Online Ph.D.

Mamona MajumderAssistant Manager
Online PhD courses are flexible and easy to access. The online mode of gaining a PhD degree is a lot more convenient, especially for working professionals. The online PhD courses are offered in 2 modes – full time and part-time. With the growing demand for diverse doctorate degrees, many institutes in India are offering PhD courses online. With dependency on technology and the internet, people are now more inclined towards a hassle-free education. Thus, online courses have gained popularity at all levels be it UG, PG or PhD / doctorate.
Apparently, an online PhD degree is not offered by any Indian University as an online PhD is yet not approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
However, there is an option to pursue an online PhD from a foreign University. The candidates do not need to go out of the country and they can complete their PhD degree by staying in their home country. The Universities offer online PhD in various fields like engineering, nursing, education, design, medicine, science, arts, etc.
How is the online PhD Degree awarded?
This will vary from University to University that offers the online PhD course. To put it in a general manner the process can include:
- Taking up of online modules
- Completing the dissertation
- Appearing for online viva-voce (oral) exam for the dissertation
Further, the PhD candidates are assessed at different points using various methods including coursework essays, critical review essays, book reviews, research proposals, research papers, conference posters, group project reports and oral presentations.
Eligibility for Online PhD course
Like the classroom programme, to enroll in the online PhD course candidates must have a relevant master’s degree. Universities can also keep a minimum marks cap in master’s programme, again this can vary from University to University.
In short, the basic qualification to pursue an online PhD course is:
- Completion of master’s degree
- Having minimum marks as set by the University
- Others – candidates must visit the website of the University to check detailed eligibility criteria
How to Apply for an Online PhD Course?
The admission and application process varies from university to university. The basic requirements to apply for any online PhD course may include:
- Applying for the course by submitting an application form
- Written exam
- Interview
- Portfolio submission / sample research work
Universities / Institutes the Offer Online PhD Course
The online PhD courses are popularly offered by the following Universities / Institutes:
| Name of the University / Institute |
Online PhD course offered |
|---|---|
| UNICAF, Larnaca, Cyprus |
Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) Business Administration Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) |
| Doctor of Applied Social Research |
|
| Education Specialist in Educational Leadership and Administration |
|
| INISEG Instituto Internacional de Estudios en Seguridad Global, Madrid, Spain |
Doctorate of Research in Law, Education and Development |
| University of New York in Prague (UNYP), Prague, Czech Republic |
Ph.D. by Research |
| Liberty University Lynchburg, USA |
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) - Online |
| SMC Business School |
Ph.D. in Finance |
| Institute of Lutheran Theology, Brookings, USA |
Doctor of Philosophy |
| Ph.D. in Management |
|
| Atlantic International University Honolulu, USA |
PhD in education |
Apart from the 10 Universities above, the online PhD course in diverse fields is also offered in many more Universities across the globe.
Popular Online PhD Courses
Online PhD courses are offered in the following fields:
| Administration Studies |
Health Care |
| Life Sciences |
|
| Marketing Studies |
|
| Natural Sciences |
|
| Professional Studies |
|
| General Studies |
Sport |
| Sustainability Studies |
|
| - |
Course Structure of Online PhD Courses
The course structure of Online PhD courses also varies from course to course and from University to University. However, a basic outline of the programme includes:
- Core module
- Optional module – students need to select any one or two, depending on the course structure.
Fees for Online PhD Course
The online PhD course fee depends on the following factors:
- University selected for online PhD
- The field selected for online PhD
- Duration of the course
- Nationality of the students
The fee can range as high as Rs 13 lakhs for the full-time online PhD courses.For part-time online PhD courses, the fee can go as high as Rs 8 lakhs.
Duration of Online PhD Courses
The duration of the online PhD course will depend on the field selected for the course. This duration can range from 3 to 8 years.
Why Pursue Online PhD Course?
There are numerous benefits of pursuing an online PhD course. An online course provides the below-given advantage:
Flexible: The online PhD course is more flexible than the classroom courses. The course can be completed without having to compromise on other responsibilities like professional life, personal commitments, etc.
Easy to access: Online mode of education is always easier to access. Since most of the online PhD degree is offered by the foreign Universities, accessing the same becomes easier if they are online. With the help of a decent internet connection and basic technology, candidates can complete their PhD course online. The course material is also offered online and can be easily accessed.
Effective: With online mode, the candidates can save many expenses like living expenses, travelling expenses, and much more. Candidates can complete their online PhD course without any extra expenses apart from the course fee and the basic internet charges.
Jobs after Completing Online PhD Course
The following Job profiles are available once the online PhD degree is completed:
- Research scientists
- Professor
- Analyst
- Advisers
- Business Consultants
- Entrepreneur, etc
Online PhD FAQs
Q: What is the duration of Online PhD courses?
Q: Is online PhD recognised in India?
Q: Does IGNOU offer online PhD courses?
Q: Can I do PhD online?
Q: What universities offer online PhD in India?
Q: What is a PhD course?
Q: What is the eligibility for pursuing online PhD course?
Q: What are some of the Universities that offer online PhD course?
Q: How to apply for online PhD courses?
Q: What can be the fees for online PhD course?
Q: What are the job prospects after pursuing PhD?
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News & Updates
Dec 10, 2025
Student Forum
Answered 3 days ago
No, NLU Delhi is conducting the AILET UG (BA LLB) and AILET PG (LLM) this year. AILET PhD exam 2026 is not happening.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 days ago
Of course, you can. Here are some top online colleges you must explore for a PhD in Political Science.
| PhD in Political Science Online Colleges | Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Amity Noida | INR 3.02 Lakh |
| Jindal School of International Affairs | INR 3 Lakh |
| Woxsen University | INR 4 Lakh |
| Amity Kolkata | INR 3.24 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official site.
Know more about -
I
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
PhD Amity University Mohali admissions are open. The below are the PhD details:
· 35+ Research Centres
· 194 H-Index
· 2,580+ Patents Filed | 450 Granted
· 500+ Govt. Funded Research Projects
· 59+ Ramalingaswami/Ramanujan Fellows
· 2,000+ PhD Scholars Across Discipline
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, PhD is not available for Data Science course. The Data Science course is only offered as Master of Science (S.M.) under School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. PhD degree under SEAS is available for Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hi.
Yes — under certain conditions, a person with a four-year bachelor's degree in “Medical Sciences” can be eligible to apply for a PhD at IIIT Guwahati — depending on the discipline and whether the degree qualifies as “in a relevant area.”
What IIIT Guwahati's policy says
For PhD admission in some d
h
Scholar-Level 17
Answered 2 weeks ago
Check out the PhD placements 2024 recorded at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda placements 2024 given below:
Courses | the highest Package (2024) | the lowest Package (2024) | Number Placements (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
PhD | INR 5 LPA | INR 5 LPA | 1 |
M
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Of course you can. A few learning platforms, like Old Dominion University, offer a PhD in Criminology. Though it's a university abroad, you can get admission to its online PhD program, i.e., PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice. It's a 24-month degree course and the average fee is INR 24.79 Lakh.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
The fee structure of IIIT Guwahati is segregated in three parts including per semester tuition fee, institute caution money and hostel fee. Hostel fee will be incurred only if you plan to stay in the hotel. Otherwise, you only need to pay tuition fee and institute caution money (one-time refundable
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Students need to pay INR 12,500 if they want to stay at IIIT Guwahati hostel. This fee also includes mess fee. Do note that hostel rent is charged on a pro-rata basis. INR 5,000 are for one-time caution money that is refundable and INR 5,000 is for tuition fee every semester. So if you are availing
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
IIIT Guwahati does not offer scholarships for PhD programs. However, students can still get financial aid from PSUs and other banks. Also, there are many fellowship programs in which you will be eligible based on your merit. Visvesvaraya PhD scheme for Electronics and IT, MHRD Fellowships and Prime
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
First of all, you need a master's degree in either Engineer or technology with at least 6.5 CPI or at least 60% marks. If you have completed MSc in CS/ IT or MCA or any other non-tech master's degree, your CPI should be at least 6.5 or you should have scored 60% or more in GATE/SLET/NET in CS/IT. Th
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
A Cumulative Performance Index (CPI) measures overall academic performance throughout all completed semesters. It is calculated by taking weighted average of Semester Performance Index (SPI) scores. It tells about consistency and academic achievement which reflect grades from all subjects and semest
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
It is not possible to pursue PhD in Mathematics from IIIT Guwahati with 50% marks because minimum percentage requirement is 60%. Even if you are a reserved category candidate, you get a relaxation of 5%. For improving your chances of admission, try to score 60% or more in post-graduation.
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
There are three categories in which students have been segregated. First one are regular students who are working full time for PhD degree. They are eligible for fellowship or assistantship like INSPIRE, NFSC, NFSR, UGC-NET, JOINT, CSIR-UGC, NET, WoS etc. These students can also be self-financed. Se
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, it is not enough since you will need to pass the interview round. This will be the final step to ensure that you get an admission in PhD programme at IIIT Guwahati. Do note that you will not be getting any travel allowance from the institute for the interview round.
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
MHRD Fellowships is a financial assistance for PhD students for a maximum period of five years. PhD students will get INR 37000 as monthly stipend for the first two years at JRF level and then for the next 3 years, they will receive INR 42000 per month at SRF level.
Under the Visvesvaraya PhD scheme
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
A valid score of GATE, NET, JRF or SLET exam works for admission in IIIT Guwahati PhD programs. You can check the eligibility section where each PhD has a different exam score requirement. Based on this criteria, you can plan to take the exam. For example, candidates who plan to pursue PhD in Humani
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
For SC category students the eligibility criteria for every IIIT Guwahati PhD programme is relaxed by 5% marks which translates into 0.5 less CPI. For example, Computer Science and Engineering general category candidates should have at least 7.0 CPI. In this case, SC category students will need 6.5
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Admission deadline for IIIT Guwahati PhD programs depends on the admission date of the program. The admission dates for every course is different. Right now, admissions for PhD in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) are open and the last date to apply is 30th November, 2025.
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, IIIT Guwahati does not charge any application fee from PhD candidates. The institute only charges course fee from students who have been finally selected after the interview and written exam. This fee includes one time caution money and tuition fee. Further, those who plan to stay at the IIIT Gu
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
IIIT Guwahati is a good option, particularly for PhD in computer science. IIIT PhD fee is INR 13750. The faculty is generally well-regarded. When it comes to scholarship, students of Electronics and IT are offered INR 38,750/- per month as stipend under Visvesvaraya PhD scheme. On the top of that, i
J
Contributor-Level 10
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Is AILET PhD exam conducted this year?