phd without masters countries

2024 Best Universities That Offer PhD Without Masters

It may sound like a dream, but universities that offer PhD without a masters do exist.

Imagine fast-tracking your way to becoming a doctor in your field, skipping the traditional master’s step, and diving straight into deep, meaningful research. This article is your guide to understanding this unconventional yet rewarding path.

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We’ll explore the ins and outs of taking this leap to help you decide if this bold academic journey aligns with your aspirations and goals.

Universities That Offer PhD without a Masters Degree

students taking doctorate without a masters degree

Can you get a doctorate without a masters? For some, the answer is yes. In PhD programs without masters requirements, you can start working on your PhD right after earning your bachelor’s degree. This means you can focus on intensive research and specialized studies sooner.

It’s a path that may suit you if you’re keen on deepening your knowledge and expertise without the intermediate step of a master’s program. Typical eligibility criteria for these programs include:

Strong undergraduate academic record
Research experience
Recommendation letters
Well-crafted statement of purpose
Standardized test scores (if required)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , higher education often leads to better job prospects and higher earnings. This route not only saves time but can potentially set you up for promising career opportunities.

You’ll be expected to start your research early. This could be a great fit if you’re already clear about your academic interests and ready to commit to a rigorous research schedule.

Advantages of Fast-Tracking to PhD

Deciding to go straight for a PhD without a master’s degree can be a big step toward your future goals. Here are some potential benefits for considering PhD online programs without masters requirements:

Speed up your journey : By skipping a master’s program, you may get to your career goals faster.
Save money : Like any college program, earning a master’s degree can be expensive.
Immediately deep dive into your interests : Passionate about your field? You may jump straight into advanced studies and research.
Unique opportunities : These programs can help open doors to rare and exciting research chances, placing you at the forefront of innovation early in your career.
Stand out : Earning a PhD is a powerful statement about your ambition and skills.

Stepping directly into a PhD program may allow you to fast-track your ambitions and pave the way to a fulfilling future.

Disadvantages and Challenges of Direct PhD Programs

Jumping into a PhD without a master’s degree takes courage. It’s crucial to know the hurdles that might pop up before you start researching PhD programs online without masters requirements.

These are some challenges you may encounter:

Rapid pace : You’ll likely face a steep learning curve without the preparation a master’s program can provide.
Immediate research pressure : You’re expected to start producing original research right away.
Fewer networking opportunities : Skipping a master’s program means missing out on making those crucial academic connections that may be valuable down the line.
Tougher funding : Funding opportunities often lean toward those with master’s degrees, so securing financial support might be more challenging.
Self-doubt : Without the stepping stone of a master’s, you might question if you’re ready for this big leap.

According to the NSCRC , with more people pursuing advanced degrees, the academic world is getting more competitive. Navigating these challenges requires resilience and a clear vision of your goals. Choosing a direct PhD route is about weighing these hurdles against your determination and passion for your field.

How to Choose a Doctorate without a Masters Degree

Choosing the right PhD program is key. Here are some important factors to consider:

Accreditation : Accreditation is like a quality stamp for the program, ensuring that it meets certain academic standards. You can find more information at the S. Department of Education – Accreditation .
Financial aid and scholarships : Cost can be a big factor, and having financial aid or scholarships can make a huge difference. You can visit the FAFSA website for more information.
Faculty expertise : You want to learn from the best and ensure they have experience in your area of interest.
Research opportunities : This is your chance to get hands-on experience in your field.
Program structure and flexibility : It’s important to consider class schedules, online vs. in-person options, and the balance between coursework and research.

Choosing the right doctorate program is a personal decision that will shape your academic journey. Taking the time to weigh these factors carefully can help you find the best choice to fit your goals and needs.

Applying to Universities That Offer PhD without a Master’s Degree

Applying for a PhD program is like presenting your academic story. Here are some tips to help make each part of your application a testament to your passion and potential:

Your research proposal : This is a window into your interests. Show your enthusiasm and readiness for the field by making it clear, engaging, and indicative of your ability to bring fresh ideas.
Letters of recommendation : These are your personal champions, so choose mentors or professors who know your strengths intimately and can confidently vouch for your PhD readiness.
Showcase your research journey : Research experience is a crucial part of your narrative. Highlight your involvement in projects, papers, or presentations.
Ace the interview : Be prepared to discuss your motivations, research interests, and how you envision your growth in the program.

Your application is a holistic reflection of your academic identity. It should showcase your achievements and excitement for research and knowledge.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

While many paths to a PhD traditionally start with a master’s, there’s a growing trend of programs allowing students to jump straight into doctoral studies from their bachelor’s programs.

This option may be perfect for those who are clear about their research interests and ready to dive into academic exploration. If you’re passionate, determined, and have a clear vision for your research, a direct route to a PhD may be your path forward.

Universities Offering Online PhD Without Masters Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Capitol Technology University offers a PhD in Technology with two pathways for students who may not hold a master’s degree. Applicants may either already hold a doctoral degree or earn an MS in Research Methods while earning their PhD. CapTech’s program is fully online, and residencies are not required.

Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Clemson University offers a PhD in Healthcare Genetics and Genomics. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants who hold a master’s in the field may be given preference. The program is fully online, and courses are in a synchronous format.

Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Indiana University offers a PhD in Music Therapy through the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. Students who do not already hold a master’s degree can earn a Master’s in Music Therapy through the program. The program requires the completion of 90 credit hours, including a dissertation, and is fully online.

Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students who do not hold a master’s degree may apply for a PhD in Computer Science through Mississippi State University. The program is fully online and does not require campus visits. Courses follow a semester schedule, and there are start dates in the fall and spring. Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students who do not hold a master’s may earn a PhD in Computer Science through Nova Southeastern University’s bachelor’s track. The program requires the completion of 66 credits and is available fully online or on campus. The program has start dates in August, January, and May and follows a semester schedule. NSU is an NSA-designated school.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology program that is fully online. Students who do not hold a master’s degree must complete 103 to 109 credits to graduate, while those who do have a master’s in a related field must complete 100 to 106 credits.

The program can typically be completed in 5 years. It offers several specializations that may be declared, including Applied Psychophysiology, Creativity Studies, and Jungian Studies.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The University of Arizona offers a PhD in Nursing to students who hold a BSN through its BSN-to-PhD program. The program is mostly online, but short residencies are required. The program can potentially be finished in 4 years when attended full-time. Courses follow a semester schedule, and the completion of 79 credits is required to graduate.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The University of Central Florida offers a BSN-to-PhD in Nursing program for those who do not hold a master’s degree in nursing. All coursework is online, but short intensives on campus are required throughout the program. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of Oklahoma offers a PhD in Nursing with a fast-track to PhD option for students who have a BSN but not a master’s degree. All coursework is fully online. The program can potentially be finished in 36 months, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. The completion of 78 credits is required to graduate.

The University of Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee offers a fully online program for a PhD in Nursing. Students with only a BSN may apply but must complete 15 additional credits before entering the program. The program starts every other year during the summer semester. It can potentially be completed in 3 years.

UWM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Advance Your Career: Starting Your PhD without a Masters Degree

accredited universities that offer phd without masters

Starting your PhD journey without a master’s degree can be a bold step forward in advancing your career, particularly if you pursue some of the highest paying doctorate degrees . It’s a path that speaks to those ready to dive into deep academic waters, driven by passion and a clear vision for their future, with the added potential of high financial rewards in cutting-edge and high-demand areas.

If this resonates with you, you can start exploring accredited universities that offer this opportunity, including those providing online PhD programs for working professionals . These flexible programs are designed to accommodate your busy schedule, allowing you to balance your professional responsibilities with your academic pursuits. Your aspirations and determination may fast-track you on your way to becoming an expert in your field!

Can you get a PhD without a master’s degree?

Traditionally seen as the pinnacle of academic success, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) rigorously prepares you for a career in research and academia that might even earn you the title of “Professor” one day. Getting a PhD is no easy feat, and involves years of gruelling hard work, often with a few life crises and probably thoughts of quitting in between. That said, the question of whether there’s a ‘shortcut’ on how to get a PhD often pops up in student forums and discussions.

Although getting a master’s degree after completing your undergraduate studies is the conventional route taken towards a PhD, you can in fact bypass your master’s degree entirely and go straight into a doctorate programme. Granted, not all subjects or countries have this option, but there’s plenty to go around if you want to save time and money to get your research going.

The University of California, Berkeley , for instance, only admits Bachelor’s degree holders into its political science PhD programme, with a possibility for students to obtain a master’s qualification if they withdraw from the doctoral degree as long as sufficient coursework has been completed. Similarly, you can get a PhD in the Ohio State University’s chemical engineering programme without having done a master’s .

Across the pond, the University of Cambridge can accept students without a master’s degree , where they’ll be placed in a probationary year before progressing into their dissertation. As you can see, various routes are available for direct PhD entry in different fields.

Once again: you don't need a Masters degree to get into a PhD program in America. And there's way more funding for PhD students than MS. Just in case no one told you. — Muneer Yaqub🇺🇸🇳🇬 (@elMunir5) February 21, 2022

How long does it take to get a PhD?

The doctoral degree is primarily a research degree , where you have to come up with your own original ideas and spend some years of fieldwork, lab work, or any other type of real-world practice that will contribute towards your final dissertation.

If you’re wondering why the US is a bit relaxed in terms of entry requirements, it’s probably because a PhD there is almost never a pure research degree, and generally takes a much longer time to complete as a full-time student than in the UK or Australia.

Countries that accept direct BSc degree (from Africa) to PhD i.e. without MSc 📍United States 🇺🇸 (very popular) 📍Hong Kong 🇭🇰 📍Australia 🇦🇺 📍Canada 🇨🇦 📍New Zealand 🇳🇿 Add yours ✌🏽 — Olájídé 𓃵 (@Jamaticulus) February 21, 2022

Many US doctorate programmes begin with coursework and assessments in the first two years. After passing an exam, it’s only then that you’ll start working on your research and dissertation. Overall, you’re looking at a time frame of four to six years full-time if you want to get a PhD in an American university.

Compared to anywhere else, you can get a PhD in the US without forking out any for tuition, even for international students. This is because the programmes there tend to be fully-funded , with enough stipend and income from teaching assistantships to cover your cost of living.

Meanwhile, a PhD in Australia or the UK is generally a pure research degree, where you dive headlong into your dissertation topic from the start of your programme. You’ll already be discussing your doctoral thesis with a supervisor in your first year, starting with a literature review and critiquing existing scholarship on your subject before moving on to independent research in the following years. The programme duration is shorter than in the US — a full-time study takes about three to four years.

How can I get a PhD without a master’s degree as an international student?

Full-time PhD programmes in the US are a few years longer compared to other countries. Source: Roslan Rahman/AFP

It goes without saying that being in good academic standing will go a long way in getting into a PhD programme right after your undergraduate studies, but that’s only part of the equation. PhD applications require more paperwork, including a statement of purpose tailored to the university and recommendation letters from your previous instructors that can vouch for your potential as a candidate.

The best way to get into your programme though? Contact the university directly to express your interest and see what funding package is available based on your circumstances. The graduate admissions page will list what is required for application, where you’ll know if you can be admitted with just a bachelor’s degree.

Although skipping a step to get a PhD sounds ideal, you need to assess if you have the capacity to undertake a high-intensity academic life. A master’s degree might cost you an extra year or two, and a few thousand off your account, but it builds a solid foundation for the kind of discipline and knowledge you will need to survive your PhD.

If you do decide to take the plunge, you might want to look out for programmes that can grant you a master’s qualification along the way, so your hard work pays off in case you choose to withdraw from your PhD in the future.

PhD without a Master’s Degree? Exploring Direct PhD Programs

Introduction

What is a direct phd program.

Pros of Doing a PhD Without a Master's Degree
Cons of Doing a PhD Without a Master's Degree
Fields in Which it is More Common to Enter a PhD Program Without a Master's Degree
Fields in Which a Master's Degree is Often Required for Admission to a PhD Program
How to Apply for a PhD Program Without a Master's Degree
Examples of Successful PhD students who did not have a Master's Degree
Top Universities Offering PhD without Master's Degree

Direct PhD Programmes in United States:

Direct phd programmes in europe:, direct phd programmes in australia:, direct phd programmes in asia:.

During my teaching years at a premier Engineering institute in India, I encountered an intriguing case that shed light on the possibility of pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree.

One day, a former student reached out to me with exciting news. She had successfully cleared the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), a qualifying exam for admission to postgraduate programs. Even more surprising was her plan to directly join the PhD program at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

Initially, I found this puzzling—how could one step into a PhD without completing a master’s degree? It turned out that such programs do indeed exist at IITs and other esteemed institutions in India and abroad.

Intrigued by this revelation, I delved deeper into the details and later shared this valuable information with many students. Little did I know that this piece of knowledge would significantly benefit aspiring scholars aiming for a direct PhD path.

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that one can achieve in many fields. It typically involves several years of intensive research and coursework in a specialized area and completing a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field. A PhD can lead to many career opportunities, including positions in academia, industry, and government.

The traditional path to a PhD usually involves completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field, followed by a master’s degree before starting the PhD program. The bachelor’s degree provides a broad foundation in the field, while the master’s degree provides more specialized training and research experience that prepares students for the rigours of a PhD program.

However, some students may wonder whether it is possible to skip the master’s degree and go straight into a PhD program. This can be an attractive option for students who want to save time and money, or who have extensive research experience that makes them well-prepared for a PhD program.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of doing a PhD without a master’s degree, as well as some examples of successful PhD students who took this route.

A direct PhD program, sometimes referred to as an integrated or combined PhD program, is a doctoral-level academic program that allows students to pursue a PhD degree without first obtaining a master’s degree.

In traditional PhD programs, students typically complete a master’s degree before embarking on their doctoral studies. However, in a direct PhD program, students are admitted directly into the PhD program after completing their undergraduate studies.

Direct PhD programs are often structured to be more streamlined, allowing students to move directly into advanced research and coursework related to their field of study. These programs are typically designed for highly motivated and academically strong students who demonstrate exceptional potential for research and scholarly work.

The specific structure and requirements of direct PhD programs can vary depending on the university and the field of study. In some cases, students may be required to complete additional coursework or examinations to ensure they have the necessary background knowledge and skills for doctoral-level research. However, the overall goal of these programs is to accelerate the process of earning a PhD by allowing students to begin their doctoral studies earlier in their academic career.

Pros and Cons of Doing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

While it is possible to pursue a PhD without completing a master’s degree, there are several potential advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Pros of Doing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

Saving time and money: Completing a master’s degree can add two or more years to the time it takes to earn a PhD, as well as significant tuition costs. Skipping the master’s degree can allow students to complete their PhD more quickly and with fewer expenses.
Gaining more research experience: Some students may already have extensive research experience, either through undergraduate research opportunities or work in a related field. Skipping the master’s degree can allow these students to continue building on their research skills and contribute to the field more quickly.

Cons of Doing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

Lack of preparation in research methodology and theory: Master’s degree programs often provide students with more specialized training in research methods and theoretical frameworks, which can be valuable preparation for a PhD program. Skipping the master’s degree can mean missing out on this preparation and potentially struggling to keep up with the demands of a PhD program.
Potential challenges in meeting admission requirements: Some PhD programs may require applicants to have a master’s degree or equivalent research experience, which can make it difficult for students who have not completed a master’s degree to be accepted into a PhD program. Additionally, some students may need to complete additional coursework or exams to meet the admission requirements for a PhD program.
A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science and spent several years working in the industry as a software developer may have gained extensive research experience in a specialized area of computer science. This student may be well-prepared to pursue a PhD in computer science without completing a master’s degree.
A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has some research experience through undergraduate research opportunities may struggle to keep up with the demands of a PhD program in psychology without completing a master’s degree that provides more specialized training in research methods and theoretical frameworks.

Fields in Which it is More Common to Enter a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree

While it is not uncommon for students to pursue a master’s degree before starting a PhD program, there are some fields where it is more common for students to enter a PhD program directly after completing a bachelor’s degree. These fields include:

Engineering: In many engineering disciplines, it is common for students to enter PhD programs directly after completing a bachelor’s degree. This is because engineering programs often provide students with extensive research experience and specialized training in research methods and theoretical frameworks that prepare them for a PhD program.
Natural Sciences: In fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics, it is also common for students to enter PhD programs directly after completing a bachelor’s degree. This is because these fields often require extensive research experience and specialized training in laboratory techniques and scientific methods, which students can gain through undergraduate research opportunities and coursework.

In these fields, students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and have extensive research experience may be well-prepared to pursue a PhD program without completing a master’s degree. However, it is important to note that this may not be the case in other fields, such as the social sciences or humanities, where a master’s degree may be more commonly required or preferred for admission to a PhD program.

Fields in Which a Master’s Degree is Often Required for Admission to a PhD Program

While it is possible to pursue a PhD without completing a master’s degree, there are some fields where a master’s degree is often required or preferred for admission to a PhD program. These fields include:

Humanities: In fields such as history, philosophy, and literature, it is common for students to complete a master’s degree before applying to a PhD program. This is because these fields often require extensive coursework and training in research methods and theoretical frameworks, which students can gain through a master’s degree program.
Social Sciences: In fields such as psychology, sociology, and political science, a master’s degree is often required or preferred for admission to a PhD program. This is because these fields often require specialized training in research methods and statistical analysis, which students can gain through a master’s degree program.

In these fields, students who have completed a bachelor’s degree but do not have a master’s degree may find it difficult to gain admission to a PhD program. This is because PhD programs in these fields often have high admission standards and may require applicants to have completed a master’s degree or equivalent research experience.

A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in English literature and has some research experience through undergraduate research opportunities may need to complete a master’s degree in order to gain admission to a PhD program in literature. This is because PhD programs in literature often require extensive coursework and training in research methods and theoretical frameworks.
A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has some research experience through undergraduate research opportunities may be able to apply directly to a PhD program in psychology. However, some PhD programs in psychology may require applicants to have completed a master’s degree or equivalent research experience, which could make it difficult for this student to gain admission without completing a master’s degree.

How to Apply for a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree

While it can be challenging to gain admission to a PhD program without a master’s degree, there are some steps that students can take to increase their chances of success. These steps may include:

Demonstrating exceptional academic qualifications: Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree with exceptional grades and have a strong academic record may be more likely to be considered for admission to a PhD program without a master’s degree.
Demonstrating research potential: Students with extensive research experiences, such as through undergraduate research opportunities or independent research projects, can demonstrate their potential for success in a PhD program.
Completing additional coursework or exams: Some PhD programs may require applicants without a master’s degree to complete additional coursework or exams to demonstrate their readiness for PhD-level work. This may include completing additional courses in research methods, statistics, or theory, or taking qualifying exams to demonstrate mastery of the field.
A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in physics with exceptional grades and extensive research experience may be able to gain admission to a PhD program in physics without completing a master’s degree. This is because the student has demonstrated exceptional academic qualifications and research potential.
A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in history and has some research experience through undergraduate research opportunities may need to complete additional coursework or exams to gain admission to a PhD program in history. This is because PhD programs in history often require extensive coursework and training in research methods and theoretical frameworks, which students may not have gained through their undergraduate studies alone.

It is important for students to research the admission requirements and expectations for PhD programs in their chosen field before deciding whether to pursue a master’s degree or apply directly to a PhD program after completing their bachelor’s degree. Students may also want to reach out to professors and advisors in their field to discuss their options and receive guidance on the application process.

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Examples of Successful PhD students who did not have a Master’s Degree

While it is less common for students to enter a PhD program without a master’s degree, there are examples of successful PhD students who have done so. These students have demonstrated exceptional academic qualifications, research potential, and perseverance in their programs. Some examples of successful PhD students who did not have a master’s degree include:

Dr. Jennifer Doudna: Dr. Doudna is a biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 for her work on the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system. She entered a PhD program in biochemistry at Harvard University directly after completing her bachelor’s degree at Pomona College. She completed her PhD in just four years and went on to a successful career in academia and research.
Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani: Dr. Mirzakhani was a mathematician who won the Fields Medal, often considered the highest honour in mathematics, in 2014. She completed her bachelor’s degree in mathematics in Iran and then entered a PhD program in mathematics at Harvard University without completing a master’s degree. She completed her PhD in just three years and went on to a successful career in academia and research.
Dr. David Gelernter: Dr. Gelernter is a computer scientist and artist who completed his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and classical Hebrew literature at Yale University. He then entered a PhD program in computer science at the same institution without completing a master’s degree. He completed his PhD in three years and went on to a successful career in academia and research.

These examples demonstrate that it is possible for students to succeed in PhD programs without completing a master’s degree. However, it is important to note that these students had exceptional academic qualifications, research potential, and perseverance and that their success was not guaranteed.

Students who are considering applying to PhD programs without completing a master’s degree should carefully consider their own academic qualifications and research potential and should seek guidance and support from advisors and mentors in their field.

Top Universities Offering PhD without Master’s Degree

While it is less common for universities to offer PhD programs without a master’s degree, there are some prestigious institutions around the world that do accept students into PhD programs without a master’s degree in certain fields. Here are some examples:

Harvard University, USA : Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences allows exceptional students to apply directly to their PhD programs without a master’s degree in fields such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science.
Stanford University, USA : Stanford’s School of Engineering offers a direct PhD program for exceptional students in fields such as electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering, without requiring a master’s degree.
University of Cambridge, UK : The University of Cambridge’s PhD programs in sciences and engineering fields may admit students without a master’s degree on a case-by-case basis, considering their qualifications and research potential.
Imperial College London, UK : Imperial College London’s PhD programs in engineering and physical sciences may admit students directly from a bachelor’s degree, based on their qualifications and potential for research.
ETH Zurich, Switzerland: ETH Zurich, a leading institution in science and engineering, may admit students into their PhD programs without a master’s degree, considering their academic achievements and research potential.
IIT Delhi, India : a leading institution in engineering, admit students into their PhD programs without a master’s degree, considering their academic achievements and research potential.

It’s important to note that the admission requirements and policies for PhD programs without a master’s degree can vary by institution and field of study and may be subject to change. It’s always recommended to thoroughly research and review the specific requirements of each institution and program you are interested in, and contact the admissions offices for up-to-date and accurate information.

Direct PhD Offered in Various Continents/Countries

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Stanford University
Harvard University
Princeton University
University of Cambridge (UK)
University College London (UK)
ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
Technical University of Munich (Germany)
University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Australian National University
University of Melbourne
University of Sydney
University of Queensland
Monash University
National University of Singapore
Tsinghua University (China)
University of Tokyo (Japan)
Seoul National University (South Korea)
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) – Various campuses in India

These universities, among many others, offer direct PhD programs across a wide range of disciplines including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and more. It’s important to research each program carefully to understand its specific requirements, application process, and available funding opportunities.

Pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree is possible but it is less common and comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we have discussed the pros and cons of doing a PhD without a master’s degree, fields in which it is more common to enter a PhD program without a master’s degree, and fields in which a master’s degree is often required for admission to a PhD program. We have also provided some advice on how to apply for a PhD program without a master’s degree and shared examples of successful PhD students who did not have a master’s degree.

For students who are considering pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree, it is important to carefully consider their academic qualifications and research potential. They should also seek guidance and support from advisors and mentors in their field, and consider completing additional coursework or exams to prepare for the rigors of a PhD program.

In conclusion, the decision to pursue a PhD without a master’s degree is a personal one and should be made after careful consideration of the individual’s goals, strengths, and weaknesses. We encourage readers to engage with the topic further by researching specific PhD programs and seeking advice from mentors and advisors in their field.

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Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?

Applying to a PhD

Yes, it’s possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree.

The conventional route for someone who earns a PhD is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD. However, several students opt to bypass a Master’s degree by enrolling onto a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their undergraduate degree.

Before we discuss how this can be done, it is worth mentioning the advantages and disadvantages of this route.

Advantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

The motivations for undertaking a PhD immediately after an undergraduate course are largely in saving money and time. This is because you will essentially eliminate a year of study. Another advantage of immediately enrolling onto a doctorate degree is project availability. If you find a project that you’re really interested in, it’s unlikely that it will still be available in a years’ time. Therefore, bypassing a Masters and enrolling directly into a PhD will increase your chances of securing the research project before it becomes unavailable.

Disadvantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

Although a Masters degree will add a year onto your academic journey, it can be incredibility helpful for your development and can help prepare you for a doctoral degree.

Not having a Master’s degree may prove to be a hindrance during your application process. This is because many other students will also apply to the same research projects, and it’s likely that the majority will hold a Masters. This will put you at a disadvantage to them.

Besides this, the dissertation project you’ll be required to undertake on a Master’s programme will provide you with a taste of what it is like to work on a research-based project. In addition to this, it’s likely that you’ll be able to select your own dissertation topic. As such, you can explore a specific field you’re interested in in further detail. This is a great way to confirm that both research-based work and the specific field you’re interested in are right for you before committing the next few years to it via a PhD.

Another advantage to the dissertation project associated with a Masters degree is the opportunity it provides you with to work closely with a project supervisor. This will help you understand the PhD student-supervisor relationship and communication frequency that works best for you. You can then use this knowledge to find supervisors who would compliment you when it comes time to find a PhD project to apply to. For tips on how to find a great PhD supervisor, check out our supervisor guide .

PhD without a Masters – How Does It Work?

To be considered for a PhD without a Master’s, at a minimum you will be expected to have a Bachelors degree. For students looking to enrol onto a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) PhD, a relevant Bachelors in a 3-year undergraduate course is usually expected. However, this is not the case for students looking to apply to non-STEM PhDs. Rather, students looking to apply to doctorates in subjects such as those surrounding Arts and Humanities are usually expected to have a relevant Bachelors from a 4-year course.

In addition to this, you will need to have demonstrated strong academic performance during your undergraduate course. This means that your Bachelors will need to be at least a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2.1) for nearly all institutions to consider you.

Should you be accepted into a PhD programme without a Masters, the usual process will be to first register you as an MPhil student. You will then have a year to prepare and submit a thesis. Your thesis will need to detail the research you have carried out within that year and outline how you intend to continue it into a full PhD study. There are three outcomes of this MPhil thesis review:

Failure and you’re not awarded anything.
You pass, however, the supervisor doesn’t believe you’ve demonstrated strong research skills. You’re awarded an MPhil but they do not upgrade your course to a PhD programme.
You pass and the supervisor believes you have proven yourself as a capable researcher. Your course is upgraded to a PhD as opposed to you being awarding an MPhil.

For more information on these outcomes, read the outcomes section of our PhD Viva guide .

Integrated PhD

Some universities offer Integrated PhD degree programmes (also known as an Integrated Masters degree). These are four-year programmes comprising of a one-year Masters degree immediately followed by a three-year PhD degree. These can prove a great option for graduate students who are looking to undertake a PhD without a Masters but are struggling to meet the eligibility requirements. You can read about the many benefits of integrated degrees here .

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

PhD without a Bachelors – Is It Possible?

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD without a Bachelor’s, however, this is extremely uncommon.

When this occurs, it is almost always reserved for very mature individuals. For example, an individual may not be in active academia but still may have significantly contributed to their field. This contribution could be through the work they have undertaken as part of their career, or as part of a long-term study project, they have undertaken out of self-interest.

In either case, the individual would need to prove that they have extensive experience in their field and have directly contributed to new knowledge within it. The key factor here is that their work has pushed the boundaries of existing knowledge. It is not enough for an individual to be regarded as an expert in their field – they must have contributed something new and meaningful. It’s common for individuals awarded a PhD through this means to have produced several publications within their lifetime. It’s also common for the individual to have gained several professional accreditations within their field before even being considered suitable for a PhD research degree.

Universities Offering PhD without a Masters

Unfortunately, there is not a centralised list of universities which offer PhDs without a Master’s degree. The reason for this is that the edibility requirements differ from PhD to PhD and from department to department.

Therefore, you will need to check the guidelines for each individual university and the requirements for each specific PhD you’re interested in.

Should you find a PhD programme you can apply to with a Bachelors, make every effort to make your application as strong as possible. This is because you will be competing against other candidates, most of who will have a Master’s degree.

Not only can you strengthen your application by having a Bachelors with a First-Class Honours (1st), but you can also do so by showing the traits of a successful researcher. This includes showing a genuine interest in the project, a high work ethic, and exceptional communication skills.

Additionally, a strong letter of recommendation from a respected university lecturer will prove very beneficial. This is especially true if the lecturer supervisors his or her own PhD students. This is because the lecturer will understand the skills required for an adept research student.

For more advice on how to apply to a PhD degree, check out our Application Process Guide.

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Can you do a PhD without a master’s degree?

Study tips Published 5 Apr, 2022 · 6-minute read

If you want the most straightforward answer to the question ‘can you get a PhD without a master’s degree’, it’s yes. Should you apply to study a PhD without a master’s though? Let’s unpack that.

There are quite a few entry requirements you need to meet to apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). At the core of it, all these requirements are about proving you’re ready to embark on the long (3-4 years full time) and challenging – but incredibly rewarding – process of conducting research and writing a thesis. PhD prerequisites are there to assess your preparedness for this type of study.

So, let’s have a look at what the PhD prerequisites are in Australia and the questions we’re commonly asked about them.

Can I do a PhD without a degree?

In Australia, you’ll need to have completed a degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) relevant to your proposed research topic and approved by the university to be considered as a candidate. However, the good news is, for those of you wondering ‘can you get a PhD without a bachelor’s?’ the answer is yes – it is possible at some universities.

Say you finished high school and went straight into the workforce. You built experience in your field over years of hard work. After a while, you decide that you’d like a qualification to solidify your knowledge and skills, or to upskill in your area and open even more doors. So, you apply for postgraduate studies.

Many universities in Australia will consider applicants for postgrad study (typically graduate certificates) based on proof of extensive professional experience and other post-secondary studies (certificates from TAFE, for example) in a relevant field, rather than the traditional completion of bachelor’s level studies.

Admission into a graduate certificate without a bachelor’s degree is very much dependent on your study area of choice and the institution at which you wish to study. Always check the specific prerequisites of the institution and program.

In most cases, if you want to study a PhD and you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, but you do have a lot of industry and research experience in your field, you’ll need to start your journey by enrolling in a graduate certificate and working your way up to a master’s and then a PhD. It’s possible to get into a PhD program with a graduate diploma (and no bachelor’s or master’s degree), but you’ll need extensive documentation proving former research experience to support your application – plus a decent GPA. This type of application is assessed on a case-by-case basis by some universities and can be extremely competitive.

There are many paths to a PhD. 1. bachelor's degree with honours. 2. master's degree. 3. industry and research experience + relevant qualification.

Do you need a master’s for a PhD?

As we said earlier, no – you don’t need a master’s to apply for a PhD. And if you're wondering more specifically ‘is an MPhil required for a PhD?’, the answer is also no. It may make logical sense at face value to complete a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and then go on to study a Doctor of Philosophy, but in reality, it tends to work a bit differently.

All these types of postgraduate degrees and higher degrees by research can be a little confusing to keep track of, so let’s break it down into simpler terms.

So, here’s how some of the pathways through these degrees work.

Some students decide to study and complete a Master of Philosophy, as it’s shorter than a PhD but still allows them to delve into a research project and produce a thesis (~40,000 words).
Other students begin studying an MPhil then find they’d like to take their research further and apply to upgrade to a PhD program, adding a few more years onto their studies and producing an 80,000-word thesis.
Many students aim big from the get-go and apply directly to a PhD program after having completed either a bachelor’s degree with honours or a master’s by coursework.

This is by no means an extensive list of ways in which you can order your studies; it’s just a few of the most common paths taken by university students interested in postgraduate studies and higher degrees by research.

The benefits of studying a master’s before a PhD

Now we’ve established that you can apply to study a Doctor of Philosophy without a master’s degree, let’s address the next big question: should you? Here are just a handful of the reasons why completing a master’s before moving onto a PhD is generally a good idea:

It gives you a competitive edge compared to other applicants.
It will provide you with a taste of what it’s like to conduct long-form research and reveal what it takes to be a good PhD student .
You'll have a chance to explore a research topic to see if there’s enough scope to turn it into your PhD, or you may find offshoot topics that could be explored in more detail.
You'll experience what it’s like to work with a supervisor and better understand if this process suits your personality type.

Can I go straight from bachelor’s to PhD?

Yes. Most universities will accept applications from students who have a bachelor’s degree with honours (typically at least IIA) as their highest level of completed study. Some universities may accept a bachelor’s degree without honours but with several years of relevant research experience, or a bachelor’s degree without honours but followed by a relevant graduate certificate or graduate diploma.

As we've emphasised above, there are definite benefits to completing further studies after your undergraduate degree to prepare you for your PhD. It’s understandable that you might want to fast-track your way to your Doctor of Philosophy, but remember that going in as prepared as possible will help you get the most out of your research.

If you don’t want to commit to a master’s program after your undergraduate degree but you still have your heart set on a PhD, talk to your course convener about fitting research units into your study plan during your bachelor’s program. Completing a graduate certificate or diploma following your bachelor’s, with a focus on the research area you wish to pursue with a PhD, will help you get a clearer idea of potential research topics too.

There are opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students to apply for one of UQ’s summer and winter research programs . These programs can help to boost your knowledge and skills in research and your field of study – and better prepare you for PhD studies.

When considering whether or not to apply for a PhD without a master’s degree, remember that the process is competitive, and it can take time to find the right supervisor . Having a master’s degree could put you ahead of other applicants and secure you that valued place as a PhD candidate.

Want to know more about how a PhD works? How do you find a supervisor? What are the best tips for writing your proposal? Find answers by reading our comprehensive guide: How to get a PhD.

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Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD [2024 Guide]

Do you need a masters to get a PhD? It is possible to earn your PhD without a masters program being completed first. This direct entry bachelor’s to PhD option can be a helpful way to reduce the time and money required to complete your education.

Earning a PhD degree may put you on the path to exciting and rewarding career opportunities in a variety of fields. It may also specifically prepare you for a career in research and teaching.

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While in many cases it is possible to earn your PhD without a masters, completing a masters program may sometimes be a better fit for your personal educational journey and career objectives.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

Masters degree student studying in library

No, a master’s degree is not always required to earn a PhD. A number of schools may allow you to enroll in a PhD-level program without having previously obtained your master’s degree if you meet the school’s and program’s admission criteria.

In some cases, Ph.D. programs may allow you to skip the need to obtain a master’s degree. These programs allow direct enrollment from a bachelor’s degree program into a PhD or doctorate program. Other schools may offer dual programs. These programs allow you to obtain a master’s graduate degree while you complete coursework for a PhD.

However, a growing number of universities now offer one year masters programs that may be beneficial to you and some of the highest paying masters degrees may be worth exploring before considering direct-entry PhD programs.

The availability of direct entry bachelor’s to PhD programs and dual master-PhD programs may vary from school to school. So, it can be helpful to research specific schools and fields of interest before applying.

Pros and Cons of Earning a PhD Without a Master’s

Earning a PhD without a master’s can offer some unique benefits, but depending on your career goals and personal objectives, it may come with some cons as well.

Save time . Earning your PhD without a master’s will often save you time, as you won’t need to complete the 1 to 3 years required of a master’s education.
Save money . Skipping a masters program may also save you money, as you get to avoid the tuition costs of a masters program.
Enter the workforce more quickly . Attending a direct entry PhD program may allow you to enter the workforce more quickly and achieve advanced positions in your field sooner than other educational routes.
PhD not always required . Depending on your career goals, a PhD may not be necessary or helpful in achieving your target. In these instances, earning a doctoral degree may simply increase the time it takes for you to begin working in your field of choice.
Master’s degrees can offer clarity and experience . Earning a master’s may offer perspective in terms of choosing a trajectory for your studies in a PhD program. A master’s also allows you to experience postsecondary studies that are more self-directed than bachelor degree programs.
Master’s degrees can offer competitive advantage . In some cases, it may be more challenging to compete with other students who have completed a master’s program when it comes to being accepted into a PhD program or competing for certain research topics.

Enrolling in a direct entry bachelors to PhD program may not be right for everyone. It may be a good option for you, though, if you’re interested in obtaining your PhD and finishing your educational journey in less time and at lesser cost.

If you are interested in changing careers and you do decide that a masters degree is right for you, you may want to consider the best master’s degrees for career change that many universities offer their grad students.

Can You Get a PhD Without a Masters?

Yes, you can get a PhD without first obtaining a master’s degree. A number of universities offer direct entry to PhD programs from undergraduate or bachelor degree studies.

In some cases, specific schools or programs may prefer that applicants hold a master’s degree. Other options that may exist are dual master and PhD programs, which are available from certain universities.

Admission criteria to a PhD program will vary from school to school. Criteria may include the completion of an application form, submission of GRE or GMAT scores, payment of an application fee, and a written statement of purpose.

Other criteria for admission to a PhD without masters program could include submission of a resume, letters of reference, and transcripts from previous postsecondary studies, such as your bachelor’s degree.

How Hard Is It to Get into a PhD Program?

Entry requirements for doctorate degrees vary from school to school and across programs.

Some common requirements, though, that you may come across include the completion of a bachelor’s degree program, a letter of interest, and a submission of a CV or resume. Some schools may require you to submit GRE or GMAT scores, but this requirement is becoming less common among accredited programs and institutions.

Once accepted into a PhD program, you may be required to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study and research, complete advanced coursework in your field of study, and fulfill a dissertation requirement.

What Can You Do with a PhD?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are a number of rewarding careers that may be available to you with a PhD. Some career fields in which a PhD is valuable include health, education, finance, management, and governance. Postsecondary health education and physical therapy are among the highest paying PhD degrees available.

Some positions that you may qualify for with a PhD include psychologist, economist, postsecondary teacher, political scientist, anthropologist, archeologist, and biochemist. Other positions could include engineer, historian, and chemist.

Understanding what a PhD degree is can help you plan your career goals. It is common for a PhD education to lead to careers in research, where you can contribute to the existing breadth of knowledge and understanding in a particular field. Teaching is another professional area common to PhD graduates, including teaching at universities and colleges.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Without a Masters?

Completing a master’s degree generally takes anywhere from 1 to 2 years, depending on the type of program and attendance schedule.

Obtaining a PhD without a masters degree is a unique opportunity that may allow you to shorten your academic journey. Traditionally, a bachelor’s degree takes 4 years to complete while PhD degrees can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years, depending on the program and school you attend.

Earn Your PhD Online

Earning your PhD online without a master’s may be a beneficial way for you to achieve advanced level education. You may complete a terminal degree in your field of choice while saving time and money. You may also benefit from advancement early in your career.

There are a variety of direct entry and accelerated PhD programs online available from accredited schools. You may find that obtaining your PhD without first earning a master’s degree allows you to enter into your profession of choice much quicker than expected.

The Savvy Scientist

Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

Can You Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

If you’re currently studying for your bachelor’s degree and are interested in doing a PhD, you may be wondering: can you get a PhD without a master’s?

The Benefits of Doing a Master’s Degree Before a PhD

A master’s degree allows someone to gain additional skills, research experience and domain-specific knowledge. When a supervisor is looking for potential PhD students, amongst other things they want to see that a candidate has:

Interest in the subject
Research experience
Subject knowledge

Suitability for a PhD does not always require a master’s . But it is a convenient way to provide evidence for your suitability and commitment to research.

Therefore from a supervisor’s perspective, a master’s can provide evidence of these attributes. Having a master’s gives a little more assurance for the supervisor that you’re prepared for the work involved with a PhD. But not having a master’s absolutely does not have to be a barrier!

Already carried out a long research project as part of your bachelor’s degree and want to do a PhD in an area you have knowledge in? You may be able to convince a supervisor that you’re already prepared.

A few less substantial reasons people sometimes consider doing a separate master’s are:

If for any reason your performance during the bachelor’s degree wasn’t ideal, doing a separate master’s provides another qualification to be assessed against.
If you’re transitioning to a different research area it is the obvious way to gain knowledge.
A chance to experience another [potentially more prestigious*] university.

My experience: Early on in your undergraduate degree and interested in doing a PhD? I thoroughly recommend getting as much research experience as possible. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to undertake much research during your course, UROPs are a fantastic way to spend your summer. During my PhD I had help from a few UROP students. One of them has even co-authored a paper with me. I wish that I had done one as an undergraduate!

*I really dislike the idea of considering the prestige of a university and the associated meritocracy , but sadly there is no getting away from the fact that it boosts career prospects.

So Can You Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

If you’re starting to look at PhDs and don’t yet have a master’s, there are two things you can do to get an idea of whether or not you’re likely to need a master’s first:

Check Advertised PhDs

Looking at a PhD advert such as via FindAPhD.com? Check the listed candidate requirements on the advertisement.

Sometimes a master’s isn’t mentioned:

Can you get a PhD without a master's? In this Manchester university PhD advert no mention is made of a need to have a master's.

Sometimes doing a master’s is a suggested advantage:

Do you need a master's to do a PhD? In this Loughborough university PhD advert a master's degree is listed as an advantage.

Here is a post detailing how you can find available PhD projects .

Ask the Academic

The most definitive answer you’ll receive for whether you can get a PhD without a master’s will be by contacting supervisors directly.

Often as soon as you start a conversation with potential supervisors they’ll ask to look over a copy of your CV. There is nothing wrong with being bold and checking whether you’re currently qualified enough to stand a competitive chance of getting a PhD.

My experience: When I was considering PhDs I emailed an academic saying I was interested in applying for a project with them but was worried I didn’t have relevant experience. Within 24 hours he had replied saying “Unfortunately, I’m not confident that you’d be selected if you applied as other candidates who have expressed an interest in applying had more relevant experience” Although disappointing, it’s much better to find this out quickly so that you can move on. I already had a master’s but not in a relevant area. If I’d desperately wanted to pursue this research area an obvious means to transition across and gain experience would have been with a master’s.

My Observations

I don’t believe that there are strict guidelines stating that you have to have a master’s. As shown in the adverts above, it is oftenseen as an advantage but is rarely strictly necessary.

Of the people I worked with during my PhD, not everyone had done a master’s.

Most of the people who had a master’s did it as a 4-year integrated master’s. This is common in certain sciences and engineering, and is exactly what I did . However, several people had not done a master’s before starting their PhDs. Including the guy I sat next to for all of my own PhD at Imperial.

Getting a bachelor’s degree outside of the UK will typically take one or two years longer than in the UK. Therefore international students in particular may be able to evidence their experience without a master’s.

Fancy getting a master’s as well as a PhD? Read on to find out how you could get paid to do both!

Don’t Yet Have a Master’s? Consider CDTs!

What are cdts.

In the UK there are many Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs, sometimes known as DTCs) and it is worth drawing your attention to them if you don’t already have a master’s degree. CDTs offer combined funded Master’s + PhD programmes. You’ll be part of the relatively rare breed getting paid to do a master’s!

These centres are funded via the research councils and provide training for students around a certain theme. FindAPhD.com has a nice post which includes links to funded CDT projects . CDTs cover a huge range of themes. For example just within AI research there are 16 CDTs all for different themes:

The idea is that students from different backgrounds can get training and become proficient at helping to solve problems around the central theme of the CDT. In the first year you’ll have a mix of lectures and smaller projects to get a taste of different research topics. During the first year you’ll also choose your PhD topic. You will then spend three years working on that project before submitting your thesis.

Pros and Cons of CDTs

The advantages are:

You’re part of a cohort so will likely have a greater sense of community and support versus a typical PhD project
You get training and will learn new skills before deciding on a PhD project
If you know you want to work in a certain research area but don’t yet know exactly what project you want to work on yet
You get both a PhD and a master’s at the end, all of which is funded!

Potential disadvantages I can think of for doing a PhD through a CDT are:

Taking a year longer than a normal PhD if you already know what you want to work on
Your PhD position with a certain supervisor isn’t definite before you start. I’ve anecdotally heard of issues where many of the students in the cohort want to work with the same supervisor and of course not all of them can. On the flipside the flexibility in supervisors is an advantage for many.

How much do students earn doing a master’s and PhD through a CDT? Funding for students at CDTs is covered here . UKRI, the body that funds all nine UK research councils , has some case studies of CDT-PhD students which you can find on the various research council websites.

When looking for PhDs, I applied to two CDTs. If I hadn’t already been happy with my offer to study for my specific project at Imperial I’d have loved to have done one. I think they’re a great idea. Particularly if you are transitioning to a research area which differs from the subject of your bachelor’s degree.

Finding Suitable CDTs

As well as using a search engine, you can search for CDTs on FindAPhD.com by selecting PhD Research Programme and then choosing from the list:

Interested in Applying for a PhD?

Hopefully this post shows that you don’t need to be too put off applying for PhDs if you don’t have a master’s. Many people are successful in their PhD application without a master’s if they got research experience during their bachelor’s degree. And if you do fancy getting a master’s and PhD now you know that studying in a CDT could be a great option.

Interested in applying for a PhD? Here is my post covering the PhD applications process. It includes all the steps to apply and tips from successful PhD applicants:

How to apply for a PhD

If you’d like personalised help with your PhD application I am now starting to offer a small number of one-to-one sessions. Please contact me to find out more or click here to book a call.

So can you get a PhD without a master’s? Quite possibly, but a master’s could benefit your application.

Have you got other PhD questions you want answered? Please let me know!

If you’ve found this post useful you can subscribe here to stay notified of new posts:

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5 Countries That Offer Free or Very Cheap PhD Programmes

Updated on
May 11, 2023

Do you currently hold a degree or a master’s degree and desire to advance your education by pursuing a PhD abroad? The good news is that those with graduate degrees, like master’s or doctoral degrees, had the best salaries and lowest unemployment rates in several countries. Is that terrible news? A PhD program overseas might be quite expensive. When studying overseas, you would have to take tuition, living fees, and other extra costs into account. However, there is a solution to this. The next step would be researching the nations with the most affordable PhD programs. Fortunately, there are quite a few nations where the cost of attending a PhD program is either zero or extremely low. This enables you to enrol in a prestigious university overseas and learn what it’s like to live in a foreign nation and adjust to other customs. You can concentrate on your studies and any other personal or professional goals when you study for a PhD abroad with little concern for your financial situation. Having said that, the following are the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes in the world.

This Blog Includes:

Swedish doctoral degrees, fees and funding, admissions requirements, norwegian phd fees, admission requirements, entry requirements, types of phd in germany, phd programmes, programme length, phd fees .

A Ph.D. in Economics normally includes coursework in both macroeconomics and microeconomics. However, if you intend to teach or conduct formal research in economic subjects, this is a beneficial degree. Once the proposal is approved and the oral exam is passed, the final years of enrollment are devoted to dissertation research, writing, and defence.

Sweden is the greatest option if you want to pursue a PhD in renewable energy or a field that is closely related to it. According to data, about 56 per cent of the energy utilized in Sweden in 2019 originates from renewable sources. What is the nicest thing about obtaining a PhD in Sweden? Everyone can use it for free, even students from other countries. (Note that students seeking bachelor’s or master’s degrees who are not EU/EEA citizens are not eligible for free tuition.)

Seven of Sweden’s universities are included in the top 350 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2023, making it the home to some of the most highly regarded universities in the world. The KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University, the two top universities in Sweden, are 89th and 95th, respectively.

Key details-

For students in Swedish universities, a PhD signifies the pinnacle of academic success. Similar to other nations, the focus is on your independent study leading to an original thesis that adds new knowledge to the topic.

countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes

Must Read: Best Countries for PhD

In Sweden, a doctoral study might take one of two forms:

A typical Ph.D. confers a full doctorate (together with the crucial title of “doctor”) after a minimum of four years of full-time work (240 ECTS credits).

As an alternative, you might decide to pursue a licentiate degree. Typically, this only necessitates two years of full-time work toward a more condensed and modest thesis (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits). Some students first enroll for the Swedish licentiate before upgrading to full Ph.D. candidates since it is comparable to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree provided in the UK or other countries.

In Sweden, there are two teaching terms (August to January and January to June), which are separated by summer and winter breaks. You will often have more flexibility throughout the year as a PhD student, but some additional courses and other activities can be connected to particular teaching periods.

There are no tuition fees for PhD study at state-funded Swedish universities (note that this does not apply to Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees). Doctoral programs are free for students from the EU, EEA, and other countries.

The same is true of application costs; there are none to be paid for a PhD in Sweden.

Although you will need to pay for your housing and living expenses, your university might be able to provide assistance.

Universities in Sweden are permitted to establish their own admittance standards for PhD programs. A bachelor’s degree in an applicable area is typically the required minimum, but a master’s degree is also preferable, especially if you’re asking for funding.

Your capacity to exhibit prior research experience will be as crucial as your previous qualifications. It is crucial that you can demonstrate some preparation for the independent research you will conduct on your PhD, even if this is just the dissertation project for one or both of your previous degrees.

Nikita Puri

Nikita is a creative writer and editor, who is always ready to learn new skills. She has great knowledge about study abroad universities, researching and writing blogs about them. Being a perfectionist, she has a habit of keeping her tasks complete on time before the OCD hits her. When Nikita is not busy working, you can find her eating while binge-watching The office. Also, she breathes music. She has done her bachelor's from Delhi University and her master's from Jamia Millia Islamia.

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Can You Get a PhD Without a Masters? Let’s Find Out!

Lots of people wonder if they can get a PhD without a master’s. Is it possible? Some students believe that a master’s degree is a waste of time and it is not cheap to run. This is why individuals wonder if it is possible to transition from BSc to PhD without having to go for Masters. This article will answer the agelong question and also show how you can start the process.

Can You Get A Doctorate Without A Master’s Degree?

The answer to the question is yes; you can get a PhD without having to go through a master’s degree. However, there are some important points to note before making the decision to bypass a master’s degree.

In the past, it was normal to get a PhD without a master’s in certain countries like the UK. Many undergraduate degrees in other countries may still require a Master’s degree program. Now there are many universities offering PhD without masters.

How To Apply For A P h D Without Master’s Degree

Universities do no openly claim to offer PhD degrees without the M.Sc. degree. But you can find the ones that accept this by going through the core beliefs of the institutions and weigh your chances. Getting accepted to any university for PhD without an MSc degree depends solely on the way you tender the application.

Just like a normal PhD application, it is important to check the requirements of the universities. All universities have different rules and guidelines. While some schools may offer you admission, other schools may still require a master’s degree, especially when you are studying abroad.

Ensure that you fill the application properly and emphasize on the fact that you would complete your doctoral degree without an MSc. Also, include some concrete analogies as well as proof that you are academically sound.

How T o C ope W ith S tarting PhD W ithout M aster’s D egree

If your application is approved, you may have a hard time settling in. Be sure to ask your supervisor if he/she can read a voluminous piece of work. This way, you can take your final work from undergraduate days or a dissertation of 20,000 words.

During your first term, study the research proposal thoroughly and review it. Research evolves, but you should try to maintain your purposed research. Also, follow up university workshops on PhD research. Some run short skill sessions daily to teach students how to manage projects, thesis, or communication. Try not to become over-occupied with extracurricular activities because you need to reserve some time for your research.

Also, you need to get acquainted with other researchers. You would learn a lot from them, and it could also be a great way to network and meet new people.

Ensure that you set clear goals for your first term. When your first term is structured properly, it would give you enough time as you break your project work into smaller chunks. That will allow you to stand out despite not having a Master’s degree. You may also choose to get writing help if you are choked up.

While it is possible to apply for a PhD without a master’s degree, is it the right course of action? Here are some factors to consider before deciding to jump the stage.

1. Readiness

Master’s degrees help check your readiness to run a PhD program. The bachelor’s degree program often allows you to know the course and focus on your final project work. You can’t be an expert on a particular field of study until you do more work on it. In simple terms, you need about six years of concentration if you choose to jump the Master’s program.

A research-oriented master’s program gets you ready for a PhD program. This is something that a bachelor’s degree can’t offer. With the right motivation, study routine, and time management, you become prepped for your PhD program.

2. Master’s Degree Gives You An Edge

Before deciding to jump from the Master’s level to PhD, remember that a master’s degree opens you up to more opportunities as a PhD. As a master’s degree holder, you are considered two years ahead of a bachelor’s degree holder. Also, graduate schools prefer applicants with a master’s degree, even though it isn’t a requirement.

For students who had a low grade on their bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree can boost this grade. It will remove any negative effect the bachelor’s degree would have had on your records.

3. Flexibility

Master’s degree programs can be used to change study fields in PhD level. If you have plans to change your course of study, the master’s degree program is a perfect avenue to do so. However, if you jump this process, you may not be able to change the course.

4. Masters Could Facilitate A PhD Program

A Master’s degree may take up to 24 months in some schools. However, this time isn’t exactly wasted. Countries like Canada and the USA allow you to push some credits earned in Masters to PhD. This would generally reduce the time you would need to finish your PhD.

Everything’s In Your Hands

Can you go from a bachelor’s to a PhD? The answer is yes. However, you should consider the pros and cons before doing so.

Top 10 Best Countries for Masters Degrees: Ranked by Students

Suppose you know that you want to study abroad for your Masters degree, but you’re not sure where exactly to go. There are so many great destinations, from North America to Asia, each with their own pros, cons, and unique experiences. Well, our ranking of the best countries for Masters degrees might help.

We analysed reviews data collected from students and graduates in 2023 to see which countries were rated the highest overall. Institutions were rated on their facilities, location, professors, student accommodation, student life and more—so this ranking can give you a broad overview of what it’s like to study a Masters in these destinations!

Without further ado, let’s see which countries have made the list of the best countries for Masters degrees in 2024.

Best Countries for Masters Degrees 2023

10. The netherlands

The Netherlands has long been considered one of the top destinations for Masters students in Europe thanks to low tuition fees, top-ranked universities, and ease of travel (you can go from one side of the country to the other in just a few hours!)

EDUopinions reviewers ranked the Netherlands high for its value rate for Masters degrees—not a surprise given that EU students can study a degree there for as little as €2,000 per year. While you’ll likely find it difficult to find housing (the country ranks worst on this list for accommodation), you’ll find the country a welcoming place for expats with a high fluency in English and plenty of jobs for internationals after you’ve graduated.

Student Review of the Netherlands

NHL Stenden always stood out as a progressive University where you are always part of something evolving. Lots of room for debate and an excellent relationship between teacher and student make this a very nice University to study at. The diversity of programmes en nationalities makes it a great representation of the working world

Beating the Netherlands in this ranking is sunny Spain. Home to some of the oldest universities in Europe, Spain has developed a reputation for a great student lifestyle, where you can get some downtime from studying at the best coastal locations. Reviewers rate the lifestyle very highly—Spain comes top of the ranking for this factor.

While Spanish is still the predominant language in the country, international students will find a whole range of English-language Masters at top universities like the University of Barcelona and the University of Navarra. If you want to spend a year in the sun, soak up some unique culture, and explore a growing technological scene, then Spain is the place for you.

Student Review of Spain

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos is an excellent university that imparts valuable knowledge to its students. The courses are exceptional, featuring a well-designed curriculum and excellent faculties. The university boasts great infrastructure and provides top-notch education. The support and counseling offered to all students are remarkable. I highly recommend this university.

Traditionally one of the most popular destinations for study abroad students in Europe, France also excels on a worldwide stage. Masters students flock to top universities in Paris like the Sorbonne and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, but you can find excellent Masters programmes across the country, from Nantes to Grenoble to Marseilles.

Studying a Masters degree in France enables you to get close to flourishing industries like luxury retail, energy, gastronomy and tech. Plus, EDUopinions reviewers rank France particularly highly for internationality—so you’ll get to study and work with students from all around the world, exchanging perspectives and learning new things.

Student Review of France

I’ve had the opportunity to study in GEM. Great programme, excellent teachers, an amazing student life, and impressive work opportunities (I signed my first long-term work contract one year before finishing my masters). Grenoble was also such a nice city to be in!

Poland is growing in popularity with Masters students. The country is one of the cheapest locations for your study abroad experience, where you can get by each month with just €600 and pay between €2,000 to €6,000 for a top Masters degree. Indeed, Poland receives a particularly high rating from Masters students for value; if you study here, you’ll be able to experience lots for less.

Students regularly comment on the strong community atmosphere at universities in Poland, and overall satisfaction for students is higher than in other destinations like Spain, France, and Italy.

Student Review of Poland

I love how lecturers accommodate the fact that us masters students have full time jobs and some are parents. We have a say in how the schedule is structured due to this. I find this very beneficial.

My only downer is that some lecturers had a hard time communicating in English and this made some classes frustrating to attend

6. The United Kingdom

Given its diversity of cities, industries, and people, the United Kingdom really has something for every Masters student. It’s a place where you can study finance and business in the European business capital, London, or head to Oxford or Cambridge for a top-ranked humanities education. There are major science research hubs in Manchester and Newcastle, while Scotland beckons for students who want strong scenery with their degree.

While the United Kingdom scored low among students for accommodation (likely brought down by the expense of London), it received some of the best scores for internationality and career prospects. Here, you can study in some of the most multicultural destinations in Europe, and find work at the world’s biggest companies after your degree.

Student Review of the UK

I am pursuing a Master’s in Luxury Brand Management at Birmingham City University (BCU). Based on my experiences, the university provides a positive learning environment. The faculty in my program are exceptionally supportive and committed to teaching, ensuring that classes begin punctually and that assignment details are communicated to prevent any confusion during the research phases. The university also addresses various facets of student well-being, offering resources for mental health, career counselling, and more. As an international student, I feel secure and well-supported within the BCU community, making it a commendable choice for prospective students.

From Europe to North America; Canada is the first country outside of Europe to appear on this ranking of the best countries for Masters, and it makes the top five! This country recently topped our ranking of the countries with the happiest students , and it’s easy to see why. Here, you can study alongside a friendly local population at top universities, and explore exciting industries afterwards.

As with other large countries, Canada scores low for accommodation, but excels in internationality and the quality of professors. It claims eight universities in the top 200 in the world, and is one of the best places to study engineering, agriculture, energy, and geosciences.

Student Review of Canada

I got into Western University for a one-year Masters of Professional Education program specialising in TESOL. Before entering the program I was skeptical about the entire concept. Being an English teacher for 10 years I was sure there wouldn’t be anything new for me to learn except the cultural difference in teaching.

Contrary to my expectations and building on its reputation Western University, which is ranked 8th in Canada taught me more than I could imagine. In fact, it made me reflect on all my previous learning and teaching methodologies.

The university culture is very welcoming, with support in every aspect of a student’s life. Inclusivity is based on every religion, race, belief and gender which gives you a sense of belonging immediately.

The fees are higher in comparison to other universities, especially for international students. But as the cost of living in London Ontario is lower than the metropolitan cities you can survive.

Overall, it is a wonderful experience to be a part of one of the renowned universities of Canada and learn everything I can about teaching English to speakers of other languages.

4. The United States

Best Countries for Masters Degrees 2023 US

The US occupies most of the ranking positions in the Times Higher Education top 100 universities , so it’s no surprise that students love studying their Masters here. Although you’ll pay for your tuition in the US, you’ll gain it back with top-paying jobs afterwards, which may be why students still gave their Masters degrees such a high value rating.

The US is renowned for the quality of education at its Ivy League universities, but in reality there are thousands of institutions to choose from, each with their own specialisms. This may be why students rate the US so highly; the amount of choice is undeniable. Plus, if you want to study business , there’s no better place than the home of the world’s biggest companies.

Student Review of the US

This is a top notch masters program in Business Management for working professionals that can be tailored to your specific needs and goals. The academic rigor is high: Only 3% of the students that start the program finish it. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to any individual that wishes to attain a better future.

Breaking into the top three best countries for Masters in our ranking is none other than Ireland. This small island nation next to the UK has built a reputation for the quality of its educational system—Dublin alone contains two top-200 universities. Plus, EU students can benefit from low tuition fees and an attractive work visa scheme for after your Masters degree.

With so many companies moving their operations to Ireland in the wake of Brexit, there’s never been a better time to start your career in Ireland. Students gave Ireland the best score of all the countries on this list for career prospects, while it also scored particularly high for university location and value for money.

Student Review of Ireland

One of the things that I love most about Trinity College Dublin are all the opportunities it gives to its students to visit many companies and network with potential employers during their studies. The college has strong partnerships with various industries and sectors, and organises regular career fairs, workshops, seminars, and company visits for students. I was able to attend some of these events and meet with representatives from leading organisations such as Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Honeywell, and many more. Those visits gave me valuable insights into the work culture in such organisations as well as the expectations and challenges of applying for positions.

Surprisingly, this small nation scores even higher on the ranking of best countries for Masters degrees than its neighbours France and the Netherlands! Students in Belgium can explore a lively, historic culture in quaint cities like Ghent and Leuven, at the same time as they study at a top university . The ratings don’t lie—students gave university location one of the top scores.

Belgium also scores high for student accommodation; it’s the only country on this list to reach 4/5 stars. Considering the country’s multicultural nature, the presence of top European institutions (across politics, the charity sector, and STEM ), and low tuition fees for EU students, you’ll start to see why students rate this country so highly for their postgraduate studies.

Student Review of Belgium

Generally KU Leuven is a great choice for international students from all over the world. I will recommend it for several reasons. First, it provides an inclusive and open environment, with most master programs taught in English, it attracted many international students, and create a multi-cultural study atmosphere. Second, the university provides high quality service for students in various aspects including study advising, life and accommodation and etc. Third, the program I studies encourage students to choose the specialising field and courses based on their interests and needs, which is quite flexible.

Beating other top destinations for Masters degrees such as the U.S. and the U.K. is none other than… Sweden! The Nordic country was rated highest overall by students on Masters programmes in the country, but it also came top for internationality. Although you might not consider Sweden one of the more diverse destinations in Europe, 20% of the country’s population is foreign-born or has one or more parent that was born in a different country. Sweden also has a high rate of English fluency, so you won’t need to learn a new language to study in the country.

What else do students rate highly about studying a Master’s in Sweden? Well, it scores second among the countries on this list for the location of its universities. There are 39 institutions dotted around the country, from urban centres like Stockholm and Malmö to regional universities in stunning landscapes like Umeå University, where you can catch the Northern Lights on campus.

Sweden particularly excels in environmental studies. So, if you want to study sustainability, biology, forestry, or natural science, you’ll find plenty of top-ranked programmes.

Student Review of Sweden

Lund University has a strong academic reputation both nationally and internationally. It is known for its research contributions and academic excellence in various fields. The university is often praised for its research facilities and opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research across different disciplines. Lund University attracts a diverse student body and faculty from around the world, creating an international and multicultural learning environment. Lund is a picturesque town, and the university campus reflects this beauty. The surroundings can provide a pleasant atmosphere for studying. However, The weather in Lund, like much of Sweden, can be cold and dark during the winter months which was challenging for me. I would recommend Lund University because it attracts a diverse and international student body and faculty. Studying in such an environment can broaden your perspectives, enhance your cross-cultural communication skills, and prepare you for a globalized world.

If you’re thinking about studying for a Masters degree, then you might consider studying at one of the best countries for Masters in the world. Whether you want to soak up the traditional culture in France or the Netherlands or head to the bright lights and big cities of Canada or the US, then there are plenty of fantastic options for you.

If you’re still unsure about studying abroad (maybe you’re worried about the costs, or the time away from home), give our blog on the top benefits of studying abroad a read.

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Thousands of students cross the border from Mexico to U.S. for school. Some are now set to graduate.

By Lauren Fichten

Updated on: May 11, 2024 / 2:16 PM EDT / CBS News

For most high school students, forgotten homework or gym clothes might entail a text to a parent. In Jose M. Vazquez's case, one forgotten item in particular— his birth certificate— meant no school that day.

Vazquez, 24, now a senior at San Diego State University Imperial Valley, has been crossing the U.S-Mexico border into California to attend school for around nine years. On May 12, he will graduate during a convocation in Mexicali, Mexico. His mother is attending the ceremony, put together by his college, something she would otherwise be unable to do because she can't get a visa to enter the United States.

Vazquez is one of tens of thousands of transborder students, some as young as kindergarteners, who cross the border from Mexico into California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to pursue an education in the United States.

Transborder students have documentation that allows them to cross into the U.S. for school, like a passport, birth certificate or naturalization certificate, but living in Mexico is often more cost-effective and allows them to stay with their families. Students crossing the border during middle and high school often use a U.S. address, sometimes of a friend or family member, to avoid scrutiny from the school district.

Some students are U.S. citizens who have lived in Mexico the majority of their lives, while others return to Mexico after living in America for economic reasons or family reunification, said Laura Dicochea, a Ph.D candidate at Arizona State University, who researches transborder students.

"It's like a circular migration," Dicochea told CBS News.

The first in his family to graduate college, Vazquez reflected on his – and so many others – educational journey.

A transborder school commute

After his father was deported from the United States in 2006, Vazquez — who was born in Arizona — moved to Mexicali, Mexico when he began crossing the border a few years later to attend Central Union High School in El Centro, California.

Although he is a U.S. citizen, for Vazquez, like many transborder — or transfronterizo — students, living in Mexico with his family made sense because it is "so part of my culture, of me, that I think it's going to be so hard for me if I have to leave that," he said, noting that he's grateful to study in the United States.

During high school, Vazquez would wake up at 4:30 a.m. local time, wait at the border for around two hours, and arrive at school before his first class at 8 a.m. In 2019, he enrolled at Imperial Valley College, a community college 15 miles from Mexicali, before landing at San Diego State University Imperial Valley.

Vazquez's story mirrors that of Diana Lara Zamora, 21, now a senior at Arizona State University, who crossed into the U.S. from eighth grade through high school.

"I would cross three different states: Baja California, Sonora and Arizona every single day," Lara Zamora said.

She began attending school in the U.S. at 14, living with a family friend in San Luis, Arizona, at times. A typical school day for Lara Zamora began around 4 a.m. local time.

Her mom would drive 30 minutes to the border to drop off her and her younger sister, where they would wait among other students before walking 25 minutes or taking a cab to PPEP TEC High School in San Luis. During the winter, when seasonal farmworkers cross into Arizona, the wait at the border could be up to two hours.

"They're freezing," she said of the mornings. "I remember my nose being red."

When Lara Zamora became a student at ASU in 2020, she secured on-campus housing, a meaningful experience that allowed her "to get to know people from around the world," Lara Zamora said.

Javier Melara, 21, who will be graduating alongside Vazquez in Mexico, has been crossing the border to attend school in California since he was 11.

"You have to face a lot of challenges," he said. "You have to face a lot of fear, a lot of pushback from some people."

Melara said that up until college, he would not share with his friends that he crossed the border daily out of concern that the school district might find out.

"I lived with the fear because some people were kicked out of school," he said, noting that it was something he saw happen to several classmates including a friend.

Lara Zamora told CBS News it doesn't "feel like for me transborder means the border itself."

"For me, it's more about having two cultures in yourself."

For transborder students, the benefits of living in Mexico mean regularly confronting the challenges of crossing the border: long wait times, tense interactions with U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and backlash from community members— all against the backdrop of a nationwide migration debate centered on the border. This week, CBS News reported that illegal crossings along the U.S. southern border dropped by more than 40% this year to 129,000 crossings in April, defying historical trends. Though transborder students cross into the U.S. legally, the act of crossing the border makes them vulnerable to scrutiny.

Scrutiny, fear and then graduation

Another source of unease for Melara was his interactions with Customs and Border Protection officers.

"I feel like we have this ingrained fear, this constant fear, like flight or fight," Melara said of being sent often for secondary inspection, which allows officers to conduct additional questioning.

Lara Zamora, noticing that her male friends were often pulled into secondary inspection, said that she was careful about her interactions with customs officers. Vazquez said that he felt that CBP personnel sought to intimidate— a consistent issue that tarnished his commute. "They think you're a criminal," he said.

CBS News reached out to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents for comment but didn't receive a response before publication.

Some students are put under a microscope by residents of their school district. For Lara Zamora, the frustration of community members who felt their taxes benefitted non-residents resulted in her transferring to a different high school.

"I felt like that was really unfair because it's not my fault," Lara Zamora said. "My parents don't want to be illegal immigrants here."

Lara Zamora, Vazquez and Melara graduate this month. Lara Zamora, plans to enroll in graduate school. Vazquez is taking a gap year to pursue his passion of performing as a drag queen. Melara plans to pursue a master's in education, someday achieve a doctorate degree and "dream without barriers," he said.

Vazquez's mother, who has attended his drag performances, will have the opportunity to see him on a different stage in the coming days at SDSU's graduation convocation in Mexicali. Since she was unable to cross the border to attend his high school graduation, Vazquez said having her at the ceremony in Mexico is important— particularly given that he is the first in his family to graduate.

Lara Zamora, also a first-generation student, says the realization that millions of other students have experienced similar challenges inspires her to help students like herself.

"First generation means that you are the first one, but hopefully you won't be the last one," she said.

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RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

Nastaran Nagshineh is shown with other faculty in a small room where she defended her thesis.

Nastaran Nagshineh, center, defended her Ph.D. thesis at RIT in April. Faculty from RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses served on her thesis committee and include, from left to right, Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard, Steven Weinstein, Nathaniel Barlow, and David Kofke (a professor at the University at Buffalo). Mohamed Samaha participated remotely and appears on the video screen behind the group and alongside Nagshineh’s picture.

Nastaran Nagshineh is one of the first Ph.D. candidates to bridge RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses. Her accomplishment creates a path for future students at the university’s international campuses.

Nagshineh completed her Ph.D. in mathematical modeling while working full time as a mathematics lecturer at RIT Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, teaching as many as five classes a semester. She described her Ph.D. journey as “an exercise in perseverance” due to competing demands and long days. Rochester is eight hours behind Dubai, and the time difference meant many late-night classes and meetings.

“I saw this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than as a challenge, because my primary adviser, Dr. Steven Weinstein (RIT professor of chemical engineering), and my co-adviser, Dr. Mohamed Samaha (RIT Dubai associate professor of mechanical engineering), both have the same area of research interest,” she said. “They both worked toward my success.”

Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023.

In 2020-2021, RIT’s Graduate School met and surpassed the university’s goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski , dean of RIT’s Graduate School.

Meeting these goals puts RIT on a path toward achieving an “R1,” or research-intensive designation, from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. RIT is currently ranked as an R2 institution . Many factors go into changing a university’s status, including research investment and maintaining a three-year average of 70 Ph.D. degrees awarded per year, according to Slusarski.

“We have met the goals of the strategic plan, and now we look forward to contributing to the research innovation in the future,” Slusarski said. “We want to help the new programs thrive and win national research awards.”

RIT’s emphasis on high-level research is seen in Nagshineh’s Ph.D. work. She applies mathematical modeling to the field of fluid dynamics. Her research has been published in top-tier journals and has gained notice, said Weinstein, her thesis adviser.

Weinstein describes Nagshineh’s accomplishments as “a testament to a fantastic work ethic and commitment” and is inspirational to younger students at Rochester and Dubai.

“The collaboration between RIT Dubai/Rochester has continued,” he said. “Another paper was submitted a few weeks ago with Mohamed Samaha and Nate Barlow (RIT associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics) as co-authors, as well as Cade Reinberger, a younger Ph.D. student in my research group.”

Mathematical modeling is one of RIT’s newer Ph.D. degree programs, and Nagshineh is among its earliest graduates. The program has doubled in size since it began accepting students in 2017, Slusarski said. This past fall, the mathematical modeling program had 35 students, with two graduating this year.

Altogether, RIT has 13 Ph.D. degree programs currently enrolling 438 students, with computing and information sciences accounting for the largest with 117 students. RIT’s other Ph.D. programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , electrical and computer engineering, imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

New programs in cognitive science and physics will launch in the fall.

The growth in RIT graduate education—with more than 3,000 master’s and doctoral students—reflects a demographic change in the student population, Slusarski said. “We have a higher percentage of women in the graduate programs than we have for RIT undergraduate programs.”

RIT’s graduate programs enroll 42 percent women, according to Christie Leone , assistant dean for the Graduate School.

Nagshineh, who also holds an MS in electrical engineering from RIT Dubai, welcomes her role as a mentor to other women students on both campuses.

“As a young woman in an Arabic country, the power of women is often underestimated and undervalued, and I hope to serve as a role model to female students, especially those that question their path,” Nagshineh said.

She plans to continue in her career as a professor and a researcher. “I would like to pursue a research program where I can advise my own students and teach them more deeply.”

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Graduate Profile: Hannah Eliason, MTS '24

Message of Thanks

While I would like to thank all of my professors at HDS, there are a couple of professors without whom getting here would not have been possible. I want to thank Mike Delaney for the countless office hours, support, and guidance throughout my entire journey of academic, personal, and vocational growth with the Religion and Public Life Program. I can wholeheartedly say that I am lucky I got to begin and end my time at this institution with such an influential figure in the humanitarian sector. I also want to thank Dr. Healan Gaston for providing me with academic spaces to research more unconventional topics like the Salem Witch Trials, the Lavender Scare, and Trump’s 2017 Muslim Ban. I would also like to thank Shaul Magid for supporting my research and vocational path in Holocaust and genocide public education and research.

Finally, I want to thank my undergraduate advisor and mentor, Dr. Damon Berry at St. Lawrence University. My journey in religious studies began during college on the first day of Damon’s “Cults and New Religious Movements” course in the spring of 2018. Little did I know then, but this was the beginning of my trajectory towards HDS, a path I never would have considered previously. Thank you for all the short notice mentoring sessions, your unwavering support, and for being one of my biggest academic/vocational cheerleaders!

What I Hope to Be Remembered By

Vocationally, I hope to be remembered as an advocate for a world of just peace through my commitment to fighting social injustice against state violence and the rise of authoritarianism. On a personal level, I hope people remember me for being unapologetically myself, remembering my infectious laugh, smile, and hospitality – the watercolor memories scattered with joy, hope, solidarity, and forgiveness.

Future Plans

Following graduation, I plan on staying in New England for a couple of months, spending the summer reconnecting with nature and recentering my mind, body, and soul. I will continue my role as a facilitator with Amideast’s Qisasna Program (an intercultural, virtual exchange program), connecting American undergraduate students with Yemeni undergraduate students to find common ground, build podcasting skills, and foster friendships. It is my belief that programs such as these will lead peace-building efforts for future generations.

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Phd without Master's

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Can You Get a PhD without a Master's? Yes, but Here's Why You Shouldn't
It's almost a sure pass to a doctoral programme. 3. A Master's is the only way to a PhD in a new field. It does not matter where you want to pursue a PhD, if you don't have the right academic background in a connected subject area, your chances of being accepted to a PhD are little to zero. So, if you want to change careers and pursue a ...
2024 Best Universities That Offer PhD Without Masters
Saybrook University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology program that is fully online. Students who do not hold a master's degree must complete 103 to 109 credits to graduate, while those who do have a master's in a related field must complete 100 to 106 credits. The program can typically be completed in 5 years.
Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD? What You Need to Know
The short answer is that it is possible to do a PhD without a Masters. The long answer is that it is dependent on your personal experience, your subject area, the duration of your PhD programme and the location, as requirements can vary by country. It's technically possible in any discipline, but much more common in STEM or vocational subjects.
Can you get a PhD without a master's degree?
Similarly, you can get a PhD in the Ohio State University's chemical engineering programme without having done a master's. Across the pond, the University of Cambridge can accept students without a master's degree, where they'll be placed in a probationary year before progressing into their dissertation. As you can see, various routes ...
PhD without Master's Degree? Exploring Direct PhD in 2024
A direct PhD program, sometimes referred to as an integrated or combined PhD program, is a doctoral-level academic program that allows students to pursue a PhD degree without first obtaining a master's degree. In traditional PhD programs, students typically complete a master's degree before embarking on their doctoral studies.
PhD without a Master's degree? Discover if you can get one [2024]
Yes, it is possible to get a Ph.D. without having a Master's degree first. Conventionally, if you wanted to pursue a Ph.D., you would first get your Bachelor's degree, then your Master's degree, and then apply for a PhD. However, there are a few unconventional ways of getting a Ph.D. Firstly, you can opt to bypass your Master's degree ...
Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?
Yes, it's possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree. The conventional route for someone who earns a PhD is to pursue a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD. However, several students opt to bypass a Master's degree by enrolling onto a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their ...
PhD without masters PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships
Search Funded PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in PhD without masters. Search for PhD funding, scholarships & studentships in the UK, Europe and around the world. ... Join high calibre doctoral candidates from more than 30 countries in the world and study at a triple-accredited global business school. Read more . Funded PhD Programme ...
What is it Like to Do a PhD Without a Masters?
But there are several considerations to doing a PhD without a Masters. A Masters is a great way to experience postgraduate life and academic research in your field of interest without committing to a full PhD project. This can be useful as there are several differences between professional work and academia that are more easily understood from the experience of doing a Masters.
Can you do a PhD without a master's degree?
It's possible to get into a PhD program with a graduate diploma (and no bachelor's or master's degree), but you'll need extensive documentation proving former research experience to support your application - plus a decent GPA. This type of application is assessed on a case-by-case basis by some universities and can be extremely ...
Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD [2024 Guide]
No, a master's degree is not always required to earn a PhD. A number of schools may allow you to enroll in a PhD-level program without having previously obtained your master's degree if you meet the school's and program's admission criteria. In some cases, Ph.D. programs may allow you to skip the need to obtain a master's degree.
A PhD Without A Masters Degree
Doing a PhD without a Masters is feasible in any field of study, but it is more prevalent in STEM or vocational fields. The majority of Arts and Humanities doctoral programs typically need the completion of a Master's degree. Doing a PhD without a Masters provides an accelerated path toward a PhD and eliminates the need for a Master's degree.
20 Countries Offering Affordable Doctoral Degrees Or No-Cost PhDs
Overview of the Rising Cost of Education. The cost of tertiary education, particularly master's and doctoral programs, is often on the rise. According to the World Economic Forum, the general cost of higher education has increased by 65%, and the cost of an undergraduate degree has surged by a massive 67%, when adjusted for inflation, from 2006 to 2016.
A PhD Without A Masters Degree
The PhD usually came after the Bachelor's degree for many years in the United Kingdom. There was no real need to successfully gain a Master's degree before embarking on this mammoth task of empirical research. Whilst some undergraduate degrees still lead to a Master's qualification, and many people still complete Master degrees, it is possible to do a PhD without a Masters degree.
Can You Get a PhD Without a Master's?
The Benefits of Doing a Master's Degree Before a PhD. A master's degree allows someone to gain additional skills, research experience and domain-specific knowledge. When a supervisor is looking for potential PhD students, amongst other things they want to see that a candidate has: Interest in the subject; Research experience; Subject knowledge
Can I earn a PhD without a Master's?
Yes, it is possible to earn a PhD without a master's degree. Though the traditional path entails completing a master's program before embarking on a doctorate, some schools and programs offer options to skip the master's entirely. Actually, in select cases, it's the preferred approach. Below, we'll share four common scenarios that can ...
Do I need a master's degree to apply for a PhD?
A master's is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers. All master's involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master's thesis. Others focus on professional training for a ...
5 Countries That Offer Free or Very Cheap PhD Programmes
France. France, which has four universities ranked among the top 100 by QS, is another nation that makes it to our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. French institutions demand comparatively little tuition. A typical annual cost at a public university, for instance, is around 380 euros (INR 31k at the time of ...
Is it possible to start a PhD without a Master degree?
2. A masters degree is rarely a formal requirement for entry to a PhD in any British university. However, depending on the university, the course and the year, students without master's degrees may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage when they are competing for scarce PhD places. I went straight from my 3 year undergrad into a PhD in ...
Can You Get a PhD Without a Masters degree?
The answer to the question is yes; you can get a PhD without having to go through a master's degree. However, there are some important points to note before making the decision to bypass a master's degree. In the past, it was normal to get a PhD without a master's in certain countries like the UK. Many undergraduate degrees in other ...
getting a PhD without a masters : r/gradadmissions
A PhD program typically takes 5-6 years to complete. PhD students are given ample opportunity in their first year to not only take classes in their field, but also to engage in research. They qualify for a Masters degree after completing certain requirements in 1-2 years. They can leave at this point with a Masters, without having paid any ...
Top 10 Best Countries for Masters Degrees: Ranked by Students
8. France. Traditionally one of the most popular destinations for study abroad students in Europe, France also excels on a worldwide stage. Masters students flock to top universities in Paris like the Sorbonne and the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, but you can find excellent Masters programmes across the country, from Nantes to Grenoble to Marseilles.
PhD Study in Europe
PhD study within the European Higher Education Area. The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) is a network of 49 countries that share a common system for university degrees. It is made up of all 27 EU members, plus the UK, as well as other countries from elsewhere in Europe and Eurasia.
Thousands of students cross the border from Mexico to U.S. for school
Transborder students graduate college this year after crossing the border from ... Melara plans to pursue a master's in education, someday achieve a doctorate degree and "dream without barriers ...
Graduate Profile: Hongmin Ahn, MTS '24
Message of Thanks I would not be where I am today without the unwavering support of my family and their endless love. In addition, I have been blessed by the support of this community of people over the last two years at HDS. I first would like to express my deepest gratitude to my academic advisor, Professor Janet Gyatso, for her profound mentorship and support. You exemplified to me how to ...
RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones
RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023. In 2020-2021, RIT's Graduate School met and surpassed the university's goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski, dean of RIT's Graduate School.
Graduate Profile: Nathan Knutson, MDiv '24
See also: Commencement, Commencement 2024, Student Activities and Interviews. Memorable Moment Truly all of the moments I spent in connection with the HUUMS community. Favorite Class or Professor "Magic in the Contemporary World" with Giovanna Parmigiani. It changed the way I engage with the world and showed me that my academic and personal ...
Graduate students publish article in Journal of Medical Ethics
Graduate students publish article in Journal of Medical Ethics. May 16, 2024, 13:52 PM. Graduate students Hannah Carpenter, Georgia Loutrianakis, Peyton Baker, Tiffany Bystra, and Dr. Lisa Campo-Engelstein publish. " Procreative Loss Without Pregnancy Loss .". Journal of Medical Ethics (2024).
Graduate Profile: Hannah Eliason, MTS '24
Following graduation, I plan on staying in New England for a couple of months, spending the summer reconnecting with nature and recentering my mind, body, and soul. I will continue my role as a facilitator with Amideast's Qisasna Program (an intercultural, virtual exchange program), connecting American undergraduate students with Yemeni ...
PhD Study, for Free?
Austria charges no PhD fees at public research universities. However, this condition only applies to EU and EEA students who finish their doctorates on time (extra semesters cost €363.36 each). International students pay fees throughout their degrees, but the maximum cost is capped by the Austrian Government at a fairly low €726.72 per semester.. EU and EEA students do pay fees to study at ...

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Universities That Offer PhD without a Masters Degree

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PhD without a Master’s Degree? Exploring Direct PhD Programs

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Direct PhD Programmes in United States:

Pros and Cons of Doing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

Pros of Doing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

Cons of Doing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

Fields in Which it is More Common to Enter a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree

Fields in Which a Master’s Degree is Often Required for Admission to a PhD Program

How to Apply for a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree

Examples of Successful PhD students who did not have a Master’s Degree

Top Universities Offering PhD without Master’s Degree

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