Degrees
Research by degree level
Bachelor’s, master’s and PhD applicants face different funding structures, evidence sources and application risks. Start with the correct decision model.
B
Bachelor’s / Undergraduate
Compare entry route, total multi-year cost, institutional aid, scholarships and affordability without assuming a single award will cover the degree.
Undergraduate research →M
Master’s
Separate taught and research routes, tuition exposure, external awards, institutional funding, waivers and assistantship possibilities.
Master’s research →P
PhD / Doctoral
Treat research fit, supervision, project funding, stipend, duration and admission as one connected decision.
PhD research →Why degree level changes the search
The same “fully funded” query can mean three different things.
| Level | Primary research question | Funding dependency to examine |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Can the total multi-year route remain affordable? | Institutional aid, merit awards, tuition reductions and family budget |
| Master’s | Does the program create enough value relative to cost and duration? | Scholarships, waivers, assistantships, external awards and lower-cost alternatives |
| PhD | Is there a research environment, supervisor/project fit and sustainable funding package? | Stipend, tuition coverage, grant duration, assistantship/project conditions |