Top PhD Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

Your PhD interview is a key step in your application. It’s your chance to meet the department, talk about your research idea, and show that you’re ready to become a researcher.It’s also when the university checks if you’re a good fit for the PhD. You’ll need to show that you understand what a PhD involves and that you’re ready to commit to the work for the next 3+ years. You also need to explain why you chose this university, department, or lab.

Don’t worry too much if you prepare well and think through your project and university choice, answering questions will be easier. On this blog, we’ve listed some common PhD interview questions. We also explain why the university might ask each one and give tips on how to answer them. You may not be asked all of these questions, and the order may be different. Some questions are quite similar, but you should be ready to talk about all these topics.

We’ve also included a few smart questions you can ask during your PhD interview. Whether you're preparing for a PhD or exploring professional doctorates like an Online DBA, interview preparation is key to making a strong impression.

PhD Interview Questions About You

The university wants to know what kind of person you are, not just how good your grades are. A PhD takes a lot of time and effort, so they need to see if you’re motivated, hard-working, and able to work well with others.

Here are some common questions they might ask in a PhD interview:

Question- 1. Tell us about yourself

This is a common first question. It’s not a trick—just a way to help you relax.

You can talk about:

• Where you from
• Your background and interests
• Why you excited about your subject

Keep it relevant to your PhD journey. You can also mention why you chose this university or city.

Good example:
“I’ve always loved learning how things work. During my master’s, I did a small research project that made me want to continue with a PhD. Outside academics, I love hiking, and I’m excited to explore this area while studying.”

Avoid:
“I was born next to a post office. My first pet was a cat named Timmy. My favorite flavor of ice cream is raspberry ripple.”

Question- 2. Why do you want to do a PhD?

This may sound easy, but give a thoughtful answer. Don’t just say “because I’m good at this subject.”

Show that you:

• Want to become a researcher
• Are passionate about the topic
• Are you ready for the hard work a PhD involves

Good example:
“I’ve really enjoyed my studies so far, but I feel ready to take the next step as an independent researcher. I’m passionate about this topic and think my work can add something new.”

Avoid:
“I don’t know what else to do after my master’s. My teacher said I’m smart, so I should try a PhD.”

Question- 3. What are your plans after your PhD?

They want to check that you’ve thought about your future. You don’t need a perfect plan—but show that you’ve considered your options.

Good example:
“I’d love to continue research after my PhD, maybe as a postdoc. But I’m also open to other roles where I can use my research and communication skills.”

Avoid:
“I’ll just get a research job. That’s what PhD people do, right?”

Question- 4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

This is a chance to show self-awareness.

Talk about:

• A real strength, with an example
• A real weakness, and how you’re working on it

Good example:
“I’m good at writing clearly and explaining ideas. But I sometimes struggle with time management, so I plan to use training sessions to get better at staying organised.”

Avoid:
“My biggest strength is that I have no weaknesses!”

Question- 5. What training do you think you’ll need during your PhD?

PhDs are about learning. You don’t need to know everything from the start.

Talk about:

• Skills you want to build
• Training offered by the university that you’re excited to try

Good example:
“I want to learn how to explain my research to the public. I saw you have a public engagement training session, which I’d love to attend.”

Avoid:
“I’m bad at interviews. Do you offer a class on how to pass this one?”

PhD Interview Questions About Your Project 

During the interview, the university wants to check if you're the right fit for the PhD project and if you can complete it successfully. This is also your chance to talk more about your proposal and show that you have the interest, knowledge, and skills needed.

Try to connect your answers to your research proposal and explain things in more detail than what you wrote in your application.

Question-6 Why did you choose this project?

• If you're applying for a ready-made project (common in science, engineering, and medicine), make sure you fully understand it. Say why this project interests you more than others.
• If you're proposing your own project (common in arts, humanities, or social sciences), show excitement. Talk about your proposal and why this topic matters to you.
• Also, show that you know about the current research in the field and what makes your project unique. A PhD should contribute something new to knowledge.

Do say:
“This project matches my interests and helps me grow in the area I care about. I looked at other options too, but this one gives me the chance to work on questions I really care about.”

Don’t say:
“I don’t mind what the project is as long as it’s funded.”

Question- 7 Why are you the right person for this PhD?

• The interviewers want to know what makes you a good match for the project, especially if it’s funded.
• Talk about your background. Mention what you did during your bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Share examples that show your interest and skills.
• If a course or dissertation inspired your PhD idea, explain it. If your current skills match the project’s needs, highlight that.

Do say:
“I got interested in this topic during my final year of undergrad. That led me to do a related master’s and dissertation, which I really enjoyed. Now I want to do deep research on this topic through a PhD.”

Don’t say:
“Well, I just really like books…”

Question 8: What challenges do you think you’ll face during the PhD?

• The panel knows a PhD can be tough. They’re not trying to catch you—they want to see if you’ve thought about the hard parts.
• Talk about any challenges your project may have—like getting data, accessing resources, or needing new skills. Be honest, but also explain how you plan to deal with them.
• This is a great time to talk about training or support you might need from the university.

Do say:
“I know some of the documents I’ll need are hard to get. My first step will be to request access and plan my visits. I’d also like to take training in using archives and ask for help from my supervisor.”

Don’t say:
“I know PhDs are hard, but I’ll just see how things go.”

Question- 9 What impact do you want this research to have?

• Impact means how your research can help people or society outside of universities. This is becoming more important, especially if you're applying for funding.
• If asked, or even if not, talk about how your research could make a difference—outside academia.
• In science or health, the impact could be on industry or medicine. In social sciences, it could help policies or communities. In arts and humanities, it could involve public events, schools, or media.

Do say:
“I want to share my work with more people. I’d like to write a blog about my research and maybe work with local schools or museums.”

Don’t say:
“My work is about preserving old manuscripts, which doesn’t really matter outside the university. But I still want funding.”

Question- 10 How will you pay for the PhD?

• If the project is not funded, or if funding hasn’t been confirmed, the university might ask how you plan to manage your finances.
• They just want to know that you’ve thought it through and won’t struggle too much. You don’t need to share every detail, but show that you’ve got a basic plan.
• It’s fine to say you’ll look for more funding or do part-time work—but make sure they know it won’t affect your research.

Do say:
“I’ve made a list of external funding options and plan to apply for university bursaries too. I’ve arranged part-time work and can adjust it depending on my funding.”

Don’t say:
“I have no idea how I’ll pay for this. Can I just get a scholarship?”

Interview Questions About Your Choice of University

• During a PhD interview, the panel will likely ask why you chose their university. They want to see if you’ve really thought about your decision and whether your project fits with their work.
• If you are applying for your own research project, be ready to explain how your topic matches the department’s expertise. If it’s a pre-set project, talk about why the lab or research group interests you and what you can add to it.

Tip: Read about the university, the department, and your possible supervisors before the interview. Know what kind of work they do and mention specific examples.

You can also talk about other things you like about the university—such as its reputation, the training it offers, or even the location—but your main focus should be on how your research fits with their department.

Question -11 Why Have You Chosen This University for Your PhD?

This is a very common question in PhD interviews. It’s your chance to show:

• You’ve done your homework on the university.
• You know about your future supervisor’s research and want to work with them.
• Your project fits well with what the department does.
• You are excited to be part of their academic community.

If your PhD is part of a structured program, mention how the training and resources offered will help you grow.

Also, talk about any special facilities or collections the university has. For example, if the university has a rare archive or a well-equipped lab, explain how that will help with your project.

Do say:

“I’ve looked into many universities, but this project really stands out. It has a strong research focus and offers training that suits my goals. I already know the work of my future supervisor, and their research helped shape my own. I’m looking forward to learning from them and using the university’s excellent facilities.”

Don’t say:

“I did my Master’s here and already live nearby.”

Question- 12 What Can You Bring to This Research Group?

• PhD students are more than just learners—they are also junior researchers. You may work with other researchers, teach undergraduates, and even publish your findings.
• This question is about what value you bring to the department.
• Use this time to talk about your skills, experience, and your excitement for the project. Show that you’re ready to contribute and not just take.

Do say:

“I’m excited to use the university’s great facilities and learn from the experts here. But I also want to contribute. My past work has prepared me well for this research, and I’m open to learning new skills. I’m proud to represent this department and hope to publish work that adds to its reputation.”

Don’t say:

“I have a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree, so I think I’m quite smart.”

What to Ask at a PhD Interview? 

At the end of your PhD interview, the panel will typically ask if you have questions to ask them. This is a significant part of the interview. Asking good questions indicates that you are genuinely interested in the PhD, and that you've carefully considered the project or program. But don’t just ask questions to impress. Use this time to learn more about the project, the people you’ll work with, and what will be expected from you.

Remember, a PhD takes a lot of time and effort—at least three years. So it’s important to know if the university, the supervisor, and the work environment are right for you. This is your chance to also "interview" the university.

Some of the good questions to ask are:

Question- 1. How will this project be supervised?

This demonstrates you're considering how you will do the PhD. It also makes you realize how frequently you will see your supervisor and how they will guide you.

Question- 2. What type of training or workshop will I receive on the PhD?

This indicates you want to learn additional skills and develop through your PhD. You can also enquire if they provide assistance where you are less confident.

(But do not ask a question already answered in the PhD description or on the website.)

Question- 3. Will I have an opportunity to teach, give conference talks, or get papers published?

It's nice to know for your own professional life. It also indicates you're thinking ahead and wish to share your work with others.

Question- 4. How many PhD students has this supervisor previously worked with?

You can also ask how many students the supervisor has assisted with the completion of their PhD and what those students are currently doing. You can also inquire whether you will be working on projects with other PhD students.

Question- 5. Will the funding for this project change in any way?

This is a key practical question. If the project is funded, find out how long the funding will last and whether you can supplement it with extra income. If you are funding the PhD yourself, find out if the university will be providing any future funding.

Question- 6. Will there be any special events or projects within the department or the university during my PhD?

This could be conferences, research collaborations, or public events. If you ask about this, it indicates that you want to be a member of the university community. These events can also give you some experience and add to your CV.

A Few Tips:

Ask questions that are important to you as a prospective PhD student.

• Don't ask for minor things such as food or transport around town—stay focused on academic and research-related areas.
• Don't ask questions that have already been answered on the university's website or brochure. It will look like you didn't prepare your homework, and that's bad news for a research degree. 

What Happens in a PhD Interview?

PhD interview questions can sometimes be tricky. That’s because doing a PhD is a big deal. It takes a lot of time and hard work. So, the people interviewing you want to be sure that you are ready for this challenge. The interview helps them see if you are a good fit for the PhD program. They want to know who you are, what you want to study, and why you want to do a PhD.

It’s also a chance for you to ask questions. You should use this time to check if this university and the project are right for you.

The interviewers will ask questions to:

• Learn more about you
• Understand your research idea
• See if your work will add value to the university

PhD Interview Dos and Don’ts

You should remember the points below while you appear for a PhD Interview:

How to Prepare for a PhD Interview? 

5 Simple Steps to Help You Succeed in Your PhD Interview

First of all – congratulations! You’ve already come a long way, and that’s something to be proud of. Now, let’s focus on crossing the final hurdle—the PhD interview.

Just like a job interview, your PhD interview needs preparation. Even if your research proposal is strong, you still need to match that quality in person. Also, a successful PhD is not just about academic skills. You need focus, motivation, and the ability to work independently. That’s what the panel will be looking for. The interview is also a chance for you and your potential supervisors to see if you’re a good match. A strong relationship with your supervisor is very important for finishing your PhD successfully.

So, how can you prepare for your PhD interview? Here are 5 easy steps:

Step 1: Show Your Knowledge About the Research Topic

Make sure you know your research proposal well. You should be ready to answer questions about:

• Why did you choose this research topic
• Why did you pick this method
• What makes your project different or unique

Go beyond your own proposal. Try to understand what others have already done in this area. Who are the top researchers? What are their key studies? This will show the panel that you are serious and well-informed.

Step 2: Learn About Your Potential Supervisor and the Department

Do some research on your possible supervisors and the department. This shows your interest in the university and can help prove you are a good fit for the team.

Knowing about the department’s work can also help you later, especially if you want to stay in academia and work on joint research or apply for postdoc roles. Even if you don’t want an academic job, showing that this university is your top choice is a plus.

Step 3: Show Why You’re Worth Their Time

Supervisors are often very busy. They need to know that their time and energy won’t be wasted. Show that you are:

• Passionate about the project
• A good listener
• Willing to learn
• Comfortable working on your own

These qualities are just as important as your academic background.

Step 4: Prepare Questions to Ask Them

Like any job interview, it’s a good idea to prepare a few smart questions. This shows you are thinking seriously about the PhD and want to know more. Here are some ideas:

• How many PhD students are in the department? Do they have social events?
• What kind of career support is available?
• Is there training in skills like writing and time management?
• Is funding available for travel or conferences?
• Can PhD students get teaching experience?
• Who funds the department’s main research?
• What facilities will you have access to (labs, library, etc)?
• What is the expected timeline for finishing the PhD?
• Can you switch to part-time or distance learning later if needed?
• What support is there for mental health or wellbeing?
• Do they support a good work/life balance?
• What have other PhD students from this department done after graduation?
• What are the biggest challenges in answering your research question?

These questions also help you find out if the program is right for you.

Step 5: Prepare for the Actual Interview Day

You’ve done all your research. Now it’s time to prepare for the interview day itself so that everything goes smoothly.

Think about:

What to wear: Dress like you would for a job interview. Don’t leave ironing or outfit planning to the last minute.

• Location: If it’s in person, plan your route and know where the interview will happen. Learn the names and roles of the interviewers—and how to pronounce them.
• Online interview: If it’s online, make sure you have the software installed and know how to use it. Check your internet, camera, and microphone. If you need to give a presentation, test that as well.
• Time zones: If you’re not in the UK, double-check the time zone difference.

Feeling nervous is normal. If you get anxious, apps like Calm or Headspace can help. They even have special sessions for interview stress. Also, if you feel like you’re not good enough, don’t worry. Many PhD students feel the same. Just remember: you were invited to this interview for a reason. You deserve to be here.

Follow these 5 simple steps, prepare well, and believe in yourself. You’ve already come so far. You can do this. 

Thinking Beyond the PhD: What About an Online DBA?

• If you're a working professional aiming for leadership in business, management, or strategy, a traditional PhD might not be your only option.
• A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a doctoral-level degree like the PhD but focused on real-world application instead of pure academic research.
• An Online DBA is especially useful if you want to pursue doctoral studies without leaving your job. You’ll still complete a research project, but it will focus on solving business challenges or improving processes in your industry.
• If you're interviewing for an Online DBA, expect questions around practical application, your professional goals, and how your industry experience connects to your research plans.

Why Choose an Online DBA? 

Aspect	PhD	Online DBA
Focus	Academic research	Applied business research
Suitable For	Aspiring professors, researchers	Working professionals, business leaders
Duration	3–6 years	3–4 years
Format	Full-time or part-time (on-campus)	100% Online or Hybrid
Outcome	Research/Teaching career	Leadership/Consulting/Strategy roles

Universities offering an Online DBA? 

Various universities are offering an Online DBA. Some of them are mentioned below:

Universities	Fees
Birchwood Online University DBA Online	INR 6,00,000
Golden Gate University DBA Online	INR 8,14,000
Rushford Business School DBA Online	INR 8,12,500
ESGCI International School of Management Paris DBA Online	INR 8,14,000
EIMT Online DBA	INR 5,50,000
Swiss School of Business Management DBA Online	INR 7,50,000
Edgewood College DBA Online	INR 7,00,000

Conclusion 

Preparing well for a PhD interview can help you feel confident and clear about your research goals. Whether you're planning to pursue a traditional PhD or looking at other advanced degrees, it's important to choose what fits your career path. If you’re a working professional aiming to move into leadership roles, an Online DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) can be a smart choice. It lets you continue working while learning how to solve real-world business problems through research. Explore Online DBA programs if you want flexibility and practical impact without leaving your job or industry.