What is a PhD?
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a research degree in which a scholar conducts original research under the rules of a university or research institution. The final award depends on the institution’s regulations, evaluation and successful completion of the doctoral requirements.
Selected institutions mentioned in this guide
These are reference institutions for learners to research. They are not presented as a ranking, and current eligibility, admissions, fees and availability must be checked with the institution.
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MU
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UOOHow is a PhD different from a Master’s?
A Master’s is primarily a postgraduate taught or mixed-mode qualification. A PhD is centred on original research, a defined research problem, scholarly supervision and a doctoral thesis/dissertation evaluated under institutional rules.
Typical PhD journey
Find a research area
Choose a topic and institution that match your academic preparation and research interests.
Apply
Follow the institution’s entrance, proposal, document and interview requirements.
Research & submit
Complete coursework where required, conduct research, publish where required and submit the thesis.
Current doctoral examples
| Institution | Doctoral example | Current official information |
|---|---|---|
| IGNOU | 36 PhD programmes — July 2026 | Official announcement listed programmes across management, commerce, education, humanities, sciences, computer science and more. |
| IIM Ahmedabad | Doctoral Programme in Management | Official site states the 2027 application process opened on 10 September 2026. |
| Harvard Griffin GSAS | Master’s and PhD tuition structure | 2026–27 standard full tuition listed at US$59,048, with reduced and continuation rates; individual PhD funding can be provided through institutional financial support. |
| University of Oxford | DPhil examples | Fees vary by course and student status; official fee table includes programme-specific DPhil rates. |
Sources: IGNOU doctoral announcement, IIMA, Harvard GSAS, Oxford fee rates.
What about PhD fees?
Doctoral fees vary widely. Some programmes are funded through fellowships or institutional support; others charge tuition and research-related costs. For example, Harvard’s 2026–27 GSAS page states that PhD students may receive grants covering tuition and fees as described in their individual financial support notices. Always check the funding terms of the specific programme.
After a PhD: what next?
Researchers can explore post-doctoral fellowships, research projects, faculty roles, industry research and other scholarly careers. Post-doctoral opportunities are host- and discipline-specific.
Explore post-doctoral guidance