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Top 10 Best PhD in Law Programs [2024]

A PhD in law is an advanced qualification that will make you a true legal expert. You can use that credential to work as a legal research scholar or teach at a post-secondary level. This is not only a prestigious career path but also a lucrative one — today’s law PhD holders have an average salary  of $93,000.

Today’s law schools emphasize an interdisciplinary approach to legal education, equipping students to work in a diverse range of fields.

Interested in an advanced criminal justice  career? Below we’ll cover the top PhD in law programs, universities, and what you need to know before pursuing a doctorate in law.

Table of Contents

Top PhD in Law Programs

Yale university, law school.

Yale University’s Law School ranks first  in the nation, with its 20 legal clinics offering an immersive experience for students. This PhD program has a purely academic focus. To qualify for admission, you’ll need to already have a JD (Juris Doctor) degree. If accepted, you’ll be able to benefit from Yale Law School’s acclaimed “Yale Teaching Program.”

• Courses: Criminal law & administration, international human rights, and complex civil litigation.
• Duration:  3 years
• Delivery: On-campus
• Tuition: Fully funded
• Financial aid: Full tuition coverage, health insurance, and stipend.
• Acceptance rate:  7%
• Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Stanford University

Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD)

Stanford University is another highly acclaimed institution in the field of law education with a tough admissions process. Only a few exceptionally gifted students with an international JD or LLB or a SPILS (Stanford Program in International Legal Studies) qualification are accepted into this program every year. The program has an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to law.

• Courses:  Advanced antitrust, current issues in business law, and reinventing American criminal justice systems.
• Credits: 44 units
• Duration: 4 years
• Tuition : $64,350 per year
• Financial aid: Scholarships, fellowships, grants, assistantships, federal work-study, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 5%
• Location:  Stanford, California

The University of Chicago, The Law School

Doctor of Jurisprudence (JSD)

The Law School of the University of Chicago is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching and cross-lists its courses with other departments. The faculty include philosophers, political scientists, historians, and law scholars. Students also have the option to pursue a Doctorate in Comparative Law (D.Comp.L.) instead of a JSD if they wish.

• Courses: Antitrust & intellectual property, civil rights clinic: police accountability, and American legal history.
• Duration: 5 years
• Tuition : $7,647 per year
• Financial aid: Full tuition scholarship, fellowship, and health insurance.
• Acceptance rate: 7%
• Location: Chicago, Illinois

Columbia University, Law School

JSD Program

The Columbia Law School emphasizes experiential learning with law clinics, moot courts, and externships, offering opportunities for innovative education and valuable intellectual exchange. Students can conduct independent research with the help of their faculty advisors and they need to submit a DPR (Dissertation Progress Report) at the end of each year.

• Courses:  Intellectual property & technology, international & comparative law, and law of the workplace.
• Duration:  5-6 years
• Tuition : $75,572 per year
• Financial aid: Grants, loans, and first child allowance.
• Location:  New York City, New York

Harvard University, Law School

Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)

Harvard University is one of the world’s most famous centers for education, and its Law School  is equally renowned. The school has a unique grading system that uses the classifications honors, pass, low-pass, and fail. This flexible SJD program allows students to design their own study plan and choose faculty supervisors for independent research.

• Courses: Advanced comparative perspectives on US law, environmental justice, and strategic litigation & immigration advocacy.
• Duration:  4 years
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Tuition : $67,720 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

The University of Pennsylvania, Carey Law School

Doctor of Science of Law (SJD)

Carey Law School’s curricula cut across disciplinary and international lines to create law experts in every field, including business, health, technology, education, and social work. For admission to the Carey Law School PhD, you must already hold an LLM or JD from the same school or an institution of similar standing.

• Courses: Privacy & racial justice, appellate advocacy, and disability law.
• Tuition : Refer tuition page
• Financial aid: Full tuition, stipend, health insurance, and scholarships.
• Acceptance rate: 9%
• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law

The University of Arizona’s James E. Rogers College of Law is one of the country’s most affordable top-tier law schools. This PhD law degree offers the choice of two concentrations: International Trade & Business Law, and Indigenous Peoples Law & Policy.

• Courses:  International business & investment structuring, federal Indian law, and trusts & estates.
• Duration:  3-5 years
• Tuition and fees : $26,000 per year
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, federal work-study, loans, veteran benefits, and fellowships.
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Location: Tucson, Arizona

The University of Texas at Dallas, School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences

Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology

The University of Texas’ School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences creates professionals capable of dealing with modern issues like risk management, political violence, social inequality, healthcare, and international trade & conflict resolution. You’ll need a bachelor’s in criminology or a related discipline to apply for this PhD in criminology.

• Courses: Advances in criminology theory, evidence-based crime prevention, and regression & multivariate analysis.
• Credits: 75 semester credit hours
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  Richardson, Texas

Abraham Lincoln University, School of Law

Juris Doctor (JD)

This school was founded with to provide affordable education to working professionals who cannot attend regular law school. This doctorate in law is a flexible JD degree that can be completed entirely online through the university’s high-level education technology.

• Courses:  Criminal law, civil procedure, and wills & trusts.
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $10,100 per year
• Acceptance rate: 90.3%
• Location:  Glendale, California

Walden University

Online PhD in Criminal Justice

Walden University aims to help working professionals pursue advanced degrees and has been ranked #1  in research doctorates for African-American students. This program was one of the first online doctorates in criminal justice and allows students to explore national and international issues in criminal justice administration with a dual emphasis on contemporary theory and practice.

• Courses: History & contemporary issues in criminal justice, policy & analysis in criminal justice systems, and research theory, design & methods.
• Credits: 77 quarter credits
• Tuition : $636 per quarter hour
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

What Do You Need to Get a PhD in Law?

The exact requirements vary depending on the program, but you’ll typically need a LLB, LLM, or JD as a basic prerequisite.

As part of the admission process, you usually need to submit:

• Academic transcripts from previous studies
• Personal essay and/or research proposal
• Recommendation letters

To earn your doctorate, you’ll have to complete coursework, qualifying examinations, and usually a dissertation to a high standard.

Preparing for a Law Doctorate Program

The best PhD in legal studies programs are competitive, so it’s important to start preparing early. Keep up to date on developments in the field and research the best universities that offer your preferred specialization.

Look into leading faculty members in your areas of interest, and network by joining relevant professional communities. Once you’ve decided on your dream program, check admission requirements to prepare the strongest possible application.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Law PhD Program

Choosing the best law PhD program will depend on a range of factors, including your passions and interests. However, there are a few general factors that are essential for everyone deciding on a law school for their PhD to consider:

• Location:  First, a school close by could save you on accommodation costs. But that’s not the only location consideration. You should look at your school destination for evidence of a booming legal or education industry. For example, New York is a hub for business, while Boston is known as a center for technology.
• Cost and funding:  Ensure the program costs align with your budget and explore financial aid opportunities.
• Specialization:  Some schools offer unique specializations like social justice, law and economics, and international law. Choose a program with a focus on your preferred specialization.
• Faculty:  The university’s reputation is important, but its faculty credentials are equally critical. Explore faculty backgrounds by researching published papers and social media profiles like LinkedIn.
• Class sizes:  Smaller class sizes mean better one-on-one attention; however, a larger cohort offers better networking opportunities.
• Placement support:  What happens after graduation? Are you on the hook for finding a job on your own, or does the school offer placement options? Find out where alumni are employed to get an idea.

Why Get a Doctorate in Law?

A doctorate degree in law will allow you to pursue roles in the legal field as a scholar, researcher, or academic, and build a worthwhile career.

Several candidates apply for admission to PhD in jurisprudence programs every academic year, but top law schools have low acceptance rates, and only a few are accepted. For example, Harvard only has around 70 SJD students  while hundreds or thousands may apply. Therefore, with this qualification, you’ll belong to an exclusive group of in-demand professionals.

Jobs for PhD in Law Degree Holders

Here are some common roles for PhD holders in law with the average annual salaries for each:

• General Counsel ($170,183 )
• Staff Attorney ($71,106 )
• Professor of Law ( $131,926 )
• Project Manager ( $76,264 )
• Senior Research Associate ( $75,029 )

Course Costs

The cost greatly depends on where you study, but prestigious law schools can charge annual tuition of around $65,000. Once you factor in living expenses, books, and facility fees, the total cost can add up to around $100,000 a year. However, you can find programs with tuition and fees for as little as $7,500 a year. Moreover, most top institutions offer full-tuition scholarships, stipends, and similar financial aid that cover almost all of your expenses.

Course Length

Typically, a PhD in law takes 3-5 years to complete. However, most programs will give you extra time to complete your doctorate if needed.

Skills You’ll Gain through a PhD in Law

Aside from giving you in-depth and expansive legal knowledge, PhD in law programs can also help you develop the following skills:

• Communication
• Presentation
• Critical Thinking
• Project Management
• Problem Solving

Key Takeaways

A PhD in law is an excellent choice for legal professionals seeking a career in research or academia. While a JD or Juris Doctor is equivalent to a PhD, the former equips you to become a law practitioner.

On the other hand, if you want to teach at a post-secondary level or conduct further legal research, you will need a PhD. Prepare early and choose a program that will best help you to achieve your career goals.

For more law education advice, take a look at our guide on the best master’s in criminal justice programs , or weigh up your options with the highest-paying PhDs .

PhD in Law FAQs

What is a phd in law called.

A PhD in law is usually called a Doctor of Law or Doctor of Laws. Some universities offer a JD (Juris Doctor or Doctor of Jurisprudence) degree, while others offer SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Science in Jurisprudence) programs.

Is a PhD in Law the Same as a JD?

A JD (Juris Doctor) degree is suitable for anyone who wants to practice as a licensed legal professional. These programs usually take three years to complete and are mostly coursework-focused.

On the other hand, a PhD in law may take 5-6 years to complete and usually involves a dissertation or major research project. If your aim is professional research or a job in academia in the discipline rather than practicing law, a PhD is better for you.

What is the Highest Degree in Law?

A PhD in law is generally considered the most advanced law degree. While some universities call it by other names, such as SJD (Doctor of Juridical Science) or JSD (Doctor of Jurisprudence degree), this is essentially the same thing.

How Long is a PhD in Law?

PhD Law programs typically take 3-5 years to complete. You may take longer for individual reasons, such as if you choose to study part-time.

What Does a PhD in Law Do?

A PhD in law will equip you to work in legal research or academia.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Doctor of Science of Law (JSD)

The Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD) is the Law School’s most advanced law degree, and is considered a doctorate equivalent to a Ph.D.  It is designed for those interested in becoming scholars and teachers of law including interdisciplinary approaches to law.

Study toward the degree is open only to a small number of exceptionally well-qualified students who hold a JD or LL.B earned outside the United States.  Students in the program develop substantive expertise in one or more fields of law and have the opportunity to pursue substantive and methodological training in allied disciplines across the broader university, including but not limited to, the social sciences, humanities, and engineering.  The program culminates in the student producing a dissertation under the personal supervision of a Faculty committee comprised of law school professors as well as, where appropriate given the student’s interests, faculty from other departments of the university.

There are two different tracks for admission into the JSD program.  A minimum of two students will be admitted from among students who have completed the Stanford Program in International Legal Studies (SPILS)  at Stanford Law School.  In addition, students at Stanford and at other law schools in the United States who will have completed LLM degrees prior to the commencement of the JSD program are encouraged to apply for admission and will be seriously considered.  To be competitive, students applying from LLM programs must have completed (and must submit) a serious piece of independent, original research demonstrating their scholarly potential.

Admission to the JSD program is on a highly selective basis. Please note that admission to SPILS or to any Stanford LLM program does not imply a commitment by Stanford Law School to accept a student into the JSD program.

Some need-based funding, as well as funding to conduct research and attend conferences is available to admitted JSD students.

Questions concerning the JSD program should be directed to [email protected] .

HOW TO APPLY

JSD Candidates

Luis Bergolla

• JSD Candidate
• Teaching Fellow, LLM Program in International Economic Law, Business and Policy (IELBP)
• Lecturer in Law

Silindile Buthelezi

Rolando Garcia Miron

Yutang Hsiao

Tai-jan huang.

Takuma Iwasaki

Maria Palacio

Michael Thorburn

Having a jsd from stanford law school opens up countless career opportunities..

Teaching in US Academia

Teaching Outside the US

Working in the Public Interest Sector

Working in the Private Sector

Ph.D. Program Details

Why a Ph.D. in Law?   •   Course of Study   •   Placement and Support on the Law Teaching Market   •   Tuition and Financial Aid

Why a Ph.D. in Law?

In addition to offering an opportunity to study and contribute to the evolution of law as an academic field of study, the Ph.D. in Law program provides an excellent pathway to a career in legal scholarship and law teaching. Whether it is right for any individual candidate depends on a variety of factors. If you are trying to decide between the Ph.D. in Law program and a fellowship or a visiting assistant professorship (VAP), you should keep in mind a number of considerations, including that the Ph.D. in Law program is a three-year course of study beyond the J.D. and that it provides a more structured program—including coursework, qualifying exams, and close faculty supervision—than do most fellowships or VAPs. The Ph.D. in Law program requires coursework, a written and an oral comprehensive exam, a dissertation—which may take the form of a traditional monograph or three law review articles—and teaching experience. You should also consider the availability of appropriate mentors in different programs. At Yale Law School, you will have a three-member faculty committee advising you throughout your time in the Ph.D. program, and you will have an opportunity to work closely with a wide range of Yale faculty in your courses and in your research and writing. In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage fully in the intellectual life of Yale Law School and Yale University's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences .

If you are trying to decide between the Ph.D. in Law and a Ph.D. in another discipline, many of the same considerations come into play. Please keep in mind that Ph.D. programs in economics, political science, history, and other fields train scholars to produce research responsive to the questions central to those disciplines. The scholarship produced by law faculties—and expected of candidates for teaching positions at law schools—is largely motivated by different sets of questions. While many students are able to apply their training in other disciplines to the study of law, a significant advantage of the Ph.D. in Law program is that it is designed specifically to prepare students for careers in legal scholarship, rather than in scholarship in another field. We should also stress that the Ph.D. in Law program welcomes applications from candidates with interdisciplinary research interests—significant advanced training in other disciplines as a part of the Ph.D. in Law program is encouraged, where appropriate.

Course of Study

Applicants to the Ph.D. in Law program should know the area of law in which they would like to specialize and should be prepared to articulate that interest in a research proposal. Applicants’ research proposals, however, are not expected to be as refined as a dissertation prospectus, and it is anticipated that the nature of students’ projects and interests will evolve over their time in the program. Each student will have a faculty Advisory Committee, which will work with the student to develop the research project into a dissertation prospectus and, eventually, a dissertation—which may take the form of three significant, publishable articles that might appear in a leading law review, or a single, book-length manuscript.

The First Year

Most students will dedicate much of their first year in the program to coursework. Students will work with their Advisory Committees to select as many as six courses that will best prepare them to carry out their research projects. In cases where students have already completed relevant graduate training, their Advisory Committees may waive up to four of the six required courses.

All first-year Ph.D. candidates will be required to take a two-semester pro-seminar on legal scholarship and methodologies. The first semester of this pro-seminar will be dedicated to reading and discussing canonical works of legal scholarship. The second semester will be devoted to the presentation and discussion of student papers in a workshop format. The pro-seminar, required of all Ph.D. candidates, will be the cornerstone of a genuine intellectual and professional community, serving as well as an opportunity for students working in different areas of law to interact with and to learn from each other and from the faculty leading these and other seminars and workshops.

During their second semester, all Ph.D. candidates will complete the first of two qualifying examinations. The pro-seminar will constitute the primary preparation for this first, written, examination. During their second semester and first summer in the program, students will also work with their Advisory Committees to prepare for a second qualifying exam in their area of specialization. Unlike the first qualifying exam, which measures the breadth of a candidate’s knowledge, the second is an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the candidate’s area of specialization. The second qualifying exam will be conducted orally by the candidate’s Advisory Committee members and ordinarily will be administered at the beginning of the third semester in the program.

The Second Year

After passing the second qualifying exam, candidates will assemble a faculty Dissertation Committee. This committee often will—but does not have to—include the same faculty members who served on the candidate’s initial Advisory Committee. In their second year, students will work with their Dissertation Committees to bring their dissertation prospectus to fruition. The dissertation itself is expected to take the form of either a book-length manuscript or three publishable law review articles; it will usually constitute a portfolio of writing which students can use on the job market. Once the dissertation prospectus is approved, students are expected to spend the remainder of their time in the program, including summers, researching and writing the dissertation.

Each candidate in the Ph.D. in Law program also will gain training and experience in teaching, and will be required to participate in two semester-long teaching experiences. There will be a number of ways in which students may fulfill the teaching requirement. These may include (1) serving as a teaching assistant for a Law School course; (2) serving as a teaching assistant for a course in Yale College or another school at Yale; (3) co-teaching a class with a Yale Law School faculty member; (4) leading a Yale Law School Reading Group course; (5) teaching an independent seminar in one of the Yale Residential Colleges; or, (6) in unusual situations, teaching their own course. In all cases, students completing their teaching requirements will have faculty supervision, as well as close contact with and feedback from their advisors. The particular teaching assignment and the timing of this requirement will be determined by the candidate in consultation with his or her Advisory and/or Dissertation Committee, but ordinarily candidates will complete the first of their teaching requirements in the second semester of the second year of the program.

The Third Year

Those students interested in pursuing a career as a professor of law generally should expect to go on the job market during their third year in the program. Ph.D. candidates will be offered access to the same wide range of support in this endeavor as Yale Law School currently provides to its students, alumni, and fellows who enter the law teaching market. Students will otherwise devote the third year to completing their dissertation and, in many cases, completing a second teaching experience. Students will generally be expected to complete the program after three years, but requests to extend the course of study beyond three years will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, funding may be limited.

Placement and Support on the Law Teaching Market

Yale Law School has enjoyed tremendous success in helping its students secure law teaching positions. The Law School often places 25-40 of its graduates in tenure-track positions at law schools each year. Despite its relatively small size, Yale Law School has produced approximately ten percent of all professors currently teaching in American law schools. A recent study found that of the 189 faculty at the top sixteen law schools who had received their J.D. in the preceding fifteen years, a plurality—80 professors—graduated from Yale Law School. Many deans at law schools across the country and around the world also are Yale graduates.

The Law School provides comprehensive support to all its students, alumni, and fellows, guiding them through all stages of the legal teaching job market. Ph.D. in Law candidates enjoy access to the full range of support services currently available to Yale Law School students, alumni, and fellows.

For more information, consult the Law Teaching Program’s website .

Tuition and Financial Aid

Ph.D. in Law candidates will receive a full-tuition fellowship and a living stipend at an amount set by the Graduate School, Yale Basic Health coverage, and a Health Award covering the cost of hospitalization and specialty coverage. Financial support is conditioned on the student's making satisfactory academic progress. The Ph.D. in Law program is administered jointly by the Graduate School and the Law School. More information on financial aid and the cost of living in New Haven can be found on the Graduate School's  website .

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Doctoral Programs

The PhD in Law program prepares students who have earned a JD from an American Bar Association accredited law school to enter law teaching or other careers that require a scholarly mastery of law. The program is designed to provide a broad foundation in the canonical texts and methods of legal scholarship and to support students in producing original scholarship in the form of a dissertation. The program strongly encourages, but does not require, interdisciplinary approaches to the study of law.

• Programs of Study
• PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
• Yale Law PhD Program

Robert Post

Director of Graduate Studies

• [email protected]

Gordon Silverstein

Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs

• [email protected]

Thais Sobczak

Departmental Registrar

• [email protected]
• 203-432-1696

Admission Requirements

Standardized testing requirements.

GRE is not accepted.

Program-Specific Application Requirements

A writing sample and a research proposal are required by this program. 

English Language Requirement

TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic is required of most applicants whose native language is not English.

You may be exempt from this requirement if you have received (or will receive) an undergraduate degree from a college or university where English is the primary language of instruction, and if you have studied in residence at that institution for at least three years.

Academic Information

GSAS Advising Guidelines

Academic Resources

Academic calendar.

The Graduate School's academic calendar lists important dates and deadlines related to coursework, registration, financial processes, and milestone events such as graduation.

Featured Resource

Registration Information and Dates

https://registration.yale.edu/

Students must register every term in which they are enrolled in the Graduate School. Registration for a given term takes place the semester prior, and so it's important to stay on top of your academic plan. The University Registrar's Office oversees the systems that students use to register. Instructions about how to use those systems and the dates during which registration occurs can be found on their registration website.

Financial Information

Phd stipend & funding.

PhD students at Yale are normally full-funded for a minimum of five years. During that time, our students receive a twelve-month stipend to cover living expenses and a fellowship that covers the full cost of tuition and student healthcare.

• PhD Student Funding Overview
• Graduate Financial Aid Office
• PhD Stipends
• Health Award
• Tuition and Fees

Alumni Insights

Below you will find alumni placement data for our departments and programs.

PhDs in Human Rights (Fully Funded)

If you are interested in pursuing your academic career in human rights, there are Universities that offer a variety of funding and financial assistance opportunities for prospective PhD students. Fully funded opportunities are allocated through an university or external funds. Depending on the program, scholarships cover full tuition costs, living expenses and monthly stipends. The following is an overview of 5 fully-funded PhDs in human rights.

International Joint PhD Programme “Human Rights, Society, and Multi-level Governance”

“Human Rights Society and Multi-level governance” is a three-year doctoral joint academic program with interdisciplinary approach. It is coordinated by University of Padova in Italy in partnership with Universities in Australia, Croatia and Cyprus. The goal of this doctorate program is to form researchers with multi-interdisciplinary profile. Thus, during the programme students will have an opportunity to implement various legal, political, social, philosophical and economic approaches and methodologies in the area of human rights.

While students carry out their research and attend courses at the University of first enrolment, they need to spend at least one semester at one of the partner Universities. During that time, they will be supervised by their mentor from the home University and co-mentor from host University, if the student desires to choose co-mentorship. Additionally, students will be required to do internships at both universities.

When applying, students need to send a research proposal together with other needed documents. If approved by the Academic board, the student will be admitted and then undertake his/her research during the next three years. The program includes teaching, courses (mandatory and free of choice), research and training within the area of human rights studies.

The call for admission to this PhD programme for the academic year 2020/2021 is now open! The deadline for submission of application is June 16 th 2020 by 1 pm Italian time. The first preselection meeting of the Evaluating Commission will be held on 6 th July 2020 and by the 8 th of July the Commission will publish the results of the of evaluation qualifications on the following website. In order to be admitted to the examination, the candidate must get a score of at least 7/10 in the preselection.

More information regarding the fees and scholarships can be found on the University of Padova website. Generally, students can apply for full-tuition funding through their home university, while other types of funding are available as well at the Western Sydney University in Australia, Zagreb University Faculty of Law in Croatia, Panteion University – Athens in Greece and University of Nicosia in Cyprus.

PhD in Security, Conflict and Human Rights – University of Bristol

This program is one of the five South West Doctoral Training Partnership interdisciplinary programs, provided in partnership with the Universities of Bath and Exeter. The PhD in Security, Conflict and Human Rights aims at delivering traditional approaches of the security and conflict discourse, together with interdisciplinary perspectives on protection of human rights. Therefore, students are required to articulate clearly their proposed research which must be interdisciplinary in nature.

This PhD program equips researchers and responds directly to challenges. As the focus is put on interdisciplinary, students are required within their proposal to clearly and substantively articulate how and in what ways the proposed research is interdisciplinary in nature. The offer of a place to the program depends on the availability of co-supervision from two staff members from different disciplines, in relation to the student’s proposal. Students are required to identify this in the ‘proposed supervisor’ section of their application.

When it comes to the funding and fees, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law allocates 1+3 and +3 ESRC scholarships, while students can also apply for other types of funding from the University of Bristol scholarship fund or alumni PhD scholarship fund. Funding is quite competitive and it is available for exceptional research proposals. The tuition fee is $20,152 per year for international students and $5,441 for EU or EEA citizens. However, University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a ten per cent reduction in tuition feels for postgraduate study. The application deadline is not fixed for students who wish to apply as self-funded, while the closing date for ESRC scholarships is usually open until the end of January.

The PhD in Security, Conflict and Human rights equips students for a number of different careers. During the years, the students got employment in areas of academia, international security, development and conflict issues, and they have worked as policy researchers, consultants, policy civil servants or the military.

Human Rights PhD – University of Sussex

This PhD program in Human rights goes beyond a narrow legalistic approach. Admitted students are supposed to work under the supervision of faculty experts, while focusing on human rights area in the fields of poverty, violence, identity, globalization, the emergence of global forms of governance etc. Duration of this PhD program is 4 years if enrolled full time or 6 years if enrolled part time. Students may also choose when they want to start – in September, January or May.

In order to apply, prospective students need to write an outline research proposal four to five pages long, stating the nature, ambition, research questions and the methodology of a research proposal. On the website of the University instructions on how to write a research proposal can be found.

Students can choose to study for a PhD or an MPhil. These degrees are different in duration and in the extent of research work. The PhD requires research work that will make a substantial original contribution to knowledge or understanding in a chosen field, whereas for an MPhil, student’s work is considered to be an independent piece of research but in less depth compared to PhD. Students graduate with the degree title Master of Philosophy and are able to change to a PhD while studying for an MPhil.

University of Sussex offers various types of scholarships and interested students should check application deadlines for funding opportunities.

PhD in Human Rights and Global Politics – Scuola Superiore Sant’ Anna

PhD in Human Rights and Global Politics is considered to be strongly interdisciplinary, aiming at providing the knowledge which will enable students to carry out systematic academic research and make them professionals in the field of human rights. After three-year’s program, doctoral students can undertake career within international, national and regional entities, both in private and public sectors. When writing an application, prospective students need to indicate main and complementary research area, choosing between Political Philosophy, Public International Law, Agri-food and Agri-environmental Law and Political Economy. They are strongly advised to explore the website pages of these faculties and research profiles of faculty members and prospective supervisors.

Deadline for application to this PhD program is 4 th June 2020 by 12:00 Rome time. The number of positions eligible for scholarships is four and amongst four scholarships available, two are reserved for students with an academic title earned from a non-Italian University. Application requires research proposal written by following specified guidelines. If admitted, doctoral students will carry out the research during the next three years.

There are no positions opened for self-funded students. Admitted students will receive monthly stipend and all fees covered. The Program accepts application from all over the world, while one or more places are usually reserved for students residing outside European Union. For further information about application process, fees and funding visit the official website.

PhD in Human Rights – Centre for Applied Human Rights – University of York

The University of York offers full funded PhD program in Human rights within its Centre for Applied Human Rights. The Centre undertakes researches on various topics – human rights defenders, human rights practice, human rights and development, legal empowerment, refugee law and policy, responsibility to protect, transitional justice etc. PhD program is supported by the Department of Politics and York Law School and inter-departmental Development and Conflict Working Group and York Law School’s Socio-Legal Research group as well. Besides regular courses, Centre often organizes lectures, workshops and conferences on the topic of human rights issues.

Interested students are invited to make online application, choosing the option of “PhD in Politics” or the “PhD in Law”, depending on their preferences. Potential supervisor should also be stated during the application. Finally, draft dissertation proposal should be submitted following the template provided on the website.

There are different funding opportunities for students who have been accepted into the program. Both University of York and external funders offer financial assistance. There are also part-time employment opportunities as tutors or lecturers. Potential scholarship opportunities and other forms of assistance are discusses with students who have been admitted. Nevertheless, students should keep in mind that many scholarships have early application deadlines.

During past few years, the Centre has successfully nominated and advocated on behalf of prospective students for an awarded and ESRC scholarship funding. In the case of UK students, this funding covers tuition and provides a basic stipend. For international students, this funding is limited and usually covers a certain percentage of tuition. Nevertheless, students seeking funding should apply early in the academic year since ESRC funding decisions are by April. Therefore, to be considered for funding, students should submit their applications by the end of January.

Everything You Need To Know Before Doing A PhD In Law

So, you’ve mastered the art of legalese, conquered the casebooks, and now the allure of a PhD in Law beckons.

Moreover, Before you dive headfirst into the world of legal academia, let’s unravel the mysteries and demystify the process of pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Law. Buckle up, future legal scholars – here’s the lowdown.

What Is A PhD In Law?

Alright, curious minds, buckle up because we’re about to demystify the enigma that is a PhD in Law. No, it’s not just a degree; it’s a journey into the legal unknown, a quest for knowledge that goes beyond the courtroom drama you see on TV.

The PhD Rundown: Beyond Your Average Degree

Let’s start at the beginning. A PhD in Law is not your run-of-the-mill degree where you memorize statutes and call it a day. 

It’s the pinnacle of legal academia, the Jedi Master level of legal education .

Moreover, Picture it as your golden ticket to dive deep into uncharted legal waters and emerge as the authority on a topic of your choosing.

A Love Story with Time: The Commitment Factor

Considering a PhD in Law? Prepare to embrace commitment like never before. This isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. Think three to five years of scholarly devotion. 

You and your research are about to embark on a long, passionate journey.

Moreover, like a legal romance novel without the cheesy dialogue.

Passion, Not Just Law: What’s Your Legal Crush?

Before you start this epic adventure, you need to identify your legal passion. Environmental law, human rights, or maybe the arcane world of space law – pick your legal crush.

Moreover, Your PhD is essentially your love letter to that field of law.

Supervisors: Your Academic Sidekicks

Now, imagine you’re a superhero (because, let’s face it, you practically are). Every superhero needs a sidekick, right? Enter your supervisor, the Gandalf to your Frodo, the Batman to your Robin. 

They guide, mentor, and occasionally drop knowledge bombs that reshape your entire academic universe.

Blueprint for Brilliance: The Research Proposal

Every masterpiece starts with a plan, and your PhD is no exception. Enter the research proposal – your roadmap to academic greatness.

Moreover, Nail this, and you’re on the highway to unraveling the mysteries of legal academia.

Show Me the Money: Funding Your Legal Odyssey

Let’s address the elephant in the room: funding. A PhD might be your intellectual calling, but your landlord still expects rent. Explore scholarships, grants, and funding options. Your brainpower needs some financial muscle.

Balancing Act: Life Beyond the Law Library

Contrary to popular belief, a PhD isn’t a one-way ticket to a dusty library dungeon. Attend conferences, network with fellow legal minds, and, yes, indulge in the occasional Netflix binge. It’s all about maintaining sanity in the midst of legal chaos.

D-Day Drama: The Thesis Defense

Fast forward a few years – it’s D-Day, the thesis defense. Imagine it as the legal Olympics, where you defend your intellectual gold medal. Nail this, and you’re officially a Doctor of Philosophy in Law.

How To Get A Ph.D. In Law?

So, you’ve got the legal bug, the burning desire to delve into the intricacies of the law beyond what your LLB or JD provided . A Ph.D. in Law is calling your name, and you’re ready for the challenge. Let’s break down the roadmap to turning those legal dreams into reality.

Finding Your Passion

Before you plunge into the Ph.D. abyss, ask yourself, “What legal puzzle keeps me up at night?” Identify your legal passion; it’s the compass that’ll guide you through the academic labyrinth. Whether it’s environmental law, criminal justice, or the wild world of international law, find your legal muse.

Crafting Your Research Proposal

Picture your Ph.D. journey as a grand adventure, and the research proposal is your treasure map. It’s not just a formality; it’s your chance to articulate your research vision. Be clear, concise, and convincing – your academic destiny hangs in the balance.

Choosing Your Supervisor Wisely

Meet your academic Yoda – your supervisor. This isn’t just a partnership; it’s a mentorship. Choose someone who not only knows the legal ropes but also aligns with your research interests. They’ll be your guiding star through the academic galaxy.

Funding Your Legal Crusade

Let’s be real; pursuing a Ph.D. isn’t a cheap date. Explore scholarship options, grants, and funding opportunities.

Moreover, your brilliance deserves financial backing, so don’t shy away from funding Fandango.

Crafting Your Magnum Opus

Your thesis is the pièce de résistance of your Ph.D. Think of it as a legal manuscript that’ll make waves in academia. Dive deep, conduct rigorous research.

Moreover, present your findings with flair. It’s your chance to contribute something significant to the legal conversation.

Balancing Act of PhD in law

As you immerse yourself in the legal wilderness of writing, remember to balance work and life. Yes, the library is your second home, but don’t forget to attend conferences, network, and occasionally indulge in some self-care.

Moreover, A burnt-out Ph.D. candidate is nobody’s idea of success.

Defending Your Intellectual Fortitude

The day has arrived – your thesis defense. It’s your chance to showcase the intellectual muscle you’ve been flexing for years. Be confident, articulate, and ready to tackle questions.

Moreover, This is the final showdown before you emerge as a legal Jedi.

How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD In Law?

Alright, future legal scholars, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of a Ph.D. in Law. But let’s address the elephant in the courtroom – just how long is this academic escapade going to take? 

Buckle up; we’re about to navigate the twists and turns of the Ph.D. timeline .

The Legal Marathon: Setting Realistic Expectations

First things first – a Ph.D. in Law is no sprint. It’s a marathon, a scholarly expedition into the depths of legal academia. 

While the specific timeline can vary, the average duration is typically three to five years. 

Moreover, It’s not just a degree ; it’s a commitment to becoming the Jedi Master of your legal niche.

The Proposal Prelude: Year One

Year one kicks off with the grand proposal dance. This is where you pitch your tent in the academic campground. You’ll be refining your research question, crafting that all-important proposal, and finding your academic bearings.

Moreover, It’s the year of laying the groundwork for the epic journey ahead.

Supervisory Bonding: Years One and Two

Enter the academic Yoda – your supervisor. The early years are all about forging that mentorship, refining your research design, and diving into the sea of legal literature.

Moreover, This phase is where you build the foundation for your thesis and develop the crucial academic muscle required for the journey.

Funding Fandango: Concurrent with Years One and Two

Ah, the funding quest – it’s like searching for the golden key to the academic kingdom. While not everyone embarks on this quest simultaneously, securing funding often happens alongside the initial years of research.

Moreover, Scholarships, grants, and financial backing become your academic sidekicks.

The Write-Up Wilderness: Years Two to Four of PhD in law

Welcome to the write-up wilderness, where the real magic (and sometimes madness) happens. Years two to four are all about immersing yourself in the legal labyrinth, conducting research, and crafting that magnum opus of a thesis.

Moreover, It’s where you refine your legal arguments and contribute your unique perspective to the academic conversation.

Thesis Tango: Years Four and Five of PhD in law

As you waltz into years four and five, it’s showtime – the thesis defense is looming on the horizon. This is the crescendo of your academic symphony.

Moreover, Nail the defense, and you emerge as a Doctor of Philosophy in Law, ready to wield your legal prowess in the wider world.

Life Beyond Law School: The Aftermath of PhD in law

Congratulations, Doctor! The journey might be over, but the adventure is just beginning. Whether you choose academia, policymaking, or even intergalactic legal consultancy (who knows?).

Moreover, the world of law is now your oyster.

What Can You Do With A PhD In Law?

So, you’ve conquered the academic summit, and now you’re armed with a shiny new PhD in Law. But wait, what’s next? Fear not, intrepid legal scholar, because the world is your jurisdiction.

Let’s explore the myriad paths that open up when you wield the mighty title of Doctor of Philosophy in Law.

Academic Odyssey: Shaping the Legal Minds of Tomorrow

One of the classic moves post-PhD is diving into academia. Picture yourself as the wise sage of the law school , molding eager minds and imparting your wisdom.

Moreover, You become the beacon of legal enlightenment, guiding the next generation of lawyers and thinkers.

Policy Architect: Building Legal Bridges Beyond Academia

Ever dreamed of influencing policy and shaping the legal landscape beyond the ivory tower? With a PhD in Law, you’re equipped to dive into the world of policy-making.

Moreover, Become the architect of legal frameworks, advising governments and organizations on navigating the complex waters of law and justice.

Legal Luminary in Practice: Consulting and Expert Testimony

Step into the limelight as a legal expert sought after by law firms , corporations, or even governments. Your expertise becomes a valuable commodity.

Moreover, From consulting on intricate legal matters to providing expert testimony in courtrooms.

Moreover, your PhD is your ticket to becoming a legal luminary in the practical realm.

International Law Trailblazer: Navigating Global Legal Waters From Your PhD in law

With a PhD in Law, you’re not confined by borders. Dive into the dynamic world of international law. Whether it’s shaping global policies, working with international organizations, or advocating for human rights on a global scale.

Moreover, your expertise can have a far-reaching impact.

Research Maestro: Contributing to Legal Scholarship

Fuel your passion for research by continuing to make waves in legal scholarship. Your PhD isn’t just a culmination; it’s a launchpad for further exploration.

Moreover, Contribute articles, publish books, and be the driving force behind advancements in legal knowledge.

Corporate Counsel with a Twist: Navigating Legal Complexities From Your PhD in law

Corporations are always in need of legal wizards to navigate the ever-evolving legal landscape. Your PhD sets you apart.

Moreover, bringing a depth of understanding and critical thinking that can be invaluable in corporate legal departments.

Legal Entrepreneur: Carving Your Own Niche From Your PhD in law

Feel the entrepreneurial spirit bubbling within? Your PhD can be the foundation for launching your own legal consultancy or business.

Whether it’s providing specialized legal services or developing innovative legal solutions, the entrepreneurial path is yours to carve.

Interdisciplinary Explorer: Bridging Law with Other Fields From Your PhD in law

The beauty of a PhD is its interdisciplinary potential. Blend law with other fields like technology, business, or even environmental science.

Moreover, Become a trailblazer at the intersection of law and diverse domains, solving complex problems that span multiple disciplines.

Beyond Earth: Legal Consultancy for Space Ventures

Okay, this one might be a bit out there, but in the era of space exploration, who’s to say your legal expertise can’t extend beyond Earth?

Moreover, Imagine being the go-to legal consultant for interstellar ventures – because why not dream big?

Final Thoughts 

Congratulations, Doctor of Philosophy in Law !

Moreover, wait, is it the end or merely the prologue? The legal world is your oyster now. Whether you choose academia, policymaking, or intergalactic diplomacy – the journey has molded you into a legal maestro.

So, future legal scholars, armed with this roadmap, venture forth into the world of legal academia. Your PhD adventure awaits, filled with twists, turns, and the occasional ‘Eureka!’ moment. May your legal curiosity know no bounds!

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Nilanjana is a lawyer with a flair for writing. She has a certification in American Laws from Penn Law (Pennsylvania University). Along with this, she has been known to write legal articles that allow the audience to know about American laws and regulations at ease.

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The Graduate Program attracts lawyers of demonstrated intellectual and academic excellence from all over the world. The LL.M. and S.J.D. programs expose students to American modes of legal education (which emphasize critical thinking and self-inquiry) as well as to substantive law, and enhance our students’ ability to do advanced scholarly work. The Graduate Program also hosts the Visiting Scholar/Visiting Researcher program, which accommodates a small number of legal scholars and researchers from around the world who are engaged in major research projects for which the Law School’s outstanding library resources may be of assistance.

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Online PhD in International Law and Treaty Law

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This highly specialized PhD program offers in-depth and comprehensive coursework in international law.

It is one of the world’s only two doctoral programs in this field offered by an intergovernmental organization constituted under international law (the other being offered by the European University Institute and it is a PhD in Law more generally, with a European emphasis).

EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire Euclide | Euclid University), an international intergovernmental organization with a university mandate, offers to select students from the general public an external (distance or online) degree program called the EUCLID DILT which is a full PhD in International Law and Treaty Law.

In terms of academic progression, EUCLID’s intention is to offer a credible path leading from the LLM (24 credits) to the MSc (additional 12 credits) and finally to the PhD (another 25 credits of coursework or directed studies, followed by the dissertation).

As a public non-profit institution, EUCLID is able to offer affordable, low-tuition programs.

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This specialized PhD in international law program focuses on the actual practice of States and intergovernmental organizations, rather than the advancement of academic knowledge for its own sake.

It has primarily been designed to be used by professional diplomats working for EUCLID Participating States and can be considered an excellent route to pursue a career within governmental bodies, international law firms, academia, iNGOs and international organizations.

Thanks to its low tuition and institutional relationships, it is designed to be of special interest to African and Small States students.

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FellowshipBard

Fully funded phd programs in law 2024.

Are you holding Master’s degree in Law and looking for fully funded PhD positions in Law? Multiple Universities invite online application for multiple fully funded PhD Programs / fully funded PhD positions in various Law research areas.

Candidates interested in fully funded PhD positions can check the details and may apply as soon as possible. Interested and eligible applicants may submit their online application for PhD programs via the University’s Online Application Portal. 

1. Fully Funded PhD Program in Law & Economics at Vanderbilt University

Summary of phd program:.

Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a PhD program in Law and Economics that is fully funded. The program integrates legal studies with analytical training in economic theory and technique. Students who complete the program obtain a PhD in Law and Economics as well as a J.D. Law and economics, risk and environmental regulation, labor markets and human resources, and behavioral law and economics are the main areas of research. Although extensive knowledge of mathematics and economic principles is helpful, a major or master’s degree in economics is not required.

All students enrolled to the Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics get full tuition support as well as a stipend for living expenses during their studies.

Application Deadline: Dec 01, 2024

2. fully funded jd-phd program in philosophy and law at university of arizona.

The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, provides a fully funded dual JD-PhD program in Philosophy and Law. Earn your doctorate in philosophy while also studying law. This curriculum entails concurrent enrollment in the College of Law’s Juris Doctor (J.D.) program and the Department of Philosophy’s Ph.D. program (in the Graduate College). You must be admitted to each program independently and authorized for inclusion in the concurrent degree program.

The majority of PhD students receive financial support in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and/or research assistantships.

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3. Fully Funded PhD in Justice Studies at Arizona State University  

A fully funded PhD in Justice Studies is available at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. The varied community of academics brings students and faculty together across academic boundaries to strategically generate democratic, inclusive, and just social change. The PhD/JD option enables qualified students to obtain a Juris Doctor from ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law while also pursuing a transdisciplinary doctorate in justice studies.

Each year, they admit a number of doctorate students who are completely sponsored by graduate scholarships, teaching and research assistantships, and other means. These prizes pay for your tuition, health insurance, and a stipend.

4. Fully Funded JD-PhD in Philosophy and Law at University of California

The University of California, Los Angeles, has a fully funded JD-PhD program in Philosophy and Law. JD-PhD program for highly brilliant and devoted individuals interested in pursuing careers in law and philosophy research and teaching.

All admitted students are provided with a two-year fellowship that covers living expenses, university fees, and health insurance. Highly qualified students are given multi-year fellowships by the university. In years when students do not obtain fellowship assistance, they are offered teaching assistantships, which include a salary and other benefits and can last up to five years if they perform well.

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5. fully funded jd-phd in business and law at university of chicago booth.

In Chicago, Illinois, the University of Chicago Booth provides a fully funded JD-PhD in Business and Law. The Joint JD-PhD Program prepares you for a career in law or business. You’ll graduate with two advanced degrees. As a PhD student in this joint-degree program, you will have the freedom to follow your research interests wherever they may take you.

All admitted Ph.D. students at Chicago Booth get a tuition grant, a stipend, student health insurance, a computer or computer subsidy, and access to research and travel support. The stipend for a Ph.D. is $43,500 per year. Teaching assistantships are guaranteed in the third and fourth years.

6. Fully Funded JD-PhD Program at Columbia University

Columbia University in New York, New York, provides a fully funded JD-PhD program. Biological Sciences, Economics, English and Comparative Literature, History, Political Science, Psychology, Religion, and Sociology are among the GSAS departments that have chosen to participate in the JD-PhD program. Students with any major or concentration are encouraged to apply.

Students will receive financing as GSAS doctoral students for the GSAS phase of the JD/PhD program, which requires a multi-year commitment as mentioned in the official letter of admission from the Dean. This multi-year funding is made up of fellowships and teaching or research assistantships.

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7. fully funded jd-phd in law at northwestern university.

Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, provides a fully funded JD-PhD in Law program. The JD-PhD program at Northwestern is open to candidates who want to pursue an academic or research career and whose teaching and research will be enhanced by both degrees. Students can finish the entire program, including the dissertation, in as little as six years.

Northwestern University has the most generous JD-PhD program in the US, typically giving full support (including tuition and living expenses) for up to five students each year for six academic years and three summers.

8. Fully Funded JD-PhD in Environmental Science and Policy at University of Miami

The University of Miami School of Law, located in Coral Gables, Florida, provides a JD-PhD program in Environmental Science and Policy that is fully funded. Students with significant interests in both environmental policy and law can prepare for employment in either the private or public sectors in less time than if they pursued both degrees separately.

For their Ph.D. studies, students will receive stipends and tuition waivers from the ECS program for four years, with the commitment to serve as a Teaching Assistant for one of those four years. The Law School will award a tuition scholarship of $25,000 for the first year of law school.

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9. fully funded jd-phd in law, media and communication at university of north carolina.

The University of North Carolina Center for Media Law and Policy at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers a fully funded JD-PhD program in Law, Media, and Communication. The dual degree program in JD-PhD in Media and Communication is primarily designed for individuals interested in academic careers in media law and policy.

Scholarships and other support, such as writing competitions, job aid, and summer fellowships, are available to students interested in media law and policy at both the UNC School of Law and the UNC School of Media and Journalism. Scholarships are offered to all students in the School of Media and Journalism.

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10. fully funded jd-phd in law and economics at vanderbilt university.

Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, provides a fully funded JD-PhD program in Law and Economics. In a completely integrated curriculum that combines economic theory and methods with the study of law, dual-degree students pursue a law degree and a Ph.D. concurrently. The curriculum is designed to allow students to obtain both degrees in as little as six years. The Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics is one of a kind.

A competitive package of fellowship support comprising both tuition and stipend is provided to law and economics students.

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11. fully funded phd in law at yale university.

Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, provides a fully funded PhD in Law program. The Ph.D. in Law program provides an excellent avenue to a career in legal scholarship and law teaching, in addition to providing an opportunity to study and contribute to the evolution of law as an academic field of study.

Candidates for the Ph.D. in Law will receive a full-tuition fellowship and a living stipend provided by the Graduate School, as well as Yale Basic Health coverage and a Health Award covering the cost of hospitalization and speciality coverage.

12. Fully Funded PhD in Justice, Law and Criminology at American University

American University in Washington, DC, offers a fully funded PhD program in Justice, Law, and Criminology. The Ph.D. program is grounded in current criminology, criminal justice, terrorism and homeland security studies, and legal studies theory, principles, practices, and research methodologies. Students plan their programs on one of two areas of study.

Students chosen for AU financing are awarded a fellowship with full funding for four years of study, contingent on sustaining good progress each year, with opportunities for additional funding possible.

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13. fully funded phd in criminology, law and society at university of california-irvine.

The University of California-Irvine in Irvine, California, offers a fully funded PhD program in Criminology, Law, and Society. The Ph.D. program aims to improve students’ theoretical and methodological sophistication in order to prepare them for professor positions at major universities and colleges, as well as research, training, and administrative work in the justice system.

CLS Ph.D. students are entitled for 12 quarters of support as a Teaching Assistant (TA), making this the most popular source of funding. Departmental and university scholarships provide additional funding.

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Doctoral Programme in Law

The doctoral programme and the Faculty of Law offer a uniform selection of disciplines in order to create a flexible framework for the interplay of education and research. The degree programme cooperates with LERU (League of European Research Universities).

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the key research areas and activities in the programme.

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International Programmes 2023/2024

Public International Law: Human Rights – International Economic and Environmental Law – International Criminal Law Public International Law

University of göttingen • göttingen.

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The course selection is free. Courses in English and German are available. It is possible to select courses that are only conducted in English in order to fulfil the criteria for earning credits.

All applicants: 30 March for the following winter semester 

The Faculty of Law at the University of Göttingen welcomes the application of students pursuing a doctorate degree in the fields of international law, European law, and comparative law and intending to write their doctoral theses in English.

The objective of the six-semester programme is to prepare students for a successful legal career in academia and international practice. By providing courses for academic research and additional skills, the programme will help students to gain an in-depth understanding of international law in general and their field of specialisation in particular. The University of Göttingen and the Institute of International and European Law have a strong tradition in international law which dates back to 1737. Today, the institute covers research in many fields of international law, such as general international law, human rights law, international economic and environmental law, European law, and international criminal law. The doctoral candidates will be fully integrated into the academic life of the Institute of International and European Law and will benefit from and contribute to the intellectual exchange there.

While conducting their research studies, doctoral students can rely on guidance offered by the dedicated and experienced members of the programme committee, who are involved both in theory and practice in their respective fields. A structured approach which includes constant feedback through discussions, evaluation of preliminary conclusions and presentations will help doctoral students on their way to accomplish their research project and ensure profound academic results.

Additionally, the programme is part of the Göttingen Graduate School of Social Sciences (GGG) which is a unique platform to explore methodological and interdisciplinary approaches and to develop managing and organisational skills invaluable for the future professional life of the doctoral candidates. Moreover, it offers the doctoral students a variety of professional courses for the development of academic skills such as writing and publishing in English. Further information about the graduate school is available on the  GGG website .

Module A Courses for doctoral students (10 credits) The doctoral students will take part regularly in a doctoral colloquium and report on their plans and the results of their research. Presentations related to their doctoral projects given at institute seminars may be awarded credits. The main supervisor must receive a progress report every six months. Following completion of two semesters, the doctoral students will evaluate and take stock of their work so far within the context of the doctoral seminar.

• Doctoral Colloquium: current developments of Public International Law (Human Rights – International Economic and Environmental Law – International Criminal Law)
• Seminar for Doctoral Students (each semester)
• Discussion groups

Module B Courses in Public International Law (6 credits) The doctoral candidates will take part in international law classes offered in English. Doctoral students whose native language is not German may instead take part in the course "Introduction to German Legal Terminology and Legal Methodology for Foreign Students" ("Einführung in die deutsche Rechtssprache und juristische Arbeitsmethoden für ausländische Studierende") or similar courses. They choose their coursework (6 credits) among the following courses:

• Cases and Developments in Public International Law (summer, winter)
• Cases and Developments in International Criminal Law (summer)
• Cases and Developments in International Economic Law (summer)
• Public International Law II (summer)
• Individuals in Public International Law (winter)
• Einführung in die deutsche Rechtssprache und juristische Arbeitsmethoden für ausländische Studierende

Module C Academic skills (3 credits) Doctoral students will attend courses that develop and enhance their methodological skills. Also, doctoral candidates will take part in the GGG's methodology week. They choose their coursework (3 credits) among the following courses:

• Project Management in International Contexts
• Motivation and Success: Mastering Difficult Situations with More Ease
• Academic Writing: Effective Strategies for Publishing in English
• Slide Writing – Optimise Your Own Academic Presentation
• "Gute wissenschaftliche Praxis" (Good Scientific Practice)
• Interdisciplinary Methodological Week

Module D Key qualification and academic communication (5 credits) Doctoral candidates will take part in courses that aim to improve and enhance their presentation techniques or in courses on didactics or rhetoric. They can take language courses, give an academic paper at a conference or publish in a specialist legal journal. They choose their coursework (3 credits) from the following courses:

• Academic Presentations
• Teaching Skills
• Rhetoric Skills
• German language course for non-native speakers (up to C2)
• Academic English courses (Applied Writing Skills [3 credits], Academic Writing)
• Foreign language courses
• Alternatively, presenting at a national or international conference or publishing in a legal journal
• Specialist literature in other languages
• International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
• International guest lecturers
• Language training provided
• Training in intercultural skills

Fees amount to around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen free of charge. Students receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens. Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html .

Admission requirements

• A successfully completed university degree in Law (LLB and LLM)
• Satisfactory English skills
• Written confirmation of supervision by two members of the programme committee, based upon a research proposal produced by the candidate and an interview with at least one of these two members of the programme committee
• Recommendation of the programme committee

Application process

The following documents must be uploaded in PDF format to the link provided in the call for applications ( https://uni-goettingen.de/de/registration/513496.html ). If the original document is not in English, please add a translation.

• An up-to-date CV
• A personal statement explaining the applicant's achievements and interest in the programme (one to two pages)
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts accompanied by an English translation if necessary (qualifications must have been gained within three years of the candidate's application to the doctoral degree programme).
• Proof of satisfactory English skills (details below)
• A research proposal (10 pages)
• A list of publications (if available): books, book chapters, and research papers published in journals and reviews
• Other relevant documents and certificates that support the application (if available)

After careful consideration by the programme committee, the results of the application process will be communicated to applicants by e-mail in due course. Only the selected applicants will receive a recommendation from the programme committee and a written confirmation of supervision.

Proof of satisfactory English skills in accordance with § 2 (3) of the degree regulations: 

Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of satisfactory skills in English. Evidence of satisfactory English skills can be provided via the minimum results in the following internationally recognised tests or other comparable results:

a) International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic), minimum band score 6.5 b) Paper-based test "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL-PBT), minimum 577 points c) Internet-based test "Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL-iBT), minimum 90 points d) Evidence of C1 qualification according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages e) UNIcert Level III

Applicants who have spent at least two years in an English-speaking country for study or work purposes within three years prior to applying to the programme as well as applicants who have completed a degree from a programme conducted in English are exempt from the requirement to provide test results.

The application process is completely online. To apply, you must fill an online form and upload several documents in PDF format. 

The link to the online application form is provided in the call for applications, which is published on our website:  https://uni-goettingen.de/de/registration/513496.html .

Part-time employment is possible under special circumstances.

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de . Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

The programme coordinator supports accepted candidates while searching for accommodation.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible. For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html .

Please note: For doctoral students, accommodation services are only available if you have a low income.

The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html .

• Buddy programme
• Specialist counselling

The International Office provides a complimentary pick-up service ("Buddy Exchange Service") from the Göttingen railway station to the accommodation. German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/49307.html

There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university. http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/196392.html

Study Buddy programme ( https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/112395.html ) as a part of the Integration and Diversity project at Göttingen University (InDiGU) https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/108275.html

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20 Free PhD Programs Online

Are you aware that there are free PhD programs online? Even though it cost a lot to earn an online PhD degree, there are still few online universities that offer tuition-free programs and fully funded scholarships for PhD programs.

Earning a PhD is no joke. To achieve this academic level, you will have to be ready to devote enough time, dedication, and money. However, there are easy doctoral programs that requires less time and no dissertation.

We realized that a lot of students wish to obtain a PhD but are discouraged because of the cost of pursuing a PhD program. This is why we decided to share with you some of the free PhD program online.

Let’s briefly discuss about the meaning of PhD, and how you earn a PhD for free.

Table of Contents

What is a PhD?

PhD is the abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy. A Doctor of Philosophy is the most common degree at the highest academic level, earned after completing the required credit hours and dissertation. It is also the most common research doctorate.

A PhD program can be completed within three to eight years. After obtaining a PhD degree, you will have the opportunity to earn higher or get high paying jobs.

How to Earn a PhD degree Online for Free

• Enroll in Tuition-free Online PhD Programs

Online universities hardly offer tuition-free PhD programs but there are still few universities that have tuition-free online PhD programs. Although, most tuition-free online PhD programs are not accredited. IICSE University is one of the few universities that offer free online PhD programs, but the PhD programs are not accredited.

• Apply for Scholarships

Some online universities offer scholarships to online students. In most cases, the scholarships can only cover a part of the tuition. You may be lucky to get a fully funded scholarships for online PhD programs but it is very rare and have strict eligibility requirements.

• Get help from your Employer

Some companies fund their workers education, if it will benefit them and their companies. All you have to do is convince your employer that obtaining a new degree will benefit the company.

• Apply for FAFSA

Students can apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for Colleges in the US. Even though, FAFSA is common with traditional programs, there are still online universities that accepts FAFSA.

Below are some of the free PhD programs online categorized in: tuition-free online PhD programs and online PhD programs funded with scholarships

Tuition-free Online PhD Programs

Below is a list of tuition-free online PhD programs:

• PhD in Business Administration
• PhD in International Relations
• PhD in English Language and Literature
• PhD in Sociology
• PhD in Accounting and Finance
• PhD in Applied Statistics
• PhD in Nursing
• PhD in Economics
• PhD in Higher Education
• PhD in Healthcare Administration .

1. PhD in Business Administration

Institution: IICSE University Accreditation Status: Not Accredited

The PhD in Business Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a MBA or master’s degree in a business field.

2. PhD in International Relations

The PhD in International Relations consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.

3. PhD in English Language and Literature

The PhD in English Language and Literature consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

4. PhD in Sociology

The PhD in Sociology consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

5. PhD in Accounting and Finance

Institution: IICSE University Accreditation Status: Not Accredited

The PhD in Accounting and Finance consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

6. PhD in Applied Statistics

The PhD in Applied Statistics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

7. PhD in Nursing

The PhD in Nursing consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

8. PhD in Economics

The PhD in Economics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

9. PhD in Higher Education

The PhD in Higher Education consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

10. PhD in Healthcare Administration

The PhD in Healthcare Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

Online PhD Programs Funded by Scholarships

Here is a list of online PhD programs that can be funded with scholarships:

• PhD in History
• PhD in Public Policy
• PhD in Criminal Justice
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Education
• PhD in Bible Exposition
• PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)
• PhD in Psychology (Developmental Psychology)
• PhD in Business Management (Accounting)
• PhD in Business Management (General Business Management) .

11. PhD in History

Institution: Liberty University Accreditation Status: Accredited

Liberty University’s PhD in History is a 72 credit hours program, that can completed within 4 years.

The PhD in History prepares students to pursue a variety of career opportunities in: education, research, politics, archeology, or management of national landmarks and museums.

This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.

12. PhD in Public Policy

Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

With this program, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to research and transform two world of public policy.

13. PhD in Criminal Justice

Liberty University’s PhD in Criminal Justice is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Criminal Justice is designed for law enforcement professional. It prepares students for senior leadership roles in criminal justice organizations at all levels of government.

14. PhD in Psychology

Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare students to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior for a biblical worldview.

15. PhD in Education

Liberty University’s PhD in Education is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Education can prepare you for careers in various schools and administrative settings within the field of education.

16. PhD in Bible Exposition

Liberty University’s PhD in Bible Exposition is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The purpose of biblical exposition is to help you comprehend the Bible and equip you for a lifetime of study and application of God’s Word.

17. PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)

Institution: Capella University Accreditation Status: Accredited

The PhD in Psychology with a concentration in General Psychology consists of 89 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, you can gain a deep understanding of the many facets of psychology and expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives.

This program can be funded with 20k Capella Progress Rewards. Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for new students and are not need-based. Students are awarded with $20,000 to cover part of the tuition.

18. PhD in Psychology (Development Psychology)

The PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology consists of 101 total credits, including dissertation.

The program is designed to give a deep understanding of how people grow and change.

This PhD in Psychology program can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

19. PhD in Business Management (Accounting)

The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in Accounting consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, students will gain a deeper understanding of interrelated issues, processes, and functions with business organizations.

The PhD in Business Management, Accounting can be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

20. PhD in Business Management (General Business Management)

The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in General Business Management consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, you will master critical concepts through specialized courses and intensive in-person learning experiences in areas such as strategic management, marketing, accounting, and finance.

The PhD in Business Management, General Business Management can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i earn a phd degree for free.

It is rare but it is possible to earn a PhD degree for free. There are several scholarships awarded to PhD students.

Why should I earn a PhD?

Most people pursue PhD programs to increase salary, get new job opportunities, and increase knowledge and experience.

Which Country offer free PhD programs?

PhD may be free in any country but there are several European countries that offer free education to both domestic and international students. Countries like Germany, Sweden or Norway charges little or no amount for PhD programs. But, most of the PhD programs are offered on campus.

How long does it take to earn a PhD degree?

A PhD program can be completed within 3 years to 8 years. However, there may be PhD programs that can be completed within 1 or 2 years.

What are the requirements for PhD programs?

Requirements for PhD programs usually includes: master's degree along with a bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE Scores, Work experience, Proof of language proficiency, and letters of recommendation.

We also Recommend:

• Cheapest Online PhD programs in the World
• 2 years Online Degrees that Pay well
• PhD Scholarships in Nigeria
• Accelerated Online Degree Programs for Working Adults .

Earning a PhD is no joke, it requires a lot of time and money.

With free online PhD programs, you will no longer have to worry about the cost of pursuing a PhD program online. We have now come to end of this article, it was a lot of effort!! if you have any question, do well to ask in the Comment Section.

© World Scholars Hub 2023

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5 Countries That Offer Free or Very Cheap PhD Programmes

• Updated on  
• May 11, 2023

Do you currently hold a degree or a master’s degree and desire to advance your education by pursuing a PhD abroad? The good news is that those with graduate degrees, like master’s or doctoral degrees, had the best salaries and lowest unemployment rates in several countries. Is that terrible news? A PhD program overseas might be quite expensive. When studying overseas, you would have to take tuition, living fees, and other extra costs into account. However, there is a solution to this. The next step would be researching the nations with the most affordable PhD programs. Fortunately, there are quite a few nations where the cost of attending a PhD program is either zero or extremely low. This enables you to enrol in a prestigious university overseas and learn what it’s like to live in a foreign nation and adjust to other customs. You can concentrate on your studies and any other personal or professional goals when you study for a PhD abroad with little concern for your financial situation. Having said that, the following are the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes in the world.

This Blog Includes:

Swedish doctoral degrees, fees and funding, admissions requirements, norwegian phd fees, admission requirements, entry requirements, types of phd in germany, phd programmes, programme length, phd fees .

A Ph.D. in Economics normally includes coursework in both macroeconomics and microeconomics. However, if you intend to teach or conduct formal research in economic subjects, this is a beneficial degree. Once the proposal is approved and the oral exam is passed, the final years of enrollment are devoted to dissertation research, writing, and defence.

Sweden is the greatest option if you want to pursue a PhD in renewable energy or a field that is closely related to it. According to data, about 56 per cent of the energy utilized in Sweden in 2019 originates from renewable sources. What is the nicest thing about obtaining a PhD in Sweden? Everyone can use it for free, even students from other countries. (Note that students seeking bachelor’s or master’s degrees who are not EU/EEA citizens are not eligible for free tuition.)

Seven of Sweden’s universities are included in the top 350 universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings 2023, making it the home to some of the most highly regarded universities in the world. The KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University, the two top universities in Sweden, are 89th and 95th, respectively.

Key details-

For students in Swedish universities, a PhD signifies the pinnacle of academic success. Similar to other nations, the focus is on your independent study leading to an original thesis that adds new knowledge to the topic.

Must Read: Best Countries for PhD

In Sweden, a doctoral study might take one of two forms:

A typical Ph.D. confers a full doctorate (together with the crucial title of “doctor”) after a minimum of four years of full-time work (240 ECTS credits).

As an alternative, you might decide to pursue a licentiate degree. Typically, this only necessitates two years of full-time work toward a more condensed and modest thesis (equivalent to 120 ECTS credits). Some students first enroll for the Swedish licentiate before upgrading to full Ph.D. candidates since it is comparable to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree provided in the UK or other countries.

In Sweden, there are two teaching terms (August to January and January to June), which are separated by summer and winter breaks. You will often have more flexibility throughout the year as a PhD student, but some additional courses and other activities can be connected to particular teaching periods.

There are no tuition fees for PhD study at state-funded Swedish universities (note that this does not apply to Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees). Doctoral programs are free for students from the EU, EEA, and other countries.

The same is true of application costs; there are none to be paid for a PhD in Sweden.

Although you will need to pay for your housing and living expenses, your university might be able to provide assistance.

Universities in Sweden are permitted to establish their own admittance standards for PhD programs. A bachelor’s degree in an applicable area is typically the required minimum, but a master’s degree is also preferable, especially if you’re asking for funding.

Your capacity to exhibit prior research experience will be as crucial as your previous qualifications. It is crucial that you can demonstrate some preparation for the independent research you will conduct on your PhD, even if this is just the dissertation project for one or both of your previous degrees.

Also Read: PhD in USA

Norway is another Nordic nation that ranks among the 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. All students, regardless of nationality, are not charged tuition at Norway’s public universities. Norway’s cost of living is comparable to that of Sweden, therefore you may want to look into ways to reduce your out-of-pocket spending. Other than that, you will just need to pay a nominal semester student union charge to cover expenses like tests or sports facilities, which would only cost you between 300 and 600 Norwegian kroner (approximately INR 2353.24 to INR 4706.49). You can try your luck by submitting an application to the University of Oslo , the top-ranked institution in Norway, which is currently placed 101st in the most recent QS World University Rankings.

Following the Bologna approach, Norwegian PhD programs are third-cycle degrees. As a result, conducting research and creating a PhD thesis will be needed for you.

In Norway, PhDs frequently adhere to a standardized format. Before beginning your PhD research and thesis writing, this usually entails a training component. You might also be regarded as an employee of the university, complete with benefits. In this situation, you will need to uphold your teaching and administrative duties.

The fact that all PhD students in Norway get free tuition is a significant and alluring feature of the program. The cost of living is high in the nation. As a result, maintenance financing of some kind is typically required.

Universities in Norway do not charge tuition for their PhD programs. However, in order to join and receive a student card at many Norwegian universities, you must pay a charge of INR 4149.5 to INR 8299 to the student union each semester.

In Norway, candidates for a PhD are required to hold a master’s degree in a related field. You can check your qualifications’ eligibility at the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education. A similar degree may be approved (NOKUT).

Each research organization has a different set of conditions for applications. Always double-check with your desired university.

Typically, PhD candidates must submit a strong research proposal or project description together with the necessary application materials. Other standard materials for PhD applications may also be requested from you. These are some extra materials that might be needed:

• certified copies of all the documents that are pertinent to your education
• a strategy for financing your studies (for the full 3-4 years of full-time study, plus information about the funding source and type)
• An explanation of any significant scholarly or material resource needs
• a minimum of one proposed academic supervisor’s name (unless stipulated otherwise)

Also Read: PhD in Netherlands

Another Nordic nation, Finland , is at the top of our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programs. In Finland, pursuing a PhD is entirely free, even for those who are not citizens, similar to Norway and Sweden. According to QS, Finland is home to two of the top 150 institutions. This includes the 106th-ranked University of Helsinki and the 116th-ranked Aalto University . It is distinguished as a top-tier study destination by more than just its educational features. Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is ranked 66th in the most recent QS study of “Best Student Cities.” The midnight sun and the Northern lights (aurora borealis), which fill the sky with a breathtaking vista for anywhere between 10 and 20 nights a year, are only two of the most magnificent natural phenomena that can be seen in Finland’s vast, open areas.

Finland is a very economical alternative for your PhD study abroad because of its generous higher education policy. Any student, regardless of country, is not now required to pay doctoral fees.

In contrast, fees are often charged to non-EU students for Finnish Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

A master’s degree (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution is necessary for admission to a PhD program in Finland.

Other prerequisites will be determined by the area of study you are applying for and the particular procedures followed by your university. If unsure, consult your department.

Germany is famous for having a top-notch educational system and for being an innovative nation. According to QS, three of its universities are among the top 100. This includes Heidelberg University, which is ranked 65th, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, which is ranked 59th, and the Technical University of Munich , which is ranked 49th. According to the most recent Best Student Cities rankings by QS, two of its cities, Munich and Berlin, are among the top 10.

Germans invented the doctoral degree, which is based on independent study leading to the submission and review of a thesis. Most colleges continue to offer this style, although some others provide more “organized” programs:

The traditional PhD requires you to choose a research project and conduct it on your own under the supervision of a qualified supervisor (Doktorvater/Doktomutter). The candidate selects the setting for their research, whether it be in a university, non-university organization, or German corporation.

Structured doctoral programs are conducted mostly in English and are focused on the global market. Along with writing your thesis, you will complete extra training, which may entail partnerships and job placements with outside research organizations.

Doctoral degrees are typically free in Germany for all students, regardless of nationality, due to the generous governmental investment in education. You might, however, have to pay additional costs while you are a student.

All public institutions in Germany offer free tuition for doctoral-level studies for up to three years (six semesters). For any additional time beyond the term of your PhD, you might have to pay tuition.

Despite not having to pay tuition, you will still need to pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag), which typically ranges from INR 8k to INR 29k. This pays for office expenses, student government, and student services (Studentenwerk).

In general, you must have completed at least eight semesters of college work before enrolling in a PhD program in Germany. Your final certification must be on par with a German master’s degree.

Additionally, the Dean’s Office (Dekanat) or Board of Examiners (Promotionsausschuss) at your university must acknowledge your prior higher education degree(s).

International students with exceptional qualifications may be admitted to a PhD program with a Bachelor’s degree (fast-track program), albeit you will normally need to pass an entrance exam.

France , which has four universities ranked among the top 100 by QS, is another nation that makes it to our list of 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. French institutions demand comparatively little tuition. A typical annual cost at a public university, for instance, is around 380 euros (INR 31k at the time of writing). Three French cities—Lyon, Toulouse, and of course, the nation’s capital Paris, which is placed ninth by QS—are included in the top 100 Best Student Cities list as a result of their high academic standing and affordable tuition.

The bulk of PhDs is completed as part of a program inside doctoral schools, although French universities occasionally do offer specific doctoral research programs.

The number is 266 in total. In order to provide doctorate training for PhD candidates and foster the growth of early career researchers, they are affiliated with universities and work in partnership with related research laboratories and other centres.

For a typical three-year PhD, a “doctorate” consists of six semesters, yielding two teachings (or research) semesters annually:

• late September to early January, with a break between Christmas and New Year
• early February to early June, with a spring break at Easter for several colleges

Exams are normally held at the conclusion of each semester, and institutions take a three-month summer break from July to September. As a full-time student, you will typically complete your PhD in France in 3–4 years.

The current French PhD tuition is the same for all students, regardless of nationality. But costs can differ greatly depending on whether you attend a public or private school (such a Grandes École).

Must Read: PhD in Switzerland

Public institutions charge substantially lower tuition since the State invests an average of INR 11,62,147.82 per student, per year.

The following fees may apply depending on your institution:

• Fees for PhD students at public institutions are €380 annually.
• Private institutions – Tuition at private institutions, particularly business schools, range from INR 2.49 Lakh to INR 8.30 Lakh per year.
• Administrative fees (frais de dossier), which universities may impose, are normally modest—a few tens of euros.

In France, each institution is permitted to establish its own standards and conduct personalized evaluations. However, in order to enroll as a PhD student, you will normally need to hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a suitable field.

If you are pursuing your master’s degree and expect to graduate before the PhD program begins, you may apply.

Additionally, you could be accepted based on your performance on entrance tests and in pre-college courses like the ‘Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles’ (CPGE), which is a frequent practice among French Grandes Écoles.

Pursuing PhD in Finland is entirely free.

The average cost of PhD in the UK is GBP 40,000 (INR 40.67 Lakh)

One of the top countries to pursue an MBA abroad is the United States of America.

Hope now you know 5 countries that offer free or very cheap PhD programmes. Not sure which country to choose for your PhD? Don’t worry! Our Leverage Edu experts will provide you with end-to-end assistance starting from your university application to the time you reach your university and commence your studies. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book a FREE 30-minute counselling session today.

Nikita Puri

Nikita is a creative writer and editor, who is always ready to learn new skills. She has great knowledge about study abroad universities, researching and writing blogs about them. Being a perfectionist, she has a habit of keeping her tasks complete on time before the OCD hits her. When Nikita is not busy working, you can find her eating while binge-watching The office. Also, she breathes music. She has done her bachelor's from Delhi University and her master's from Jamia Millia Islamia.

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FREE PhD IN LAW

Law is a discipline concerned with understanding and interpreting the rules, statutes, decrees, and regulations that govern social behavior.  The dignified men and women who practice it daily do so for the sake of upholding legality and ensuring that justice is served. 

Students interested in learning more about criminal justice, human rights, urban planning, environmental protection, or international law should enroll in a PhD in Law program. This postgraduate degree exists for those who want to expand their legal knowledge.

The field of Law encompasses the rules established by a society to govern the behavior of its members and the enforcement of those rules by social institutions. There are many sub-disciplines, including civil and criminal law.  A PhD in Law is intended for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from the perspective of law. 

This program offers emerging scholars the opportunity to contribute to the development of law as an academic field, and provides an alternative pathway into law education alongside existing routes such as fellowships, advanced degrees in related fields, legal practice and internships.

There are Universities and institutes that provide this PhD in Law program for free or with scholarship or student loan options. A Free PhD in Law is designed to provide advanced training for outstanding graduate students who have already earned a master’s degree in law or its equivalent. 

A PhD in Law is a research-intensive degree that prepares graduates for opportunities in law teaching, legal research, policy development, public and government service, and the practice of law.

What is a PhD in Law ?

A PhD in Law involves research and an academic approach to the study of law. It is not to be confused with a Juris Doctor, which is a professional degree that prepares students for practice.

A wide range of research areas are available for a PhD in Law program, including international law, comparative law, human rights law, maritime law, international environmental law and more.  Through coursework, teaching and research, candidates for a PhD in Law will complete a dissertation to earn the degree.

The PhD in Law provides high-level training for students who wish to bring a significant theoretical contribution to their understanding of legal problems in a specific area of law.  Some of the most popular specialties within law include international law, criminal law, civil, public or private, patent and intellectual law. 

The program is designed to provide theoretical training with a broad knowledge of basic legal techniques, concepts and legal reasoning and a precise and critical approach to the tools for theorizing law with a comparative and global point of view.

The courses offered by a PhD in Law will initially focus on national and international frameworks. Other modules you might study include contract law, tort law, property law, criminal law and human law. 

With a PhD in Law you will also develop and enhance your public speaking skills and the ability to form arguments and support them with relevant facts. You can use the principles of rhetorical discourse to significantly improve this skill. 

The PhD program aims to train high-level lawyers who aim primarily at academic and research careers. They will be legal theorists, highly skilled in a wide range of methods, open to multidisciplinary approaches and the diversity of legal cultures.

Upon completion of a PhD in Law you will be expected to have a high level of knowledge, a strong sense of justice, a vast vocabulary and excellent negotiation and communication skills. You will need to back them up with great recall and strong analytical thinking.

Program, Subjects and Content of the PhD in Law Program

These are some of the subjects that may be included in the programmatic content of a PhD in Law:

• Research Methodology
• Jurisprudence
• Relevance of legal research
• Constitutional law
• Law reform research
• Principles of the State Policy Directive
• Fundamental rights and duties
• Legislative relations of the union state
• Emergency provisions
• Nature and source of law
• Judicial process and social transformation
• Concepts of possession and property

How Long Does the PhD in Law Take ?

A PhD in Law has a duration of 3 to 4 years full time. Duration may vary depending on factors such as the country of origin, the institution or university offering the program, the study plan, the mode of delivery of the program, schedules, whether it is taken part time or full time, among others.

Where can I Work with a PhD in Law ?

Successful PhD in Law graduates can progress into a wide variety of roles in the legal professions and associated fields.  A PhD in Law will allow you to find a successful career as a lawyer, attorney, judge, detective, licensed conveyancer, counsel worker, mediator and others.

Countries and Cities Where You Can Study a PhD in Law for Free by Getting a Scholarship

• Czech Republic
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Institutes, Centers and Universities Where the PhD in Law is Possibly Taught for Free, through Scholarships

Phd in legal sciences.

• Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
• Bogotá Colombia.

PhD in Theoretical Legal Sciences – Law and Legal Theory in the European Context

• Charles University Faculty of Law
• Prague, Czech Republic.
• SOAS University of London
• London, United Kingdom.

PhD Program in Law and Policy

• Cambridge Graduate University
• Cambridge, U.S.A.

PhD in Inter-institutional Doctorate in Law

• Autonomous University of Aguascalientes
• Aguascalientes, Mexico.
• Maynooth University
• Maynooth, Ireland.
• University of Pécs
• Pécs, Hungary.

Doctor of Laws

• University of Technology, Sydney
• New South Wales, Australia.

PhD in Law Price References

The prices of Doctor of Laws degrees can vary. The prices of these Doctorates are between $2,350 and $27,200 per year. In some cases it may cost more.  The cost of this Doctorate will vary according to the country where it is given, the institution or university that gives the Doctorate, the modality, the duration and the materials provided during the study, among other factors.

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Vermont Law and Graduate School unveils Patrick J. Leahy House

Vermont Law and Graduate School unveiled the Patrick J. Leahy House at its South Royalton campus. From left, President Smolla and Marcelle and Patrick Leahy. Courtesy photo.

Lifelong Vermont Advocate Honored on Campus

Vermont Business Magazine Lifelong advocate for justice reform and agriculture policy, a state’s attorney and Vermonter born and raised, Patrick J. Leahy now has his very own building on the Vermont Law and Graduate School campus.  

A ribbon-cutting ceremony held today at the school’s South Royalton campus made it official, as President Rodney A. Smolla and fellow leadership welcomed guests and dignitaries.

Leahy, the former Senate president pro tempore and vice chair of appropriations, is a leader in criminal justice reform and agriculture systems — two major pillars of the VLGS education model. 

He played a key role in the creation of the National Center on Restorative Justice, helping secure a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

“The renaming of this building is a ‘thank-you’ to Senator and Marcelle Leahy — they are true champions. Senator Leahy has changed the landscape of opportunity for students at VLGS and for people across the country who work with our graduates and our unique programs and centers,” Stephanie Clark, professor and the former director of VLGS’ Center for Justice Reform and the National Center on Restorative Justice, said. 

“Our ability to infuse restorative justice principles and practices in Vermont and throughout the United States through research, education and training is directly attributable to Senator Leahy’s cumulative support during his time in Congress,” she added. “His commitment to humanity, lifting up voices of those who have experienced harm and calling for meaningful accountability for those responsible — maintaining dignity for all involved — is inspiring.”

Leahy, often thought of as the “father” of the national organic standards and labeling program, was a driving force behind state and national policies regarding agriculture and food systems. 

“Senator Leahy's legacy is an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the power of perseverance, integrity and compassion in creating a more just and sustainable food system — and world,” Laurie Beyranevand, director of the VLGS Center for Agriculture and Food Systems, said. 

The Patrick J. Leahy House, located at 164 Chelsea St. in South Royalton, houses the school’s registrar and offices for business, financial aid and career services.

About Vermont Law and Graduate School: Vermont Law and Graduate School, a private, independent institution, is home to a Law School that offers fully ABA-accredited residential and online hybrid JD programs and a Graduate School that offers master’s degrees and certificates in multiple disciplines, including programs offered by the School for the Environment, the Center for Justice Reform, and other graduate-level programs emphasizing the intersection of environmental justice, social justice, legal studies and public policy. Both the Law and Graduate Schools strongly feature experiential clinical and field work learning. For more information, visit vermontlaw.edu , Facebook and Instagram .  

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What to Know About Biden’s New Student Debt Relief Plan

The proposal would affect nearly 30 million people and would target groups that have had hardships in repaying their loans.

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Biden Announces New Plan for Student Debt Relief

President biden announced a large-scale effort to help pay off federal student loans for more than 20 million borrowers..

Today, I’m proud to announce five major actions to continue to relieve student debt for more than 30 million Americans since I started my administration. And starting this fall, we plan to deliver up to $20,000 in interest relief to over 20 million borrowers and full forgiveness for millions more. [applause] I will never stop to deliver student debt relief and hardworking Americans. And it’s only in the interest of America that we do it. And again, it’s for the good of our economy that’s growing stronger and stronger, and it is, by freeing millions of Americans from this crushing debt of student debt. It means they can finally get on with their lives instead of being put — their lives being put on hold.

By Erica L. Green

Reporting from Washington

President Biden released details on Monday of his new student loan debt forgiveness plan for nearly 30 million borrowers.

The proposal still needs to be finalized and will have to withstand expected legal challenges, like the ones that doomed Mr. Biden’s first attempt to wipe out student debt on a large scale last year.

Biden administration officials said they could begin handing out some of the debt relief — including the canceling of up to $20,000 in interest — as soon as this fall if the new effort moves forward after the required, monthslong comment period.

Here’s what is known so far about the program:

Who would benefit from the new plan?

The plan would reduce payments for 25 million borrowers and erase all debt for more than four million Americans. Altogether, 10 million borrowers would see debt relief of $5,000 or more, officials said.

The groups affected include:

— Borrowers whose loan balances have ballooned because of interest would have up to $20,000 of their interest balance canceled. The plan would waive the entire interest balance for borrowers considered “low- and middle-income” who are enrolled in the administration’s income-driven repayment plans.

The interest forgiveness would be a one-time benefit, but would be the largest relief valve in the plan. The administration estimates that of the 25 million borrowers that could see relief under this waiver, 23 million would see their entire interest balance wiped out.

— Borrowers who are eligible for, but have not yet applied for, loan forgiveness under existing programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or the administration’s new repayment program, called SAVE, would have their debts automatically canceled.

— Borrowers with undergraduate student debt who started repaying their loans more than 20 years ago, and graduate students who started paying their debt 25 or more years ago, would have their debts canceled.

— Borrowers who enrolled in programs or colleges that lost federal funding because they cheated or defrauded students would have their debts waived. Students who attended institutions or programs that left them with mounds of debt but bleak earning or job prospects would also be eligible for relief.

— Borrowers who are experiencing “hardship” paying back their loans because of medical or child care costs would also be eligible for some type of relief. The administration has not yet determined how these borrowers would be identified, but is considering automatic forgiveness for those at risk of defaulting.

How is this different from the last plan?

Mr. Biden initially tried to grant $400 billion in debt relief for 40 million borrowers by using the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003, or HEROES Act, which the administration argued allowed the government to waive student debt during a national emergency like the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Supreme Court blocked that move , saying that Mr. Biden had exceeded his authority.

The new plan would forgive some or all loan debt for nearly 30 million borrowers under the Higher Education Act, the federal law that regulates student loan and grant programs. By targeting specific groups of borrowers — instead of offering broad loan forgiveness — the administration believes it can act within the narrower confines of that law.

The Biden administration said lawyers for the White House and the Education Department studied last year’s Supreme Court ruling and designed the new program to make sure it did not violate the principles laid out by the justices.

Still, there could be questions about whether the borrowers under the latest plan would be considered “limited,” as the Supreme Court said the Higher Education Act requires, or whether the administration again overstepped its authority.

What’s the timeline?

The new plan still needs to be published in the Federal Register, which then will start a monthslong public comment period. Administration officials have said they hoped some of the provisions would begin going into effect in “early fall.”

That could leave the debt relief plan unresolved as voters go to the polls in November to choose between Mr. Biden and former President Donald J. Trump.

But Biden campaign officials hope the latest effort will help rally voters who were sorely disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision last year.

Erica L. Green is a White House correspondent, covering President Biden and his administration. More about Erica L. Green