The first step to a PhD degree is, of course, the application process. As with many things in life where preparation is half the battle, the PhD application should demonstrate a substantial level of care and planning. Regardless of what the exact application requirements for the PhD programme are, it goes without saying that a successful application is complete, error-free, grammatically correct and displays an overall confidence based on good scholastic ability. The more effort and demonstration of prior knowledge that is required in applying for a PhD, the more preparation should go into the application process. Exact application requirements, however, depend considerably on the country and institution of your choice. In the UK, Canada or Australia, for example, it is a key requirement to submit a research proposal that outlines the proposed topic, the research methods to be employed and the significance of the contribution. In the United States, however, a PhD application is often similar to that for a Masters degree and does not require a proposal, but places emphasis on standardized tests, prior academic achievements and the PhD application interview.

This section provides some insights and advice on the key elements of a successful PhD application.