GUIDES
Guides
Step-by-step guides to apply for PhD positions, internships and scholarships: requirements, documents, deadlines and costs. Every fact links to the official source.
- MEXT Scholarship for Doctoral Study in Japan: Embassy and University Routes Scholarships · 18 Oct 2026 · 5 min read The Japanese government's MEXT scholarship funds full tuition, a monthly stipend, and travel for doctoral study. Learn the embassy and university recommendation routes and how to apply.
- English Language Tests for PhD Applications: IELTS, TOEFL and Waivers PhD applications · 17 Oct 2026 · 5 min read Most PhD programmes ask for an IELTS or TOEFL score. See typical score levels at real universities, who can get a waiver, and how to check the current rule for your programme.
- How to Do a PhD in Switzerland: Positions, Salary and Visas Country guides · 17 Oct 2026 · 6 min read Swiss PhDs often run through a single professor, not a central doctoral school. Learn how positions work, what a doctoral assistant earns, and how non-EU students get a visa.
- How to Do a PhD in France: Contrat Doctoral, CIFRE and Doctoral Schools Country guides · 16 Oct 2026 · 5 min read Learn how doctoral funding works in France: the contrat doctoral salary and rules, the CIFRE company scheme, and how doctoral schools manage your application.
- How to Do a PhD in the UK: Funding, Fees and Fee Status Country guides · 15 Oct 2026 · 5 min read Learn how UK PhD studentships pay a stipend and fees, how home and international fee status works, and what a Student visa costs and requires.
- How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Eligibility, Stipend and Deadline PhD applications · 15 Oct 2026 · 4 min read Learn to check a PhD advert's funding type, eligibility rules, stipend, and deadline, using the same checklist UK universities use to write them.
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): How to Apply for a PhD in China Scholarships · 14 Oct 2026 · 4 min read The Chinese Government Scholarship funds tuition, housing and a stipend for PhD study in China. Here is who can apply, what it covers, and how to apply.
- Transcripts, Degree Certificates and Translations for a PhD Application Documents · 14 Oct 2026 · 4 min read PhD programmes ask for certified transcripts, degree certificates and translations. Learn what counts as official, when you need a credential evaluation, and how to avoid delays.
- PhD Interviews: How to Prepare and What to Expect PhD applications · 13 Oct 2026 · 5 min read A PhD interview tests your motivation and research skills, not memorised answers. Learn the common formats, likely questions, and how to prepare.
- How to Do a PhD in Norway: Positions, Pay and Permits Country guides · 13 Oct 2026 · 5 min read In Norway, PhD candidates are usually paid employees, not fee-paying students. Learn who can apply, how positions work, and the residence permit rules.
- Funded vs Unfunded PhD: What It Pays and What to Ask PhD applications · 12 Oct 2026 · 4 min read What "funded", "fully funded" and "self-funded" mean in a PhD advert, a table of what funded positions usually pay (UKRI £21,805 minimum), and the questions to ask before you accept.
- How to Ask for Reference Letters for a PhD Application Documents · 12 Oct 2026 · 4 min read Learn who to ask for a PhD reference letter, how many letters you need, what to give each referee, and when to send your request before the deadline.
- How to Do a PhD in Germany: Positions, Graduate Schools, and Pay Country guides · 11 Oct 2026 · 5 min read Germany offers two main paths to a PhD: an individual project with a professor, or a structured graduate programme. Here is how to choose, fund, and apply for one.
- MSCA Doctoral Networks: How to Find and Apply for a Funded PhD Scholarships · 11 Oct 2026 · 5 min read MSCA Doctoral Networks fund PhD positions across Europe and beyond. Learn who can apply, what the funding covers, and how to find open vacancies.
- How to Write a Research Proposal for a PhD Application Documents · 10 Oct 2026 · 4 min read Learn what a PhD research proposal must cover, how long it should be, and how to structure it, with guidance from UK university doctoral colleges.
- Research Internships for Master's Students: Where to Find Them Internships · 10 Oct 2026 · 4 min read A guide to finding and applying for research internships as a master's student: who can apply, how programs pay you, and where official listings are.
- How to Write a PhD Motivation Letter (With Structure and Examples) Documents · 9 Oct 2026 · 5 min read Learn what a PhD motivation letter must cover, how long it should be, and which mistakes make committees reject strong candidates.
- How to Do a PhD in the Netherlands: Jobs, Pay and Visas Country guides · 9 Oct 2026 · 6 min read A Dutch PhD is a paid job, not a scholarship. Here is how admission, salary rules and the researcher residence permit actually work.
- How to Find a PhD Position in Europe: A Step-by-Step Plan PhD applications · 8 Oct 2026 · 5 min read Learn where European PhD positions are posted, how to use EURAXESS and national portals, and how often to check for new calls.
- How to Write an Academic CV for a PhD Application Documents · 8 Oct 2026 · 4 min read See the sections a strong academic CV needs for a PhD application, how long it should be, and how it differs from an industry CV.