One-third of PhD Students Now Pursue Degrees Abroad

Shares of young researchers pursuing PhDs abroad have been on the rise, with nearly one-third of nearly 3,800 PhD students worldwide based outside their country of origin, according to a recent survey conducted by Nature. Among the 1,232 respondents studying abroad, the most common reason for their move cited by 43% was a lack of funding at home. Calvin Santiago Lee, a theoretical computer scientist, made a similar decision when he chose to pursue his PhD at Reykjavik University in Iceland. Lee cited finances as a decisive factor in his decision, stating, "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'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, something he believes would not be a guarantee even at top US institutions. The survey conducted by Nature highlights the growing trend of PhD students studying abroad, with many citing financial instability as a primary motivator. This trend is not limited to individual decisions, but also reflects broader shifts in the global PhD landscape. According to the survey, the top five countries for international PhD students were the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Germany. The lack of funding at home is a significant concern for many young researchers. In the United States, for example, the National Science Foundation reports that the number of PhD students receiving funding has decreased in recent years. This trend is reflected in the survey, where 43% of respondents cited a lack of funding as the primary reason for pursuing their PhD abroad. The implications of this trend are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the global academic community and society as a whole. As more PhD students pursue their degrees abroad, there may be a brain drain in certain countries, leading to a loss of talent and expertise. On the other hand, international collaboration and knowledge-sharing can also lead to innovative breakthroughs and advancements. The global PhD landscape is constantly evolving, with new developments and initiatives emerging to address the challenges faced by young researchers. For example, the European Union has launched several programs aimed at supporting international collaboration and mobility among PhD students. Similarly, some countries, such as Australia and Canada, have implemented policies to attract and retain top talent in the academic sector. As the global PhD landscape continues to shift, it remains to be seen how these trends will unfold. One thing is certain, however: the decision to pursue a PhD abroad is becoming increasingly complex, with financial stability, career prospects, and international collaboration all playing a significant role.