Determine the subject of the Ph.D. degree you wish to pursue. Ph.D. degrees may be pursued in a variety of subjects; consult a local university to see what Ph.D. degrees it offers. You may pursue a Ph.D. in an area you are already familiar with, such as the area of your Bachelor's or Master's degree. Review specific requirements, such as course requirements you must complete to pursue a Ph.D. degree in the area that interests you.
Take a graduate school entrance exam. There are two commonly accepted entrance exams: the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Determine the test you should take by looking at the admission requirements of schools offering the Ph.D. program you are interested in.
Complete the application for admission. Most graduate school applications are available and can be submitted through the school's website. Typically, students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. must complete the application, write a personal statement and send official copies of school transcripts to the university, along three letters of recommendation and an application fee.