Financial Support Directly Related to Studies:
* Teaching Assistantships (TAs): Many universities provide TAships, requiring students to teach undergraduate courses (lecturing, leading discussions, grading). These often include a tuition waiver and a stipend. This is a very common form of support.
* Research Assistantships (RAs): Similar to TAships, but instead of teaching, students assist professors with research projects. This often involves data collection, analysis, writing, and other research-related tasks. These also typically include a stipend and tuition waiver.
* Fellowships and Scholarships: These are competitive awards based on merit or specific criteria. Some are institution-specific, while others are offered by external organizations or government agencies. These can provide significant financial support. These can be highly competitive.
* Grants: Some PhD programs offer research grants to students working on specific projects. These grants can cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs.
* University funding: Some universities offer various types of funding specifically for PhD candidates, such as departmental scholarships, or funds for attending conferences.
External Financial Support:
* Part-time Jobs: Many students work part-time jobs alongside their studies. This could be anything from tutoring to waiting tables to freelance work in their field. The time commitment needs to be carefully balanced with academic demands.
* Loans: Student loans can provide financial assistance, but this route leads to accumulating debt that must be repaid after graduation.
* Family Support: Some students receive financial support from family members.
* Savings: Many students save money before starting their PhD program to help cover living expenses during their studies.
Other Considerations:
* Cost of Living: The location of the university significantly impacts living expenses. PhD programs in expensive cities require much higher income to maintain a reasonable standard of living.
* Tuition Waivers: Many PhD programs offer full or partial tuition waivers in conjunction with a TA or RA position. This dramatically reduces the financial burden.
* Health Insurance: Access to affordable health insurance is crucial. Many universities offer student health insurance plans, but the cost can still be substantial.
* Networking: Building relationships with faculty and other students can provide valuable information about funding opportunities and job prospects.
It's essential to remember that funding sources vary greatly. Securing funding is often a significant part of the application process for PhD programs. Many applicants proactively seek out funding opportunities *before* applying to programs. Prospective PhD students should research the funding available at their target universities and develop a comprehensive financial plan before starting their studies.