Can You Get Free Online PhD Programs? How to Get Fully-Funded Online Doctoral Programs

There aren’t any fully “free” online PhD programs, but you might be able to enroll in highly funded programs where you won’t have to pay tuition. These programs are typically offered through research assistantships, scholarships, or teaching positions at the university. To be eligible for these programs, you need to show that you have strong academic merit.

In this post, I will take you through the best fully funded online PhD programs.

What are Free Ph.D. programs?

Free Ph.D. programs typically mean that the student has enough financial aid from the institution and other sources to cover the entire cost of their degree, not that there are no tuition or fees. Students should do extensive research on any universities that claim to offer free online PhD programs, as this is unusual among reputable post-secondary institutions.

For online Ph.D. programs, fellowships, assistantships, grants, and scholarships are the most popular forms of funding.

Best Fully Funded Free Online PhD Programs In The US

The following are types of free, fully supported PhD programs in the US that you could be eligible to apply for through scholarships and other grants:

#1. Duke University: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering:

In addition to full tuition, a stipend, and fee support for the first five years, doctoral students in materials science and engineering at Duke University also receive health insurance for up to six years if they are enrolled in the university’s student medical insurance plan.

#2. University of Notre Dame: Ph.D. in Romance Languages and Literatures:

Doctoral students at the University of Notre Dame get financial assistance for their program for five years. Similar to free tuition, funding consists of a full scholarship that covers tuition and fees as well as a stipend and health insurance.

#3. Georgetown University, Department of Computer Science: PhD in Computer Science:

Georgetown University provides full-tuition scholarships and assistantships to students enrolled in its PhD program in computer science, along with a stipend and health insurance for the first five years.

#4. Boston University, Department of English: Ph.D. in English:

At Boston University, English doctoral students receive a stipend in addition to full tuition, fees, and basic health insurance. Two of those years are usually exempt from teaching duties, and this funding is assured for a minimum of five years. Although it’s not always the case, funding can occasionally be extended for up to seven years. Additionally, students can apply for short-term research and travel grants, fellowships, and other awards.

#5. Harvard University, T.H. Chan School of Public Health: PhD in Biological Sciences in Public Health:

With a focus on illness prevention and treatment, Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health provides a PhD program in biological sciences in public health. Assuming students continue to make sufficient academic progress, this program covers tuition, a stipend, and health insurance for five years. AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria, and tuberculosis are among the illnesses being studied at the moment.

#6. University of Chicago, Department of Anthropology: PhD in Anthropology:

The University of Chicago funds its PhD candidates in anthropology for a maximum of eight years of study. This comprises a $33,000 living allowance, health insurance, and a full tuition scholarship. Students can apply for external fellowships as well.

#7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management: PhD in Business:

At MIT’s Sloan School of Management, students can study information technology, accounting, and organization studies, and they also receive a full scholarship, a $4,267 monthly stipend, health insurance, new laptops for their first and fourth years of study, and $4,500 spread over five years for conference travel expenses.

#8. University of California—Los Angeles, Department of English: PhD in English:

UCLA’s Ph.D. in English department automatically considers applicants for a number of financing opportunities. It offers a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support, and up to four years of teaching assistantships in the six-year financing package. In addition to tuition, it covers health insurance.

#9. University of Pennsylvania: Ph.D. in Education:

As part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package, Ph.D. students at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education receive full financing. In addition to health insurance and a living stipend, this funding covers tuition and fees for a maximum of four years as long as the student is enrolled full-time. Additionally, certain kids might be eligible for extra summer money.

#10. University of Minnesota Department of Psychology: Ph.D. in Psychology:

Full funding for five years is guaranteed to students accepted into the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities Ph.D. program in psychology, provided they continue to demonstrate excellent performance and make progress toward their degrees. Full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend, and discounted health insurance are all covered by this financing.

#11. Yale University, School of Nursing: PhD in Nursing:

PhD candidates at Yale University’s School of Nursing are eligible for full support. For four years, they get paid tuition and health care, along with a monthly stipend.

#12. University of Maryland: Ph.D. in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies:

Ph.D. candidates without a master’s degree typically get five years of guaranteed support at the University of Maryland’s Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Master’s degree holders often get funding for four years, with grants coming from a combination of graduate teaching assistantships and departmental fellowships.

#13. Cornell University, College of Engineering: PhD in Chemical Engineering:

All candidates accepted into Cornell University’s PhD program in chemical engineering are eligible for full support. Full stipends are provided for nine months, with the possibility of further aid in the summer. This support can come from a fellowship, research assistantship, or teaching assistantship.

#14. Emory University: Ph.D. in Economics:

Students who enroll in Emory University’s PhD program in economics usually receive full support. Beginning in the fall of 2023, students will receive a stipend of $36,376 annually for five years, while the full tuition scholarship will be worth $70,200 annually. A $4,370 yearly subsidy that pays for all of a student’s health insurance premiums is another component of funding for accepted students. There are no labor obligations associated with stipends for first-year students.

#15. Columbia University, Teachers College: PhD in Clinical Psychology:

For three years, students in Columbia University’s PhD program in clinical psychology receive fully funded tuition and a $25,000 annual stipend, which continues into the fourth year, when the student may be expected to work as a graduate teaching or research assistant.

#16. University of Iowa, Tippie College of Business: PhD in Business:

Almost all admitted students at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business receive full financing. This covers 90% coverage of complete health insurance, tuition and fees, and a minimum nine-month stipend of roughly $20,000 with annual changes. Summer fellowships, compensated time off for independent research, and research presentations at key conferences are also funded.

#17. University of Michigan, College of Engineering: Ph.D. in Engineering:

At the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, full funding, a monthly living allowance, and health insurance are provided to doctoral engineering students. Funding comes from a variety of sources, such as fellowships and graduate student teaching positions, and the precise amount can change.

#18. Washington University in St. Louis: PhD in Computer Science:

Washington University in St. Louis offers PhD candidates in computer science or computer engineering a new, high-end Apple laptop computer, health insurance, a large living expense stipend, and full tuition support. Students who continue to make satisfactory progress toward their degree are assured of this support.

Fully Funded Online Ph.D. program scholarships in Europe, & the UK

It can be difficult to find fully financed online Ph.D. programs because the majority of grants and scholarships are intended for on-campus coursework. Nonetheless, the following noteworthy chances might fit your interests:

Scholarship/Grant	Description	Link
DAAD Scholarships	The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international students to pursue Ph.D. programs in Germany. While primarily for on-campus studies, some programs may offer online components.	DAAD Scholarship Database
Bangor University Ph.D. Studentships	Bangor University in the UK offers Ph.D. studentships with full tuition fee waivers and annual stipends. These are typically for on-campus programs.	Bangor University Scholarships
University of Cambridge PhD. Scholarships	The University of Cambridge has launched a £50 million initiative to fully fund around 30 PhD students annually for the next ten years, focusing on cutting-edge research across various fields. These are intended for on-campus studies.	Cambridge Ph.D. Funding Initiative

Free online PhD in Business Administration

University	Program Name	Funding Details	Additional Benefits
Jones Graduate School of Business, Rice University	PhD in Business	Fully funded (research assistantships, tuition waiver, stipend)	Research/teaching assistantships, publication opportunities, merit-based financial aid
Binghamton University School of Management	PhD in Business & Management	Fully funded (assistantships, and full tuition scholarships)	Interdisciplinary coursework, specialization electives, competitive placement
Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University	PhD in Business	Fully funded (stipend, tuition waiver, fellowships, assistantships, grants)	Proximity to corporate HQs, mentorship under senior executives, competitive admission
Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University	PhD in Business	Fully funded (stipend, healthcare, tuition remission)	Faculty mentorship, research/teaching assistantships, job placement assistance
Stanford Business School, Stanford University	PhD in Business (Political Economics)	Fully funded (fellowships, stipends, tuition, healthcare, assistantships)	Five-year guaranteed funding, research opportunities

Free PhD Programs For Senior Citizens

Here are five top American universities that offer tuition-free courses to anyone over 60 who wishes to complete their degree or begin one.

University	Program Name	Eligibility	Funding Details	Additional Notes
University of Delaware	Undergraduate & Graduate Degrees	60+ years old, Delaware resident	Free tuition (excludes textbooks, supplies, and other fees)	Must gain admission into the desired program
University of South Carolina	Undergraduate & Graduate Degrees	60+ years old, South Carolina resident (12+ months)	Free tuition (excludes technology and program fees)	Must maintain good academic standing
Mississippi State University	Undergraduate & Graduate Degrees	60+ years old	Free tuition (up to 6 credit hours per semester, 18 per year)	First-come, first-served basis, space availability applies
University of Arkansas	Undergraduate & Graduate Degrees	60+ years old, Arkansas resident	Free tuition (excludes textbooks, supplies, and other fees)	Space availability applies
University of Virginia	Undergraduate & Graduate Degrees	60+ years old	Free tuition (excludes course materials, and other fees)	Space availability applies, with exceptions for those completing 75% of a degree
University of Phoenix	Online Doctor of Business Administration	No age requirement specified	Not tuition-free	8-week courses, Scholar-Practitioner-Leader (SPL) Model focus

Fully Funded PhD Program Scholarships And Grants

The cost of online doctoral programs might also be covered by scholarships and grants. For doctoral degree programs, students can apply for scholarships and grants from their school or from other organizations, including community and religious organizations, private non-profits and endowments, professional associations, and the federal and state governments.

Below are some examples:

#1. CAPCSD Ph.D. Scholarships

Students enrolling in Ph.D. programs in communication sciences and disorders are given $20,000 annually by the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. You will need to submit your CV, a synopsis of the research dissertation plan, and a letter of recommendation.

#2. Russell Sage Foundation Dissertation Research Grants

Students pursuing PhD degrees who are investigating subjects linked to the Russell Sage Foundation’s objective of enhancing social and living circumstances in the US are eligible to receive this prize, which has a maximum value of $10,000. These monies must be utilized only for dissertation research costs, including travel, lab fees, and incentives for study participants.

#3. NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

This grant is given to STEM students who want to enroll in or are already enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program by the National Science Foundation, a division of the federal government of the United States. In addition to an annual stipend of $37,000, the fellowship offers the school a cost-of-education allowance of $16,000 for three years.

#4. ISC2 Graduate Scholarships

Students seeking master’s or doctoral degrees in cybersecurity are eligible to receive prizes from this program that range from $1,000 to $5,000. Both students pursuing PhD degrees online and those enrolled on campus may apply.

Tips for Applying for Free Online PhD Programs

#1. Apply to STEM programs:

In the US, a large number of PhD (and Master’s) programs are completely financed, particularly those in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) sectors. Programs in these areas are fully sponsored at the majority of Ivy League and state universities.

#2. Be prepared for fierce competition.

Due to the full funding of these programs, there is a lot of competition. Only a small percentage of the hundreds or even thousands of students who apply to these programs each year are accepted.

#3. Consider graduate assistantships:

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions are typically offered as a stipend by fully funded programs. Under the direction of a professor, these positions entail either teaching or research.

#4. Be prepared to pay some expenses:

You could still have to pay for some school fees, student insurance, and other ancillary expenses even though your tuition is covered.

#5. Avoid unfunded programs:

Although many graduate programs do not provide financial aid, experts advise against enrolling at these institutions. The funding’s availability reflects the department’s growth and research funding health.

#6. Prepare your application:

For many authorized online doctoral degrees, the application process typically begins in September and lasts until December. In addition to transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose, standardized examinations like the GRE and TOEFL/IELTS are necessary.

#7. Steer clear of programs that demand payment:

Experts generally agree that there may be a problem with the program if you’re paying to be a PhD student.

#8. Apply for fellowships:

International students can apply for graduate fellowships that provide a monthly stipend in addition to tuition reimbursement.

FAQs on Online PhD Programs

What does a fully funded PhD mean?

It relieves financial burdens by providing scholarships or assistantships to cover living expenses and tuition.

Are online PhD programs often fully funded?

Not always since most need tuition. Some provide stipends or financial aid.

Which countries provide free or nearly free PhD programs?

Tuition-free PhD programs are frequently offered by nations like Sweden, Norway, and Germany.

What’s a common source of funding for PhD students in the U.S.?

Assistantships act as a source of funding for PhD students which offer financial compensation in return for research or teaching duties.

Why should I avoid unfunded PhD programs?

Programs that are not funded could be a sign of a lack of departmental support or scarce resources.

Should I earn a Ph.D. degree online or in person?

There are a number of things to take into account while choosing between online and on-campus Ph.D. programs. Because doctoral programs are so demanding, online programs can give students the freedom to balance a variety of obligations while attending classes and studying. However, for individuals who would like to interact directly with classmates, teachers, and resources, an on-campus program might be more appropriate.

How much does an online PhD degree program cost?

The sort of school a student attends and the amount of financial aid they receive are two of the many variables that affect the potential cost of an online Ph.D. degree.

As of 2023, students at private universities spent an average of $101,810 for their doctoral degrees, while those at public universities paid an average of $72,990, according to the Education Data Initiative.

How long does it take to earn an online PhD degree?

Because PhD programs frequently offer flexible deadlines for finishing all coursework and dissertation requirements, their lengths vary.

For more precise information on how long they can anticipate being in their Ph.D. program, students should speak with an admissions counselor or program representative from possible programs.

Is an online PhD degree worth it?

Students who complete an online Ph.D. program may be able to perform scholarly research, grow in their chosen fields, and progress in their careers. However, a student’s requirements, academic objectives, and possible professional prospects all play a role in judging its value. Before pursuing this degree, I advise students to carefully consider those factors to make an informed choice.