Europe has emerged as a leading study destination for doctoral programs, attracting students from across the globe. The continent is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities offering excellent research opportunities in diverse subjects. Pursuing a PhD in Europe gives exposure to multicultural environments, new perspectives and access to well-funded research facilities.

In this article, we explore PhD studies in Europe in detail covering:

1. Advantages of doing PhD in Europe
2. Popular study destinations
3. PhD entry requirements
4. Types of programs
5. Affordable universities by subject
6. Cost of PhD programs
7. Scholarships
8. Application process
9. Career prospects after PhD

Why Choose Europe for PhD?

Here are the key benefits of doing PhD in Europe:

1. Cutting-edge research in advanced facilities under eminent faculty
2. Engaging PhD programs with flexibility to customize research
3. Opportunity to collaborate with leading academics and industries
4. Vibrant student life within diverse cultures and societies
5. Chance to learn new languages and build international network
6. Scholarships and funded programs available at top universities
7. Bright career prospects in academia, research or industry post PhD

Popular Study Destinations in Europe of PhDs

Some of the best places to pursue PhD in Europe are:

• UK: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
• Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland
• Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Belgium
• Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Portugal

Entry Requirements

Bachelor’s and master’s degree in relevant subject

High grades/distinction in master’s program

Strong motivation to pursue research

Relevant research experience

Publications in academic journals

English language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL)

Types of Programs

1. Traditional PhD Model: Focuses solely on independent research for 3-4 years culminating in a thesis. Does not include any taught courses.
2. Structured PhD: Involves 1-2 years of taught courses related to research methods and topics, followed by focus on thesis work. Provides more supervision.
3. Industrial/Professional Doctorate: Combines research with professional training and internships in industry setting. Engages actively with external partners.
4. Joint PhD: Enables working with two universities and gaining experience of different research environments. Requires mobility between the partner institutions.
5. Distance/Online PhD: Pursue PhD remotely either completely online or through exchange visits. Suitable for employed candidates.

Affordable Universities in Europe by Subject

Sciences:

1. University of Oslo, Norway: Tuition – Free for all students. Offers PhDs in physical, life, social and computer sciences.

 

2. University of Bern, Switzerland: Tuition – Approx. INR 1-2 lakhs/year for PhD in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biological Sciences. 75+ English-taught programs.

 

3. University of Tartu, Estonia: Tuition – Free for doctoral students. PhD specializations in Molecular and Cell Biology, Geology, Physics among 40+ options. Scholarships available.

 

4. Uppsala University, Sweden: Tuition – Free. PhD in fields like Engineering, Medicine, Chemistry, Astronomy and Physics. 130+ research centers.

Humanities & Social Sciences:

1. University of Wroclaw, Poland: Tuition – INR 1.5-3 lakhs for 3-year PhD. Programs in Languages, Literature, Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology and Education.

 

2. University of Oulu, Finland: Tuition – Free for accepted PhD students. Doctorates offered in Humanities, Education, Social Sciences and Business.

 

3. University of Coimbra, Portugal: Tuition – Approx. INR 1-2 lakhs/year. PhDs in Economics, Management, Philosophy, Languages, Law, Psychology. Founded in 1290 AD.

 

4. Palacky University Olomouc, Czech Republic: Tuition – Approx. INR 1-1.5 lakhs/year. PhDs in History, Languages, Literature, Psychology, Social Work, Theology. Low cost of living.

Commerce & Management:

1. University of Mannheim, Germany: Tuition – INR 1.5-3 lakhs for Business PhDs. English-taught programs in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management and Economics.

 

2. University of Granada, Spain: Tuition – INR 1-2 lakhs/year for PhD in Economics and Business. Specializations in Finance, Tourism, Marketing and HR. Scholarships available.

 

3. University of Zagreb, Croatia: Tuition – INR 1-2 lakhs for PhD in Management, Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship. Well-ranked business school.

 

4. Warsaw School of Economics, Poland: Tuition – INR 1.5-3 lakhs for Management and Economics PhDs. Concentrations in Finance, Accounting, Marketing. scholarships for international students.

Estimated Cost of PhD Programs

The cost of pursuing PhD in Europe includes:

1. Tuition fees: Ranges from free education to 10,000 – 30,000 EUR/year
2. Living costs: 8000 – 15000 EUR/year covering accommodation, food, transport etc.
3. Administrative expenses – health insurance, residence permit charges etc.
4. Additional costs for conferences, research, field trips etc.

Overall, humanities and social science PhDs are cheapest with costs ranging from INR 12-25 lakhs for the entire program. Science subjects are more expensive at INR 25-40 lakhs. Programs in countries like Germany, France and Sweden have minimal to no tuition fees which lowers the cost.

Scholarships for PhD in Europe

There are abundant funding options available:

• University scholarships based on academic merit.
• Government scholarships through organizations like DAAD (Germany), FRS-FNRS (Belgium).
• Marie Sklodowska Curie Fellowships – Prestigious EU Research Fellowships open to all nationalities.
• ERC Grants – For pioneering research projects by Starting, Consolidator and Advanced Grant schemes.
• Industry sponsored scholarships for STEM PhDs by corporates.
• Bank education loans at lower interest rates.

Application Process

– Shortlist universities and PhD positions as per research interests

– Contact potential supervisors relevant to your work

– Check admission requirements and deadlines

– Prepare application with all required documents

– Appear for language tests like IELTS/TOEFL if needed

– Apply to shortlisted programs well in advance of deadlines

– Attend interviews and visits if called by universities

– Accept offer and apply for visa once admitted

Career Prospects Post PhD

Pursuing PhD from Europe opens up excellent career opportunities globally:

– Postdoctoral research at renowned institutes or universities

– Academic careers as faculty, lecturers at top colleges

– Scientists or lead researchers in R&D departments of major companies

– Consultants for government organizations, NGOs, think tanks

– Management roles in academic administration and policymaking

– Thought leaders and authors in various fields

– Entrepreneurs and founders of research based startups

Pursuing PhD in Europe is a rewarding experience that can propel your career to new heights in today’s knowledge economy. From world-class infrastructure to enhanced employment prospects, Europe offers the best platform for doctoral aspirants looking to make a mark in research and academia.