European university acceptance rates (for PhD/DPhil)

[Guest]

Hello guys,

 

I was just wondering if anyone can verify the acceptance rates for places like Cambridge and Oxford. Looking at their statistics, I am seeing anywhere from a 40-60% acceptance rate for even their doctoral research degree programs in religion! I realize they are friendly to US applicants, but THIS friendly? I can't find Tubingen's and haven't bothered to see the statistics of other universities yet.

 

 

[Kuriakos]

What I've heard is that US applicants = $$$, so they accept a lot of them. 

[sacklunch]

Does anyone have any information about the average funding (if at all) for places like Oxford or Cambridge? I have been told (and their websites reflect) that they are not well-funded. So everyone that applies doesn't receive funding? How is this possible? Someone please shed some light!

[Perique69]

It's fairly easy to gain admission to EU doctoral programs, even Oxford and Cambridge.  The catch is funding.  In most cases, American students must pay their own way.  If you want funding, it's typically a matter of searching high and low through sources other than the schools.  I went through this about 5 years ago; was admitted to several programs but declined all of them because of a severe lack of funding on their part.    

[unacclimated]

I can talk about Oxford and Cambridge but perhaps not other EU UNIs. The funding available is primarily through competitive scholarships. In Canada you can apply for things like the Commonwealth Scholarship, this pays for either the MPhil or the DPhil at either Cambridge or Oxford, or just "Oxbridge" for short. Canadians also have the option of applying for the monolithic super-SSHRC. Which is research funding for a Doctoral program, that may be done abroad at Oxbridge. Two people I went to school with were awarded it at the same time. Both are doing DPhils with one going to Oxford and the other Cambridge.

 

For Americans, the two most common scholarships for Oxbridge are the Rhodes and the Gates Cambridge Scholarships. It goes without saying, you have to be extraordinary to get money to cover your costs to go to either school. Generally, these people are the kind of people who check into the library at 10am and check out at 9pm on a daily basis. I know because I lived in the library with these people for most the school year

 

I have thought about applying to either school but here is the breakdown for a Canada Student Loan. The cost of tuition for either is about $22, 000 CAD per year for an international student. Living expenses and airfare would be about another 20k per year, so let's say $42k per year. On a side note, both schools require proof you can afford to pay that amount before you can confirm enrolment. That is for a one year MPhil Program. On a 15 year loan, at 5.5 percent interest, my student loan payments would work out to be about $375 a month for the following 15 years. Is it worth it? HELL NO! I think the amount paid on interest is quite silly fyi. 
 

Edited January 20, 2013 by unacclimated

[Guest]

As it turns out I am a Canadian citizen and American citizen, so I wonder if I might be able to go the Commonwealth Scholarship route. I haven't actually lived in Canada for any long period of time, though.The good news is, at least, that I am also married and can have my wife's support to have a more manageable life while there if I were to go.

 

I wonder if the wide open doors apply to Canadians as well or if that somehow has the same effect as if a European individual was to apply.

[unacclimated]

I just noticed it does indicate under eligibility that the candidate must be "permanently residing in Canada at the time of the competition deadline".

Here is the info for the current/closed competition for Fall 2013 entry.
http://www.scholarships-bourses.gc.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/csp_uk-pbc_uk.aspx?lang=eng&view=d

Edited January 20, 2013 by unacclimated

[Guest]

Fair enough, I might find myself being a resident in the future but nonetheless very helpful info! Thanks!

[goodbye I]

I've always heard an adage something along the lines of "American students pay European students way through European programs." While certainly more expensive, the length of program is desirable.

[unacclimated]

An interesting story on Oxbridge's demand for proof of funding.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2265664/Student-sue-Oxford-anti-poor-rule-saw-ordered-20-000-taking-place.html

 

For international students, I think the policy does make sense. However, I think the article doe raise a good point that it does price some people out of an education, or at least good educational options.