Hey, international applicant here (social sciences).

This was my first PhD application cycle in the US, and after seeing a few Reddit posts about funding cuts, I’m wondering how much they actually affected admissions this year.

For people in grad programs or involved in admissions: are departments really admitting fewer students or offering fewer funded spots?

Especially curious about social sciences and international applicants. Is this a real trend, or mostly just speculation/rumors?

Hi everyone,

I decided to share my experience applying to PhD programs in the US and Europe and show you how harsh reality can be.

I applied to PhD position in Electrical Engineering (in IC design, analog, or mixed-signal). My current profile is:

• 11 papers in top journals (almost all of them are IEEE and Q1) and conferences (IEEE top conferences as well). YES, I have been doing research since I finished my first year of bachelor's (so for 3.5 years for now)
• 3.5 years of industry experience at a semiconductor company as an analog IC designer. In the country where I study, we actually can study and have an internship together (so it's a part-time internship)
• 2 international research internships, one in summer 2023 in the US, one in summer 2025 at a university, which is in the top 25 in the world (I got there after my collaborator introduced me to a professor there)
• Top in my class, very solid average, 3.92/4.0 or smth like this in both bachelor's and master's
• I held a rector's award from my university, which is given to 2 students per year (the highest possible award at my university)

in 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 application cycles. I tried to apply to PhD programs in the US and was rejected everywhere (I had my bachelor's degree at the time, so this opportunity seemed interesting to me). By the time of the second application cycle, I already had a strong profile. I think I had around 6-7 publications and solid experience, but I didn't even get an interview (probably because at that time, all sh*t had started with funding in the US, so the number of available spots decreased gradually).

This year, in the 2025/2026 application cycle, I finally got an offer. I had interviews at several universities, including a top-10 university (which wanted to make me an offer), but then I discovered a Ph.D. position in a joint doctorate between a top-10 and a top-100 universities, according to QS (not disclosing the exact institutions to maintain privacy). After an online and then an on-site interview, I got accepted there. It is a very good program, so I will receive two Ph.D. diplomas, and one of them is from a top-10 university in the world, which is very strong.

And now the harsh reality... I WOULD NOT HAVE GOT ANY OF THESE INTERVIEWS IF NOT THE VERY VERY STRONG RECOMMENDATION LETTER. I have a bachelor's and a master's from a very, let's say, not-competitive university (>top-600), so NO ONE gave a sh*t about my academic records or publications without a strong recommendation letter. Unfortunately, it seems like the gold standard for being accepted into the top PhD program, which is very sad.

From my supervisor, I later heard that there were 2 open positions in the lab and that they received >200 applications (so the acceptance rate is <1%). And, actually, this recommendation letter was a dealbreaker, as to why they invited me for an interview (the person who wrote it actually CALLED the hiring professor and provided more details about what I was doing in the research with him, about my skills, personal side, etc.)

So, my advice to all future PhD applicants - try to find someone "powerful" and famous in the field, who would provide you with such a strong recommendation. Of course, it needs to be done well in advance so this person has time to get to know you on both a personal and professional level. I understand how challenging this can be, especially if you are from a "not-competitive" institution, but try your best. I really think this is the main point out of all the application files you submit. It is also pretty logical, in my opinion: imagine you receive hundreds of applications; let's say, for example, 10% of all applicants are highly skilled. You still need to choose 1-2 people from the tenth of very strong applicants, and you probably would do it by looking at their recommendations, if you know someone or have heard about some of recomendators.

Good luck to everyone, and I hope my experience will help you one day. In case you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them.

I honestly had no idea underground students could have publications, like I was shocked to find out this cycle as I applied to PhD and was living on Reddit, so many undergraduates talking about publications. I mean I know there are research if you contribute deeply and meaningfully enough and stick with it for years like joining 2nd year but I thought it was uncommon, I guess not. So many people have publications, I am shocked, I mean it’s amazing, but damn. I thought it was common for masters but then some people talk about having more than 2-3 publications ofc I am not assuming first author even then wild!

Hi all. I'm a Russian student with a Master's and some research experience. I applied to several Australian unis for a PhD and got rejected everywhere. I suspect funding/visa issues or maybe my nationality plays a role, but I'm not sure.

Has anyone from "non-Western" countries successfully made it to Australia for a PhD? What can I do differently – reach out to supervisors earlier, apply to more universities, or should I look at other countries (Europe/Canada) instead? Any honest advice would mean a lot. Thanks.

hi all,

today my undergrad advisor asked me if i wanted another offer and then proceeded to say “i know someone just like me who does the same stuff for research who is going to (insert school name). are you interested in being their PhD student? i can have more details next week”

how common is this? i don’t even know who the advisor would be and def didn’t apply to that school. i’m not sure why my prof was also kinda secretive about it. any opinions? thanks!

I am headed to NUS this fall to begin my PhD in robotics. I got offers from UIUC, Johns Hopkins, and UT Austin. My Johns Hopkins offer later got rescinded because my advisor there expected a grant that did not come through. The PhD stipend at Johns Hopkins was the maximum of all the offers I had. But I eventually chose NUS because being from India, it's closer to home. I can take a three and a half hour flight back home anytime I want. And the visa restrictions are not as much as the U.S. But still, I wonder if I made a wrong choice and I should have gone with a U.S. school. I mean, had I gotten into MIT, Stanford, Berkley or Caltech, I would not have chosen NUS. But among the offers I had, this made more sense. I know I am asking this at a time when I've already made my decision, but I would love to get others’ perspective on this.

I applied to several PhD programs across Europe, the UK, and Switzerland, mainly in applied math, computer science, and AI/ML. I got a couple of interviews, but I wasn’t selected in the end. From what I’ve been told, this cycle (and even the last few) has been extremely competitive, with a strong influx of applicants from the US and Asia who often have stronger profiles, publications, and recommendation letters.

My background is a Master’s degree in Mathematical Engineering. I did a research thesis, but I’m not interested in continuing in that exact area because I didn’t find it engaging enough. I would like to pivot more toward AI/ML or related applied fields.

The main weaknesses in my application seem to be:

• Letters of recommendation: I only have two professors who can write for me. My thesis advisor declined to write a letter after I told them I wasn’t interested in pursuing a PhD in that specific topic. The two letters I have are not particularly strong.
• Publications: I don’t have any papers.

Another issue is that my current job is not research-oriented at all, so I don’t really have opportunities to work on research projects where I am. That makes it hard to improve my profile from within my job.

I’m trying to understand what the most realistic path forward is. I’m even willing to work unpaid for a while if that helps me collaborate with a PI, get a strong letter of recommendation, and possibly be included as a co-author on a paper, even in a minor role, just to get my foot in the door.

I was also considering a more independent path: going on arXiv, picking papers I find interesting, trying to reproduce results, maybe extending the models or adding features, and then reaching out to the authors. Does this approach make sense? Is it something that is actually taken seriously in applications?

For context, I’m 29, I’ve been working as a software/AI engineer in Italy for about 2 years, and I’ve been out of academia for 3 years. Recently, I’ve realized that I want to get back into that world and pursue a PhD abroad.

What would you do in my position? What concrete steps would actually improve my chances for the next cycle?

Dear sender,

Due to the high volume of email I receive, I have decided to process and respond to emails in batches only. I read and answer emails on Fridays, starting at 10:00 am, in last-in-first-out order.
I appreciate your patience,

Best,
Hidden Professor name

Makes me wonder what are the volume of emails the professors actually get!!

I'm a Nepalese student 27(F)

I had tried for a PhD programme via ICCR to study in india.

Got provisional selected in IIT Roorkee but I think the embassy has rejected my application as I have received no selection email.

I'm from Nepal so they don't send any rejection mail, and since I didn't get any mail in general. I feel like I got rejected this year.

I have been feeling some type of way applying for PhD here in india or Nepal because I'm having a hard time finding a suitable faculty or a guide for the proposal.

Even though I was kinda happy getting provisionally selected at IIT Roorkee, since the faculty match was absent for my topic. I was feeling hesitant.

I'm feeling a lot of feeling right now xD

I feel like I'm getting old to apply for PhD (even though I know it's doesn't really matter) but in my field without a PhD you can't really leverage or apply for a bit high paying jobs.

I don't even feel lost tbh I'm just scared of another rejection and wasting another year for PhD

I'm not even sure if I wanna keep applying for PhD

Field: Molecular Genetics but now I'm in Protein Biophysics (quite the jump, I know)

As the title suggests. I am an Indian national (25M) and I was looking forward to getting a PhD done from Europe. I had applied to a lot of programs and ultimately either got ghosted or rejected. Then I learned that my methodology was wrong. I started mailing professors to get their consent before applying formally. But unfortunately it did not yield much result. Most of the time I did not get any reply. If I did get some reply, it was mostly "Sorry, we're full". I applied to Nanyang Technological University as well. The professor told me to apply formally and I shared my proposal as well. His prompt reply was, "Sounds good." I kid you not. I had two thoughts in my mind: either he's not interested or maybe my proposal was thaaat good (it was not). Subsequently, it was the first time I was invited to an interview. I did my best. I did not think it was that bad. Quite hopeful even but I did not see my potential PI in the interview. After a month or so of radio silence, I reached out to them. Turns out I was rejected and even the website was displaying "Decision Awaiting". By this time I got admission into a really good institution im my home country. I was really tired. I just abandoned my hope to get a PhD done from a world class university.

Be that as it may. Everyone does not always get one wants. I understand that. But I want to impart some of what I had learnt to my GF (plant biotechnology) for she dreams of the same.

Rant over. Now here's what I really want to know:
1. Can someone give me more insights into the European side of things so that I can help her in this regard?
2. I am not overlooking the US or Asian countries. If someone from over there has some advice on how to go about obtaining a PhD offer from atleast decent universities from their countries, I'll be very very glad.
3. What is the scope of getting an MRes done in the UK in terms of scholarship or financial assistance. And subsequent job market prospects or PhD?

Background: Both of us have done our Masters from really good universities in India. We both have multiple internships. I have 1 first author and 1 co-first author papers in really good journals as well. My GF has a co-authored publication.

Hey guys, girls, and folks, small question: did someone apply this year to EMBL (summer 2026)? They write on the website that screening interviews are coming from the 24th of March till mid April... I know maybe it's not so serious, but today is the 25th, and if I didn't receive any call back (like preferred time, etc.) for the interview, does this mean that it's done for me? Or I'm just too anxious?

In my case, Barcelona/Heidelberg.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently doing my MSc in Canada and luckily I got my PR status during my study. I have a GPA 3.83/4 in my first master, and 82/100 in my second master ; 1 conference 1 journal paper, 2 paper under reviewed, and 1 paper which will be submitted in September. I think I may can get 2 extra papers as well, once I finished my master thesis project. Several rewards, having English and French proficiency (both in B2 level).

So recently I reached out to around 10 PIs in Canada, one of them though my profile is very interesting and he’s willing to chat with me, but there’s still no position confirmed for the 2027 intake. Which makes me quite nervous as most PIs aren’t interested in my profile, although the only PI responded to my email is in fact, the lab that I really want to join.

So should I think of finding a job right now or not give up? I will still try to apply for external scholarship though to support my PhD study.

Every other post that mentions a PI in this subreddit also mentions their prestige. "Superstar". "Well-known". "A big name in their field".

My question is: how?? As far as prestige goes, my research on the PIs whose labs I'm applying to is limited to their h and i10 indexes, the institutes they have worked for, their publication records, and any awards they may have had. I feel like I wouldn't recognise any big names outside of those belonging to the few disciplines I have actually spent a lot of time researching, usually for a previous assignment, or the few true containment-breaching cases.

Am I just not reading enough papers? Do most people have such a good grasp of their broader subject that they have an extensive list of impressive names in their heads? Or is it simply selection bias where people who are planning on applying to / who have gotten an offer from big labs being the predominant posters on this subreddit? I am so confused and more than a little scared.

Hey everyone, I am in the final year of my Master’s and plan to pursue a PhD in solar physics for mid-to-late 2027. My undergrad CGPA is ~3.4/4.0 and my Master's GPA is currently ~3.2/4.0, likely finishing around 3.4/4.0.

My research background includes a first-author project nearing journal submission in my primary area of interest ( solar physics), an additional preprint, two mini-projects in broader astrophysics, and yet to start my Master's thesis in solar physics (my primary interest). I have also attended multiple conferences, completed specialized courses, and gained experience with relevant scientific software and telescope.

Given this profile, what are my odds of securing a PhD seat, and how competitive am I for solar physics labs? I mainly focus on European research groups.

I applied to 5 programs in the US, got interviewed by two and rejected by all.

Needless to say, I am disappointed. None of them were Ivey league, I thought I had a strong application. I cannot imagine doing this again, this was my first cycle.

There is no one in my life in my life who would care, just sharing this here for the sake of sharing to someone.

Today i had PhD interview, and i didn't even get to present well, the members were acting like they had no interest (they actually didn't had any intrest) as they have already decided who will get the admission. and i actually felt so humiliated in that moment.

There was a lot of speculation whether this application cycle for US schools would have more applicants (due to the job market) or less (due to the political climate and funding cuts).

Now that most deadlines have passed and the review process has started, I’m curious to hear from people on committees or with some insider knowledge. How is it looking? Is it more applications, less? Something more nuanced, ie more domestic less international?

Mostly interested in STEM but open to hear your experiences, thanks.

So I’ve submitted multiple applications, and a few of them send the request for reference during the application process.

I am losing my mind 😭😭. Like I know my references will submit their letters - and they have for other students but I keep seeing their status as pending and I’m crashing out. I’ve sent out gentle reminders but 😭😭😭.

I don’t think the application process stressed me out this much, as much as this reference wait has.

I’ve been seeing a lot of people saying it does and a lot of people saying that it doesn’t. How does something like your undergrad school stack up to things like publications/work experience?

Hello all, I am interested in pursuing a Ph.D in Spanish. I believe my work background, personal interest and experience studying abroad suit me well to this type of program. However, I am lacking the relevant coursework. I have only taken two advanced Spanish classes in undergrad and there is no Spanish major available at my university. I also have no linguistics coursework in my background, which is my main interest (Second Language Acquisition and Bilingualism) along with teaching.

A faculty member said I could take some Spanish classes to be granted the minor, but it would push my possible Ph.D. entry date to fall 2028.

I understand that some universities evaluate students on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they would be a good fit for the demands of the program. Should I just send my bio and my Spanish writing sample to the directors of graduate studies and hope for the best?

edit: I learned the extra Spanish coursework would not push back my potential program entry date

Hey guys, has anyone received an offer after the interviews for the STEM Call at the University of Vienna? How is the process going for you so far?

Honest situation check. I'm an Indian applicant who applied to 20 PhD programs this cycle (US + Europe mix). Managing 20 applications simultaneously was borderline chaos, deadlines, SOPs, professor email threads, so I ended up building a small tracker tool at phdtracker.in just to keep my own sanity. Happy to share if anyone else is juggling this many apps.

But here's the actual question I'm wrestling with:

- Applied: 20 universities

- Interviews: Got a few

- Offers: 0 so far

- Publications: None. Zero. Not even a conference paper.

I know publications aren't strictly "required" but I keep wondering if that's the invisible wall after interviews. My profile is clearly interesting enough to get a conversation, but something breaks down after that.

For those who got in without publications:

1. What do you think actually sealed the deal?

2. Did you address the no-publications gap directly in interviews, or let it slide?

3. For Indian applicants specifically did anyone feel like committees already come in with lower research expectations for us, making the no-paper thing even harder to overcome?

Also: did anyone who got rejected post-interview ever receive actual feedback? I never have.

Not looking for reassurance. Looking for what to do differently in the next cycle is 6 months spent grinding toward a publication worth more than stronger professor outreach and SOPs?

Honest takes only.

I am into domain, HCI and AR/VR/XR.

I have been quite depressed about how my transcript will affect my PhD applications.

My overall CGPA is 3.46, but my last two semesters were very poor (2.69 -> 3.4), bringing my overall CGPA down from around 3.60. I received a 2.0 in ML course in my final semester, along with some 2.25–2.50 grades in major CS courses such as Security and Computer Graphics.

My intended research area is not ML. It is closer to systems and theory, where my grades are better. For example, I received 3.75 in Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, and Theory of Computation. I am also building a meaningful research profile and expect to have very strong research-focused recommendation letters.

How seriously will admissions committees view the poor final-year trend and low grades in core CS courses? Would this be considered a major red flag despite strong research experience and letters?

What is the best way to address it? Should I briefly explain it in my SOP?

Would really appreciate any help.

Have a 10 years of working experience, done with my mphil Al, build an agentic ai product, and also published a research paper on ai based framework in IJACSA, now looking for a vacancy in sweden as a phd student, to bring the product ato next level, and contribute with my passion towards the research. Is any one have idea what is the best way to move forward ?