Sounds like a MFA the way you describe it.. Also, I know there are some programs in Europe but I haven't heard of any in the U.S. so, are you interested in PhD's that could potentially be offered in the U.S. or programs abroad? Given the current state of higher education in the U.S. I'm highly suspicious of PhD studio programs spreading as yet another way to fill universities' coffers.
Yes, that's true but an MFA may be the first time a student is able to work with a group of peers who are truly committed to what they're doing. A PhD just seems like overkill. If someone's work is going badly post-MFA I seriously doubt A PhD will fix that. It's perhaps time for reflecting on what someone's priorities are. Of course I'm only referring to studio work. For art history and other paths of research I think a PhD can absolutely be worthwhile, I just question an institution's motives for implementing such a long-term studio program (smells like money).
The Painting and Drawing Dept. I got a voicemail from a Professor this afternoon. He's supposed to call me in the morning. Hopefully that sheds some light on the funding situation.