How to apply for PhD positions - (Jun/03/2011 )

Hi guys,
I've been trying to apply for PhD positions from the past couple of months, but all my efforts are in vain. Just wanted to know where I'm going wrong.
I'm apply to specific vacancies by sending my CV, referees details, motivation letter and covering letter specific to the research work. I don't have any publications in my name... is that a major drawback? What exactly do the selection board look for in prospective PhD candidates?

InduS on Fri Jun 3 06:16:42 2011 said:

Hi InduS,

If you have publications (from you masteral studies), that's an asset but if you don't, it's not really a drawback. Can I just ask where you are applying from? Because if you are an international student (India ?) and, for example, applying for PhD here in Canada, there are some "glitches" that may explain why it's not that easy nor fast to find a place eg, higher tuition fees for international students, translation and certification of all relevant documents, language proficiency and probably a degree equivalency too. So some professors don’t have the time to wait for all these and the funds to pay the higher fees so they would rather consider local residents. Anyways, if you’re checking the university’s or institute’s ads just double-check if they accept international students so you won’t be wasting your time. And of course, you just have to be patient and continue applying until you find the right match. Goodluck.

hi InduS

i am wondering that whether you got a PhD position.