PhD funding is given out to individuals as a financial aid for supporting higher education in a wide range of subject areas like arts, commerce, science and any related fields of higher education. Research funding may also be a part of PhD funding.
Grants and PhD funding for higher education is extremely common- with USA remaining the top destination for graduation in the whole world. With of varied range of colleges and universities offering a wide range of subject choices, it definitely remains the first choice for the students. Housing as much as 75% of premiere institutions of the world, USA is a dream destination for higher education. Additionally, the U.S. government does its bit to provide financial help to the eligible students in the form of PhD funding and grants that help them realize their dreams. So if you’re planning for higher studies and looking for PhD funding, you will need to start early and plan ahead of time as these are not available all through the year.
Where to Look for Government PhD Funding
Well, if you’re looking for some serious PhD funding, the best place to start with is of course the government websites, where you will come across all the popular ones that are given out to eligible students. You’ll also come to know about the Federal grant agencies that deal with application process, besides the government and agencies that deal with the application process. These agencies are also great for giving out correct information to the eligible candidates. Other places that you can look out for PhD funding is the CFDA or Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. This contains a complete list of all the varied financial assistance given out by the several of government agencies. This particular list also updates you about the eligibility criteria for a particular PhD funding along with complete details on the program and the type of financial help given out. All PhD funding come with particular eligibility criteria which varies from program to program and thus it is extremely important that you read the eligibility criteria before you apply for that funding.
When to Apply for PhD Funding
If you have already decided to go for PhD funding, it is extremely important that you start early-as these grants are available at only specific times of the year. Depending on the type of grant you are applying for and the subject area, all the government grants come with specific deadlines. It is extremely important that you follow the deadlines strictly and make your application. Once the deadline is lapsed, your grant proposal will not be entertained at all. It has been found that billions of dollars in grant money and PhD funding often lay unused, as the applications have poured in after the deadline. It is a good idea to look out for the latest grant announcements that are done by the government. You can also register for a free service and stay updated. The Government Agency Websites are also a good place to look for authentic PhD funding.
Start Early with Your Application Procedures
Once you have already decided that you would like to seek financial help from the government for your higher education, it is very important that you plan well in advance. It is important that you go through all the PhD funding options available, the top institutions of your choice and accordingly request all relevant application materials and admission procedures from them months ahead. The best way to communicate with them and stay updated with their admission criteria is of course through the Internet and email. However, certain materials needs to be posted to you and might take 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. So it is essential that you allow this time, keeping in mind the PhD funding deadlines. There is also an application fee depending on the university that you have chosen and varies from $50 to $100. It is a good idea to apply to at least 10 different institutions so that your chances of getting the PhD funding are high. Generally, the deadlines for the PhD funding are all over by January. If you have been successful with your entire application process you will get to know by the month of April.
Application Tips for PhD Funding
It is extremely important to read the entire eligibility criteria for the PhD funding very carefully. Organizing your scholarship materials is a good way to start. High school grades and transcripts are extremely important in the entire application process and must be kept ready. Besides you also need your parents’ financial details along with the current tax return with your application form. Recommendation letters are also a deciding factor, besides having a portfolio ready. It is important that you apply to multiple PhD funding to increase your chances. You’ll also need photographs and SIN numbers-so make sure that they are already there. Besides, the most challenging is the essay that you have to write with your application process, and it is a good idea to take professional help for the same.
If you are an international student, the PhD funding procedures are a bit more complicated as you’ll have to go through a series of entrance tests like the GRE or the GMAT or the LSAT depending on your field of study. Then there remains the visa application process and fixing up places for accommodation. Proving yourself eligible for the accredited program along showing the additional money to cover your stay and general expenses is extremely important and is a crucial part of the entire application process for the international students.
Tax Formalities that Come with PhD Funding
PhD funding come with Tax formalities that need to be reported to the government every financial year as you file your taxes. Your filing should reflect the entire amount that you receiving from the government as PhD funding for your educational supplies and books or other things that are related for your studies. However, if your PhD funding is coming from the scholarship programs of the National Health Service or from those of the Armed Forces, then it is completely tax free and you will not have to file taxes for your PhD funding as well