Obtaining an Overseas PhD Without Moving Overseas
- Caleb Kaltenbach
- Nov 9, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 27, 2024
****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 increased 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 a major university library and Zoom/FaceTime with their mentor professors once or twice a month, many overseas schools allow Ph.D. students to study in their home country. Such programs require either minimal or no travel before graduation.
Below are some overseas schools offering Ph.D.s (in areas like biblical studies, theological studies, religion, ministry/practical theology, philosophy of religion, missions/intercultural studies, and so on) 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
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:
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 the York St. John University through:
Being able to study from your home country opens up so many doors especially for those balancing work and family. I could totally see myself packing my laptop and notes into my leather weekender bag for a quiet weekend retreat to focus on writing. It’s all about creating the right environment and mindset, no matter where you are.