
Professional Doctorate is a research degree to improve professional practice in law, medicine, engineering, business and education.

Normally the successful completion of a masters programme is required before embarking on empirical research and PhD studies, some UK universities offer integrated PhD degrees which can be studied directly after a bachelors and do not mandatorily require a master level education.

Benefits of an Integrated Research Programme

A PhD is the highest level academic certification awarded by the UK universities. However, completing a PhD programme can be incredibly challenging and financially burdening. An integrated PhD research programme, on the other hand, has several advantages:

A PhD without a master's is a great time-saving option facilitating career progression for bachelor students who may directly move onto a PhD programme without a Master’s degree. Such a progression provides a competitive edge to graduates who advance in the desired career path in less time than the traditional route.
Savings on the financial costs is a major benefit of an integrated PhD degree. Completing a Master's, which may last anywhere between 1-2 years, can be financially draining and may require funding through bursaries, loans and scholarships.
The research work allows students to make valuable contributions in their desired field through path-breaking discoveries and findings of their research work.
Integrated PhDs provide a broader training experience as students have access to tailored and highly specialist training of research processes and techniques along with hands-on guidance and supervision.
Many universities also award an official Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate in Research after completing the first taught year, in addition to the PhD award. Employers in many countries often require these to certify skill training in the desired fields.
Students who do not wish to continue with the PhD programme can benefit from the intermediate exit award, such as a Master’s degree, Postgraduate diploma or MPhil upon completion of the initial taught year and submission of dissertation or thesis.

Integrated Research Programmes at UK Universities

Top ranking universities in London and other places in the UK offer Integrated PhD Degrees in the fields of Science, Medicine , Economics , Law , Engineering , Computer Science , Business, Management and Mathematics . These include:

Imperial College London
Brunel University london
University of Edinburgh
University of Sheffield
University of Southampton
Newcastle University
Lancaster University

Study PhD in the UK

If you are interested in studying Research/PhD in the UK and want to learn more about how to apply, where to apply and how to fund your studies, book a free consultation with SI-UK . Our education consultants can expertly guide you throughout the application process.

Last Updated 20 February 2024

You might also be interested in...

Blog studying an integrated phd in the uk.

I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. Rashmi Lakshanya Urban Development and Planning at University College London

Book your Free Consultation

A member of the SI-UK team will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange your initial consultation with one of our UK education experts.

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

Study in Europe /

Find the best PhD in Europe to study

Updated on
Dec 7, 2023

The globally acclaimed educational institutions of Europe are founded on the principle of research and innovation and the continent is also home to the headquarters of several renowned multinational enterprises as well as state-of-the-art centres of scientific exploration. Geneva, Berlin and Paris are amongst the top preferred study destinations in Europe. Moreover, offering international-level exposure and knowledge into a varied range of fields and specialisations, the continent attracts an immense number of students from all nooks and corners of the world every year who enrol across an array of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes . Particularly, a PhD in Europe is a highly specialized degree program provided in a multitude of specialised disciplines. If you are planning to pursue a doctoral degree in the continent, here is a detailed guide on the key essentials you should know before applying for a PhD in Europe .

This Blog Includes:

Phd in europe: eligibility requirements, research proposal, phd in europe: how to apply, phd in europe: top study destinations.

A doctoral degree like a PhD is undertaken as research in a particular topic within a subject, such as a PhD in English on ‘Shakespearean Literature’ or a PhD in Economics on ‘Market Volatility’. European institutions offer flexibility as to the constituents of a PhD degree in terms of duration, thesis, the language of instruction, coursework, and teaching requirements, amongst others. Usually, a PhD in Europe lasts for a minimum of 3 years extending to 5-6 years and the application requirements mandate submission of a research proposal to the professor, department or at the application portal. Prospective students are advised to visit course websites for the latest information.

Applicants need to fulfil some minimum eligibility conditions in order to pursue a PhD in Europe. Many universities generally require candidates to have a master’s degree in their chosen field of study. However, in some cases, institutions may also admit students on the basis of a high-ranking bachelor’s degree. Further, a minimum score is required throughout all postsecondary qualifications, for instance, in the UK, a first or upper-second-class UK honours degree or its international equivalent.

A considerable number of European institutions require prospective applicants to submit a research proposal which details the intended topic of research that the applicant wishes to pursue at the institution. Further, it also delineates the professors under which the applicant wishes to work and how it will help him in developing his interest. The university strives for a balance between the expectations of the applicant and the facilities it is providing so as to promote student development.

In comparison to institutions in USA , Canada and Australia , a PhD in Europe is affordable in terms of tuition fees, living costs and other expenses. Further, besides university-based funding in the form of scholarships, assistantships etc, the country of study also offers diverse funding opportunities like monthly stipends, research assistantships, tuition fee waivers and country-based scholarships.

GRE Scholarships
Education Loan without Collateral

The process of application for a PhD in Europe can be undertaken in two ways. One, through direct professor approach and recommendation (only a few students get admission through this way) and the other through the traditional application process. The former method requires you to approach a professor at the university from your field and ask for an admission recommendation. If the professor is impressed by your academic qualifications and experience, you will be offered a PhD admission to the university. On the other hand, the conventional application process is similar to the regular application procedure and requires you to upload all the necessary documents such as LOR , SOP and resume amongst others along with submitting the application fee. After a month or two encompassing the evaluation process, the university will provide the list of selected students on their admission portal.

There are a plethora of study destinations in Europe that offer quality educational programs in an array of fields and specializations. The continent is home to some of the best academic institutions in the world and is home to an immense number of research centres and universities. Here is a list of major study destinations in Europe and their renowned institutions along with other specific details about PhD programs offered.

Home to one of the top universities in the world, the United Kingdom (UK) provide a huge number of PhD and research opportunities spanning a multitude of specialisations from Business Administration to disciplines of Liberal Arts. Most UK universities will essentially need a master’s degree as well as English language proficiency tests such as IELTS and TOEFL as key eligibility prerequisites for a PhD program.

Duration: Minimum 3 years; full-time

Institutions: University of Bristol , University of Manchester , University of Sussex etc.

Also Read: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students

German universities are internationally renowned for their offered range of Science and Engineering programs. Providing courses with low or almost no tuition fees, Germany also has an array of government grants for international students aspiring to pursue a PhD. These grants are availed by DAAD and Excellence Initiative with an aim to equip meritorious students with financial assistance for PhD programs.

Duration: 3-4 years

Institutions: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen ; TU Munchen, Humboldt University Berlin etc.

Also Read: Study in Germany Without IELTS

France is another prominent European study destination for those aspiring to pursue PhD programs in technical fields such as Engineering, Information Technology, amongst others. The tuition fees for PhD courses in French universities are typically low and students are allowed to pursue independent research programmes at the elitist institutions of the country. Further, you can also go for dual-degree courses that are an exceptional combination of a master’s degree and a PhD.

Institutions: Université PSL , Ecole Polytechnique, etc

With the perks of affordable education and living costs, Finland is home to two of the world’s renowned research universities, i.e. the University of Helsinki and the Aalto University. Further, major PhD courses are offered in English and you don’t necessarily need to learn Finnish to pursue a course in the country.

Institutions: University of Helsinki , Aalto University, University of Eastern Finland etc.

Team Leverage Edu

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2025

September 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

How to Find Fully Funded PhD and Master’s Programs in Europe

Young female student dressed casually with colorful books in the inner yard of oldest university in the world in Bologna city in Italy.

By Andrew Anžur Clement, PhD

Let’s say that you’re about to graduate from college, with either an undergrad or a master’s under your belt. You’re looking for your next move but would like to avoid things like mountains of student debt or crushing teaching loads. If you’re like me, maybe you studied abroad and just don’t want to come home. If so, there are a lot of great reasons to consider one of the many fully-funded master’s or PhD programs offered by the European Union and other European institutions.

Read on to learn more about where to get started looking to find the European post-grad experience that’s right for you, at the master’s, PhD and post-doc levels.

The double master’s scholarships offered by the European Commission’s Erasmus Mundus programs.

The EU Commission is the executive branch of the European Union. Among other things, it funds double masters programs under the umbrella of the Erasmus Mundus funding scheme. The stipends cover tuition, as well as well as monthly stipends for living expenses and also a one-time allotment for travel costs to and from Europe.

On these programs, you will study at two different institutions within a program’s consortium; you’ll graduate with degrees from both of these universities. You may also have the opportunity for an exchange semester at third partner institutions in the EU and around the world, including places like the UK. Students from all over the world can apply. In most cases, the language of coursework and instruction is English.

You’ll apply directly to the program and consortium you’re interested in. The specific requirements differ, depending on your field and specific course of study. There are two main ways to go about finding the right master’s program. The old-fashioned way is by looking at the websites of the universities and departments you are interested in, to see if they are members of an Erasmus Mundus program that’s a good fit for your interests. Then you’ll apply via that consortium’s website. Other EU-related funding opportunities can be found here .

Fortunately, there is an easier way. The EU now has a handy, searchable database for all currently running Erasmus Mundus programs called the Erasmus Mundus Catalog . There, you can find out more and apply.

Even if you are not selected for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, you may have the opportunity to attend as a paying student. Even then, you will still benefit from a world-class educational experience and get two degrees at tuition fees that are far, far lower than in the United States.

PhD and post-doc funding opportunities from the European Union.

If you’ve already graduated with your master’s (or double master’s) in your hot little hands, if you want to continue with your academic plans on the continent, the EU still has plenty of great opportunities for you.

The European Commission funding programs on the PhD and post-doc levels are now administered exclusively through Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSC) . This is great. It allows you to double-dip by being able to receive the one-time grant, on the master’s and doctoral levels separately.

While you are able to propose your own research program directly to the commission under the framework of the MSC grant, this is exceedingly difficult and mostly done on the post-doctoral level.

The EU has a database of all MSC funding ‘actions,’ as they are called, at the link above. However, because this includes all types of currently-open calls for applications, including at the post-doc and departmental levels, it can prove a bit clunky. The best way of going about finding the PhD consortium ‘school’ that is right for you is to look directly on the websites of the universities you are interested in to see if they are a member of a consortium program. You will apply directly via the consortium’s website, when the call for applications is open.

As a prospective PhD candidate, you will likely apply through the specific consortium of degree-awarding institutions, or ‘PhD school,’ that fits not only your academic background and interests but also your compatibility with the research package profile that the school – and, in turn, the EU – is looking for. In simpler terms, this means that the PhD consortium authorities will evaluate your potential as a researcher to pursue a specific agenda of research and carry out various mandatory academic and outreach modules as dictated in a top-down manner.

This means that, on the PhD level, you are applying for a job; you will be paid a salary to carry out a specific research project in a pre-determined area over the course of the program, at the end of which you will receive PhD’s from two academic institutions. You can find out more information about the MSC grants and how to prepare a competitive application for an MSC fellowship in my article: How to Prepare a Strong Application for a PhD Fellowship in the Social Sciences from the European Union .

A note on the European Economic Area and Post-Brexit realities.

Let’s say that you’ve found a program that you’d love to apply for in Switzerland, Norway, or Iceland. On the other hand, maybe you have your heart set on starting your post-grad academic career in the United Kingdom. In the first two of these cases you’re in luck! Members of the European Economic Area – Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein – as EU ‘affiliates,’ actively participate in the EU’s master’s and PhD programs, as degree-awarding institutions.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, UK universities are still eligible to be affiliated with EU Erasmus Mundus consortium programs as ‘partner’ rather than ‘participating’ institutions. In short, this means while prospective candidates for an EU fellowship may still be able to study at a UK institution for a semester, the main degree-awarding institutions will both have to be from the EU/EEA.

The UK posts its own national master’s and PhD funding opportunities on the British Council Scholarships and Funding website, though, post-Brexit, the British Council has become more focused on attracting students from its Commonwealth and certain other countries with which it seeks to form deeper strategic partnerships. In general, should you choose to attend a UK master’s or PhD program as a paying student, tuition fees are easily more than twice that of many European universities, though still less than in the United States.

Final thoughts.

So there you have some starting points to search for fully funded and stipended post-grad programs in Europe. By choosing Europe for your post-grad studies, it’s possible to finish with four degrees, money in the bank and limitless possibilities for the future. Judging by my own experience, at least, the EU certainly has one more satisfied graduate.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read I Completed 4 Fully-Funded Graduate Programs in Europe (And You Can, Too) .

I Completed 4 Fully-Funded Graduate Programs in Europe (And You Can, Too)
How to Prepare a Strong Application for a PhD Fellowship in the Social Sciences from the…
How to Fund Your Graduate Studies in the UK
More Fellowships Abroad: Next Stop, Europe!
Fully Funded Master's Programs in Geography

Andrew Anžur Clement , Fully Funded Master's Programs , Fully Funded PhD Programs , Masters Fellowships , PhD Fellowships

Sustainability Fellowships for Master’s Graduates

Profellow spring 2023 university tour, find and win paid, competitive fellowships.

Be alerted about new fellowship calls for applications, get insider application tips, and learn about fully funded PhD and graduate programs

Fellowship Resources

Calls for Applications
Upcoming Fellowship Deadlines
Fellowships Database
Interviews with Fellows
International Fellows Network
Graduate Funding Directory

Fellowship Tips

What is a Fellowship?
Fully Funded Course
Graduate School Funding
Fellowship Application Tips
Fulbright Application Tips
Fellowship Application Guide
Our Mission, History & Values
ProFellow Winner Testimonials
Fully Funded Course Testimonials
Fellowship Industry Report
Advertise With Us
Terms & Privacy

ProFellow is the go-to source for information on professional and academic fellowships, created by fellows for aspiring fellows.

PhD Without a Masters

Can you do a PhD Without a Masters?

Written by Hannah Slack

When considering the path to a PhD, one common question emerges: Can you do a PhD without a Masters? While the traditional route involves earning a Masters first, the answer isn't as straightforward as one might think.

Depending on various factors, it is possible to embark on a PhD journey without a Masters degree. This guide will explore the different routes, requirements, and considerations for pursuing a PhD without first obtaining a Masters.

The short answer is no, you do not always need a Masters degree to start a PhD. However, whether this route is available to you can depend on several factors including your personal experience, the subject you wish to study, the structure of the PhD programme, and the country in which you are applying.

Considerations by subject area

STEM or vocational subjects : it's more common to find PhD candidates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) or vocational subjects (e.g., Social Work, Business) who skip the Masters degree. These fields sometimes value professional experience just as highly as formal academic qualifications.
Arts and humanities : in contrast, jumping directly from a Bachelor's degree to a PhD in the Arts and Humanities is rare. These disciplines often require a Masters, which hones research skills and deepens subject knowledge – prerequisites for formulating and justifying original research proposals.

Geographical differences

UK and Europe : in the UK, and Europe more broadly, a Masters degree is generally required to enrol in a PhD programme. However, integrated PhD programmes (commonly four years) could be an exception.
USA : in the USA, it is more common to enter a PhD programme directly after completing an undergraduate degree. These programmes typically integrate a Masters level of study within the early years of the PhD, offering a structured progression that accommodates students transitioning from their bachelor's directly to doctoral studies.

Can you get a PhD without a Masters in the USA?

In the USA , it's fairly common for students to go straight from their undergraduate degree to a PhD. This is because universities will usually award PhD candidates a Masters degree on their way to achieving their final doctorate. American PhD programmes typically have a large taught element during the first 1-4 years, making them suitable for students who have not previously studied at the postgraduate level.

Routes to a PhD without a Masters

Integrated phd programmes.

One feasible option is to apply for integrated PhD programmes. These are typically structured to include a preparatory year focused on extensive training, followed by the three years more commonly associated with a PhD. Such programmes are often referred to as Integrated PhDs, 1+3 PhDs, or Doctoral Training Programmes (DTPs). Key features:

One year of preparatory coursework, seminars, and workshops.
Potential for completing a Masters of Research (MRes) within the first year.
Automatic enrolment into the PhD phase upon successful completion of the preparatory year.

Looking for an integrated PhD programme?

You can browse four-year integrated PhD programmes here on FindAPhD .

Professional experience

Another avenue is leveraging professional experience. This is particularly viable for vocational and STEM fields where the practical application of skills and experience can be just as valuable as academic achievements.

Industrial exeprience : years of work experience following an undergraduate degree can demonstrate readiness for a PhD.
Research-based roles : conducting independent research projects in a professional setting can further bolster an application.

What is it like to do a PhD without a Masters?

Read about one student's experience making the leap from undergraduate to PhD .

Developing a strong application

Academic preparation : ensure that your undergraduate degree demonstrates strong academic performance, particularly in research projects and relevant coursework.
Research CV : highlight any research projects or professional experience relevant to your intended PhD field.
References : seek references from academicians familiar with your research prowess or professional life who can vouch for your potential to succeed in a PhD programme.

The benefits of a Masters degree

While it’s possible to undertake a PhD without a Masters, there are several benefits to consider:

Research experience : Masters programmes often include comprehensive research training and the opportunity to complete significant research projects.
Networking : Masters provides invaluable opportunities to connect with academic peers and potential supervisors.
Skill development : postgraduate study builds advanced skills that may benefit PhD research, such as project management and subject-specific techniques.

Should you do a PhD without a Masters?

Whether you decide to pursue a PhD without a Masters will ultimately depend on your background, experience, and specific circumstances.

If you’re confident in your research skills and academic foundation, it may be worth applying directly. However, it’s essential to discuss your plans with academic advisors and potential supervisors to gauge the best pathway.

Final thoughts

Pursuing a PhD without a Masters is a non-traditional route but one that’s possible given the right circumstances and preparation. Whether via an integrated programme, leveraging professional experience, or enhancing your academic CV, understanding the pathways can open doors to advanced research opportunities.

Remember, whether you choose the direct route or opt for a Masters first, what matters is preparing thoroughly and making informed decisions to shape your academic and professional future.

Find a PhD project

Ready to make the leap? Browse PhD projects on our website today.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Hannah slack.

Hannah worked at FindAPhD as a Content Writer from 2020 to 2023. She started with us part-time whilst studying for her PhD, giving her personal experience with balancing work responsibilities with academia. Hannah has a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of East Anglia, and both a Masters in Early Modern History and a PhD on Early Modern English seafarers from the University of Sheffield.

Select your nearest city

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

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

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

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

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?

Applying to a PhD

Yes, it’s possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree .

The conventional route for someone who earns a PhD is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD. However, several students opt to bypass a Master’s degree by enrolling onto a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their undergraduate degree.

Before we discuss how this can be done, it is worth mentioning the advantages and disadvantages of this route.

Advantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

The motivations for undertaking a PhD immediately after an undergraduate course are largely in saving money and time. This is because you will essentially eliminate a year of study. Another advantage of immediately enrolling onto a doctorate degree is project availability. If you find a project that you’re really interested in, it’s unlikely that it will still be available in a years’ time. Therefore, bypassing a Masters and enrolling directly into a PhD will increase your chances of securing the research project before it becomes unavailable.

Disadvantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

Although a Masters degree will add a year onto your academic journey, it can be incredibility helpful for your development and can help prepare you for a doctoral degree.

Not having a Master’s degree may prove to be a hindrance during your application process. This is because many other students will also apply to the same research projects, and it’s likely that the majority will hold a Masters. This will put you at a disadvantage to them.

Besides this, the dissertation project you’ll be required to undertake on a Master’s programme will provide you with a taste of what it is like to work on a research-based project. In addition to this, it’s likely that you’ll be able to select your own dissertation topic. As such, you can explore a specific field you’re interested in in further detail. This is a great way to confirm that both research-based work and the specific field you’re interested in are right for you before committing the next few years to it via a PhD.

Another advantage to the dissertation project associated with a Masters degree is the opportunity it provides you with to work closely with a project supervisor. This will help you understand the PhD student-supervisor relationship and communication frequency that works best for you. You can then use this knowledge to find supervisors who would compliment you when it comes time to find a PhD project to apply to. For tips on how to find a great PhD supervisor, check out our supervisor guide .

PhD without a Masters – How Does It Work?

To be considered for a PhD without a Master’s, at a minimum you will be expected to have a Bachelors degree. For students looking to enrol onto a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) PhD, a relevant Bachelors in a 3-year undergraduate course is usually expected. However, this is not the case for students looking to apply to non-STEM PhDs. Rather, students looking to apply to doctorates in subjects such as those surrounding Arts and Humanities are usually expected to have a relevant Bachelors from a 4-year course.

In addition to this, you will need to have demonstrated strong academic performance during your undergraduate course. This means that your Bachelors will need to be at least a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2.1) for nearly all institutions to consider you.

Should you be accepted into a PhD programme without a Masters, the usual process will be to first register you as an MPhil student. You will then have a year to prepare and submit a thesis. Your thesis will need to detail the research you have carried out within that year and outline how you intend to continue it into a full PhD study. There are three outcomes of this MPhil thesis review:

Failure and you’re not awarded anything.
You pass, however, the supervisor doesn’t believe you’ve demonstrated strong research skills. You’re awarded an MPhil but they do not upgrade your course to a PhD programme.
You pass and the supervisor believes you have proven yourself as a capable researcher. Your course is upgraded to a PhD as opposed to you being awarding an MPhil.

For more information on these outcomes, read the outcomes section of our PhD Viva guide .

Integrated PhD

Some universities offer Integrated PhD degree programmes (also known as an Integrated Masters degree). These are four-year programmes comprising of a one-year Masters degree immediately followed by a three-year PhD degree. These can prove a great option for graduate students who are looking to undertake a PhD without a Masters but are struggling to meet the eligibility requirements. You can read about the many benefits of integrated degrees here .

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

PhD without a Bachelors – Is It Possible?

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD without a Bachelor’s, however, this is extremely uncommon.

When this occurs, it is almost always reserved for very mature individuals. For example, an individual may not be in active academia but still may have significantly contributed to their field. This contribution could be through the work they have undertaken as part of their career, or as part of a long-term study project, they have undertaken out of self-interest.

In either case, the individual would need to prove that they have extensive experience in their field and have directly contributed to new knowledge within it. The key factor here is that their work has pushed the boundaries of existing knowledge. It is not enough for an individual to be regarded as an expert in their field – they must have contributed something new and meaningful. It’s common for individuals awarded a PhD through this means to have produced several publications within their lifetime. It’s also common for the individual to have gained several professional accreditations within their field before even being considered suitable for a PhD research degree.

Universities Offering PhD without a Masters

Unfortunately, there is not a centralised list of universities which offer PhDs without a Master’s degree. The reason for this is that the edibility requirements differ from PhD to PhD and from department to department.

Therefore, you will need to check the guidelines for each individual university and the requirements for each specific PhD you’re interested in.

Should you find a PhD programme you can apply to with a Bachelors, make every effort to make your application as strong as possible. This is because you will be competing against other candidates, most of who will have a Master’s degree.

Not only can you strengthen your application by having a Bachelors with a First-Class Honours (1st), but you can also do so by showing the traits of a successful researcher. This includes showing a genuine interest in the project, a high work ethic, and exceptional communication skills.

Additionally, a strong letter of recommendation from a respected university lecturer will prove very beneficial. This is especially true if the lecturer supervisors his or her own PhD students. This is because the lecturer will understand the skills required for an adept research student.

For more advice on how to apply to a PhD degree, check out our Application Process Guide.

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.

Stack Exchange Network

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

Q&A for work

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

How usual/feasible is it for European universities to accept PhD candidates right after their bachelor's degree? (computer science field)

I am nearing the end of my bachelor's degree and wish to know what my options are for continuing. Optimally, I would be able to immediately pursue a PhD, but I get conflicting information on the matter by different professors, advisors, and online sources.

The institutions I am mainly interested in are: EPFL , ETH Zürich , University of Edinburgh , Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt), UCL , and University of Warsaw , as this is where I could find advisors most relevant to my research interests.

I was told that, besides the advisor being interested, the university has to have a precedent or a way for the master's degree requirement to be bypassed, but I am having a hard time locating such information. Any and all insight on previous cases of the aforementioned universities accepting or explicitly denying a PhD candidate on the basis of not having a master's degree is very useful.

Personally, I will have four to eight publications to my name by the time I graduate, but probably six at the time of sending out applications, and a very very strong research thesis. If that is not enough regardless of universities accepting without a master's degree or not, that would also be some useful information to have.

I repeat; I do not care about the rest of the criteria, just whether or not not having a master's degree is an absolute deal breaker for a PhD in the aforementioned institutions.

application
computer-science

2 Have you checked the official university websites? E.g. for EPFL, this page suggests that you can apply with a Bachelor's degree: epfl.ch/education/phd/edic-computer-and-communication-sciences/… – GoodDeeds Commented May 24, 2021 at 13:08
17 Have you asked these universities explicitly? You will probably get a more useful answer than our general speculation here. – astronat supports the strike Commented May 24, 2021 at 13:31
7 You must ask the universities directly. We won't be able to help you. Even if the official rules are crystal clear and would technically disqualify you, you may qualify for a specific exception that isn't even published... – user2705196 Commented May 24, 2021 at 13:37
6 Btw 4-8 publications is absolutely incredible as an undergraduate. Well done! That should also give you plenty of contacts to push for you personally within their academic network. – user2705196 Commented May 24, 2021 at 13:38
3 ETH has a direct doctorate program for exceptional students. – user2723984 Commented May 25, 2021 at 9:16

8 Answers 8

In contrast to Stephen McMahon's answer , which holds absolutely true for the UK, the situation in most of continental Europe is the opposite.

On the continent, it would be very unusual to start a PhD directly after one's BSc, hence the suggestion to look for "precedent or a way for the Master's requirement to be bypassed" at your Unis of interest. This is in direct contrast with the UK, where this is not even a requirement .

(Source: PhD from France, professional network from all over the EU, followed by a postdoc and a permanent position in the UK.)

As a side-note, PhD programmes in the UK often offer different levels of funding for home and international students (it used to be home+EU , but, alas, Brexit) -- or worded alternatively, some/most PhD programmes in the UK are only fully funded for British students. In my anecdotal experience, the international students that do apply to a very limited number of available fully-funded positions tend to be finishing an MSc while applying (or already hold one), despite it not being a requirement. And given a choice between an applicant with an MSc and an applicant with a BSc only, the one with an MSc typically has more to offer simply because they have had more time to demonstrate their skills. (However, your specific situation of 6 publications at the time of application + 2 submitted is definitely "a lot to offer" from your side, and on par with MSc applicants.)

1 Why would you need an MSc to apply for a PhD in France? I only did my post-doc in France, so I am sure you know better, but I thought that the French DEA is often (usually?) part of the PhD and the DEA is equivalent to an MSc. Is that not correct? – terdon Commented May 25, 2021 at 18:12
2 @terdon From what I know, a DEA (or DESS) is a short post-Master degree which is equivalent to the non-research part requirements of a PhD. Not saying there is no way to apply without a MSc, but that's certainly highly unusual. – Cedric H. Commented May 26, 2021 at 7:49
2 @terdon I don't know about the DEA (honestly I tried figuring out their education below university level and it just spinned my head around), but my PhD in France certainly expected a MSc qualification (most of my peers got their positions during a MSc internship), and didn't provide any sort of a MSc-equivalent as far as I remember. This was almost 8 years ago now, so stuff might have changed. – penelope Commented May 26, 2021 at 8:49

At least in the UK, a Master's is not a typical requirement for PhD entry, with the minimum level usually being a good undergraduate degree. E.g. pulling a random CS PhD project from the University of Edinburgh website, it says under candidate profile:

A good Bachelors degree (2.1 or above or international equivalent) and/or Masters degree in a relevant subject (computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, mathematics or related subject)

Similar language can be found in other PhD advertisements, indicating that while a Master's is desirable, it's not a requirement. And I imagine this phrasing is typical across the vast majority of PhD advertisements in the UK - I obviously can't exhaustively check, but I can't recall seeing any which explicitly require a Master's degree.

Mainly, what they're typically looking for is evidence of ability to conduct good-quality research in the field, so I think a good portfolio of papers would serve as evidence of that even moreso than a Master's (particularly given I imagine the median number of papers among UK PhD applicants is 0).

It's very common now for mathematics/science/CS first degrees in the UK to be an 'integrated masters': generally four years, sometimes but not necessarily any research, a degree name like MMath. This means there will be a lot of PhD applicants with one first degree as opposed to a bachelors+masters combination, which may influence the typical expectation. Also, in Scotland an MA is often a first degree equivalent to an English BA, which further confuses things... – dbmag9 Commented May 27, 2021 at 4:50

In Germany, it might be possible to start a PhD with only a bachelor's degree. Not all universities allow that, though (you will have to check their websites). To get accepted with only a bachelor's degree, you normally have to have very good grades, and it might be that you have to take additional courses.

Be aware though, that this is (still) quite uncommon and it might be hard to find a supervisor that will accept you with only a bachelor's degree, but it is possible.

You can find some general information (in German) here .

7 A relevant (apparently Germany-specific) keyword to look for is "fast track". – lighthouse keeper Commented May 24, 2021 at 14:45
3 The general requirement (in Germany) is a university MSc in a closely related field, but exceptions/case-specific approval are possible. Such approvals are actually quite common, they are typically also needed by PhD students with MSc in a different field or from a university of applied sciences (FH) rather than a full university. The approval is typically conditional on the student passing certain exams (but less than a full MSc). I've met 1 such PhD student starting with a foreign BSc (so, yes, rare), but a whole lot with degrees in other fields or from FHs (not so rare). – cbeleites Commented May 25, 2021 at 10:05
3 It is quite usual that requirements at German universities are expressed as such-and-such or equivalent . So, I'd recommend to ask how to show equivalence in your case. – cbeleites Commented May 25, 2021 at 10:12
I believe some German universities have 'Fast-Track' programs which require a very good Bachelor degree, among other criteria. – Jonas Schwarz Commented May 26, 2021 at 14:20

You provided a long list of universities and I bothered to check two of them, which took me about 5 minutes each at most. The ETH Zürich, as a Swiss federal institute of technology, is governed by Swiss regulations. Specifically, for the doctorate it's SR 414.133.1, available in German and other languages that you can look up for yourself. In SR 414.133.1, Chapter 2, Section 1, Article 5, 2., f. you can read that

Kandidaten und Kandidatinnen mit herausragenden Qualifikationen.

can be admitted to do a doctorate at ETH Zürich. That is, you need "outstanding qualifications" and nothing else, not even a Bachelor's degree. It's up to you to prove that you are indeed outstanding enough.

For EPFL, the regulation is SR 414.133.2, available in French for example, where it says you must prove qualifications equivalent to a Master's degree from ETHZ or EPFL, but you aren't required to have any specific degree. There is an exam after the first year of doctoral studies which you can repeat once on failure and if you fail again you are expelled.

University of Warsaw has a list of PhD programs for international students, and having a master degree is one of the requirements to apply. This list is not exhaustive though, so if you're interested, please contact the responsible person and ask directly (there is an english webpage).

A frame challenge: Are you sure bypassing the masters is really the right thing to do? Depending on your underlying motivations, there may be more effective ways to achieve them.

On the one hand, the main good motivation I’ve heard for going directly to a PhD is to finish it sooner. But instead of skipping the masters, you can also achieve this by completing a masters and PhD more quickly than average — a 1-year masters and a 3-year PhD. Many (?most) institutions allow early completion, especially if (e.g.) you have existing high-level course credits that can be transferred forward, to reduce the course-load during the masters/PhD. Taking this route, you sound like you’d be a very strong applicant, so you should have opportunities at excellent institutions. By contrast, applying for PhD’s without a masters in continental Europe shouldn’t be impossible (as other answers say), but would certainly make the competition harder and reduce your options.

On the other hand, completing sooner has some disadvantages that many students overlook or underestimate. In many ways, working conditions as a grad student are excellent — you have more time and support for research than you probably ever will again. As you progress in an academic career, administrative and service duties soon take up more time and energy than most people foresee. And many jobs and grants are only available for a limited number of years after PhD completion — so cutting the time you take in graduate study will reduce the research track record you’ll have while eligible for such opportunities. (Of course, I do agree there are trade-offs too — I’m not suggesting that stretching graduate studies longer is always good.)

So going for the standard masters+PhD route, and aiming for early completion, seems to offer the same main benefit, but with several advantages, including being more competitive for your preferred institutions, and the possibility of falling back to the standard timeline either if you have difficulty completing quickly, or if (as you become more experienced) you reconsider and decide you don’t want to complete so quickly.

1 The main reason I am trying to avoid this is financial. I largely depend on a PhD salary to be able to live abroad, even a year would be really hard to cover. – riverwastaken Commented May 26, 2021 at 17:50
1 @riverwastaken At ETHZ, one of the universities you mentioned, an outstanding masters student should be able to (easily) get a job as a teaching or research assistant, paid about 30CHF/hour for up to 15 hours per week. That could cover your living expenses and give you valuable experience too. – Nobody Commented Jun 10, 2021 at 19:07

I'm an american who did this as part of a special program at a university following the Bologna accord (which is the standard throughout continental Europe for some time now). On my records with the university they would write I was in the PhD (bridge) program to explain why I was taking 2 years of masters classes.

My ten cents: In France, if your bachelor was 5 years long (some Latin-American countries have 5 year long bachelors) your advisor can fill a document asking the university to waive the Master on the basis that you already have 5 years of schooling, which can be considered equivalent to the French bach(3+2) system.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged phd masters application computer-science europe ..

Featured on Meta
Upcoming initiatives on Stack Overflow and across the Stack Exchange network...
Preventing unauthorized automated access to the network

Hot Network Questions

What does "epic column inches" mean?
Unexpected font change in alltt environment
Inserting special characters like x̄ X̄ that aren't in the digraph table?
What separates numbers from other mathematical objects and what justifies e.g. the quaternions to be called a number system?
How much of this table can be filled in?
Why/how am I over counting here?
Does a vector change under coordinate transformation?
Can the headphone jack of a laptop send MIDI signals with a Jack TRS cable?
Ensuring Single and Double Column Figures Appear on the Same Page
Capacitance multiplier as a reservoir capacitor
Sci-Fi book about a marine captain called Jake who goes into stasis for 100 years
Difference between "play your cards right" and "on the right track"
How do we distinguish between "not filled in" and "unknown" in our data store?
Question about two density matrices
Would Acid Fog dissolve the opponent's equipment?
Why does Windows 11 display a different ethernet MAC (hardware) address than Linux?
What happens when a car starts moving? The last moment the car is at rest versus the first moment the car moves
PCB design review of my line following robot
Could compressed air be used in a 'whipper'
Does anyone know what the Starship 5 fins are made of?
How should I handle students who are very disengaged in class?
What challenge did Jesus put before the rich young man in Mtt19?
"Riiiight," he said. What synonym of said can be used here?
Raise the Dead rote

Top University in USA
Top University in Canada
Top University in Ireland
Top Universities in UK
Top Universities in Australia
Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

Study in USA
Study in UK
Study in Canada
Study in Australia
Study in Ireland
Study in Germany
Study in China
Study in Europe

Student Visas

Student Visa Canada
Student Visa UK
Student Visa USA
Student Visa Australia
Student Visa Germany
Student Visa New Zealand
Student Visa Ireland
JEE Main Exam
JEE Advanced Exam
BITSAT Exam
View All Engineering Exams
Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
Top Engineering Colleges in India
Engineering Colleges in India
Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
Top IITs in India
Top NITs in India
Top IIITs in India
JEE Main College Predictor
JEE Main Rank Predictor
MHT CET College Predictor
AP EAMCET College Predictor
GATE College Predictor
KCET College Predictor
JEE Advanced College Predictor
View All College Predictors
JEE Advanced Cutoff
JEE Main Cutoff
GATE Registration 2025
JEE Main Syllabus 2025
Download E-Books and Sample Papers
Compare Colleges
B.Tech College Applications
JEE Main Question Papers
View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

Top MBA Colleges in India
MBA College Admissions
MBA Colleges in India
Top IIMs Colleges in India
Top Online MBA Colleges in India
MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
BBA Colleges in India
XAT College Predictor 2025
SNAP College Predictor
NMAT College Predictor
MAT College Predictor 2024
CMAT College Predictor 2025
CAT Percentile Predictor 2024
CAT 2024 College Predictor
Top MBA Entrance Exams 2024
NMAT Registration
GD Topics for MBA
CAT 2024 Admit Card
Download Helpful Ebooks
List of Popular Branches
QnA - Get answers to your doubts
IIM Fees Structure
AIIMS Nursing
Top Medical Colleges in India
Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
Medical Colleges accepting NEET
List of Medical Colleges in India
List of AIIMS Colleges In India
Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
NEET College Predictor
NEET PG College Predictor
NEET MDS College Predictor
NEET Rank Predictor
DNB PDCET College Predictor
NEET Syllabus 2025
NEET Study Material 2024
NEET Cut off
NEET Exam Date 2025
Download Helpful E-books
Colleges Accepting Admissions
Top Law Colleges in India
Law College Accepting CLAT Score
List of Law Colleges in India
Top Law Colleges in Delhi
Top NLUs Colleges in India
Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

CLAT College Predictor
MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
AILET College Predictor
Sample Papers
Compare Law Collages
Careers360 Youtube Channel
CLAT Syllabus 2025
Free CLAT Practice Test
NID DAT Exam
Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

NIFT College Predictor
UCEED College Predictor
NID DAT College Predictor
NID DAT 2025
NID DAT Syllabus 2025
Design Colleges in India
Top NIFT Colleges in India
Fashion Design Colleges in India
Top Interior Design Colleges in India
Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
NIFT Cutoff
NIFT Fees Structure
NIFT Syllabus 2025
Free Sample Papers
Free Design E-books
List of Branches
Careers360 Youtube channel
IPU CET BJMC 2024
JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam 2024
IIMC Entrance Exam 2024
MICAT Exam 2025
Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
Free Ebooks
CA Intermediate
CA Foundation
CS Executive
CS Professional
Difference between CA and CS
Difference between CA and CMA
CA Full form
CMA Full form
CS Full form
CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
Master of Commerce (M.Com)
Company Secretary
Cost Accountant
Charted Accountant
Credit Manager
Financial Advisor
Top Commerce Colleges in India
Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
Top B.Com Colleges in India
IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
MCA Colleges in India
BCA Colleges in India

Diploma Colleges

Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
UPSC IAS 2024
SSC CGL 2024
IBPS RRB 2024
Previous Year Sample Papers
Free Competition E-books
Sarkari Result
QnA- Get your doubts answered
UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

NDA 2 Admit card 2024
SSC CGL Admit card 2024
CDS 2 Admit card 2024
UGC NET Admit card 2024
HP TET Result 2024
SSC CHSL Result 2024
UPTET Notification 2024
SBI PO Notification 2024

Other Exams

SSC CHSL 2024
UP PCS 2024
UGC NET 2024
RRB NTPC 2024
IBPS PO 2024
IBPS Clerk 2024
IBPS SO 2024
CBSE Class 10th
CBSE Class 12th
UP Board 10th
UP Board 12th
Bihar Board 10th
Bihar Board 12th

Top Schools

Top Schools in India
Top Schools in Delhi
Top Schools in Mumbai
Top Schools in Chennai
Top Schools in Hyderabad
Top Schools in Kolkata
Top Schools in Pune
Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

JEE Main Knockout April
NCERT Notes
NCERT Syllabus
NCERT Books
RD Sharma Solutions
Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
NCERT Solutions
NCERT Solutions for Class 12
NCERT Solutions for Class 11
NCERT solutions for Class 10
NCERT solutions for Class 9
NCERT solutions for Class 8
NCERT Solutions for Class 7
CUET PG 2025
UP B.Ed JEE 2024
TS EDCET Exam
IIT JAM 2025
AP PGCET Exam
Universities in India
Top Universities in India 2024
Top Colleges in India
Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
Top Universities in Bihar
Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
Central Universities in India
CUET DU Cut off 2024
IGNOU Date Sheet 2024
CUET DU CSAS Portal 2024
CUET 2025 Syllabus
CUET PG Syllabus 2025
CUET Participating Universities 2025
CUET Previous Year Question Paper
IGNOU Result 2024
E-Books and Sample Papers
CUET College Predictor 2024
CUET Exam Date 2025
CUET Cut Off 2024
NIRF Ranking 2024
IGNOU Exam Form 2024
CUET Syllabus
CUET Counselling 2025

Engineering Preparation

Knockout JEE Main 2024
Test Series JEE Main 2024
JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

Knockout NEET 2024
Test Series NEET 2024
Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

JEE Main One Month Course
NEET One Month Course
IBSAT Free Mock Tests
IIT JEE Foundation Course
Knockout BITSAT 2024
Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

IT & Software Certification Courses
Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
Programming And Development Certification Courses
Business and Management Certification Courses
Marketing Certification Courses
Health and Fitness Certification Courses
Design Certification Courses
Specializations
Digital Marketing Certification Courses
Cyber Security Certification Courses
Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
Business Analytics Certification Courses
Data Science Certification Courses
Cloud Computing Certification Courses
Machine Learning Certification Courses
View All Certification Courses
UG Degree Courses
PG Degree Courses
Short Term Courses
Free Courses
Online Degrees and Diplomas
Compare Courses

Top Providers

Coursera Courses
Udemy Courses
Edx Courses
Swayam Courses
upGrad Courses
Simplilearn Courses
Great Learning Courses

How to Apply for PhD After Bachelors?

How to apply for PhD in USA after bachelor degree? Candidates seeking admission to PhD programme in USA must have a bachelors degree of at least 4 years. Several universities in USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia offer direct entry to PhD programmes. USA is the most preferred study abroad destination for international students planning to seek admission to PhD after bachelor's in USA. Harvard University , Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University and others are some of the top universities offering PhD after bachelor's in USA.

Can Students Apply for PhD After Bachelors in USA?

What is a combined ms and phd degree, how to apply for phd after bachelors in usa, top reasons to pursue phd after bachelors, list of countries offering phd after bachelor’s.

However, there are certain requirements that one must know on how to the PhD programme after bachelors in USA. To study in USA , students are required to have exceptional academic excellence, involvement in extracurriculars, and standardised test scores, along with English language proficiency. Read the full article to know how to apply for PhD abroad after bachelor's in USA. TOP EXAMS: IELTS | TOEFL | GRE | G MAT Country Guide: UK | Ireland | Australi a | Canada

While it is not the norm, there are quite a few universities in USA that allow students to opt for a PhD after bachelor’s. However, when applying for phd after bachelors, candidates must know that some of these universities do not let students skip their master's degree altogether. In fact, in most cases, the master’s program is clubbed with the PhD.

Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses

While some universities in USA let students apply for a PhD after a bachelor’s, it is, however, a combined master's and PhD programme. Therefore, a student gets a master's degree on his way to a PhD degree. Universities usually have a coursework and then students can pursue their research programme.

PhD Duration: The average course duration for combined PhD degree vary from 5-7 years, which includes 2-3 years of coursework and 2-3 years for research. For more information, students must visit the official website of the selected university.

Top universities for PhD after bachelor’s in USA


	A bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
Harvard University	A bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
	A bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
	A bachelor's degree (or equivalent)
Yale University	A bachelor's degree (or equivalent)

Note: If students want to do a PhD after their bachelor’s degree in USA, they must remember that the admission requirements for international students vary by the course of study and university chosen by an individual. When applying for a PhD degree after a bachelor’s degree, applicants must ensure that they have a strong application because they will be competing for a place in a PhD programme with candidates who may have a master's degree. Candidates must also note that not all the programmes offered by the US universities cover combined MS and PhD, and hence, students must check the official websites of the universities for more information.

Often, students have this misconception that applying for PhD after bachelors is not possible. Students with this mentality often wonder that can you get a PhD without a Master or not. Yes, they can but they need to apply right. The application process of how to apply for PhD in USA after bachelor degree is similar to applying for any other degree in the university. The application can be sent online through the university website, but before checking about how to apply for PhD, the candidates need to check a few requirements for PhD.

Admission Requirements for PhD after Bachelors

The entry requirements for a combined MS and Ph.D. program are similar to that of a doctorate, as most applicants for the combined program would not have an advanced degree or journal publications. Admission to a combined degree can also be very competitive with most universities accepting just 3-4 candidates in a session.

Strong GPA: Candidates must have an excellent grade point average ( GPA ) to qualify for the programs. Students from other boards can find the equivalent of the GPA to assess their eligibility.

Entrance Exams: Candidates are required to have a high standardised test score. Students from non English speaking countries must also provide language proficiency scores. Some of the tests that are required for admission to PhD are:

Letter of Recommendation (LOR): One of the most important elements for admission to direct PhD programmes is a letter of recommendation . The letter of recommendation is an independent assessment of a candidate's potential. Most universities require at least two to three recommendation letters. It is advisable for students to have letters of recommendation written by either their professors or employees

Statement of Purpose (SOP): The statement of purpose is another important element of the application package for admission to direct Ph.D. programs in the USA. It reflects the student's commitment to the Ph.D. program and goals in his life.

Resume: At the Ph.D. level, many universities would require the student to submit a resume along with the application. The resume should contain the candidate's basic information like date of birth, academic qualifications, achievements and details of any previous work in his area of interest.

Research projects: It is always helpful if the aspirant has the Ph.D. as an elective subject in the final year of their bachelor’s. Also, one can get additional points if the application is accompanied by any research or journal publications or any projects in the related field.

Interview: Most of the universities for PhD in the USA offering direct PhD hold a separate interview round for the aspirants. As in most cases, the Ph.D. interviews are conducted by invitation only. The questions are general as well as specific to the subject the candidate wants to pursue.

Saves Time: Pursuing a PhD is a long time-consuming process and commitment for years. So combining a master's with PhD does not totally skip the master's duration but enables to study without a break period.
Early chance for Teaching: While continuing this PhD, students can work as assistant professor lecturers at a young age. Candidates can enjoy the benefits of teaching and learning at the same time.
Expertise in the Field: Rather than focusing time only on the theoretical learning of masters, the candidates get an early chance to research and get experts in their chosen field.

Apart from USA, there are many abroad countries that offer admissions to students looking for PhD after bachelors. The University of Oxford, University of Chicago, and The University of Cambridge are among the top universities known for their PhD degree abroad. A list of top countries offering PhD after bachelor's are mentioned below:

Top Countries for PhD After Bachelor's Abroad

UK	Germany
Canada	Australia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The cost of a PhD program varies between universities. The average cost can be between 12,000 to 150,000 USD per year depending on the program or the university. In addition living expenses can be anywhere between 20,000 to 40,000 USD per year.

International students have access to numerous scholarship options when pursuing a PhD program in the USA. They can also apply for assistantships, financial aid and work while studying to reduce their tuition cost for a PhD program.

The average length of a PhD program is between 4 to 6 years. This includes coursework, research projects and dissertation.

Many PhD courses in top universities will be provided with fully-funded scholarships in USA. Few of the PhD programs in USA which are fully funded are: PhD in Business at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, PhD in Anthropology at the University of Chicago, PhD in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University, etc.

To apply for a PhD, the candidates must have completed a bachelor's or master's degree, along with good GRE scores and English proficiency test scores.

Based on the course program the PhD duration after bachelors will be varying from 5 years to 7 years.

Yes, there are many universities abroad that accept PhD admissions on the bachelor's education qualification. This criterion can change depending on the university and course so it is suggested the candidate to check the admission requirements of each course they wish to apply for. However, most of these courses integrate the PhD along with a master's. Here the candidate will complete both the master's and PhD in one go.

The integrated PhD courses that can be applied after completion of a bachelor's, have a course duration of 4 to 7 years. However, these courses also include the master's for 1 to 2 years in the initial phase of their degree.

It is possible to pursue a PhD without obtaining a Master’s degree. However, it depends upon several factors such as your individual background, the field of study you wish to pursue, the duration of the PhD program, and the geographical location. It is to be noted that the specific requirements for admission may differ from country to country.

It usually requires several years of focused study and research to obtain a PhD, usually lasting from 4 to 7 years or even longer. Nevertheless, there exist accelerated programs that enable exceptional students to finish their PhD in a shorter duration, usually within 1-2 years. Such programs usually require students to have already accomplished a substantial amount of pertinent coursework and research at the undergraduate and/or master's level.

The average annual salary for a PhD holder in India is approximately Rs. 24 lakhs. Nevertheless, this figure may vary depending on the employer, industry, and location of work.

Students who have successfully completed their eighth semester of their Bachelor's degree program (or are awaiting their results) and have achieved a minimum CGPA of 7.5/10 or an equivalent percentage are eligible to apply for direct admission to the Ph.D. program.

Latest Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Most Viewed

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Universities
Popular Articles

Related E-books & Sample Papers

Ielts speaking practice test- speaking sample test part 1 transcript.

1804 + Downloads

TOEFL 2023 - Eligibility, Dates, Application, Pattern, Scores, Scholarships & Preparation Tips

2379 + Downloads

GRE Verbal Reasoning Sample Questions with Answers

60 + Downloads

GMAT 2024 Data Insight Sample Questions with Detailed Solutions PDF

47 + Downloads

GRE Exam - A complete guide

5042 + Downloads

GRE Quantitative Reasoning Sample Questions with Answers

68 + Downloads

GMAT Exam (Focus Edition): All You Need To Know

180 + Downloads

GMAT 2024 Quantitative Reasoning Sample Questions with Detailed Solutions PDF

75 + Downloads

IELTS Reading Practice PDF

8539 + Downloads

GMAT 2024 Verbal Reasoning Sample Questions with Detailed Solutions PDF

51 + Downloads

GMAT Focus 2024 Preparation Tips PDF

947 + Downloads

GMAT Syllabus Focus Edition

37 + Downloads

Applications for Admissions are open.

Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts | Round 1 Applications Closing Soon

TOEFL ® Registrations 2024

Accepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide

Pearson | PTE

Register now for PTE & Unlock 20% OFF : Use promo code: 'C360SPL20'. Valid till 15th NOV'24! Trusted by 3,500+ universities globally

Explore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study

Apply for upcoming intake & plan your journey

Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance

Stay up-to date with News

Explore on careers360.

Explore Top Study Abroad Exams
Study Destinations and Visa
TOEFL Syllabus
TOEFL Exam Pattern
TOEFL Eligibility
TOEFL Registration
TOEFL Result
LSAT Eligibility
LSAT Scores
LSAT Test Dates
LSAT Test Centres
LSAT Eligibility Criteria
LSAT Sample Papers
LSAT Exam Pattern
LSAT Preparation Tips
LSAT Syllabus
LSAT Selection Process
IELTS Application Form
MCAT Test Dates
IELTS Cut Off
MCAT Exam Pattern
IELTS Eligibility Criteria
MCAT Syllabus
IELTS Preparation Books And Study Materials
MCAT Registration
IELTS Preparation Tips
MCAT Eligibility
GRE Test Syllabus
GRE Sample Paper
GRE Eligibility Criteria
GRE Registration
GRE Test Pattern
GRE Test Dates
GRE Test Centres
GRE Preparation Tips
GRE Selection Procedure
SAT Preparation Tips
SAT Syllabus
SAT Test Centres
SAT Exam Pattern
SAT Test Eligibility
SAT Registration
SAT Exam Dates
SAT Sample Papers
USMLE Exam Dates
USMLE Test Centres
USMLE Scores
USMLE Application Form
USMLE Eligibility Criteria
ACT Test Dates
ACT Registration
ACT Eligibility Criteria
ACT Exam Pattern
ACT Test Centres
GMAT Test Dates
GMAT Exam Pattern
GMAT Syllabus
GMAT Registration
GMAT Eligibility
GMAT Scores

Popular Study Abroad Countries

Study in Singapore
Student Visa For Canada
Student Visa For UK
Student Visa For USA
Student Visa For Australia
Germany Student Visa
New Zealand Student Visa
Student Visa For Ireland

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Certifications

We Appeared in

IMAGES

The Countries With The Most Doctoral Graduates [Infographic]
Full Funded Bachelor Master PhD Scholarship in Europe with end Jan/Feb,2022 deadline/study in Europe
Study PhD in Europe
15 Fully Funded PhD Positions for Early Stage Researchers in Europe
PhD Study in Europe *| obtaining a scholarship in Europe
Bachelor, Master, and PhD Scholarship in Romania, Europe

VIDEO

PhD research work transfer process- How to transfer PhD research work from one university to another
Asking Question: What after Bachelor? with my group. #question #publicquestions #nepalishorts #viral
Study Abroad after 2 Year Bachelors
PhD programMasters degree bachelor in Denmark #studentconsultant #miraclecareerconsult
After Bachelor Digree Decision🤣 #funny #trending #university #reality #viralshort #graduation
Pathway Programme in Finland for Bachelor's Admission in Finland

COMMENTS

Is it possible to get a PhD position with only a Bachelor's degree?
In the UK a PhD (or DPhil) typically starts after a 4-year undergrad program: so yes, it's normal to do a PhD right after your undergrad. At a top-level research institution in the USA (at least in the sciences, and biology is what you said you want to pursue) a Masters is something that you would normally only get if you dropped out of a PhD program: so yes it's normal to do a PhD right after ...
phd
You are eligible for a PhD in some European countries with just a bachelor's degree. There may exist countries - e.g.,I believe Germany -* where a master's degree is universally required before a PhD.In other countries, requirements vary between institutes (and supervisors may even insist upon their own requirements).
Doing a PhD in Europe vs. the US
It is often not possible to do a PhD in Europe without first earning a Master's degree. In the US, many PhD programs accept applicants who only have a Bachelor's degree. Students usually earn a Master's as part of the PhD program after they have completed a few years of coursework and passed certain exams. This doesn't mean that all ...
PhD Study in Europe
A PhD from Europe often also includes a range of additional training and development opportunities (this, after all, is the continent that invented the modern doctoral degree). The guides below introduce different options for studying PhD in Europe. ... Bachelors degrees are normally worth 180 ECTS credits;
How to Apply for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding, & FAQs
From finding the perfect program for you to submitting your application and starting your PhD, here are all the steps you need to take: 1. Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor. After all the years of studying leading up to this step, you most likely have a few areas of interest you want to do your research in.
Direct doctorate programme
The ETH Zurich direct doctorate programme makes it possible for candidates with outstanding Bachelor's degrees to progress directly to doctoral studies. The application for the direct doctorate programme is always linked to the associated Master's degree programme. It proceeds online via the application portal when the respective programme ...
Doctoral programmes
The University of Helsinki Doctoral School has a total of 33 doctoral programmes. The doctoral school and programmes cooperate in research and doctoral education, and the structure of doctoral education encompasses all of the University's disciplines and doctoral researchers. Doctoral programmes in environmental, food and biological sciences.
Two ways to get your PhD
However, no matter where you conduct your research, a professor will always supervise your PhD. You can obtain a doctorate by pursuing research: at a university. at a non-university research institute or. in a German company. PhD at a university. PhD at a non-university research institute. PhD in industry.
How to Apply for A PhD Abroad
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.
Research opportunities in Europe
In some cases, a bachelor's degree is sufficient. Make sure you have a unique research proposal or know how your work can contribute to existing research in a field. Generally, it takes a minimum of 4 years to complete a PhD in Europe, although there are 3- and 5-year programmes available, as well as part-time options.
PhD in Germany after Bachelors
25. Essentially, you cannot start a PhD program without a master's degree in Germany. Some programs feature a dual-degree option, whereby you're admitted to a master's program as well as a PhD program. US and UK programs do basically the same thing, which is why the master's degree is not a prerequisite—you earn it, or the equivalent, along ...
List of PHD Programs in Europe
Compare. /4universities/. Find the list of all PHD Programs in Europe with our interactive Program search tool. Use the filters to list programs by subject, location, program type or study level.
Study.eu: Study in Europe. Bachelors, Masters, PhDs
Study in Europe: Find, compare and apply to Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees and Doctorate programmes. Study.eu is the European study choice portal. We provide information on universities and thousands of English-taught study programmes. Our database contains several thousand Bachelor's programmes, Master's programmes and PhD ...
Studying a PhD after Bachelors in the UK
An integrated PhD is a 4-year study programme that is designed for graduates to acquire the necessary research skills in subject-specific interdisciplinary topics. This is an integrated PhD for graduate-level students to pursue PhD studies straight after an honours undergraduate degree. The integrated PhD programme includes taught modules ...
PhD in Europe: A Complete 2023 Guide
Located at the heart of Europe, Austria provides a multitude of PhD programs in interdisciplinary specialisations of several disciplines such as Engineering, Applied Sciences, Humanities, etc. The country is home to a wide range of academic institutions offering opportunities in professional, medical and technical research. Duration: 3-4 years.
How to Find Fully Funded PhD and Master's Programs in Europe
Originally from Los Angeles, California, he left the United States for Europe at the ripe old age of nineteen. After living in ten countries, learning three foreign languages, being paid to get four post-graduate degrees in Europe and claiming Slovenian citizenship through ancestry, he settled in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where he realizes his dream ...
Can You Get a PhD without a Master's? Yes, but Here's Why You Shouldn't
This essentially means that you can enrol in a 1-year study programme that prepares you for your doctorate degree, right after graduating your Bachelor's degree. Do I need a Master's to get a PhD in Canada? Like in Europe, most PhD degrees in Canada require you to have graduated a Master's. However, similar to Germany, they also have a ...
phd
2. Degrees in most of Europe used to be equivalent to a Master's degree, thus you'd go straight into your PhD afterwards. Nowadays the degrees have been split into a Bachelor's and a Master's, but most people still do both in succession as if they were still one degree. - finitud. Jul 7, 2014 at 20:00.
Can you do a PhD Without a Masters?
UK and Europe: in the UK, and Europe more broadly, a Masters degree is generally required to enrol in a PhD programme.However, integrated PhD programmes (commonly four years) could be an exception. USA: in the USA, it is more common to enter a PhD programme directly after completing an undergraduate degree.These programmes typically integrate a Masters level of study within the early years of ...
Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?
Yes, it's possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree. The conventional route for someone who earns a PhD is to pursue a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD. However, several students opt to bypass a Master's degree by enrolling onto a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their ...
Ph.D in Europe without a Master's degree? : r/AskAcademia
It is nearly impossible. European university students that want to stay in science have a bachelor + masters degree which is seen as THE must have, everybody else that applies to a position you want to have it and will therefore be a "better pick" for a normal phd. The requirements simply state you need both.
How usual/feasible is it for European universities to accept PhD
In contrast to Stephen McMahon's answer, which holds absolutely true for the UK, the situation in most of continental Europe is the opposite.. On the continent, it would be very unusual to start a PhD directly after one's BSc, hence the suggestion to look for "precedent or a way for the Master's requirement to be bypassed" at your Unis of interest. . This is in direct contrast with the UK ...
How to Apply for PhD After Bachelors?
Candidates seeking admission to PhD programme in USA must have a bachelors degree of at least 4 years. Several universities in USA, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia offer direct entry to PhD programmes. USA is the most preferred study abroad destination for international students planning to seek admission to PhD after bachelor's in USA.

Doing a PhD in Europe vs. the US

Discover related jobs

Discover similar employers

Accelerate your academic career

Manhattan Has Two Genetically Distinct Groups of Rats

PhD, Postdoc, and Professor Salaries in Denmark in 2024

Preparing for Your PhD Defence

10 Dissertation Writing Tips

Norwegian Academic Job Titles Explained

How to Apply for a PhD

Jobs by field

Jobs by type

Jobs by country

Jobs by employer

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany: Programs, Funding, & FAQs

Why Pursue a PhD in Germany?

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany

1. Find a PhD Program and a Supervisor

Types of PhD Programs in Germany

2. Verify That You Meet All Requirements & Prepare the Application

3. Apply for Doctoral Studies

4. Secure Funding

5. Get a Student Visa or Resident Permit

Visa Requirements

Residence Permit Requirements

6. Arrive in Germany and Begin Your PhD Program

Register Your Residence

Get Health Insurance

Open a Bank Account

Enroll at the University

How to Apply for a PhD in Germany [Infographic]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Germany?

Are PhD Programs in Germany Tuition-Free?

Is German Mandatory to Pursue a PhD in Germany?

How Much Does a PhD Student Earn in Germany?

Can I Work While Pursuing a PhD in Germany?

What Is the Process for Defending a PhD Thesis in Germany?

What Are the Career Prospects Like After Doing a PhD in Germany?

Quick Links

Latest News and Statistics

Academic Applications

Direct Doctorate in Computer Science

Direct Doctorate in Chemistry, Chemical and Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Mathematics and Physics)

Doctoral programmes

Two ways to get your PhD

How to obtain a PhD in Germany

Individual doctorate

PhD at a university

PhD at a non-university research institute

PhD in industry

Find your individual doctorate

Structured PhD programmes

Find your structured PhD programme

Check out our brochure:

Research opportunities in Europe

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Search EURAXESS

Related links

Thanks for sending your response.

University and Program Search

Reset Filters

No Results Found!

Browse by subject:

Featured universities

University of Helsinki

Luiss University

Studying an Integrated PhD in the UK

Benefits of an Integrated Research Programme

Integrated Research Programmes at UK Universities

Study PhD in the UK

You might also be interested in...

Book your Free Consultation

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Find the best PhD in Europe to study

This Blog Includes:

Team Leverage Edu

8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs

Connect With Us

Need help with?