--- title: International Applicant's Guide to a Ph.D. eBook Download description: As graduate students from abroad increase, SMU wants every advantage to be available to international students seeking their Ph.D. in the U.S. image: https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/MGS/international-phd/images/international-student-studying.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://grad.smu.edu/international-applicants-guide-to-a-phd-download#main-content) [![SMU logo](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=150&height=44&name=SMU%20logo.png "SMU logo")](https://www.smu.edu/) [EXPLORE SMU](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu) ## [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf) - 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[Faculty & Staff](https://www.smu.edu/infofor/faculty-staff) # The International Applicant's Guide to a Ph.D. ![INTL Guide-1](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/INTL%20Guide-1.png?width=281&height=329&name=INTL%20Guide-1.png)   ### Download the PDF eBook # **Thinking About Graduate Study in the United States? ** For the past several years, the United States has been the go-to destination for competitive, graduate degree-seeking international students. [According to the National Center for Education Statistics](https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cts.asp), the number of doctoral degrees conferred in the U.S. increased 53% from 2000 to 2018. Whatever your reason for considering international study for your PhD, you probably have some questions and maybe even a few concerns.  In this guide we'll prepare you to apply with confidence, share tips for living abroad, and answer common questions like: - What are the requirements for a PhD in the U.S.? - Why are IELTS and TOEFL exam scores required to apply? - What is the cost of PhD in U.S for international students? - How can international students fund a PhD in the U.S.? ### What are the requirements for a PhD in the U.S.? Your application is a representation of yourself on paper. How can you demonstrate your unique determination to advance in your chosen field of study? [Access our guide](https://grad.smu.edu/international-applicants-guide-to-a-phd-download#download-the-guide) for professional advice to help you prepare your most successful PhD application. ![international-students-reviewing-phd-admissions-requirements](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/MGS/international-phd/images/international-students-reviewing-phd-admissions-requirements.jpg?width=900&height=599&name=international-students-reviewing-phd-admissions-requirements.jpg) ![international-student-studying-for-toefl-ielts](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/MGS/international-phd/images/international-student-studying-for-toefl-ielts.jpg?width=700&height=465&name=international-student-studying-for-toefl-ielts.jpg) ### How can international students fund a PhD in the U.S.? As an international student in the U.S. there are several different options for funding your PhD degree. [Download the guide](https://grad.smu.edu/international-applicants-guide-to-a-phd-download#download-the-guide) to explore the differences and availability of the various types of funding sources for international students pursuing doctoral study in the United States. [Download the Full International Applicant's Guide to a PhD](https://grad.smu.edu/international-applicants-guide-to-a-phd-download#download-the-guide)                   ### Request More Information Would you like to learn more about your graduate program of interest or available fellowships for PhD students? 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