universities offering phd without masters in europe

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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.

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.

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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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.

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.

Also Read: PhD in USA

Norway is another Nordic nation that ranks among the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. All students, regardless of nationality, are not charged tuition at Norway’s public universities. Norway’s cost of living is comparable to that of Sweden, therefore you may want to look into ways to reduce your out-of-pocket spending. Other than that, you will just need to pay a nominal semester student union charge to cover expenses like tests or sports facilities, which would only cost you between 300 and 600 Norwegian kroner (approximately INR 2353.24 to INR 4706.49). You can try your luck by submitting an application to the University of Oslo , the top-ranked institution in Norway, which is currently placed 101st in the most recent QS World University Rankings.

Following the Bologna approach, Norwegian PhD programs are third-cycle degrees. As a result, conducting research and creating a PhD thesis will be needed for you.

In Norway, PhDs frequently adhere to a standardized format. Before beginning your PhD research and thesis writing, this usually entails a training component. You might also be regarded as an employee of the university, complete with benefits. In this situation, you will need to uphold your teaching and administrative duties.

The fact that all PhD students in Norway get free tuition is a significant and alluring feature of the program. The cost of living is high in the nation. As a result, maintenance financing of some kind is typically required.

Universities in Norway do not charge tuition for their PhD programs. However, in order to join and receive a student card at many Norwegian universities, you must pay a charge of INR 4149.5 to INR 8299 to the student union each semester.

In Norway, candidates for a PhD are required to hold a master’s degree in a related field. You can check your qualifications’ eligibility at the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. A similar degree may be approved (NOKUT).

Each research organization has a different set of conditions for applications. Always double-check with your desired university.

Typically, PhD candidates must submit a strong research proposal or project description together with the necessary application materials. Other standard materials for PhD applications may also be requested from you. These are some extra materials that might be needed:

• certified copies of all the documents that are pertinent to your education
• a strategy for financing your studies (for the full 3-4 years of full-time study, plus information about the funding source and type)
• An explanation of any significant scholarly or material resource needs
• a minimum of one proposed academic supervisor’s name (unless stipulated otherwise)

Also Read: PhD in Netherlands

Another Nordic nation, Finland , is at the top of our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. In Finland, pursuing a PhD is entirely free, even for those who are not citizens, similar to Norway and Sweden. According to QS, Finland is home to two of the top 150 institutions. This includes the 106th-ranked University of Helsinki and the 116th-ranked Aalto University . It is distinguished as a top-tier study destination by more than just its educational features. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is ranked 66th in the most recent QS study of “Best Student Cities.” The midnight sun and the Northern lights (aurora borealis), which fill the sky with a breathtaking vista for anywhere between 10 and 20 nights a year, are only two of the most magnificent natural phenomena that can be seen in Finland’s vast, open areas.

Finland is a very economical alternative for your PhD study abroad because of its generous higher education policy. Any student, regardless of country, is not now required to pay doctoral fees.

In contrast, fees are often charged to non-EU students for Finnish Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

A master’s degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution is necessary for admission to a PhD program in Finland.

Other prerequisites will be determined by the area of study you are applying for and the particular procedures followed by your university. If unsure, consult your department.

Germany is famous for having a top-notch educational system and for being an innovative nation. According to QS, three of its universities are among the top 100. This includes Heidelberg University, which is ranked 65th, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, which is ranked 59th, and the Technical University of Munich , which is ranked 49th. According to the most recent Best Student Cities rankings by QS, two of its cities, Munich and Berlin, are among the top 10.

Germans invented the doctoral degree, which is based on independent study leading to the submission and review of a thesis. Most colleges continue to offer this style, although some others provide more “organized” programs:

The traditional PhD requires you to choose a research project and conduct it on your own under the supervision of a qualified supervisor (Doktorvater/Doktomutter). The candidate selects the setting for their research, whether it be in a university, non-university organization, or German corporation.

Structured doctoral programs are conducted mostly in English and are focused on the global market. Along with writing your thesis, you will complete extra training, which may entail partnerships and job placements with outside research organizations.

Doctoral degrees are typically free in Germany for all students, regardless of nationality, due to the generous governmental investment in education. You might, however, have to pay additional costs while you are a student.

All public institutions in Germany offer free tuition for doctoral-level studies for up to three years (six semesters). For any additional time beyond the term of your PhD, you might have to pay tuition.

Despite not having to pay tuition, you will still need to pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), which typically ranges from INR 8k to INR 29k. This pays for office expenses, student government, and student services (Studentenwerk).

In general, you must have completed at least eight semesters of college work before enrolling in a PhD program in Germany. Your final certification must be on par with a German master’s degree.

Additionally, the Dean’s Office (Dekanat) or Board of Examiners (Promotionsausschuss) at your university must acknowledge your prior higher education degree(s).

International students with exceptional qualifications may be admitted to a PhD program with a Bachelor’s degree (fast-track program), albeit you will normally need to pass an entrance exam.

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 writing). Three French cities—Lyon, Toulouse, and of course, the nation’s capital Paris, which is placed ninth by QS—are included in the top 100 Best Student Cities list as a result of their high academic standing and affordable tuition.

The bulk of PhDs is completed as part of a program inside doctoral schools, although French universities occasionally do offer specific doctoral research programs.

The number is 266 in total. In order to provide doctorate training for PhD candidates and foster the growth of early career researchers, they are affiliated with universities and work in partnership with related research laboratories and other centres.

For a typical three-year PhD, a “doctorate” consists of six semesters, yielding two teachings (or research) semesters annually:

• late September to early January, with a break between Christmas and New Year
• early February to early June, with a spring break at Easter for several colleges

Exams are normally held at the conclusion of each semester, and institutions take a three-month summer break from July to September. As a full-time student, you will typically complete your PhD in France in 3–4 years.

The current French PhD tuition is the same for all students, regardless of nationality. But costs can differ greatly depending on whether you attend a public or private school (such a Grandes École).

Must Read: PhD in Switzerland

Public institutions charge substantially lower tuition since the State invests an average of INR 11,62,147.82 per student, per year.

The following fees may apply depending on your institution:

• Fees for PhD students at public institutions are €380 annually.
• Private institutions – Tuition at private institutions, particularly business schools, range from INR 2.49 Lakh to INR 8.30 Lakh per year.
• Administrative fees (frais de dossier), which universities may impose, are normally modest—a few tens of euros.

In France, each institution is permitted to establish its own standards and conduct personalized evaluations. However, in order to enroll as a PhD student, you will normally need to hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a suitable field.

If you are pursuing your master’s degree and expect to graduate before the PhD program begins, you may apply.

Additionally, you could be accepted based on your performance on entrance tests and in pre-college courses like the ‘Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles’ (CPGE), which is a frequent practice among French Grandes Écoles.

Pursuing PhD in Finland is entirely free.

The average cost of PhD in the UK is GBP 40,000 (INR 40.67 Lakh)

One of the top countries to pursue an MBA abroad is the United States of America.

Hope now you know 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. Not sure which country to choose for your PhD? Don’t worry! Our Leverage Edu experts will provide you with end-to-end assistance starting from your university application to the time you reach your university and commence your studies. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book a FREE 30-minute counselling session today.

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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Universities Offering Phd Without Masters In Europe

Phd study in europe.

Czech Republic

Netherlands, switzerland, united kingdom, phd study within the european higher education area.

• Bachelors degrees are first-cycle degrees, usually taking three years
• Masters degrees are second-cycle degrees, usually taking two years
• Doctorates (such as PhDs) are third-cycle degrees, usually taking three to four years

What does the Bologna Process mean for PhDs?

• The Bologna Process can simplify your entrance qualifications . If you have a Masters from one country it should be easily recognised by universities elsewhere in Europe.
• You will also receive a doctoral degree recognised across the EHEA . This means you can take advantage of unique research and training opportunities in one part of Europe and then easily use your expertise to follow up your research interests and seek academic jobs at other European universities and research centres.
• Some PhD programmes award ECTS credits for modules and classes . This allows you to receive extra recognition for training you complete alongside your thesis. You can read more about ECTS credits below.
• The Bologna Process asks that doctoral candidates are treated as early career researchers as well as students. This can increase the support you receive to develop professionally during a PhD as well as offering additional employment opportunities at your university.
• Universities are expected to help all students access doctoral education and to help develop funding opportunities for them, including industry partnerships and / or employment opportunities.
• Student mobility and exchange programmes are also encouraged, with opportunities for you to spend time in other parts of Europe during your PhD if this will benefit your research.

EHEA countries:

What is the european research area.

ECTS credits for PhD study

• Bachelors degrees are normally worth 180 ECTS credits
• Masters degrees are normally worth 120 ECTS credits

Qualification recognition

Phd fees and funding in europe, eu members:, visas for phd study in europe, schengen visas, similar posts, lau school of pharmacy faculty.

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