Is it better for my wife to pursue a master's or a fully funded PhD abroad given her research difficulties?

A master's degree abroad is likely a better choice for your wife if she is facing research difficulties.

Master's programs are shorter (1 - 3 years) and focus on building subject expertise and professional skills, which can help her strengthen her research background. This experience can make her more prepared and competitive for future PhD opportunities.

Fully funded PhD programs are longer (4 - 7 years), highly competitive, and require strong research skills and a clear research proposal from the start. These may be challenging to secure or succeed in without prior research experience.