Top Websites to Find PhD Positions Worldwide in 2025

Finding the right PhD position can be overwhelming, especially when searching across different countries and institutions. With hundreds of universities and research centers worldwide, knowing where to look is key to landing the perfect opportunity.

Luckily, there are dedicated websites that list PhD positions by country, discipline, and funding availability. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top websites for finding PhD positions in 2025, categorized by region. Whether you’re aiming for Europe, North America, Asia, or beyond, these platforms will help streamline your search.

Ready to explore the best PhD opportunities worldwide? Let’s dive in!

Best Websites to Find PhD Positions in Europe 🌍🎓

Europe is a hotspot for world-class research, and if you’re looking for a PhD position here, you’re in luck! From fully funded programs to industry collaborations, these websites will help you find the perfect opportunity.

🔍 Top Platforms for PhD Searches in Europe

✅ FindAPhD – The go-to platform for PhD positions, especially in the UK and across Europe. You can filter by subject, location, and funding type.

✅ Academic Positions – Covers a wide range of European universities, including Scandinavia, Germany, and France. Also lists postdoc and faculty jobs.

✅ University Positions – If you’re eyeing a PhD in Sweden, Norway, or Denmark, this platform has excellent listings.

✅ Inria – If you’re into AI, computer science, or data science, Inria offers cutting-edge PhD research opportunities in France.

✅ Jobbnorge – The Best Platform for PhD Positions in Norway 🇳🇴.

✅ AcademicTransfer – The best place to find PhD openings in the Netherlands, directly from Dutch universities and research centers.

✅ Euraxess – A European Commission website featuring research positions across Europe. Bonus: It also provides funding and visa information for international students.

🇩🇪 Special Focus: Finding a PhD in Germany

🎓 DAAD PhD Database – Germany’s largest PhD database, listing structured programs and individual research projects, many with funding.

🎓 Research in Germany – A government-backed guide to PhD programs, scholarships, and career opportunities.

🎓 DFG – German Research Foundation – Lists research projects and funding opportunities in German universities and institutions.

🎓 Fraunhofer Society – If you’re looking for industry-driven PhD positions, this is Germany’s top applied research institute.

🇨🇭 PhD in Switzerland & Austria

🏔 ETH Get Hired – The official job portal of ETH Zurich, Switzerland’s top technical university.

🏔 Grants.at – Austria’s largest scholarship and funding database for PhD students.

🇳🇱 PhD in the Netherlands

🧡 Study in Holland – The Dutch government’s official resource for PhD opportunities and scholarships in the Netherlands.

💡 Pro Tips for Finding a PhD in Europe

✅ Set up email alerts on these websites so you never miss new positions.
✅ Check university websites directly, as some PhD openings might not be listed on job boards.
✅ Network with professors—cold emails with a well-prepared research proposal can open doors!
✅ Look into funding—many European PhD programs are fully funded, covering tuition and a stipend.

Best Websites to Find PhD Positions in North America 🇺🇸🇨🇦

North America, especially the United States and Canada, is home to some of the world’s leading research universities. Whether you’re aiming for Ivy League institutions, public research universities, or industry collaborations, these websites will help you secure a PhD position.

🔍 Top Platforms for PhD Searches in North America

✅ Academic Careers – A job board listing PhD, postdoc, and faculty positions across North American universities.

✅ University Websites & Graduate Schools Portals – Many PhD positions are not posted on job boards. Check individual university websites and graduate school portals

💡 Pro Tips for Finding a PhD in North America

✅ Check funding options – Unlike Europe, many U.S. PhD programs require students to apply for separate funding (assistantships, grants, fellowships).
✅ Look for Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) – Many PhD students in the U.S. are funded through faculty research grants.
✅ Contact professors directly – Cold emailing professors with a strong research proposal can increase your chances of getting a position.

Best Websites to Find PhD Positions in Australia & New Zealand 🇦🇺🇳🇿

Australia and New Zealand offer world-class PhD programs with full scholarships for domestic and international students. Many universities also provide stipends to cover living expenses.

🔍 Top Platforms for PhD Searches in Australia & New Zealand

✅ Study in Australia – The official Australian government website listing PhD scholarships and opportunities.

✅ Study in New Zealand – A dedicated portal for PhD programs in New Zealand, with funding options for international students.

✅ University-Specific Job Boards– Australian and New Zealand universities post PhD positions on their own job portals.

💡 Pro Tips for Finding a PhD in Australia & New Zealand

✅ Apply for government funding – The Australian Research Training Program (RTP) and New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) fully fund PhD students.
✅ Check university rankings & research strengths – Australia is strong in environmental science, medical research, and engineering, while New Zealand is known for agriculture and conservation.

Other Top Websites to Find PhD Positions 🌏

Apart from region-specific platforms, there are global websites that list PhD positions from multiple countries and disciplines. These platforms provide a comprehensive search experience for students looking for PhD opportunities worldwide.

🔍 Top Global Platforms for PhD Searches

✅ ScholarshipDB – One of the most comprehensive platforms for finding PhD positions, scholarships, and research opportunities worldwide.

✅ PhDPosition – A global job board featuring PhD and postdoc positions across different disciplines and countries.

✅ PhDPortal – A user-friendly website that allows students to search for PhD programs by country, subject, and funding type.

✅ ResearchGate – A networking platform where researchers and professors post PhD openings, collaborations, and funding opportunities.

✅ LinkedIn – Searching for PhD positions or research assistantships can help you discover openings posted by universities and professors.

✅ Nature Careers – A leading site for PhD and postdoc positions in science and research, especially in biology, physics, and medical research.

✅ HigherEdJobs – A great resource for finding PhD programs and academic positions worldwide.

🎓 Final Thoughts – How to Maximize Your PhD Search in 2025

✅ Use multiple websites – Different platforms list different opportunities, so don’t rely on just one!
✅ Set up email alerts – Get notified when new PhD positions are posted.
✅ Be proactive – Contact professors, apply early, and explore funding options.
✅ Check visa requirements – Some countries require additional paperwork before applying.

🔥 Ready to Find Your Dream PhD?

Now that you have all the best websites for PhD positions worldwide, it’s time to start applying! Which region are you targeting? Let me know if you need help with PhD applications, CVs, or cold emails to professors. 🎓

🚀 Good luck on your PhD journey! 🎓✨