Obtaining an Overseas PhD Without Moving Overseas
- Caleb Kaltenbach
- Nov 9, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 3
****This page is regularly updated****
I love education... I may have missed "my calling" to be an academic dean or professor. Anyway, one of the fascinating developments to watch has been the growing number of ways to study for a Ph.D. In the past, Ph.D. students would move nearby or live on campus to undertake their studies. Over the last ten years, many North American and overseas learning institutions have developed more user-friendly study methods. Modular programs, online classes, cohorts, intensive weeks, independent study classes, partnerships with conferences, and more are just a few of the various study methods.
Whereas most North American Ph.D. programs involve doctoral seminars before writing the dissertation, many overseas Ph.D. programs focus solely on writing the dissertation (commonly referred to as "dissertation only"). Since students can access major university libraries and meet with their mentor professors via Zoom or FaceTime once or twice a month, many overseas schools allow Ph.D. students to study in their home countries. Such programs require either minimal or no travel before graduation.
Below are some overseas schools offering Ph.D.s (in areas such as biblical studies, theological studies, religion, ministry/practical theology, philosophy of religion, missions/intercultural studies, and more) that don't require relocation.
Hope you enjoy the post. Be sure to check out other blog posts in this series: earning an overseas master's degree, where to earn a 100% online master's degree, and Ph.D. distance learning programs in the United States.
ASIA
AUSTRALIA
Australian School of Theology
**Students choose one of their schools to study for a Ph.D.
Sydney College of Divinity
University of Divinity
**Students choose one of their schools to study for a Ph.D.
**Students can study for a Th.D. at the following schools:
BELGIUM
**Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) awarded
BULGARIA
CANADA
CZECH REPUBLIC
FRANCE
GERMANY
Heidelberg University (Universität Heidelberg)
University of Göttingen (Georg-August University)
University of Münster (Münster Universität)
IRELAND
University of Dublin (Trinity College)
**Students can earn a Ph.D. from the Union Theological College through:
KENYA
NETHERLANDS
Free University of Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
**Students can earn a Ph.D. from the Free University of Amsterdam through:
Protestant Theological University (Protestantse Theologische Universiteit)
Radbud University (Radboud Universiteit)
Theological University of Apeldoorn (Theologische Universiteit Apeldoorn)
Theological University Kampen Utrecht (Theologische Universiteit Kampen)
NEW ZEALAND
NIGERIA
**Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) awarded
NORWAY
**Doctor Philosophiae (Dr.Philos) awarded
PHILLIPPINES
POLAND
THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE
SOUTH AFRICA
**Students can earn either a Th.D. or a Ph.D. in Theology
University of Pretoria **Students can earn a Ph.D. from the University of Pretoria through:
**Ph.D. areas have different departmental websites with information
SWEDEN
UNITED KINGDOM
**Students can earn a Ph.D. from Durham University through:
Liverpool Hope University
**Students can earn a Ph.D. from Liverpool Hope University through:
Middlesex University
**Students can earn a Ph.D. from Middlesex University through:
*Studying through the Department of Continuing Education
**Students can also earn a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen through:
**Students can also earn a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge through:
The University of Kent (apply as an external research student)
University of Leicester **Students can earn a Ph.D. or the equivalent DSocSci (Doctor of Social Science)
University of London (King's College London)
University of Manchester
**Students can earn a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester through:
**Students can earn a Th.D. in Practical Theology
**Students can earn a Ph.D. from York St. John University through:
This is a very useful and well-researched overview of how overseas PhD programs have evolved to become more flexible and accessible, especially for working professionals who cannot relocate. The focus on dissertation-only models and remote supervision highlights how global higher education is adapting to modern needs. For students who may still need to travel occasionally for residencies, conferences, or short academic visits, having the right guidance makes a big difference. Gradding Homes supports international students not only by helping them explore suitable courses and universities abroad but also by assisting with reliable student accommodation in Reading, ensuring their academic journey remains smooth and well-supported alongside their research goals.
Exploring the idea of obtaining an overseas PhD without relocating is becoming more feasible with online programs and remote supervision. Meanwhile, for students planning international research, tools like the band calculator IELTS help assess language readiness effectively.
This article highlights an important evolution in study abroad pathways—the ability to earn an overseas PhD without fully relocating. Flexible doctoral models such as distance learning, dissertation-only formats, and short residency requirements allow scholars to access globally respected institutions while remaining in their home countries. For many candidates, especially working professionals, this approach offers academic credibility without the disruption of long-term relocation.
That said, some PhD students still choose—or are required—to spend short periods on campus for research access, supervision meetings, conferences, or intensive study blocks. When these visits take place in the UK, careful planning is essential to make the most of the academic experience.
Cities like Manchester, home to one of the UK’s leading research universities, are popular…
Students can pursue an overseas PhD remotely through flexible programs offered by institutions like Monash University, accessing world-class supervision, research resources, and international collaboration without relocating, making advanced study more accessible and convenient.
Obtaining an overseas PhD without relocating is now possible through online research programs, remote supervision, and hybrid models. Reviewing global standards—such as those reflected in the Northeastern University ranking—helps you choose reputable institutions that support flexible, high-quality doctoral study.