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The Global PhD Landscape 2025: What Students Around the World Are Saying
Dear students,
Between September and November, Nature released a four-part series that dives deep into what it means to be a PhD student in 2025. Covering money, politics, mobility, mental health, and academic culture, the series builds on responses from 3,785 doctoral students worldwide. Their insights give us a clearer picture of how the PhD experience is evolving, where support systems still fall short, and what future students can learn from those currently navigating doctoral life.
Here is an overview of the four articles featured in the collection “The global PhD landscape 2025”:
1. How money, politics and technology are redefining the PhD experience in 2025
Many students report that satisfaction levels have recovered from the pandemic lows. However, persistent concerns remain. Harassment and inadequate supervision still affect a significant portion of the PhD community. The article explores how financial instability, political contexts, and rapid technological change shape both day-to-day research and long-term career decisions.
2. 27 things we wish we'd known when we started our PhDs
This piece gathers practical advice from PhD candidates around the world. Students reflect on choosing supervisors, prioritizing mental health, navigating expectations, and building a sustainable work culture. It is a collection of hard-earned lessons that can support early-stage researchers who are just beginning their doctoral journey.
3. Are these the happiest PhD students in the world?
According to the survey, Brazil, Australia, and Italy reported the highest satisfaction levels. But the article goes deeper into the question of whether these countries truly offer the best environments for doctoral study. It considers how culture, funding structures, and institutional support contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling PhD experience.
4. On the move: why PhD students study abroad in 2025
International mobility remains a defining feature of doctoral training, although the motivations for moving abroad are changing. Students are increasingly guided by practical concerns such as cost of living, visa requirements, and funding availability. This article explores how global mobility patterns are shifting and what this means for research communities worldwide.
Why this matters?
This collection offers a timely and honest snapshot of doctoral life in 2025. It highlights areas where the academic system is improving, where challenges remain, and how students are adapting to a changing higher-education landscape. Whether you are already pursuing a PhD or considering one, these articles offer valuable perspectives on what to expect and how to prepare.
We would also love to hear from you. What resonates with your experience? What surprised you? And what do you think should change in the global PhD journey? Feel free to share your thoughts.
Looking for more?
If you are interested in exploring similar topics, you might also want to take a look at Nature Careers. I have personally found it useful for staying updated on career advice, researcher stories, and broader discussions about working in science. It can be a helpful resource if you want to keep learning beyond the classroom or the lab.
All the best,
Elisa Romero Avila
ISB Student Representative and Social Media Officer 2025-2027
Between September and November, Nature released a four-part series that dives deep into what it means to be a PhD student in 2025. Covering money, politics, mobility, mental health, and academic culture, the series builds on responses from 3,785 doctoral students worldwide. Their insights give us a clearer picture of how the PhD experience is evolving, where support systems still fall short, and what future students can learn from those currently navigating doctoral life.
Here is an overview of the four articles featured in the collection “The global PhD landscape 2025”:
1. How money, politics and technology are redefining the PhD experience in 2025
Many students report that satisfaction levels have recovered from the pandemic lows. However, persistent concerns remain. Harassment and inadequate supervision still affect a significant portion of the PhD community. The article explores how financial instability, political contexts, and rapid technological change shape both day-to-day research and long-term career decisions.
2. 27 things we wish we'd known when we started our PhDs
This piece gathers practical advice from PhD candidates around the world. Students reflect on choosing supervisors, prioritizing mental health, navigating expectations, and building a sustainable work culture. It is a collection of hard-earned lessons that can support early-stage researchers who are just beginning their doctoral journey.
3. Are these the happiest PhD students in the world?
According to the survey, Brazil, Australia, and Italy reported the highest satisfaction levels. But the article goes deeper into the question of whether these countries truly offer the best environments for doctoral study. It considers how culture, funding structures, and institutional support contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling PhD experience.
4. On the move: why PhD students study abroad in 2025
International mobility remains a defining feature of doctoral training, although the motivations for moving abroad are changing. Students are increasingly guided by practical concerns such as cost of living, visa requirements, and funding availability. This article explores how global mobility patterns are shifting and what this means for research communities worldwide.
Why this matters?
This collection offers a timely and honest snapshot of doctoral life in 2025. It highlights areas where the academic system is improving, where challenges remain, and how students are adapting to a changing higher-education landscape. Whether you are already pursuing a PhD or considering one, these articles offer valuable perspectives on what to expect and how to prepare.
We would also love to hear from you. What resonates with your experience? What surprised you? And what do you think should change in the global PhD journey? Feel free to share your thoughts.
Looking for more?
If you are interested in exploring similar topics, you might also want to take a look at Nature Careers. I have personally found it useful for staying updated on career advice, researcher stories, and broader discussions about working in science. It can be a helpful resource if you want to keep learning beyond the classroom or the lab.
All the best,
Elisa Romero Avila
ISB Student Representative and Social Media Officer 2025-2027