PhD in USA for Indian Students 2025

Explore everything about pursuing a PhD in the USA for Indian Students 2025, including top universities, eligibility, admission process, scholarships, and research opportunities. Learn how to apply and build a global academic career.
authorImageMbbs 3 Nov, 2025
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PhD in USA

PhD in USA for Indian Students 2025 - The United States is regarded as a top location for those pursuing a PhD. It is home to some of the world's top and most well-known universities, which will provide you with infinite opportunities for your PhD career. You might also profit from doing research with top university experts in your chosen profession. Aside from that, some other reasons why you might consider pursuing a PhD in the United States include creative experiential learning, adequate resources, and an excellent educational system.

PhD programs at major colleges in the United States cost between $28,531 and $57,590 per year. The average cost of studying a PhD in the United States for Indian students is between 15 and 62 lakhs. The optimum times to apply for this program are August and May. This site will provide you with information about various universities, PhD fees in the United States, living expenditures, extra costs, and more.

PhD in USA for Indian Students 2025

A PhD in the United States is a full-time program that lasts three to six years and is available in popular specialisations such as engineering, applied sciences, computer science, and management. Admission to the PhD program requires a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.7 to 3.9 on a 4.0 scale, or a master's degree in the relevant field. What separates PhD programs in America from those in other nations is that a master's degree is not required to enrol. This enables more people to pursue PhD studies directly after earning their bachelor's degree.

You must demonstrate your English proficiency by submitting IELTS (7 to 7.5) and TOEFL scores (90 to 100). When obtaining a PhD in the United States, you have 10 years to complete your thesis, despite the fact that the program lasts six years. A PhD in the United States can cost anything from USD 24,800 and 80,390 (INR 20.6 lakhs to 66.9 lakhs). Though it might be pricey, a PhD in the United States provides a high return on investment, with wages ranging from USD 59,506 to USD 92,179.

MIT, Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley are some of the best universities in the United States for pursuing a PhD. With a PhD, you may easily land a position at prestigious firms such as Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and others.

PhD in USA Highlights

Particulars 

Details

Popular PhD Courses in USA

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering 

  • Ph.D. in Business Administration 

  • Ph.D. in Applied Physics 

  • Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

Degree Requirement

4-year Bachelor’s degree Or Master’s degree in a relevant stream from a renowned university

GPA Requirement

2.7 to 3.9 on a scale of 4 (80 – 94%)

English Proficiency Requirements

  • Overall Score IELTS: 7.0 to 7.5 

  • Overall Score TOEFL iBT: 90 to 100 

Annual Tuition Fees

USD 24,800 to 80,390 (INR 2.05 to 66.66 lakhs)

Annual Salary Range

USD 59,506 to 92,179 (INR 49.29 to 76.36 lakhs)

Why study a PhD in the United States?

Many prospective academics prefer to pursue their PhDs in the United States. Here's why doing your PhD studies in the United States can be the best decision.

  • Well-known and globally acknowledged colleges in the United States, including Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, offer PhD programs.

  • You do not need to spend years completing a master's degree before pursuing a PhD in the United States. Some universities in the United States admit students directly to PhD programs once they complete their bachelor's degrees.

  • PhD students at US institutions get high stipends, scholarships, and fellowships that cover tuition and living expenses.

  • The United States has a lower unemployment rate of 3.9% than many other countries.

  • Over 280 colleges in the US provide PhD programs in engineering, business, arts, or sciences.

PhD in USA for Indian Students 2025 - Factor Affecting

The cost of studying for a PhD in the United States includes both university tuition and living expenses. When you look at the entire costs of a PhD in the United States, it may appear that you are paying a lot more because living expenditures in the United States are greater and may vary depending on where you live. Factors that impact overall costs are classified as:

  • The tuition expenses of PhD in the United States

  • PhD Living Costs in the United States:

  • Pre- and post-arrival fees.

PhD in USA for Indian Students 2025 - Popular PhD Programs

Some popular PhD programs in the United States for Indian students:

Stream

Popular Programs

Popular Universities

Engineering

  • Aeronautics and Astronautics

  • Biochemical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • MIT

  • Harvard University

  • University of Pennsylvania

  • Yale University

Business and Management

  • Economics

  • Accounting

  • Marketing

  • Financial Economics

  • Organization and Management

  • Yale University

  • MIT

  • University of California

  • Berkeley

Science

  • Computer Science

  • Applied Physics

  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences

  • Cell Biology

  • Environmental Health Sciences

  • Mathematics

  • Princeton University

  • MIT

  • University of Michigan

  • The University of Arizona

  • Stanford University

Humanities

  • American Studies

  • History

  • Philosophy

  • Medieval Studies

  • Music

  • Religious Studies

  • Italian Studies

  • Yale University

  • University of California, Berkeley

  • Harvard University

  • Stanford University

PhD Requirement in USA for Indian Students 

To be admitted to PhD programs in the United States, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 to 3.9, depending on the university. Students must also have IELTS and TOEFL scores to demonstrate English language ability. The varied prerequisites for PhD admission in the United States in some of the most prominent colleges are listed below:

University

Grade/GPA

IELTS Score

TOEFL Score

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

3.8-3.9 

7.0

100

Harvard University

3.0

7.5

100

Stanford University

B

7.5

100

University of California, Berkeley

3.0

7.0

90

University of Chicago

3.25

7.0-7.5

90-104

University of Pennsylvania

3.0

7.0

100

Cornell University

2.7

7.0

  • Speaking: 27+

  • Reading: 20+

  • Listening: 15+

  • Writing: 20+

California Institute of Technology

3.5

-

-

Yale University

3.7

7.5

-

Princeton University

3.8

-

-

PhD Scholarship in USA

Students at universities in the United States are granted a variety of scholarships and fellowships to help them with their finances. The table below lists numerous fellowships granted by US colleges.

Scholarship

Awarded by

Award Value (USD)

Capitol Fellowship

United States Capitol Historical Society (USCHS)

30,000

Dissertation Year Fellowship

Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire

15,000

Newkirk Fellowship

National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)

Varies

Guru Gobind Singh Fellowship Competition

University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC)

30,000

Graduate Research Assistant Program

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

Varies

Research Awards in Educational Advancement

CASE Research Awards

Varies

NVIDIA Research Graduate Fellowship

NVIDIA

50,000

Google PhD fellowship

Google

Tuition fees+books+stipend

Conclusion

We hope that this blog will help you get started on your PhD path easily. PhD is undoubtedly a difficult road, but if you have decided to pursue your PhD in the United States, don't turn back; you've got this. You will gain knowledge and skill in your profession, which will lead to fantastic work opportunities with rich packages. Earning a PhD will turn you into a vibrant individual, and we wish you all the best on your path!

 

PhD in USA for Indian Students 2025 FAQs

What are the basic eligibility criteria for PhD in the USA?

Generally, a master’s degree (or strong bachelor's) with a minimum GPA of around 3.0 and proof of English proficiency is required.

Is GRE mandatory for PhD admission in the USA?

Some universities require GRE scores, but many do not; always check specific program requirements.

What English language tests are accepted?

TOEFL, IELTS, and sometimes PTE scores are accepted to prove English proficiency.

How long does a PhD take in the USA?

Typically between 4 to 8 years, depending on the field and university.

Can Indian students get scholarships for PhD in the USA?

Yes, many fully funded scholarships and assistantships are available for Indian students.
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