PhD in USA for Indian Students 2024: Universities, Jobs & Scholarships

Wondering how to do a PhD in the USA? The United States can be the right choice for your PhD degree.

The USA is one of the top destinations for a PhD degree due to its top-notch universities, multicultural study environment, research facilities, global exposure and innovative teaching techniques.

In this highly competitive and evolving world, it is a necessity for everyone to level up in their respective fields. A doctoral degree or PhD is a way to enhance your qualifications, explore new avenues in work and qualify for specialised jobs. A good PhD can boost your academic profile on a huge scale. 

PhD in the USA: At a Glance

Duration	4-6 Years
Annual Tuition Fee	INR 40-50 lakh
Popular Programs	– Bioengineering – Computational and Mathematical Engineering – Physics – Mathematics  – Economics  – Medicine – Civil and Environmental Engineering

Read on to learn the specifics of studying for a PhD in the USA and understand the entry requirements, top universities and scholarships for  PhD in the USA.

What is a PhD Degree?

A PhD, or a doctor of philosophy is a specialised course that can be studied after completing your master’s degree. This type of research degree focuses on honing your research skills and making you qualified for research roles, jobs in academia and roles that require specialisations.

Almost every field of study has PhD degrees that you can add to your list of academic qualifications. Doctorate degrees focus on the comprehensive development of your skills as a researcher, writing a dissertation and thesis through work under a supervisor. 

The basic requirement for a doctoral degree is a Master’s. 

Why Pursue PhD in USA?

The USA is known worldwide for its quality of education, the standard of living and universities that offer top-notch education. A favourite amongst international students, the United States provides you with the opportunity to explore a multicultural study environment and reap the immense benefits of holding a PhD degree.

The PhD duration in the USA varies. On average, completing a doctoral degree in the USA can last between four and six years for full-time students and eight to ten years for part-time students.

A few factors that make the USA an ideal destination for a PhD programme are:

World-class educational institutes

The USA holds pride in several high-ranking institutes under its roof. With more than 282 PhD universities in the USA, there are a plethora of options for students to choose from. Universities like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Harvard University and many more offer PhD programs in their academic curriculum.

Excellent student life

The USA is a happening country. There’s never a dull day in the life of an international student. With colleges highly focused on extracurricular activities and events, student life in the USA can be an exciting experience for you.

Scholarships and funding

The USA offers a lot of scholarships to its international students pursuing PhD. Many colleges in the USA also offer assistantships while studying.  Numerous financial aid is also allocated for international students based on merit or need. These funding options help students ease their financial burden and earnings while pursuing their degrees.

Top Universities for PhD in USA

Among the 282 universities in the USA that offer a PhD program, there are numerous top universities in the country. The multicultural student environment with global exposure, top-notch technology and research facilities make them a rewarding opportunity for international students.

Some of the top universities for a PhD in the USA are below: 

University	Top PhD Courses	Tuition Fee in INR
Stanford University	– Developmental and Psychological Sciences (DAPS) – Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education (SHIPS) – Learning Sciences and Technology Design (LSTD)	INR 73 lakh ($88,000)
Harvard University	– Anthropology – Architecture – Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning,	INR 44 lakh ($54,032)
California Institute of Technology	– Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics – Computer Science – Chemical Engineering.	INR 52 lakh ($63,063)
University of Pennsylvania	– Bioengineering – Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering – Computer and Information Science	INR 34 lakh ($41,544)
Yale University	– Accounting – Financial Economics – Marketing	INR 40 lakh ($48,300)

The given figures are based on a conversion rate of 1 USD = 83.26 INR. We recommend you convert the given figures based on the current conversion rates for accurate values. 

PhD in USA: Popular Courses and Jobs

With over 282 colleges offering PhD courses, there are several doctoral programs you can apply for. While opting for your PhD degree, make sure you opt for an in-demand specialisation. This can boost your career prospects in the country. 

Some of the most popular courses in the USA are listed below:

• Anthropology
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Biological Sciences
• Business and Management
• Chemistry
• Clinical Psychology
• Computer Science
• Education
• Engineering
• Finance
• Medical Sciences
• Mathematics
• Psychology
• Sociology

Job Prospects 

PhD graduates gain ample opportunities to work in the USA. Demand and job prospects in your field can influence your salary tremendously. In addition, other factors such as specialisation, experience level and location can also influence your pay scale. 

According to Indeed, some of the top-paid PhD courses and their national average salaries are given below. 

Check out the top-paid PhD courses and salaries in the USA:

PhD Course	Annual Salary
Immunology	INR 1.5 crore ($1,82,342)
Aerospace engineering	INR 1.2 crore ($151,597)
Nursing	INR 93 lakh ($1,11,731)
Economics	INR 90 lakh ($1,09,261)
Organic chemistry	INR 64 lakh ($77,240)

The given figures are based on a conversion rate of 1 USD = 83.26 INR. We recommend you convert the given figures based on the current conversion rates for accurate values. 

PhD in USA: General Entry Requirements

Although PhD program requirements differ from field to field and university to university, there are certain general requirements most institutions ask for. We have compiled the general entry requirements for PhD in the USA. 

The general entry requirements are as follows: 

• A Master’s degree in a similar field of study with excellent grades and research experience. Some universities might also offer admission based on a bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic record.
• A research proposal is one of the most important elements to applying for PhD in any university in the USA. It is a demo of your expertise in the field of study you are applying for. It showcases your research interests, aptitudes and plans. 
• IELTS or TOEFL or PTE test scores for international students belonging to non-English speaking countries. This exam is a measure of your proficiency in the English language. USA universities usually require a high band score for admission.
• If specified, you should clear the GRE or GMAT tests. The test requirement can vary depending on your field and institution. 
• Some universities conduct their entrance tests for PhD programs. Applicants must check for this before applying.
• After passing through the required eligibility criteria, the university might invite you for a personal interview before selection.

PhD in USA: Documents Required

On applying for a foreign PhD, there are several document requirements that each student should fulfil. This can vary depending on the course, university and country you are applying to. 

While there are specific documents required for a PhD application in the USA, there are other general documents you need to gather before starting your application. Make sure you have all your valid documents beforehand. 

The general documents for PhD admission in the USA are:

• Online application form and fees: On applying to any foreign university you should fill out its application form and submit it before the deadline. You can get the application form from the university’s official website. Fill out the form and make the payment. On completing your transaction, save the receipt for future reference. 
• Letter of recommendation (LoR): Most universities ask for a recommendation letter from your previous tutors. You can ask for 1-2 recommendation letters from your previous institution. 
• CV/Resume: An impressive CV can go a long way in increasing your chances of selection. You should include your work experience, activities you’ve taken part in and achievements to make your CV/resume more attractive.
• Academic and Professional References: References boost the likelihood of you getting selected. An academic or professional reference is required for applying to PhD programs in most American universities.
• SOP or Personal Statement: A personal statement is a small essay about yourself and how you align yourself to the degree you are applying for. It describes to the committee what your strengths, motives and ambitions are.
• Transcripts: Transcripts of your mark sheets from your previous educational qualifications need to be submitted while filling out your application form. In some rare cases, you might be asked to submit certified transcripts to the university.

Scholarships and Funding for PhD in USA

The US provides numerous scholarships and financial aid for international PhD students to help fund PhD studies in the USA. 

Scholarships are given on a merit or need basis. The following scholarships are the most popular ones among the PhD scholarships for international students in the USA. 

Check out the PhD scholarships:

Scholarship	Benefits
AAUW International Fellowships	INR 20-21 lakh ($25,000)
National Overseas Scholarship	– Annual Maintenance Allowance of INR 12-13 lakh ($15,400) – Contingency Allowance of INR 1.2 lakh (1500) – Tuition Fees-Visa Fees – Medical Insurance Premium – Incidental Journey Allowance and Equipment Allowance worth INR 1,665 ($20) for each  – Airpass fare
IBM PhD Fellowship Award Program	INR 33 lakh ($40,000)
University of Chicago PhD Student Fellowships	– Annual Maintenance Allowance of INR 12-13 lakh ($15,400) – Contingency Allowance of INR 1.2 lakh (1500) – Tuition Fees-Visa Fees – Medical Insurance Premium – Incidental Journey Allowance and Equipment Allowance worth INR 1,665 ($20) for each  – Air Pass fare
Massachusetts Institute of Technology PhD Funding	– Covers tuition fees – Monthly fellowship of INR 3.7 lakh ($4,491) – Teaching Assistant/Research Assistant salary  – Medical insurance worth INR 2.6 lakh ($3,237) value per year – Laptop worth is supplied at the beginning of the first and fourth year with an estimated value of INR 1.6 lakh ($2,000) each – Research budget and conference travel allowance worth INR 3.7 lakh ($4,500) allocated over 5 years

Along with scholarship assistance, doctoral candidates can choose to work while studying as well. Teaching assistant or research assistant positions can help you to earn along with your studies. It will help you ease the financial burden and cover your expenses. 

Also Read: Top PhD Scholarships In The USA, Scholarship For Ph.D.

Conclusion

The USA is a land of opportunities for everyone who wants to live the American dream. Prestigious universities, a high standard of living and excellent doctoral programs make the country an ideal choice for any doctoral candidate. 

To get into any prestigious institute in the USA, you must prepare extensively and perform well in your competitive exams to match the eligibility criteria of your favoured university. Leap can guide you through this long journey. Get proper guidance for your study abroad dream now. 

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