In this post, our application service team aimed to explain to you the details of general PhD degree requirements.

PhD Degree Requirements

26 September 2021

In this post, our application service team aimed to explain to you the details of general PhD degree requirements. In addition, we will answer some of the most important questions about applying to PhD programs (PhD Degree Requirements) and scholarships in different developed countries.

What is a PhD (doctorate degree)?

The highest study level in University is a PhD Degree (doctorate degree) or Doctor of Philosophy. Generally, the duration of PhD degrees is 3 to 4 years (full-time). However, the PhD length is different from country to country and in some exceptional cases could last more than seven years.

The main goal of a PhD (doctorate degree) is that PhD students should demonstrate that they’ve made a meaningful new contribution to their chosen field.

There are different types of Positions such as fully funded PhD (Doctorate) with a contract, PhD Scholarships, and Self-funded PhD Positions.

There are two main processes of PhD around the world. In the common case, the PhD candidates work on a specific research subject in an academic group with the guidance of the main supervisor and there aren’t any specific modules as in Germany. However, in many countries, PhD students have to take some courses besides their research work.

What are the PhD Degree Requirements?

To start, let us look what are the most important requirements of any PhD application (PhD Degree Requirements). There are generally 4 documents that you are supposed to submit as part of your PhD admission documents. Your transcripts, proof of your language proficiency, recommendation letter, cover letter and CV.

Importance of transcript

As the name suggests, transcripts are the proof of all your grades which should be translated into English assuming you are applying for an International study program. Without any further explanation, it is clear that the higher the Grade Point Average (also known as GPA), the higher your success chance. Let me put that in context. If you have done your undergraduate studies in a country where the maximum grade is 100, a GPA of 80 or plus is considered a good mark. However, you can get a 70% GPA and be an excellent student if the University that you have graduated from is very competitive and high-ranked. The opposite is also the case. In short, if you have graduated from a top-ranked university (for example University of Berkley) and your GPA is 70, your chance is higher than another applicant who has got 90%as GPA but is from a low ranked University.

Language certificate 

In most universities, as part of the application documents (PhD Degree Requirements), you need to provide a language test certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL. Each University set a minimum requirement that you should meet. For example, many British Universities want an IELTS test of 6.5. However, we have already explained in another video that there are many Universities that do not expect any IELTS results.

Recommendation letter 

Please bear in mind that the recommendation letter that the only part of the application documents (PhD Degree Requirements) that you do have not much control of. Because that is something your Bachelor’s or Master’s advisor or the lecturer that you have taken a course with, is supposed to write. The only influence that you have on that is to ask a person to write who is happy with your performance. The good news is that the average level of recommendation is enough for your success if you have a very high GPA.

Cover letter

The cover letter is a short text that you write to summarise what you are sending in your application. In many American Universities, you should also add your motivation and interest there. That is known as SOP.

Resume (CV)

Your CV is the place you list all your academic background and achievements. There, you can add your publication list if you have got any papers. That is the part that worries many. 

How to Prepare an Eye-catching resume (CV) for Academic Job

Is it necessary to have a journal article to get PhD degree admission?

It is a common expectation that you need to have a journal article to get PhD admission but here, we would like to explain why a journal article is not necessary.

Getting PhD admission has been always difficult for international students who would like to study abroad. There are some myths about the requirements to be successful in getting PhD admission. Among various information that you can find on the Internet, you will see almost always that everyone talks about “journal articles” as a necessity. We are going to explain to you why it is not true and how you can get a PhD admission without having any paper.

As we explained earlier the expectation from a PhD applicant is high degree marks or GPA in undergraduate and master’s degrees. The journal paper is a “plus” but not necessary. The reason is as follows. In many countries including UK and Canada, the master’s degree programs are only 1 year long and include taking courses. That is the stage to prepare the students for independent research in PhD. Therefore, a good GPA means the students successfully the preparation stage and are ready for a PhD. 

In short, if you are still doing your master degree, make sure to study hard to achieve the best marks. That would make you a strong candidate for any PhD positions across the world.

In our Fully Funded PhD Positions, you can find some of the best Funded PhD Positions with salaries and Scholarships at some of the best universities around the world.

Would you like to know the salary amount of PhD and postdoc positions in Europe?