PhD Candidate vs. PhD Student | What's the difference?

[@KaisaKylakoski]

Difficult for foreigners to choose the right term in English. In Finland we start dissertation work immediately and do the minimal course work at the same time.

[@theacademicsociety]

That's a great distinction to note! Thanks for sharing!

[@gumgumSulli]

Same for France!

[@theacademicsociety]

@@gumgumSulli That's great to know! Thanks for sharing!

[@fdoctor79]

I can relate when I first was accepted into my PhD program I thought the same until my mentor/chair informed me that once your prospectus is approved than you are considered a PhD candidate. The glossary is a good resource! Tfs

[@theacademicsociety]

Thanks so much for sharing!!! So many new terms!

[@classassignment3643]

Yes, I’m finally ABD in my field, writing my dissertation. My field calls us phd candidates when we pass comprehensive exams. When we pass our prospectus/ proposal defense in my field, we’re ABD. Anything before comps is a phd student.

[@theacademicsociety]

Thank you for sharing the specifics for your program! I know it will be helpful to others

[@michelleannpatterson]

Thank you for this video. I did not know the distinction. I have been accepted into an European program and you start your dissertation right away. So in this case, it’s a PhD candidate.

[@theacademicsociety]

That's so good to know! Congratulations on being accepted to your program!!!

[@michelleannpatterson]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@breno910]

What is a dissertation?

[@theacademicsociety]

A dissertation is the research paper that you write to get your PhD. Some people refer to it as a thesis.