Archaeology PhD admissions

[PeppermintRoses]

I am currently studying for my M.A. in Ancient History, but I would like to study Bronze Age Archaeology. I know if I want to stand out as an applicant (and many schools even expect it), I need to participate in field schools. I, however, have almost no income and cannot feasibly afford to do so. Any advice?

[bookofkels_]

A lot of field schools will take volunteers. If you can get yourself there everyday (check for local ones, not exotic abroad ones, as you will still have to pay even if you volunteer) you will receive an almost identical education and experience as the paying students doing it for credit. Once you track down a nearby university that does one, email the professor that runs it, and more than likely they'll be thrilled to have an extra hand. If you need official documentation you actually did something, they could probably just write a letter. 

[birchleaf]

Additionally, have you checked if your department has any funds? That's the only way I was able to attend the field schools that I did. There's also a possibility if you message the dig director, depending on what type of dig it is, that they may have a space for you as an assistant (seeing as how you're an MA and not undergrad, which the majority of dig participants [in my experience] are) and can waive some or all fees for the program. Definitely worth a shot!