13+ Fully Funded PhD Programs for Students in 2024

Many aspiring scholars dream of earning their doctorate, but the cost can be a major hurdle. This is where fully funded PhD programs come in. These programs cover tuition fees and often provide a living stipend, allowing students to focus entirely on their research without worrying about financial burdens.

Fully funded PhD programs are available across various fields of study and can be found at universities worldwide. They’re highly competitive, but those who secure a spot offer an incredible opportunity to advance their education and contribute to their field of study without taking on substantial debt.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips to remember when applying for these coveted positions. Whether you’re just considering a PhD or ready to begin the application process, this information will help you navigate the path toward a fully funded doctoral program.

Top Fully Funded PhD Programs: In A Nutshell (2024)

Before we go ahead, you may have a look at a quick overview of PhD programs of each university and PhD programs offered.

Sr. No	University	Location
1.	University of Oxford	London Uk
2.	Harvard University	Cambridge
3.	California Institute of Technology	California
4.	Michigan State University	Michigan
5.	UCL	London
6.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	Massachusetts
7.	University of Cambridge	Cambridge
8.	Stanford University	Stanford, CA
9.	University of Chicago	Chicago
10.	Imperial College London	London
11.	Rice University	Houston, Texas
12.	Georgetown University	Washington, DC
13.	Northewestern University	Evanston, IL

1. University Of Oxford

The University of Oxford supports a variety of scholarship opportunities that allow students to attend in fully funded PhD programs there.

These include the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, Felix Scholarships, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Scholarships, Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Program in the Humanities, and others.

All of these scholarships provide funding for living expenses in addition to full tuition. Academic performance is usually taken into account when awarding these scholarships.

2. Harvard University

Harvard University offers to fund students in the form of research assistantships and teaching assistantships for lucrative PhD and master’s programs.

During their time in the curriculum, PhD students are supported by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard, which covers their tuition, health insurance premiums, and essential living costs.

Along with salaries, it also includes fellowships for teaching, research assistantships, traineeships, and other academic positions. Students are awarded funds based on academic achievement and/or financial need.

3. California Institute Of Technology

All ph.d. candidates who are interested in attending Caltech are provided with full financial assistance in the form of internal or external assistantships, research internship opportunities, teaching internships, or a combination of fellowship and assistantship support.

Satisfactory academic performance is a requirement for receiving the yearly awards. You are automatically taken into account when applying; no separate application is necessary.

4. Michigan State University

Some of the best PhD programs in the nation have been created by the College of Education at Michigan State University. Doctoral programs in education prepare future educational leaders to handle current issues and meet the demand for contemporary education.

US News and World Report have ranked the University of Michigan first in the nation for more than a decade in its ranking of education graduate programs in elementary and secondary education.

5. UCL

The University College London provides graduate research fellowships in a wide variety of fields. The scholarships are awarded based on the potential for future research and academic excellence.

For the duration of the programme, it pays for tuition, a maintenance stipend of $17,600, and research expenses of $1,200.

To be eligible for the scholarship, your application must be submitted by the deadline. 

6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Students who excel in their academics and want to enrol in management courses can apply for a fully funded PhD scholarship at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

The benefits cover the full tuition amount in addition to a $4,035.50 monthly stipend. The five-year funding agreement is in effect. It pays approximately $3,269 in medical insurance.

At the start of the first and fourth years, a brand-new laptop will also be given to help you out (approximate price: $2,000).

A $4,500 conference travel budget is also allotted over the course of your five years in the program.

7. University Of Cambridge

Students interested in pursuing PhD programs can apply for a variety of scholarships from the University of Cambridge. The criteria for awarding these scholarships are either academic achievement or financial need.

The majority of these scholarships pay the full cost of the course, and some also cover expenses like living expenses, maintenance, visa fees, etc.

The scholarships offered include 

• The Gates Cambridge Scholarship. 
• EMBL International PhD Studentships.
• Peterhouse Postgraduate Studentship Competition.
• Wellcome Sanger Institute 4-Year PhD Studentships.
• Ivan D Jankovic PhD Studentship.
• Cambridge Political Economy Society Trust 3-year research scholarship.

When applying for some scholarships, students are automatically taken into account. Visit the University’s official website to view the application deadlines. 

8. Stanford University

All PhD candidates accepted at the Stanford Graduate School of Education are eligible for a five-year funding program. It offers financial aid for education, fellowship stipends, and assistantship pay. Additionally, it includes the usual admission fee (health insurance, campus housing rent, books, food, and supplies).

A variety of academic specializations are available, including developmental and psychological sciences, cross-disciplinary specializations, teacher education, and curriculum studies. 

The students must make satisfactory academic progress in order to receive the scholarship.

9. University Of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers funding opportunities for PhD programmes to support graduate students. Competitive funding packages pay for tuition and student health insurance.

Chicago has a relatively low cost of living, so the students are also given a stipend to help with living expenses and research support.

The funding is available for the entire time the course is in session. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities, including prestigious fellowships that fund language study, travel, or dissertation research.

There are both on-campus and off-campus jobs available, including internships that let students try out different career paths.

10. Imperial College London

The Imperial College London provides doctoral scholarships to both domestic and international students.

The scholarships cover both the cost of living and tuition. They are awarded to students who need financial assistance based on their academic performance.

11. Rice University

Students who are accepted into the PhD program at the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business in Texas receive complete financial aid.

The programme offers students a research or teaching assistantship. Students receive a scholarship and a $40,000 annual stipend, subject to satisfactory academic progress. The goal is to prepare them to teach in fields like accounting, finance, and marketing.

12. Georgetown University

The computer science PhD program at Georgetown University offers assistantships and scholarships that include a five-year stipend, health insurance, and full tuition at the Washington, D.C. university.

When enrolled in the program, students are required to submit a dissertation proposal, defend it, and then submit and defend the dissertation in a public seminar.

13. Northwestern University

Northwestern University has been one of the top 10 universities in the US for the past four years, and it is known for its excellence in various areas. Northwestern offers fully funded Ph.D. programs with the collaboration of many schools, such as the Graduate School, Feinberg School of Medicine, McCormick School of Engineering, and more.

They also offer grants, fellowships, assistantships, veteran benefits, and loans. The annual stipend rate for Ph.D. students is $36,960.

Tips to Remember When Applying for Fully Funded PhD Programs

Remember, securing a fully funded PhD position is competitive, but it’s achievable with careful preparation and strong application.

Here are some tips to remember. 

• Start early: Begin your search and preparation at least a year before you plan to start your PhD. Many programs have application deadlines 9-12 months before the start date.
• Research thoroughly: Look for programs that align with your research interests. Check university websites, academic journals, and scholarly networks to find potential supervisors and programs.
• Understand the funding: Know what “fully funded” means for each program. Some cover tuition and provide a stipend, while others might also include health insurance or research funds.
• Prepare a strong research proposal: Most fully funded programs require a well-thought-out research proposal. Take time to develop a clear, focused, and original idea that aligns with the department’s strengths.
• Polish your CV: Highlight your academic achievements, research experience, publications (if any), and relevant work experience. Tailor your CV to each program you’re applying to.
• Secure strong letters of recommendation: Choose recommenders who know your work well and can speak to your potential as a researcher. Give them plenty of time to write their letters.
• Improve your academic writing: Your application materials should showcase your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. Consider taking a writing course or workshop if needed.
• Reach out to potential supervisors: Many programs encourage applicants to contact potential PhD supervisors before applying. This can help you gauge if the program is a good fit and might strengthen your application.
• Prepare for interviews: If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview. Practice discussing your research interests and be ready to explain why you’re a good fit for the program.
• Apply to multiple programs: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply to several programs to increase your chances of success.
• Pay attention to details: Follow application instructions carefully. Missing documents or deadlines can disqualify you regardless of your qualifications.
• Showcase your passion: Convey your enthusiasm for your research area and your commitment to pursuing a PhD. Programs want students who are truly dedicated to their field of study.
• Highlight your unique qualities: Explain what sets you apart from other applicants. This could be unique experiences, skills, or perspectives you bring to your research area.
• Be realistic: While it’s good to aim high, also consider applying to some less competitive programs that still offer full funding.
• Prepare for a long process: Getting into a fully funded PhD program can take time. Be patient and persistent: If you’re not successful the first time, use the experience to strengthen your application for the next round.

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Conclusion: Apply For Fully Funded PhD Programs!

Numerous US universities, including some of the nation’s top universities, offer fully funded PhD programs and cost-free online courses in a range of subject areas.

Simply show your qualifications for the program by outlining your academic background, achievements, and merit.

Once you are approved for total PhD funding, your tuition, as well as the majority of your other study-related costs, will be paid for the duration of the program.

Utilize this incredibly helpful service provided by numerous prestigious universities that work to ensure that no deserving student is prevented from earning a doctorate due to a lack of funding.

I hope this article was useful to you. Do share your opinions on this in the comments section below.