I'm 28 with a Master's in Psychology and want to do a PhD abroad. Can 20 lakhs get me started?

Ans: Hello MANOJ,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. I am happy to hear that your daughter is pursuing the final year of her Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Clinical Psychology and thereafter, wishes to pursue higher studies overseas. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that a number of variables viz., your daughter’s interests, the budget, the preferred field of psychology she intends specializing in, and her professional objectives, play a key role in deciding on a country to pursue higher studies and a career in clinical psychology. Concerning your question, I would recommend that she considers the following:

The USA is home to prestigious universities that offer outstanding clinical psychology programs. Nevertheless, costs can be high, including living expenses, tuition fees, and healthcare. Although assistantships and scholarships are available, they are highly competitive. You would be glad to know that the job prospects in the USA is enormous with opportunities in research, diverse healthcare environments, academia, as well as patient care. Next, coming to Canada, the country’s top-notch instruction and multicultural setting is well-regarded. Remember, in comparison to the USA, expenditures may be comparatively lower. However, it still calls for proper financial planning. Offering possibilities in academia, research, and practice, clinical psychology is a legally regulated profession in Canada. Universities in the UK offer exceptional programs in psychology. I would like to tell you that based on the location and the university opted for, costs may differ. Possibilities for research, teaching, and clinical practice, are offered by the country. Nevertheless, bear in mind that post-Brexit visa rules could have an impact on overseas students. Noteworthy programs in psychology are offered by universities in Australia. Remember that although expenditures can range from low to high, scholarships are available. Offering possibilities in research, clinical practice, and other mental health services, in Australia, clinical psychology is a legally regulated profession. Coming to Netherlands, the country is renowned for its advanced approaches to psychology and mental healthcare. Programs in the Netherlands are often taught in English, and tuition fees for overseas students are relatively cheaper. The employment opportunities include research, clinical practice, and policy development.

Prior to deciding on a country, I would suggest that your daughter conducts an extensive study on the visa prerequisites, demand in the labor market, licensing procedures for practicing psychologists, as well as the cultural aspects pertaining to each country. Not just that, she should also acquire counsel from professional advisors or educational counselors, as well as get in touch with experts in the field of her choosing.

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Ans: Hello PREM,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear that your daughter has pursued her Master of Arts in Applied Psychology and now wishes to pursue PhD overseas. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that earning a PhD overseas can be considered employment, however, with a stipend instead of a pay. You would be happy to hear that a number of universities, particularly in Europe and the USA, provide stipends to PhD students in psychology in order to help pay for tuition fees and living costs. Nevertheless, based on the country, university, and particular program, these stipends may differ.

To apply for a PhD in psychology overseas, I would suggest that your daughter considers the following:
Firstly, your daughter will need to possess a solid educational background. This entails a strong undergraduate and postgraduate academic record, which I believe she already possesses with her MA in Applied Psychology. Next, bear in mind that candidates with prior research experience are preferred by a number of PhD programs. Your daughter’s 3 years of professional experience might entail pertinent research projects, which would be beneficial. To secure admission to their PhD programs, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores may be required by certain universities, particularly in the USA. Nevertheless, not all the universities demand GRE scores for psychology programs, and thus, I would recommend that your daughter examines each institution's particular criteria. Next, your daughter may require to prove her fluency in English through appearing for tests viz., the IELTS or TOEFL, if English is not her primary language. Your daughter will need to submit a well-drafted statement of purpose (SOP) highlighting her research interests, professional objectives, and reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD in psychology overseas. She will also need to submit compelling recommendation letters from professors or managers who can speak to her academic capabilities and research potential. Remember that a research proposal highlighting her proposed PhD research field may be demanded by certain programs. Lastly, evidence of one’s ability to sustain oneself financially while enrolled in school may be require in some nations.

Taking into account variables viz., possibilities for research, the experience of the faculty members, and financial resources, I would recommend that your daughter conducts an all-round study on potential universities and programs. Not just that, in order to understand how her research interests best resonate with the program’s offerings, I would also suggest that she gets in touch with academics or advisors in her field of interest.

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Ans: Hi, congratulations! What is her goal? Since she is a topper, if she applies for JRF, she will surely get admission to national institutes. As a female candidate, she has many opportunities in India. The current government is supporting women for empowerment. So, she should try in India.

Ans: First I need to know whether she wants to continue with Psychology or change her line. If she wants to continue with Psychology then she can opt for integrated Ph.D from some good universities of Germany. The main benefit is that in Germany for girls education is absolutely free, even for students of other countries. In few universities hardly you need to pay only 200 to 300 Euros per semester. After completing some required credit after two years she can come out with only Master Degree also and may discontinue Ph.D, otherwise she can take admission only in MS. I will never recommend USA for MS in Psychology, because the expense is too high in USA.
Even in India she can do the same thing, but the competition is too high.
Be in touch with me, follow me here and join me in LINKEDIN also. Don't worry. Everything will be fine. I counselled thousands of students. GOD BLESS YOUR DAUGHTER. Regards. Professor............................:)