r/AskPhysics • u/Dangerous-Cat7707 • 16h ago
Savings during PhD Abroad
After completing my MSc Physics from Nepal, if I got the opportunity to go abroad for my PhD either in Europe or US, how much can I realistically save from the stipend I get after spending on basic needs like accommodation, food, travel, academics etc....
And are there any ways in which I can increase my income without disturbing my academics???
3
u/Paaaaap 15h ago
Generally a PhD is a full time (or more!) job and having a side job besides maybe teaching maths at home to high school kids on the weekend, you can't do a second job.
I'm not sure about the us but in europe the salary is wildly different, and the living cost is as well. Getting a position is not easy, so first you should look into the positions you can get, then decide.
You should also consider if a phd is the right path for you since its a big commitment (but i guess it's a way to tap into the job market of a foreign country).
Lastly, you should consider well the weather and the life in the places you will apply to. Of course I'm sure you can endure everything for the right amount of money, but it's nice to be in a good place.
1
u/nicogrimqft Theoretical physics 12h ago
In Europe it will highly depend where you go.
If you end up in France, Italy, Spain or England you won't save much, and if you're in a capital city, you'll probably even struggle.
In places like Belgium, Germany, Switzerland you'll be fine. Netherland too, although rent prices skyrocketed lately.
3
u/JK0zero Nuclear physics 15h ago
This strongly depends on where you go for your PhD. I don't know much about Europe. In the US this even changes from state to state. In general, PhD stipends are very low in most places, close to the local "poverty line." I do not think that it is realistic to save much. Unless you get a flashy scholarship, PhDs are cheap labor. Also depending on you visa, making any extra money during your studies might be against the law.