PhD Students on the Move: One in Three Pursue Global Research Opportunities

Shares of young researchers studying abroad have seen a significant increase in recent years, with nearly one-third of PhD students worldwide based outside their country of origin. According to a Nature survey conducted in May and June 2025, among the 1,232 respondents studying abroad, the most common reason for their move cited by 43% was a lack of funding at home. This trend is not unique to any particular region, with respondents from various countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, citing financial constraints as a primary motivator for pursuing their PhDs abroad. Calvin Santiago Lee, a theoretical computer scientist, made a similar decision when he chose to pursue his PhD at Reykjavik University in Iceland. Lee attributed his decision to the financial instability he believed he would face in the United States. "I believed that unless I got extremely lucky in the US, there would be little chance of being financially stable during my PhD and having good career prospects thereafter," Lee said in an interview. Lee's current position working on category theory, a mathematical field related to programming languages and logic, pays well and provides a good work-life balance. He feels like a valued member of society and can live a comfortable life while pursuing his PhD. The global PhD landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, with many countries offering attractive funding packages and research opportunities. However, the lack of funding remains a significant barrier for many young researchers. The Nature survey highlighted the need for more transparent and accessible funding opportunities, particularly for PhD students from underrepresented backgrounds. The trend of PhD students studying abroad has significant implications for society, including the potential for increased collaboration and knowledge sharing between countries. However, it also raises concerns about brain drain and the potential loss of talent in home countries. "The brain drain is a concern, but it's also an opportunity for countries to invest in their own research and development," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a leading expert in higher education policy. The current status of PhD students studying abroad is a complex issue, with various factors contributing to the trend. While some countries offer attractive funding packages and research opportunities, others face significant challenges in providing adequate support for their PhD students. As the global PhD landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to address the underlying issues driving the trend of PhD students studying abroad. In the coming years, it is likely that the trend of PhD students studying abroad will continue, driven by the need for financial stability and career prospects. However, it is also essential to address the concerns about brain drain and the potential loss of talent in home countries. By investing in research and development, countries can create attractive funding packages and research opportunities, reducing the need for PhD students to study abroad.