A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree one can earn. It is one of the most prestigious academic degrees awarded by the university. Nowadays, a PhD course can be done in two modes, offline physical mode (in which you have to be physically present in the university) and online mode or distance learning (in this, you can complete your PhD from anywhere, you just have to be connected online or have internet access). The term “philosophy” is derived from the Greek word philosophia, meaning “love of wisdom.” So here it does not refer to the scholarly philosophy subject. Instead, it indicates love and respect for knowledge.
You get awarded with this degree when you prove that you can add some new, original knowledge to your field. This research is written as a dissertation or thesis, which you do by completing a big piece of original knowledge and research.
Want to do your PhD online courses but are not aware. Let’s break this confusion with Who, Why, When and How?
Who Should Apply for an Online PhD Course?
An Online PhD Program is not for everyone. The absolute aspirant is someone who possesses strong academic strength and upskilling personality traits. If you are not satisfied with the knowledge you have achieved in your master’s and want to explore more in depth knowledge in your field or subject, you are the one who should apply for the PhD courses.
A PhD is a long term commitment you make to yourself. You need to invest at least 3 to 5 years of your life to make it worth it.
If your dream career is to be a university professor, a senior scientist, a lab leading scientist, or a head of research and development in an industry, a PhD is a non-negotiable requirement; you must have your PhD degree with you, or you should have a continuation of your PhD degree program.
Why Should One Apply for an Online PhD Course?
There are various reasons to go for the Online PhD course, such as:
- Writing and researching are the major aspects of a PhD. Other elements include your ability to think critically and the amount of work you put into your data and research.
- You gain a wide range of knowledge of your subject by continuing the research and writing. Even after you have earned your PhD degree, your brain has trained your mind to stay curious about the new information in your field or even aside from it.
- A PhD teaches you to never give up or back off, always dig as deep as you can, and learning never ends. While being consistent and loyal to your work, you can achieve everything you want in your life.
- An online PhD demands consistency and dedication in your field and research; Online PhDs have both pros and cons.
- As much as it is flexible and does not affect much in your work, it also sometimes gets difficult to assist yourself and be consistent. Those who are deeply embedded in their field and want more can easily opt for the online PhD option.
- An online PhD program, or distance PhD, is quite cost-effective when compared to a traditional PhD program. Online PhDs are affordable. Distance learning is flexible and quite accessible, you can learn and research from anywhere in the world.
When Should one Apply for an Online PhD Course?
There is no perfect timing or deadline of age limit to pursue an online PhD course. You can pursue a PhD degree at any age, it depends on your career path or life circumstances.
- The most followed path is when an individual completes his/her master’s degree and after goes for a PhD degree to enhance their knowledge in their field. Many of the students choose this path, as they already have an academic rhythm in their chosen field.
- Some of the individuals work for a few years in their industry and then give thought to pursuing a PhD in their respective field. Some individuals identify some loopholes or gaps in their field, and then they try to fix them or try to add some new original knowledge or research in the field.
Though there is no specific timing to pursue a PhD. I would recommend that, if you are a student currently and want to pursue a PhD in your field, you should apply for an online PhD degree directly after your master’s degree because you have continuity of studying, learning, and researching, which will definitely give you a plus point when you opt for an online PhD program. By opting for an Online PhD Degree Program, you can also work and get experience along with your PhD.
How Should One Apply for an Online PhD Course?
A distance learning PhD is a great option for the working professional and researcher who wishes to take their knowledge to a different level in the respective field.
To apply for a distance learning PhD program, you have to prepare some necessary documents, and you should follow the application steps provided by the chosen institute you have opted for.
Steps to Apply for an Online PhD Course.
- Search for the universities that offer the Best Online PhD programs in your field. Always look for the NAAC verified universities, as these universities have highly approved institutions that provide the flexibility of timing, knowledge, and resources as per your needs for your PhD. Always make sure to research beforehand about the university you want to enroll in, the reputation of the institute in your field, the faculty members of your subject, and their specialization expertise in their subject.
- Understand the eligibility criteria or admission requirements of your designated field, because each program may have different eligibility criteria and requirements that you have to remember.
- Some programs require an interview as part of the selection process. It is done to judge your knowledge in your research field and in the faculty you have chosen. It is also the best time to clear all your doubts regarding the program and faculty.
- If you are not that financially affluent or you are someone with great learning skills, you can opt for the UGC (SET, NET, or JRF) exam. By passing these exams, you will somehow get a scholarship based on your exam marks or merit. The SET will give you recognition, the NET will help you with the scholarship on some level, and if you pass the JRF, you will get the monthly allowance of 35,000 from the government for 2 years to easily research in your field without worrying about the finances.
- After submitting your documents and your proposal, keep track of its responsive status. If you somehow did not get any responses within the time frame, reach out to their online student help desk, where you can inquire about your status.
These are the Steps You Must Follow to Apply for Your Online PhD Program.
1. Complete and submit the application form to your university through digital or traditional methods, and make sure it is done by the allotted time or before it.
2. Provide academic transcripts and important documents of your previous degree.
3. Although it is not compulsory for every university, some universities still require a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). So, it would be good for you to have your resume and CV ready before enrolling in your university.
4. Make sure you have your letter of recommendation ready with you to give to your university. This letter will highlight your strengths and abilities, offering an outsider perspective on your field and your personal life. A strong recommendation letter can sometimes be a decision maker and can provide you with an abundance of opportunities.
5. A statement of purpose outlining your research interest and your future career goals.
The Top 5 Institutes for Distance/Online PhD courses
| Institute | Duration | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Henry Harvin in Collaboration with Dunster Business School | 3 to 5 years. | Rupees– 2,492,190 Dollars– $28,075.50 |
| IGNOU | 3 to 6 years. | Rupees– 16,800 Dollars– $189.50 |
| Amity University | 4 to 5 years. | Rupees– 150,000 Dollars– $1692.00 |
| BITS Pilani | 4 to 6 years. | Rupees– 89,500 Dollars– $1009.56 |
| Vellore Institute of Technology | 3 to 5 years. | Rupees– 60,000 Dollars– $676.80 |
Henry Harvin in Collaboration with Dunster Business School
Dunster Business School (DBS) stands out as a leading institute for advanced learning, research, and education, especially in Switzerland, and it also offers a wide range of online PhD courses. These online courses offer flexible timing with the best mentors to guide you. Recently, in January 2025, Dunster Business School and Henry Harvin Education announced a strategic partnership to offer various programs and PhD courses. This partnership was established to provide joint educational offerings and a smooth flow of knowledge.
Key Benefits of Joining this Course are—
- Two-way live online interactive sessions.
- Facilities to undertake various projects along with the course, with proper guidance from the mentors.
- Access to 52+ masterclass sessions for essential soft skill development.
- Free access to #AskHenry hackathons and competitions & many other facilities from Henry Harvin®.
- Get 36 months of gold membership at Henry Harvin.
- Free access to the E-learning Portal and future updates. Get access to PPTs, projects, quizzes, self-paced video-based learning, a question bank, a library, practice tests, a final assessment, a forum, and doubt sessions.
- They also provide a hallmark completion certificate with a professional license.
- They provide internship support with Henry Harvin® and in top MNCs like J.P. Morgan, Accenture & many more via Forage & 100X Suite.
- Get 3-in-1 placement support through placement drives, premium access to the job portal, & personalised job consulting.
- Earn the prestigious Dunster Business School/Henry Harvin®️ alumni status and become one of the reputed 460,000+ alumni across the globe.
Online PhD Courses offered by Henry Harvin in collaboration with Dunster Business School.
- Doctoral in Education (EdD) by Dunster Business School.
- Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) by Dunster Business School.
- PhD in Commerce (D. Com) by Dunster Business School.
- Doctorate in Science by Dunster Business School.
- Doctorate in Psychology by Dunster Business School.
And a few more you can check on the website of Henry Harvin or Dunster Business School.
Conclusion.
As we concluded, there are a few things you should remember that if you are Applying for the Online PhD, you will have the liberty of flexible timing, but you also need to be very strict with your routine. Consistency and determination will play a major role in the compilation of your PhD degree. Make sure to read carefully about “how one should apply for a PhD”. For more Assistance, you can contact us at – Henry Harvin Course Inquiry
Recommended Reads.
- Online PhD Courses in Texas
- What is an Honorary Doctorate(Honoris Causa)?
- Types of Honorary Doctorates: D.Litt., D.Div., DHL & More
- How Long Does a PhD Degree Take?
FAQs
You have to be ready with your master’s degree, your recommendation letter, your purpose statement, and your current resume/CV.
Research for the universities that provide distance learning or online PhD option, and then find out about the subject that has your interest in and also research a bit about your subject’s faculty.
Clearly explain your research interest and goals, and what new difference you will make in your field.
Indeed, they are as respectable and legitimate as the traditional PhD. Diligence, commitment, and consistency are the keys.
The program consists of an online syllabus, comprehensive exams and tests, and the completion of a dissertation research project.