PhD, an abbreviation of “Doctor of Philosophy” is the highest academic degree a person you may like to acquire. This is possible if your PhD thesis is original and contributes significant knowledge to your subject You need to pursue at least four years of study. Funds may be a great constraint as you can’t pursue a substantial source of income during this period. But, you can avail PhD scholarship if you intend to pursue your study in the USA or the UK or Germany.
PhD Scholarship in USA
A PhD in the US for international and native students is usually funded as teaching assistance, tuition costs and extra stipend. The following is a list of top scholarships offered by
US Government
Foreign Fulbright Student Program; covering tuition fees, text books, a living stipend and health insurance
Humphrey Fellowship Program. If you are an experienced professional from any of the designated countries, you can get one year of enrichment in the US for. It is a full grant covering all related expenses. You can get the fellowship if you possess the potential for leadership and are committed to public service.
Colleges and Universities
Illinois Wesleyan University offers ; $10,00 to $25,000 per year which can be renewed up to four years
American University (AU); partial merit scholarship; $6,000 to $20,000 per year; renewable subject to condition.
Amherst College; “aid package” equal to your need as determined, including self-employment.
Berea College; 100% scholarship to all students for the initial one year. In subsequent years, you can save up to $1,000 per year for your expenses. You can also get summer jobs
Colby-Sawyer College; merit-based, partial funding $20,000 to $26,000
Columbia College; one-time cash grant of 15%-100% tuition reduction
PhD Scholarship in UK
Compared to 4 years PhD in the US, it is 3 years in the UK because the first two years of US PhD is condensed to 1 year. If you have studied in the UK or EU you can apply for full scholarship as PhD studentship; a tax-free sum covering your fees and a living standard, but not stipend. The following are the funding bodies.
Research Councils UK acts as an umbrellas for seven Research Councils; offering scholarship of fees and minimum stipend of £13,863 per annum (2014-15 rate); tax-free
Academic Institutions such as colleges, universities, and research institutes fund either only fees or offer stipend.
Commercial and Charitable Organizations; CASE (Cooperative Award in Science and Engineering) studentship is 4-year PhDs; part-funded
Self-Funding; Professional and Career Development loans if you have access to a saving of £16,000 or more.
PhD Scholarship in Germany
DAAD Scholarship
The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst) offers scholarship of €1,200 per month. Stipendium Plus, provided by a group of 13 organizations offer €1.350 per month.
Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation
The German Research Foundation (DGF)
(AiF)
The European Union (EU)
Federal and State and Federal Governments
Foundations; Robert Bosch Stiftung, Volkswagen Foundation, Dietmar Hopp Stiftung, Hans Bockler Stiftung