10 Fully funded PhD Scholarships in Sociology 2025

In this guide, we have listed fully funded PhD scholarships in sociology, opportunities we believe you will love and perhaps have been searching for.

While psychology students check the inner workings of the human brain, those majoring in sociology focus more on society.

If those phrases sound broad to you, it is – if you’ve done something, at least one person who is a sociologist has studied or is currently studying it – and many research methods are involved in securing their findings.

Considering the importance of this field of study, the opportunity to receive a fully funded PhD scholarship in sociology is one too good to ignore.

What is PhD in Sociology?

The doctoral/PhD program in sociology is a research program that ends with a doctorate in philosophy (PhD). It is the highest university degree that can be earned in a subject.

The program offers a high level of academic competence that is relevant to research, administration, and business.

Also Read: Australia Awards Scholarships 2025

Types of Scholarships Available

Fully funded PhD scholarships in sociology can be categorized into several types:

• University-Specific Scholarships: Offered directly by universities to attract top talent.
• Government-Funded Scholarships: Provided by national governments to support higher education.
• Private Fellowships: Offered by private organizations or foundations to promote research in specific areas.
• Research Grants: Targeted funding for specific research projects or topics.
• Minority and Diversity Scholarships: Designed to promote diversity within academic programs.

Understanding the various types of scholarships can help you identify the most suitable opportunities for your academic and research interests.

List of 10 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Sociology in 2025

Pursuing a PhD in Sociology offers an in-depth understanding of societal structures, behaviors, and institutions. However, the financial commitment can be daunting.

Fortunately, numerous institutions worldwide offer fully funded PhD scholarships in sociology, covering tuition fees, stipends, and research expenses. These scholarships aim to support students in their academic journey without the burden of financial constraints.

#1. PhD Scholarships in Sociology – ASA Minority Scholarships

With the sole aim of supporting the training of sociologists of color in any secluded area, the American Sociological Association (ASA) offers Minority Sociology Scholarships to minority PhD students enrolled in a program leading to a PhD in sociology.

Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or legal residents, have completed one full-time year of academics in graduate studies, exhibit academic excellence, and be seeking a career in sociological research. PhD students who receive this sociology scholarship are financially supported.

• Host Platform: Hosted in the United States and open to U.S. citizens who are minority students.
• Eligible Study Level/Field: The social science scholarships are accessible to social science students who are PhD students
• Scholarship Benefits: A $18,000 stipend will be offered for 12 months.
• Application Closing Date: January 31

#2. Beth B. Hess Memorial Scholarship

Annually, the Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP) dispatches the Beth B. Hess Memorial Sociology Scholarships for sociology students pursuing an accredited PhD within the United States.

Eligible students must have begun their studies at a two-year community college or vocational school. Applicants should also be committed to teaching at a community college, seek high-quality research in sociology, and show active and unbiased involvement in community service. Applications must present a letter of recommendation and verification of enrollment.

• Host Platform: Hosted in the U.S.
• Basic Eligibility Requirement: The sociology scholarships in this category are open to local and international students in the U.S.
• Eligible Study Level/Field: These are PhD Scholarships for PhD students in sociology
• Scholarship Benefits: $15,000 will be offered, including other benefits
• Application Closing Date: April 1^st

Also Read: US University Application Deadline for International Students 2025

#3. Cheryl Allyn Miller PhD Scholarships Sociology

Sponsored by the Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS), the Cheryl Allyn Miller Sociology Scholarships are presented annually to graduate students or PhD students whose research or social activism has had a significant impact on the field of women’s studies.

Eligible applicants for this PhD scholarship must be currently enrolled in an accredited PhD program in sociology or graduated with a PhD within the last two years, have SWS membership, and must be U.S. citizens.

• Eligible Group: Open to U.S. citizens who would like to study in any local or international institution.
• Eligible Study Level/Field: Open to PhD students in Sociology
• Scholarship Benefits: Many financial benefits, including some other travel incentives
• Application Closing Date: April 1^st

#4. Alma S. Adams Scholarships

Through the American Legacy for Health Foundation, the Dr Alma S. Adams Scholarships are offered to students pursuing PhD studies in sociology, social work, education, communications, public health, or a related field to raise awareness of tobacco’s harmful impact.

Qualified candidates must be U.S. citizens or long-term legal residents, attend an American institution, exhibit financial need, applicants must have a good academic record and must be financially disadvantaged

• Host Platform: Hosted in the U.S.
• Eligible Group: Open to American students or long-term legal residents
• Eligible Study Level/Field: Open to PhD students in social work, education, communications, public health, or sociology students. Undergraduate students in the aforementioned fields are also welcome to apply
• Scholarship Benefits: $5,000 will be offered, and more benefits will pop up as long as this PhD scholarship is concerned
• Application Closing Date: April 30

#5. PhD Manao Fellowship for International Students

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa School of Pacific and Asian Studies, or the Center for Korean Studies, is pleased to announce PhD scholarships available at the University. These international scholarships are available for international students. The purpose of the PhD scholarships is to enable the continuation of research and publication for Sociology students.

• Host Platform: This Scholarship system exists in the US.
• Eligible Group: Open to international students who are sociology students
• Eligible Study Level/Field: The scholarship is available to sociology students who want to enroll in PhD program: these international scholarships can also be awarded in the fields of Korean studies, including literature, history, sociology, anthropology, political science,
• Scholarship Benefits: $3,750.00 will be offered for twelve months with no additional benefits.
• Application Closing Dates: February 1st

Also Read: UNICAF Scholarship 2025

#6. MaxPo PhD Scholarships in Sociology for International Students

Sociology students are invited to PhD scholarships for Sociology Students at the Max Planck Sciences Po Center on Coping with Irregularities in Market Societies. There is no nationality requirement these international scholarships are available for students of all nationalities.

• Host Platform: Hosted in MaxPo located on German soil,
• Eligible Group: Open to international students from all nationalities.
• Eligible Study Level/Field: PhD degree program in sociology or your research
• Scholarship Benefits: Funding, Administrative Services, and other benefits, including Job opportunities
• Application Closing Date: March 15.

#7. 200 Full Tuition PhD Scholarships at Ton Duc Thang University in Vietnam,

The Ton Duc Thang University is pleased to announce that it is offering up to 200 scholarships for PhD students. Students are to take academic studies in Vietnam for the autumn and spring semesters.

These PhD scholarships for sociology students cover the full tuition fees of PhD degree programs.

• Host Platform: Available in Vietnam.
• Eligible Group: Open to international students
• Eligible Study Level/Field: PhD students in sociology, and other related fields of study
  Scholarship Benefits: Total tuition fee for the PhD degree program: $8700 for the whole program offered in 4 years
• Application Closing Date: Before November, Apply

#8. PhD Scholarships for UK and EU Students in Sociology, Leisure and Wellbeing in the UK

Brunel University in London is offering fully funded PhD scholarships in sociology, Leisure, and Well-being in the College of Health and Life Sciences. The PhD scholarships are open for legal students from the UK or other countries in the European Economic Area (EEA). Swiss nationals are also welcome to apply. The social science scholarship is not fully international, considering its disclosure.

• Host Platform: Hosted in the UK.
• Eligible Group: Open to UK citizens and other students from Switzerland.
• Level/Field of Study: This can be taken by PhD students in social science.
• Scholarship Benefits: £16,777 plus Home/EU tuition fees, for not less than 36 months.
• Application Closing Date: November 12.

Also Read: List of PhD scholarships for international students in Europe

#9. MSc & PhD Global Excellence Scholarship for International Students in the UK

The University of Exeter in the UK is inviting applicants for PhD Global Excellence Scholarship within the College of Sociology, Social Science & International Studies. The international scholarships are available to international students and PhD students in the aforementioned field of study

• Host Platform: Hosted at the University of Exeter in the UK.
• Eligible Group: Regarded as an international Scholarship, and it’s open to international students
• Eligible Study Level/Field: Scholarships are available to pursue a Master’s and PhD degree program.
• Study Subject: Scholarships are available for the following eligible programs:
• Scholarship Benefits: Scholarships are worth £5000
• Application Closing Date: July 24^th

#10. J.W. Saxe Memorial Scholarship
Annually, the J.W.

Saxe Memorial Fund awards one or more sociology scholarships to students in accredited U.S. universities who are looking for support for an unpaid or low-paying internship in the field of public service.

Applicants must have significant financial needs, demonstrate a clear interest in domestic or international public service, and show strong integrity.

Interested sociology students must apply with a resume, two letters of reference from members of the department or public service professionals, and a 1,000-word essay disclosing their career aspirations.

This Fully funded sociology PhD program is open to students in the U.S.

• Host Platform: The International Scholarships.
• Eligible Group: Open to international students in the US.
• Eligible Study Level/Field: Open to graduate students, including PhD students. It’s also PhD scholarships, sociology scholarships, for Sociology Students
• Scholarship Benefits: A scholarship of $20,000 will be offered, along with additional benefits.
• Application Closing Date: April 1st

Eligibility Criteria for Sociology PhD Scholarships

Eligibility requirements for fully funded PhD scholarships in sociology can vary by institution and program. However, standard criteria include:

• Academic Qualifications: A strong academic record, typically with a Master’s degree in sociology or a closely related field.
• Research Proposal: A well-defined research proposal that aligns with the department’s focus areas.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters from academic or professional references.
• Language Proficiency: For non-native English speakers, proficiency tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS may be required.
• Citizenship or Residency: Some scholarships may have specific nationality requirements.
• Professional Experience: Relevant work or research experience can strengthen an application.

It’s essential to review the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure a match with your qualifications.

Application Process for Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Sociology

Applying for a fully funded PhD scholarship in sociology typically involves several key steps:

1. Research Programs: Identify programs that align with your research interests and career goals.
2. Prepare Application Materials: Gather the necessary documents, including transcripts, CV, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
3. Submit Applications: Follow the application procedures outlined by each program, paying attention to deadlines.
4. Interviews: Some programs may require interviews as part of the selection process.
5. Acceptance and Decision: Upon selection, review the offer and make an informed decision.

It’s advisable to start the application process well in advance of deadlines and to apply to multiple programs to increase your chances of success.

Top Countries for Sociology PhD Scholarships

Several countries are renowned for offering robust PhD programs in sociology with generous funding opportunities:

• United States: Institutions like Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Chicago offer comprehensive funding packages.
• United Kingdom: Universities such as Oxford and Cambridge provide fully funded scholarships through various programs.
• Canada: The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships offer substantial support for international students.
• Germany: The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes offers competitive funding for doctoral students.
• Australia: The Research Training Program provides funding for domestic and international students.

Each country has its unique advantages, and the best choice depends on your research interests, career goals, and personal preferences.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD in Sociology?

Students entering with a B.A. typically take approximately 6 years to complete the PhD program in sociology. In comparison, those entering with an M.A. in sociology usually complete the program in about 4 years.

One factor that may impact your studies is financial constraints, which often causes students to spend more time on the course. However, with fully funded PhD scholarships in sociology available, you can be confident of securing a fully funded sociology PhD program.

Fully funded PhD Scholarships in Sociology: Funding Details and Stipends

Fully funded PhD scholarships typically cover:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition costs.
• Stipend: A monthly allowance to cover living expenses.
• Research Funding: Support for research-related costs, including materials and travel.
• Health Insurance: Coverage for medical expenses.
• Conference Grants: Funding to attend academic conferences.

The exact amount and duration of funding can vary by program. For instance, the University of Chicago offers a minimum stipend of $46,350 per year, with additional incentives for securing external funding.

What Jobs Can I Get with a PhD in Sociology?

Below are some common job openings to explore when considering how to apply your sociological specialization to the workplace.

• Guidance Counselor
• Human Resources (HR) Representative.
• Management Consultant.
• Market Research Analyst.
• Media Planner.
• Policy Analyst.
• Public Relations (PR) Specialist.

Potential Career Paths After a PhD in Sociology

Earning a PhD in sociology opens doors to various career opportunities:

• Academia: Teaching and conducting research at universities.
• Government and Policy Analysis: Working in public policy, urban planning, or social services.
• Nonprofit Sector: Engaging in community development and social justice initiatives.
• Private Sector: Conducting market research or human resources management.
• International Organizations: Contributing to global development and humanitarian efforts.

The skills and knowledge gained during a PhD program are highly transferable and valued across various sectors.

Tips to Increase Your Chances

To enhance your application:

• Research Fit: Ensure your research interests align with the program’s strengths.
• Strong Proposal: Develop a clear and compelling research proposal.
• Recommendations: Secure strong letters of recommendation from reputable academics.
• Early Application: Apply early to demonstrate enthusiasm and preparedness.
• External Funding: Consider applying for external fellowships to supplement your funding.

Following these tips can help you present a competitive application.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Sociology

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