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?
- Popular Online Ph.D. Colleges in India
- Popular Private Online Ph.D. Colleges in India
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- Popular Online Ph.D. Specializations
Popular Online Ph.D. Colleges in India
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News & Updates
Jan 30, 2026
Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
Yes, CII School of Logistics Mumbai offers a PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This programme is a research-oriented doctoral-level degree and covers:
- The latest trends in trends in automation and digitalization (Industry 4.0).
Students must complete the course eligibility and go through t
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
You can prepare for the following exams to get admission to a PhD in Psychology in India
| PhD in Psychology Entrance Exam | Exam Schedule |
|---|---|
| UGC NET | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| CSIR NET | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| GATE | February 7, 8, 14, and 15, 2026 |
| VITREE | December 2026 (Tentative) |
| LPU NEST | 20 Jan - 5 Feb 2026 |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the exam.
Know more about -
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 days ago
To study PhD at NIPER Guwahati students must complete the required eligibility of:
- Having a PG degree in relevant stream such as Pharmaceutical sciences, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or any related fields.
- With degree scores of 60% (55% for SC/ST) minimum while the selection process depend
C
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Some of the top PhD colleges in India with low fees are here. Take a look
| PhD Colleges in India | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| SRM IST | INR 72,000 |
| IIT Kanpur | INR 48,550 |
| PhD Trichy | INR 45,000 |
| IIT Guwahati | INR 20,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 31,810 |
| Manipal University, Jaipur | INR 81,900 |
Note - The information is taken from the official body of the college.
Know more about -
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
IIT Patna application process is conducted in an online mode. Check below the steps to apply for IIT Patna PhD programme:
- Visit the official website of IIT Patna and click on application link.
- Fill all the personal and educational details in the form.
- Upload the documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit
V
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week ago
Technical University of Munich provides a 3-year PhD programme through the TUM school of Management. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of gain understanding about basics of Strategic Management, Operations, Finance, Marketing and Tech Management, and more. International appl
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
International applicants, who are looking for career as Professor, Consultant, Market Research Lead, and more should choose Ph.D. at Technical University of Munich. Technical University of Munich provides a 3-4 year PhD programme through the Graduate school of TUM, or TUM school of Management or mor
G
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
GPA score are one of the important factor during admission and are submitted by students to improve their profiles. Students should aim 3.5 or higher to get considered by the TUM.
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
As per a renowned ranking body, TUM is popular for various courses. The most chosen programme by Indians is Management. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of Strategic Management, Operations, Finance, Marketing and Tech Management, and more.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Indian students can get into the Technical University of Munich PhD programme by submitting proof of their qualification, work proof, and a GPA score. Students have to submit LOR, essay, SOP, transcripts, resume, and English language requirements.
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Technical University of Munich provides a 3-4-year PhD programme to international students. These programs are available in the different school of TUM. The programs is available through Graduate school of TUM, or TUM school of Management or more based on the program. The first-year tuition fee is n
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
The minimum eligibility for PhD at Department of Law, MDU is having a Master's degree with a minimum of 55% aggregate or its equivalent B grade in UGC seven-point scale in the subject concerned or an allied subject. Yes, you are eligible for PhD at the university.
h
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
There are 11 research specialisations available for PhD courses at IIT Guwahati. These specialisations may or may not be available under all categories of PhD courses at IIT Guwahati. PhD specialisations at IIT Guwahati include the following:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electronics and Electr
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, the hostel services are offered to PhD students of IIT Guwahati. However, only the regular category PhD course students receive hostel service from IIT Guwahati.
Non regular category PhD students are not offered any hostel services and are required to find off site arrangements.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The PhD students of IIT Guwahati who secured admissions under the Industry-Sponsored category will be charged INR 5 Lacs per semester as PhD fees.
This makes the total PhD fees for these students INR 40 Lacs at IIT Guwahati. However, this is the only fees mentioned for these students on the website.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, the PhD students of Visvesvaraya PhD Scheme of IIT Guwahati are offered financial assistance. The students of this scheme are eligible to get the following:
- Fellowship: Rs. 38,750/month in 1st and 2nd years. Rs. 43,750/month for 3rd, 4th and 5th years.
- Contingency Grant: Rs. 1,20,000/year.
- Suppor
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates belonging to special categories are offered a relaxation of fees for PhD courses at IIT Guwahati. The admission fees for PhD courses is currently unknown at IIT Guwahati.
However, the application fees for PhD admissions is only 50% for the special category candidates.
The PhD applicati
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
IIT Guwahati requires candidates to present a different set of documents based on their chosen PhD course category during admissions.
The following documents in digital form must be provided to apply for IIT Guwahati PhD courses:
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
- Bachelor's degree certificate & markshe
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, the registration dates for all accepted entrance exams for PhD admissions at IIT Guwahati have been closed at this point. Currently, most entrance exams are still in the phase of result declaration.
The registrations for most of the accepted entrance exams for PhD admissions at IIT Guwahati are o
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, candidates can get admissions into the PhD course at IIT Guwahati without any work experience. However, only the regular category PhD courses accept admission of such candidates.
Every non regular PhD course admission only selects candidates with a work experience between one - three years.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The PhD admissions to the Institute Assistantship courses at IIT Guwahati require candidates to appear for the GATE or CEED.
However, PhD admissions to the other categories of PhD courses at IIT Guwahati are not decided on the basis of the aforementioned entrance exams scores.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Aerospace Engineering in India are here. Take a look
| PhD in Aerospace Engineering Colleges | Course Fees |
|---|---|
| IIT Bombay | INR 6.78 Lakh |
| IIT Kanpur | INR 48,550 |
| Lovely Professional University | INR 3 Lakh |
| Amity University, Noida | INR 3 Lakh |
| Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | INR 1.2 Lakh |
| Amity University, Mumbai | INR 1.92 Lakh |
Note - The information is taken from the official site of the college.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Harvard University provides a 5-year PhD programme through the John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Economics, Networks, Data Management, Operating Systems, and more. Internatio
E
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
International applicants, who are looking for career as Lead Scientist, Researcher, Professor, Data Scientist, developer, and more should choose Ph.D. at Harvard University. Harvard University provides a 5-year PhD programme through the John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science. The m
J
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
GMAT and GREs are one of the crucial criteria during admission and are submitted by students to improve their profiles. 58% class submitted GMAT scores, and 42% submitted GRE scores. There is no ideal score provided by students to get into the Harvard Ph.D.
N
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
As per a renowned ranking body, Harvard is popular for various courses. The most chosen programme by Indians is Computer Science. The programme will help to gain understanding about basics of Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, Economics, Networks, Data Management, Operating Systems, and more.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Indian students can get into the Harvard university PhD programme by submitting proof of their qualification, work proof, and a GPA score. Students have to submit LOR, essay, SOP, transcripts, resume, and English language requirements.
T
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Yes, Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy does offer PhD. Students can join the course after completing Master's degree with a minimum aggregate of 55%. Students also need to appear for the CET conducted by Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth Pimpri, Pune.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Based on the type of course, SOP should include these pointers
- For MS Highlight your research experiences, academic accomplishments, and how the programme can help you attain your professional objectives.
- SOP for MBA should have your professional background, leadership abilities, and how the MBA will
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
ICFAI University, Himachal Pradesh has on offer, a number of courses that include BTech, BBA, MBA, MCA, etc. The institute offers more than fifteen courses covering the domains of Engineering, Business Administration, Management, Computer Applications etc. Programmes are offered at the UG, PG and Ph
h
Contributor-Level 10
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Is there a PhD programme at CII School of Logistics Mumbai?