phd program for international students

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International Students

Wharton is an international community, with students, faculty, and alumni representing 153 countries worldwide. as an international doctoral student, you will find the intellectual and cultural diversity of the wharton community to be a welcoming environment for your doctoral studies. wharton’s faculty research touches upon an extremely broad range of global business topics, providing you exceptional opportunities to explore your areas of interest., applying as an international student.

International candidates must have a college-level education equivalent to a four-year United States baccalaureate degree. There are a number of universities around the world that offer three-year undergraduate programs. If you received a bachelor’s degree upon completion of one of these undergraduate programs, you are eligible to apply to Wharton’s doctoral programs. Many candidates from three-year programs have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required.

Application Requirements for International Students

When applying, you need to carefully review the requirements for submitting all of your transcripts and student records. These include all post-secondary educational institutions you have attended, including technical and professional schools.

There is not a limit on the number of international students who will be accepted into the Doctoral Programs each year. Acceptance is based on academic history, test results, recommendations, and personal statement.

Financial Aid

International students who are accepted into the Wharton Doctoral Programs receive the same financial package as domestic students. Please see the Expenses & Financial Aid section of this site for additional information

Language Proficiency

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required if you are an international applicant whose native language is not English. Please carefully review all the requirements for the exam explained in Standardized Test Scores .

International students who are accepted into the program and whose first language is not English may be required to take the SPEAK test offered through the English Language Programs office.

This test is used to determine/confirm a student’s fluency in English. If test results indicate a student would benefit from additional language instruction, arrangements will be made for summer class work and tutoring. Students will be expected to complete this additional work to ensure their proficiency in written and spoken English in professional settings.

Immigration and Taxes

For detailed information regarding immigration and taxes, please visit Penn’s Penn Global . In order to maintain legal student status in the United States, international PhD students must be enrolled for a full-time course load, which means a minimum of three courses per semester. Full-time enrollment does not include audits or incompletes. Once you have completed your coursework and are working on your thesis or dissertation, you must maintain your full-time status by registering for doctoral dissertation tuition or registration.

For detailed information regarding immigration and taxes, please visit Penn’s Penn Global .

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International PhD Applicants

• Attend a PhD Admissions Event

The Stevens Doctoral Program welcomes applicants from across the world. In our global community, you’ll collaborate with world-class researchers and build lifelong connections.

An international applicant is anyone who is not a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States at the time of application to the Chicago Booth School of Business. Here’s what you need to know about our requirements for international applicants seeking admission into the Stevens Doctoral Program.

When to Apply

The application for Fall 2025 will open in September. For more information about applying, see Application Process . Applicants to Stevens Doctoral Program, regardless of citizenship, must either meet one of our waiver criteria (below) or submit proof of English language proficiency. Only the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic tests are accepted as proof of proficiency. Please find more information related to fluency determination here.

Academic Requirements

To be considered for admission, you must have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (or expect to receive one by the time you enter the program).

Chicago Booth reserves the right to review the academic records of all international applicants to determine whether their academic credentials from a non-US institution are comparable to a US bachelor’s degree.

Applicants holding only professional diplomas or higher certificates or members of professional associations such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants are not qualified to apply for admission unless they also hold recognized university degrees.

Academic Records

You must submit academic records (transcripts or mark sheets) with grading scales for each year of college or university education completed or in progress, as well as copies of degrees awarded. Records must provide information on the content and quality of your performance, courses taken each year, and grades received. Class rank should be noted whenever possible.

You must submit both original language records and official English translations . All translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records, and must be prepared or verified by someone whose position requires a knowledge of both English and the original language. All supporting materials must also be in English.

Please upload all required academic records to the online application system. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official academic records and official copies of degrees awarded (and official English translations where applicable). Photocopies and facsimiles of the documents are not acceptable.

Proof of English Proficiency

Applicants to Stevens Doctoral Program, regardless of citizenship, must either meet one of our waiver criteria (below) or submit proof of English language proficiency. Only the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic tests are accepted as proof of proficiency.

Waiver Criteria

There are two ways to receive a waiver from the proof of proficiency requirement:

• Primary Language Waiver: If English has been a primary language of communication and schooling for you since childhood, you may attest to this on the application. We cannot assist you in determining if this is the case for you. Falsifying this information, as with any other information on the application, may lead to revocation of an offer of admission.
• Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, the United States.
• Education in English-medium institutions in any countries or territories not listed here does not qualify for the exemption.
• Only full-time coursework in a degree program at a college or university in one of these countries or territories qualifies. Remote study, lab or research work, non-degree programs, intensive English language courses, or high school/secondary school do not qualify. The qualifying academic year must be completed – i.e., if you are now in a program and are planning to have completed a year by the time you enroll, it will not meet the requirement.

Please do not email us regarding your qualifications for a waiver. If you meet the criteria, we will process the waiver after you have submitted your application.

Acceptable Test Scores

Acceptable Tests In order to meet the proof of proficiency requirement, students may submit either:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (iBT), including tests taken online at-home, or in a testing center.
• We do not accept any other proficiency tests, exams, equivalent coursework, certificate/certifications, endorsement from faculty, and/or other measurement other than the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic. This includes the IELTS “Indicator” test and the TOEFL ITP Plus as well as Duolingo.
• TOEFL or IELTS score reports are valid for two years; scores will be considered expired if the test was taken more than two years prior to the application deadline. If you send us a score and it expires prior to the deadline you are applying under, you will need to send a more recent score. For example, a score from a test taken prior to December 15, 2022 would no longer be valid for Fall 2025 admission.
• Photocopies or PDFs of TOEFL or IELTS Score Reports will not be considered valid or accepted in lieu of an official score report from the agency. An offer admission cannot be made without an official score report on file.

Minimum Test Score Requirement

TOEFL Internet-based (iBT): 100 overall score, no subsection requirements

IELTS Overall score of at least 7, with sub scores of at least 7 each

Sending Your Scores

Please have your TOEFL scores sent directly from the testing agency to the Chicago Booth Stevens Doctoral Program. The TOEFL code for our program is 1819.

Please contact the PhD Office with your IELTS TRF number.

Student Visas

Visa eligibility forms are issued upon admittance to the program. Depending on your nationality and particular circumstances, you will receive either the I-20 or the DS-2019 form. These forms enable you to obtain an F-1 or a J-1 visa, respectively, when presented to a US consul. You will need to verify financial support before a visa eligibility form can be issued. A financial resource statement will be sent upon admittance.

If you still have questions after reviewing our doctorate in business FAQ , please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Phone: 773.702.7298 Email Us

• PhD Study in the USA - 2024

Over one million international students choose the USA as their study abroad destination, making it the most popular international study destination in the world! America is known for its comprehensive approach to postgraduate education, combining enhanced subject knowledge and research opportunities with the development of a suite of transferrable skills.

Why study a PhD in the USA?

• Accessibility – A US graduate programme takes longer than a UK PhD, but this can also help you find your feet as a PhD student. The taught elements mean you have more time to develop a more detailed understanding of your subject as the basis for your own research.
• World-leading universities and research – Rankings aren’t everything, but the global league tables continue to be dominated by US institutions. Amongst other things, this reflects the country’s substantial investment in research output and expertise.
• International community - American universities host huge numbers of students from across the world. Whatever and wherever you study, you’ll be welcomed as part of a diverse academic community.
• Innovation – America was the second country ( after Germany ) to adopt the modern PhD degree. Its own structured approach to doctoral training is also now influencing PhD study in the UK and Europe .

If you’re interested in studying your PhD in the USA, we’ve covered everything you need to know in our selection of guides below, including applications , visas and funding .

Search for a PhD in the USA

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare PhD programmes in the USA on FindAPhD.com.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Everything you need to know about part-time and full-time work as a student or recent graduate in the USA.

Why you'll need health insurance as an international student in the USA and how to find the right plan for you.

Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a PhD in the USA.

Our guide to PhD funding in the USA has information on fully-funded PhD scholarships, as well as other funding options for international and domestic students.

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UC Davis Graduate Studies

International applicants.

The University of California, Davis, welcomes applications from students with strong academic credentials. Students with U.S. bachelor's degrees or equivalent degrees from institutions of recognized standing in other countries may apply for admission to Graduate Studies. Assessment of a foreign degree is based on the characteristics of the national system of education, the type of institution attended, and the level of studies completed.

All international applicants must complete the same application requirements as U.S. applicants. The information below is intended to provide additional guidance on specific topics to our international applicants.

Expected Level of Study

Visit our Expected Level of Study page to see the minimum level of study expected of international applicants prior to graduate enrollment at UC Davis. Successful applicants generally rank high in their graduating classes and have excellent test scores. Not all well-qualified applicants may be offered admission due to the limited number of spaces available in highly competitive programs. Official offers of admission are made only by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

View International Student Expected Level of Study

Applying for Admission

Application for admission to graduate study at UC Davis includes a completed online Application for Admission for International Students, a $155 application fee, transcripts of all college work, a Statement of Purpose, and a Personal History and Diversity Statement. Some programs have additional requirements such as Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, examples of written work, or résumé. Some programs have earlier deadlines than that of Graduate Studies. In these cases, your application must be received no later than the date specified by the program concerned. Consult the complete listing of all graduate degree programs offered at UC Davis for information about specific deadlines and requirements.

It is your responsibility to ensure your application meets the application deadline .  

International Academic Records

UC Davis graduate programs are no longer accepting paper transcripts as a part of the application process. Instead, all applicants must upload PDF versions of their transcripts or academic records directly to our system. For details about that process and what documents are required for applicants who have attended international colleges and universities, visit our Submitting Your Transcripts and Academic Records page .

If you are selected for admission to a graduate program at UC Davis, you will be required to submit official paper academic records to Graduate Studies. Official records are defined as original documents issued by the institution which bear the actual signature of the registrar and the seal of the issuing institution and, if your original documents are not in English, accompanied by certified English translations. You will receive additional instructions for providing these documents if you are selected for admission.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS examination scores unless they have earned or will be earning a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from either:  

• A regionally accredited U.S. college or university where English is the sole language of instruction, or 
• A foreign college or university which provides instruction solely in English. UC Davis Graduate Studies will only approve waivers for foreign colleges and universities which list English as the sole language of instruction in the IAU World Higher Education Database (WHED) . If English is not the sole language of instruction listed (or if no language is listed at all), or if the institution does not appear on the WHED website, the waiver will not be approved. No other documentation (e.g. letters, language certificates, school websites) will be reviewed or accepted.

UC Davis does not offer conditional admission for applicants who have not earned a passing TOEFL/IELTS score. The score report is required before application processing can be completed.  Contact us  if you have questions.

View English Language Testing Requirements

Student Visas

To apply for a visa, take your passport and Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019, usually issued by UC Davis Services for International Students and Scholars after you are admitted by Graduate Studies), plus proof of adequate financial resources for your studies and living expenses to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. The types of visas available to you are the F-1 student visa and the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa.

The F-1 student visa is ordinarily given to individuals qualified to pursue a full course of study at an academic institution which is authorized to admit international students. The J-1 visa is sometimes given to students who are supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds, for example the U.S. Government, the students home government or an international organization. UC Davis Services for International Student and Scholars (SISS)  can advise you on the appropriate visa for you.

Graduate students in F-1 or J-1 status must carry a minimum of 12 units or the equivalent of a full course of study as certified by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Non-immigrant students are not permitted to work outside the University without work authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They are only allowed to work within the University on a part-time basis.

Before a U.S. Consulate will grant a visa, you must prove that you will have sufficient financial resources to meet all your expenses while studying in the United States. You must show documented evidence of the source of your funds and guarantee that you will receive them while at UC Davis. Unless you show written evidence of having resources for your entire degree program, you will not be granted a student visa.

International Student Services

The office of UC Davis Services for international Students and Scholars (SISS) assists international students in their pre-arrival preparation and issues the I-20 or DS 2019 document needed towards obtaining your student visa. They also provide immigration advice, financial information, general advising and counseling, and host a variety of cross-cultural activities. If admitted to graduate studies at UC Davis, please go to the SISS website and access the information for newly admitted students.

For more information useful for our international students, consult the Internship and Career Center 's International Resources.

• Financial Facts

International students are eligible for certain fellowships, scholarships, or grants during their first year at UC Davis. There is no waiver of nonresident tuition or fees. However, graduate programs may offer merit-based Nonresident Tuition Fellowships to international students. Graduate programs may offer academic research or teaching appointments to graduate students their first year; however, there is no certainty that such appointments will be available in subsequent years. Unless you receive a definite offer of appointment or support in writing from the University, you must plan to pay your own expenses for the entire length of your degree program. Students who arrive in Davis without adequate financial resources may be unable to complete their degree programs. International students who receive a Nonresident Tuition Fellowship should read carefully the new policy on reduction of nonresident tuition for doctoral graduate students who have advanced to candidacy. Teaching and Research Assistantships To apply for appointment as a teaching or research assistant, contact the department in which you wish to study or work at the same time you apply for admission to UC Davis. An application for an assistantship is separate and in addition to the application for admission. Earnings from assistantship appointments are subject to United States and California income taxes. Students appointed to assistantships should be aware that their first paychecks would be received five weeks after the beginning of the quarter. Therefore, plans should be made to pay initial expenses, including nonresident tuition, from your own resources. Living Expenses Graduate Student expenses are detailed at the Financial Aid site. Travel expenses to and from the University are NOT included in these costs. It is critically important that you obtain an adequate, reliable, continuing source of funding before you come to the U.S. to study.

Total expenses typically increase 5%-10% per year and are subject to change without notice. Every student is responsible for having sufficient funds for initial expenses. You will need the amount of your tuition and fees, plus the initial down payment for housing (landlords often ask for the first and last month's rent plus a security deposit), books, etc. Students should have with them at least $5,000 in traveler’s checks (with $500 in small denominations) rather than in a bank draft. Davis banks will hold your bank draft for up to two weeks before the money is released for your use. An alternative, and cheaper, method is to use an automated teller machine (ATM), but students should check compatibility and maximum daily allowances before relying solely on this method of retrieving funds.

Banking International students can quickly and easily open a U.S. checking account through University Credit Union (UCU) before they arrive at UC Davis. UCU is a trusted partner of UC Davis and offers several benefits for students. Visit the Services for International Students and Scholars webpage for more information .

• Health Insurance

Health insurance is a mandatory UC Davis enrollment requirement, and upon registration, students are automatically enrolled into the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) .

UC SHIP is a major medical insurance plan administered by Student Health and Counseling Services . Primary care services at Student Health and Counseling Services complement the healthcare resources of UC SHIP for UC SHIP enrollees. UC SHIP also includes dental coverage provided by Delta Dental.

You may opt out of UC SHIP if you have comparable health insurance coverage. You may complete or download the waiver application online . Please note that you must file a waiver application each year.

Student Health and Counseling Services' plans are supported by student fees to provide low student rates for primary healthcare services independent of UC SHIP. All registered students may use the healthcare services whether or not they waive UC SHIP enrollment.

The UC Davis Student Housing Office has information about on-campus housing. The Community Housing Listing can assist you in locating off-campus housing.

Community housing cannot be reserved in advance of your arrival. You are advised to arrive in Davis two to four weeks before the quarter begins in order to find off-campus housing. Housing on campus is limited. If you wish to apply for on-campus housing, request an application from the UC Davis Student Housing Office, and be certain to observe the deadline dates.

More International Applicant Questions

• When do I submit the proof of financial support needed to obtain a student visa?
• Proof of financial support is not required until after you have been offered admission to a UC Davis graduate program. If you are admitted, you will be provided with additional instructions for obtaining your student visa, including where to send your financial documents. Do not send financial documents to the graduate program or the Office of Graduate Studies.
• When I fill out my online application, should I convert my grades to a U.S. 4.0 or A-F grading scale?
• No - you should not attempt to convert your grades to a U.S. grading scale. The "Academic History" section of the online application includes fields where you can enter information about the grading scale used by your university. Be certain to complete that section thoroughly, but do not convert your grades to a U.S. scale.
• Does UC Davis have any special partnerships with universities or fellowship agencies in different countries/regions?
• UC Davis Graduate Studies currently has partnerships and fellowship agreements available to applicants from Chile, China, Mexico, Taiwan, and Vietnam. For more information about these programs, visit the International Fellowships & Partnerships page on our website.
• Does UC Davis offer conditional admission to any graduate programs on the basis of future English language ability? Can I satisfy the English requirement after I've been offered admission?
• No. Applicants who are required to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo (Fall 2023) must provide official scores before they can be considered for admission.