Starting a PhD in Your Home Country with a Scholarship: Impact on Future Plans

When considering a path that may eventually lead to pursuing a PhD abroad, one common question arises: is starting a PhD in your home country with a scholarship detrimental to your ultimate goal?

Let's address this concern by discussing the complexities and potential pitfalls of such a decision. Firstly, if your intention is to start a PhD at school A and then transfer to school B, this approach may not be optimal. Attempting to transfer during the program can often lead to a rejection by both schools and can harm your reputation. For instance, if you inform school A that you plan to transfer before starting, they might refuse to accept you. On the other hand, if you quit after completing a year and applying to school B, it can reflect poorly on your commitment and reliability. Additionally, if you apply while at school A, school B might view it as a sign of your inability to complete the program or suggest that a scandal led to your departure. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to choose one school and stick with it to avoid these complications.

PhD as a Terminal Degree

Another critical factor to consider is the distinction between a PhD as a terminal degree. A PhD is often considered the highest degree in academia, with very few exceptions. Degrees such as DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) or DSci (Doctor of Science) exist, but they are rare and are often awarded posthumously or as a lifetime achievement. The existence of a PhD as a terminal degree means that obtaining another PhD in the future is highly unlikely. This reality can pose a challenge when applying for a student visa or other forms of international education support.

Implications for Future Visa Applications

A key aspect to examine is how having a partially or fully completed PhD in your home country can affect your future plans. When applying for a student visa, you are usually asked to explain the relevance of the degree to your overall plans. If you already have a PhD, explaining the necessity of pursuing another one becomes significantly more challenging. Authorities may question your motives and the practicality of your educational path, which can lead to difficulties in obtaining the student visa.

Given these complexities, it is crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons of starting a PhD in your home country. While a scholarship can provide valuable financial support and enhance your academic standing, the issues mentioned can potentially hinder your future aspirations. It is advisable to seek guidance from educational advisors and carefully consider your long-term goals before making a decision.

Conclusion

In summary, while starting a PhD in your home country with a scholarship can be a beneficial and challenging pursuit, it is essential to be aware of the potential drawbacks, especially when you have the ultimate goal of pursuing a PhD abroad. Choosing a single institution and focusing on completing your initial PhD can better position you for future opportunities in international academia.