Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Psychology

Program overview

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Psychology is a doctoral degree program in social sciences and humanities at Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, a private institution in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, founded in 1872.

First-year tuition is listed at 59,048 USD and the application fee at 105 USD. The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 86,273 USD for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. Costs differ sharply between public and private schools and between states. The I-20 states the school's estimate of tuition and living costs, and your funds evidence should match it. Read the school's cost page and the official student visa pages for the fees that apply.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

How the tuition compares in the United States

Our directory lists 64 doctoral degree programs in social sciences and humanities at 10 schools in the United States. Their median first-year tuition is 28,170 USD, and the middle half cost between 28,170 USD and 35,700 USD.

At 59,048 USD, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Psychology is 110% above the median, in the most expensive quarter. The full range runs from 13,152 USD to 64,310 USD.

• All social sciences and humanities courses in the United States

Lower-cost doctoral degree options in social sciences and humanities

If budget matters, these doctoral degree programs in social sciences and humanities have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in the United States.

Plan for the Sept 2027 intake

Working back from a Sept 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. Fall (August or September) is the main intake and Spring (January) is the second. Graduate deadlines are often several months earlier than the start date.

Entry requirements and documents

Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences sets the exact entry requirements for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Psychology. For a doctoral degree, applicants usually need the following.

Most schools accept TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo and set their own minimums. Graduate programmes may also ask for GRE or GMAT scores, though many programmes have made these optional.

• A master's degree (some schools accept an outstanding bachelor's degree).
• A research proposal and the name of a possible supervisor.
• Academic references and a CV with any publications.
• A valid passport.
• English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: F-1 student visa

Students from India need a F-1 student visa to study in the United States. U.S. Department of State (visa) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) decides the application.

An F-1 visa is for full-time academic study at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The school issues a Form I-20 and the visa itself is decided at a consular interview, so a consistent study plan and clear finances matter more than the paperwork volume.

• Shortlist SEVP-certified schools and complete applications. Check test requirements such as GRE, GMAT or English tests programme by programme.
• After admission and proof of funds, the school issues the Form I-20.
• Pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 online visa application and pay the visa application fee.
• Book and attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Bring the I-20, passport, financial documents and admission papers.

• Study in United States: full visa guide
• U.S. Department of State: Student visa
• Study in the States (DHS)

After you graduate

Students may be eligible for optional practical training in their field of study, with an extension for certain STEM degrees. Conditions apply, so read the official rules and speak to your school's designated school official.

How to apply with Study Spectra

• Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
• We check your profile against Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Psychology and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
• We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
• When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Psychology?

First-year tuition is listed at 59,048 USD. Living costs are extra; Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences estimates 27,120 USD a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is 105 USD. It is paid once per application and is not refunded after the school receives the application.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Psychology a degree?

It is listed as a doctoral degree. The school awards the degree on completion.

Which visa do I need to study in the United States?

You need a F-1 student visa, decided by U.S. Department of State (visa) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Bioengineering, 59,048 USD first year
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• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - English, 59,048 USD first year
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Government, 59,048 USD first year
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - History, 59,048 USD first year
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Mathematics, 59,048 USD first year
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Molecular and Cellular Biology, 59,048 USD first year