Thread by @folaeclipse

I got talking with one of my professors yesterday & he revealed to me that he received higher number of applications from Nigeria & India from his recent adverts for fully funded phd positions

I then asked him what he looks for in a convincing application. This is what he said👇

He said most of the motivational letters are always too general and not targeted. Usually they receive up to 50 applications for one position and they want the best candidate regardless of nationality.

So you stand a chance if you prove yourself better than a German or whoever

These professors need to deliver results for the funding organization and they cannot afford to hire someone that wont do a good job because their reputation might be tainted if they cannot deliver. They usually accept to train you but the research potential must be clear.

In Europe, phd positions are different from scholarships. You are hired to solve an existing problem already identified by the professor & the funding organization (usually govt or industry) need the solution urgently.

You are also trained as a doctoral candidate simultaneously

Other points the prof noted are:1) Research experience in the field of application 2) foreign experience 3) publications or conferences in areas related to the proposed research

Your research potential in the field of interest must be evident eventhough you dont have the skills

He also said it is difficult for him to properly assess a candidate from Nigeria or India because he does not really understand the grading system and all that

I guess he told me all that because he thinks i might be advertizing the jobs since i am the only Nigerian in the group

In short, what i am saying is that phd positions are very competitive and very skill targeted and it is worth it to diversify your phd quest with scholarships where you can also write your own proposals🤞

I rarely know any PhD student that got a PhD job directly from Africa to Europe without a scholarship But i know Indians who have done this.

Are Africans not qualified for such PhD jobs because of weak academic background and other reasons? I intend to discuss this issue soon