PhD in Biotechnology is a very popular and emerging course, especially after the COVID pandemic. This course includes modules such as biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, and more. The demand for this course will only go upwards because the demand for skilled researchers in developed countries has shot up rapidly. Therefore, this course can be a lucrative career option for students looking to settle abroad.
This article will discuss the process of how you can initiate the process of getting a PhD In Biotechnology Abroad With Scholarship, eligibility criteria and more.
Overview of PhD in Biotechnology
- Research Focus: Advanced research in genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, vaccine development, and drug discovery.
- Top Universities: University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, ETH Zurich, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, University of Melbourne, University of Tokyo, and Max Planck Institutes (Germany).
- Funding Structure: Fully funded in most countries with tuition fee waivers and paid research positions.
- Monthly Stipend: Provided throughout the PhD duration to cover living expenses (varies by country and university).
- Tuition Coverage: 100% tuition fee waiver under government, university, or lab-funded PhD positions.
- Additional Benefits: Health insurance, research grants, conference travel support, and lab funding.
- Duration: Typically 3-5 years depending on country and research model.
- Career Outcomes: Academic roles, postdoctoral research, biotech and pharmaceutical industry positions, and public health research careers.
List of PhD In Biotechnology Abroad With Scholarship
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Below is the top PhD Biotechnology Scholarships with the amount you can apply for as an Indian Student to Study Abroad:
| Scholarship Name | Award / Funding | Other Scholarship Benefits | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Up to USD 120,000 total funding covering tuition, living, one-way travel, visa, and health allowance. | Covers full tuition + living expenses + travel + health allowances for eligible applicants with confirmed admission abroad (subject to conditions). | Up to 4 years (varies by programme) |
| Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (UK & Commonwealth) | Full tuition fees + £1,378/month stipend (higher in London) + return airfare + warm clothing & study travel grants. | Full funding for tuition, stipend, travel and allowances with nomination from home institution. | Up to 36 months (varies by programme) |
| MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarships | Full tuition fee waiver + ¥117,000–¥145,000/month stipend + round-trip airfare (varies by route). | Tuition fee waiver, monthly living allowance, and flights coverage through embassy or university recommendation routes. | Usually 3–5 years (for PhD) |
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | CAD 50,000 per year stipend. | Annual living allowance + support to focus full-time on PhD research (tuition often covered separately/waived). | 3 years |
| Rhodes Scholarships (Oxford University) | Covers full fees + ~£18,180 annual stipend (approx). | Includes tuition, living stipend, and other allowances for study at Oxford. | Up to 3 years (can extend in some cases) |
| Clarendon Fund Scholarships (Oxford University) | Full tuition fee coverage + ~£17,668 annual stipend. | Merit-based award supporting doctoral research at Oxford. | 3–4 years |
| DAAD Scholarships (Germany) | Varies - generous monthly stipends + travel/monthly allowances, depending on programme. | Many PhD programmes in public German universities include tuition waivers + stipends/allowances from DAAD. | Varies by university & project |
| Studienstiftung PhD Scholarships (Germany) | Monthly award approx €1,650 + research allowance for PhD candidates. | Financial support + travel grants and health insurance subsidies for PhD research. | Varies, often up to 3-4 years |
| General Japanese University PhD Scholarships | Varies- some universities offer full tuition + monthly stipends + airfare (e.g., Tokyo Institute of Technology International Scholarships). | Fully funded PhD opportunities in Japan with living cost coverage and airfare. |
Eligibility Criteria
For all those planning to pursue PhD in Biotechnology abroad with scholarship, you will have to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the programme. Here are the requirements:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree like BTech Biotechnology, BSc Biotechnology, or in any other relevant field
- A recognized master’s degree in biotechnology or bioinformatics, such as MPhil, or MSc Biotechnology, from any recognized university in India or abroad
- Minimum prescribed score in GRE (varies from one university to another)
- Minimum prescribed score in IELTS, TOEFL, or any other prescribed English proficiency test
- SoP (Statement of Purpose) and LoR (Letter of Recommendation) as prescribed
Admission Process for PhD Biotechnology
Here is how you can expect your admission process for PhD in Biotechnology to pan out:
1. Application
You will have to fill out and submit an application form to the requisite university if you want to pursue your doctorate programme in. Various colleges offer admission forms at different times of the year, such as in June, September, or December. So you will have to understand the timing accordingly and download and upload the form within the allotted timeline.
2. Entrance exam
Given that a doctorate holds a lot of importance, most universities you apply to are likely to take an entrance test before accepting the applicant. If you are above the cut-off marks decided by the college, the entrance test would be the basis for you reaching the next step.
3. Group discussion & personal interview
In most universities, the entrance exam is followed by a GD and PI round to assess the personality and other aspects of the selected candidates. Your overall attitude towards the course will decide your fate in this round.
4. Admission
The final stage of the process is admission. Once you complete your GD and PI successfully, you will be required to submit all the requisite documents and pay the admission fee to get yourself enrolled in the programme.
Subjects Covered in PhD Biotechnology
Since it is such a specialized degree, you must already have an idea of which topic you would like to work on. In case you are looking for some options, we have a list of the most popular topics on that one can pursue a doctorate. Most of these subjects revolve around scientific disciplines, specifically biology and engineering. You can also go for an interdisciplinary approach by working on the intersection of these topics.
Here is the list of most common subjects offered to the applicants for PhD in Biotechnology –
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics and Statistics
- Protein Biotechnology
- Bioprocessing Technique
- Bioscience
- Electrophoresis and DNA Sequencing
- Environmental Microbiology
Top Universities for PhD Biotechnology
PhD in Biotechnology is a doctoral studies course offered by a plethora of the most reputed universities on the planet. Given the importance of the course, you should be careful in choosing the right option for yourself, provided you have the marks.
Here are the top global universities offering PhD in Biotechnology:
- Harvard University – USA
- Lancaster University – UK
- University of Cambridge – UK
- University of Technology, Sydney – Australia
- University of Alberta – Canada
- University of France – France
- Heidelberg University – Germany
PhD in Biotechnology in the UK
The United Kingdom is one of the leaders in biotechnology programmes. It houses a plethora of top-ranked universities known for excellence in research in the social sciences and other similar sectors. Here are some of the leading options for those looking to pursue a PhD in Biotechnology in the UK –
- University of Manchester
- University of Bristol
- University of Leeds
- University of East London
- University of Greenwich
PhD in Biotechnology in the US
The United States of America is known to be the technology hub and offers an excellent research base for biotechnology applicants. You get outstanding exposure, and the US is the top spenders for research and development in biotechnology. Here are some of the leading options for people from India or other places looking to study biotechnology in the USA –
- University of California – Berkeley
- Texas A and M University-College Station
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Clarkson University
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville
PhD in Biotechnology in Australia
Australia has four universities in the list of top 50 for Life Sciences globally. In addition, the country supports growth in the biotechnology industry. Most of its universities offer PhD for reasonable tuition fees, making it easier for international students. Here are the best options for pursuing doctoral studies in Australia –
- University of Queensland
- University of Sydney
- University of Queensland
- University of Melbourne
- Monash University
PhD in Biotechnology in Canada
Canada is one of the fastest-growing economies when it comes to education. It also offers excellent options for doctorate programmes, and the tuition fees of most of its universities are on the reasonable side. Here are the options for Indian students looking to study biotechnology in Canada
- University of Waterloo
- University of Lethbridge
- Carleton University
- Centennial College
- Fanshawe College
Conclusion
While a PhD in Biotechnology is a popular programme throughout the globe, we all have specific choices regarding where we want to go for our higher studies. But given the intricacies involved, we often find it difficult to ascertain the right universities to apply to.
If you are feeling overwhelmed too, it is time you let an expert handle it on your behalf. Leap Scholar offers comprehensive feedback regarding your application and helps you understand the entire process.
Click here to contact our expert mentors and embark on your doctorate journey with high affinity and improved visibility today.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
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Which country is the best for pursuing a PhD in Biotechnology?
While parts of Asia and Europe excel at providing top-quality research options for students looking to pursue PhD in Biotechnology, the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada are the top countries that offer the best facilities in this field and other higher education-based courses.
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Can I use Dr. after PhD in biotechnology?
Yes, after successfully completing a PhD in biotechnology, you are legally and academically entitled to use the title “Dr.” It applies in academic, professional, and formal contexts worldwide.
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What are 5 risks of biotechnology?
Key risks include ethical concerns (gene editing misuse), biosafety hazards, regulatory uncertainty, high research costs, and long timelines before commercial success. Career paths can also be highly specialised and competitive.
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Is a PhD in biotechnology worth it?
A PhD in biotechnology is worth it if you aim for research-driven careers in academia, pharma, biotech R&D, or policy. Most PhD programmes abroad are fully funded, reducing financial risk while offering long-term career growth.
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Which country is no. 1 in biotechnology?
The United States is widely regarded as the global leader in biotechnology, driven by massive R&D funding, top research universities, and a strong biotech industry ecosystem including pharma and startups.
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Which country is best for Biotechnology PhD?
The USA, Germany, and the UK are considered the best for a Biotechnology PhD due to strong research funding, global-ranked universities, and industry collaboration. Germany stands out for salaried PhD positions, while the USA offers cutting-edge lab exposure.
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